Michelin’s foray into India began in 2025 when the French tyre company first assessed 112 hotels across 79 cities, a move that set the stage for next year’s expansion.
That expansion yielded 47 Key awards in 2026, including two three‑star properties—Taj Falaknuma Palace and Taj Lake Palace—15 two‑star hotels such as the Oberoi chain, and 30 one‑star establishments.
Inspectors, who remain anonymous, stay in each property as ordinary guests, applying five universal criteria: architecture, service, personality, value, and community contribution.
Hotelier Sanjay Gupta of Jaipur said, "The Keys will bring a new wave of luxury travellers to our city, boosting local businesses."
Michelin has not yet confirmed plans to rate Indian restaurants, but a spokesperson said the company will announce its decision later this year.