EXPERIENCE INDIA: Old-world charm

From the Gateway of India to the 'Venice of the East', Taj cocoons its guests in a royal haven of a bygone era.

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Indian Hotels Company

TAJ MAHAL PALACE, MUMBAI

Taj’s flagship hotel is legendary for many reasons, not least for being the country’s first luxury hotel and first harbour landmark when it opened in, then Bombay, in 1903. Its creator, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, founder of Tata Group, achieved his goal in creating a unique hotel which, to this day, embodies the unbeatable spirit of Mumbai, the “city that never sleeps”. Last December, Taj Mahal Palace celebrated its 117th anniversary.

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Indian Hotels Company

Located adjacent to the Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Taj Mahal Palace in Colaba is a blend of luxury and legacy, having hosted maharajas, dignitaries and prominent figures such as Duke Ellington, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Barack Obama. It was here on the steps of the hotel, that Lord Mountbatten announced India’s independence in 1947.

The “Grand Dame of Mumbai” is truly a palace of wonders. Across 22 floors and spanning the Tower and the Palace wing, Taj Mahal Palace accommodates 550 rooms and suites, nine restaurants, a Jiva Spa, swimming pool, one of the largest modern art collections in India, and a luxury shopping arcade. Highlights include the Taj’s world-renowned butler service, Golden Keys Concierge, daily high-tea and live music. Amongst its impressive amenities, a 24-hour on-call doctor and nurse is available.

TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR

Rajasthan’s Udaipur, coined the ‘Venice of the East’, is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in India. At its heart lies Lake Pichola, one of the oldest (and most famous) in India, where city life seems to revolve. Floating in the middle of the lake lies a magnificent 18th Century palace, world-famous for its appearance in the James Bond film Octopussy. Imagined and built by the young Prince Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743, the original Jag Niwas is the breath-taking Taj Lake Palace of today.

Lily pond at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Indian Hotels Company

Step onto the island and guests will be cocooned in a royal haven of a bygone era. The palace is adorned with white and black marble, scalloped arches, gold trimmings and rich colours; all around it is intricate and decadent. And while the palace has been impeccably restored, its 66 rooms and 17 suites still retain the original decor and grandeur. A city island of such luxury and tranquility has attracted esteemed guests to its shores; Jacqueline Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth and Vivien Leigh to name a few.

Guests of the island will want for nothing. Taj Lake Palace offers Royal Butlers who are descendants of the original palace retainers, the Jiva Spa, four dining options (Neel Kamal for authentic Rajasthani dishes, Jharokha for Mediterranean cuisine, the seasonal, open-air Bhairo as well as the elegant Amrit Sagar bar), and breath-taking 360 degree views of Udaipur’s surroundings.

Rajput Suite Living Room, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Indian Hotels Company

Corridor at Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Indian Hotels Company