Hyderabad's Iconic Taj Banjara Hotel Acquired by Auro Realty
Auro Realty, the real estate arm of Aurobindo Group, has acquired the historic Taj Banjara hotel in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, for a reported 315 crore. The deal marks the end of a four-decade ownership by the Agarwal family.
HyderabadTaj BanjaraAuro RealtyReal EstateMixeduse ProjectReal Estate NewsDec 10, 2025
The Taj Banjara, situated on a 3.4-acre plot overlooking the picturesque Banjara Lake, has been a favorite among Tollywood stars and other high-profile guests. The property was owned by the family of Delhi-based Anil Agarwal, who acquired it in the 1980s. Anuj Agarwal, the joint managing director of Hotel Banjara Ltd, confirmed the deal, though Auro Realty officials declined to comment on the transaction.
The hotel's history is rich and storied. It was initially managed by the ITC Group until 1986, after which operations were taken over by Taj GVK Hotels, a joint venture between the Indian Hotels Company Ltd and the GVK Group. Taj GVK operated the hotel for nearly four decades before its lease expired in 2023, leading to the hotel's closure. In February 2025, the property was sealed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) due to unpaid property taxes amounting to over 1.4 crore over a two-year period.
The acquisition of the Taj Banjara by Auro Realty has been the subject of speculation among real estate developers for some time. The prime location and the hotel's historical significance made it an attractive property for redevelopment. According to sources, Auro Realty plans to develop a premium high-rise or mixed-use project at the site. The property had been on the radar of several national and local real estate players, including the Prestige Group and the Pranava Group, before Auro Realty secured the deal in late October this year.
The Agarwal family's connection to the Taj Banjara dates back to the 1980s when RS Agarwal, Anil Agarwal's uncle, decided to acquire the property after falling in love with the lake-facing hotel during an unscheduled stopover in Hyderabad. RS Agarwal had close ties with the ITC Group, which managed the hotel until 1986. The family's four-decade ownership of the Taj Banjara has come to an end, marking a significant shift in the hotel's history and the future of the Banjara Hills area.
The acquisition of the Taj Banjara by Auro Realty is expected to bring new life to the property and the surrounding area. The development plans, while not yet finalized, are anticipated to include a mix of residential, commercial, and possibly hospitality components, reflecting the growing demand for premium real estate in Hyderabad's upscale neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Taj Banjara hotel?
The Taj Banjara hotel is a historic five-star hotel located in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. It has been a significant landmark and a favorite among Tollywood stars and other high-profile guests.
Who acquired the Taj Banjara hotel?
The Taj Banjara hotel was acquired by Auro Realty, the real estate arm of the Aurobindo Group, for a reported 315 crore.
How long was the Taj Banjara hotel owned by the Agarwal family?
The Taj Banjara hotel was owned by the Agarwal family for four decades, dating back to the 1980s when RS Agarwal acquired the property.
What happened to the Taj Banjara hotel after its lease expired in 2023?
After its lease expired in 2023, the Taj Banjara hotel was closed. In February 2025, it was sealed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) for unpaid property taxes.
What are Auro Realty's plans for the Taj Banjara site?
Auro Realty plans to develop a premium high-rise or mixed-use project at the Taj Banjara site, which may include residential, commercial, and possibly hospitality components.
Related News Articles
Taapsee Pannu Acquires Rs 4.33 Crore Flat in Mumbai’s Goregaon West
Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu, along with her sister, has purchased a high-end apartment in Mumbai’s Goregaon West for Rs 4.33 crore. The property, located in the Imperial Heights project, offers a carpet area of 1,390 sq. ft and comes with two car parking spaces.
Amitabh Bachchan Acquires Fourth Property Near Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya
Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary Bollywood actor, has made a significant real estate investment by purchasing his fourth property in Ayodhya, close to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The plot, spanning 25,000 square feet, was reportedly bought for ₹40 crore.
Office Space Leasing Reaches New Heights in India: Knight Frank Report
India's office space demand surged to an all-time high in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Cities like Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai recorded significant growth, reflecting the country's economic resilience and global business confidence.