Larisa Hotels and Resorts is widening its presence in Himachal Pradesh with the addition of a new property in Manali. The group has taken over the centrally located Hotel Kanishka, which is currently undergoing a phased renovation before reopening under the AM Hotel Kollection brand as Kanishka, Manali – AM Hotel Kollection. Once relaunched, this will become Larisa’s second property in Manali and its sixth across the state.
The hotel enjoys a prime position just 200 metres off Mall Road, placing it within easy reach of landmarks such as the Hadimba Temple, Vashishta Temple, Manu Temple and the vibrant cafés of Old Manali. At the same time, the property looks out onto a serene valley setting, offering guests the best of both worlds.
The 41-key hotel is being upgraded with significant investment to bring it in line with modern expectations. Most rooms will feature sweeping valley or mountain views, while others open onto the hotel’s lawns. Interiors are being refreshed with contemporary designs, upgraded heating and cooling systems, and new in-room amenities. Alongside this, an all-day restaurant and a coffee lounge will add to the overall guest experience.
“Once upgraded, our aim is to offer the best-in-class service and product within this category and position the hotel under a boutique offering with enhanced food and beverage options,” says Randhir Narayan, Director of the group. The hotel’s owners, Snowcap Views Hoteliers Pvt Ltd, echo this sentiment. “We are pleased to enter into this partnership with Larisa Hotels & Resorts, whose proven expertise in hospitality operations will help us reposition Hotel Kanishka as a premium boutique hotel in Manali,” adds Director Aman Anand.
The move reflects the enduring charm of Manali as a destination. Perched on the banks of the Beas River, the town has long been a favourite among honeymooners and holidaymakers, as well as those drawn by its adventure offerings. From paragliding and river rafting to trekking and simply marvelling at snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the range of experiences available continues to make Manali one of India’s most sought-after mountain getaways.
For travellers, Kanishka, Manali – AM Hotel Kollection will be easily accessible, lying just over an hour’s drive from Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, around 50 kilometres away. The nearest rail connection is Joginder Nagar, roughly 150 kilometres or four and a half hours by road.
The addition of this property strengthens the footprint of Larisa Hotels and Resorts, which now manages 35 hotels, resorts and villas across India and beyond through its collaboration with AM Hotel Kollection. With a portfolio spread across three brands—LaRiSa Resorts, AM Hotel Kollection and 8fold by LaRiSa—the group has built its reputation on pairing luxury stays with natural settings, promising travellers not just comfort but memorable experiences in distinctive locations.
