The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has been a hallmark from the day it first opened its doors in 1903 as one of India’s first true luxury hotels. Ambitious and forward-thinking industrialist Jamsetji Tata founded the grand hotel in to put India back on the map, create a place for India’s elite to congregate (previously, Tata was denied access to another city hotel for his ethnicity) and produce a host of employment opportunities for the people of the former Bombay.
The hotel cements its place in the pages of history, playing host to the erstwhile maharajas, freedom fighters and noble lords. And the majestic Taj Mahal Palace remains an enviable sight in one of the best locations in the city.
At a walking distance from the popular district of Colaba, the hotel is strategically located in Mumbai. The city’s financial district, parliament, stadium, offices and shopping districts are all within close proximity, as is a flourishing art and heritage area with must-visit museums, art galleries, churches and synagogues.
- The iconic dome of the Taj Mahal Palace stands on a base of the same steel scaffolding that was used to build the Eiffel Tower, and it has been serving as the official daytime triangulation point for ships of the Indian Navy. Borrowing Moorish, Rajput and Oriental styles, the architecture is a standout.
- This grande dame oozes history. It was the first building in the city to have lights, telephones, electric elevators, an ice-making machine, Turkish baths and English butlers.
- The Taj Art Gallery is one of the most coveted locations for artists to display their work. This prestigious gallery carries experimental pieces, sculptures and paintings from emerging Indian artists.
- Overlooking the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea, this hotel affords the best vistas in Mumbai.
- Nestled in a leafy courtyard, the oval pool is an oasis during the city’s steamy days.
- Take a heritage walk through the hotel’s history on guided daily tours. You also can book a private tour, if you prefer.
- The hotel offers world-class sailing and cruising facilities during yachting season. From sunrise cruises to speed boat rides, the palace excursions are expansive.
- Harbour Bar is the first licensed bar in the city. It hosts speakeasy nights from Wednesday to Sunday, bringing back a Prohibition-era vibe.
- Bring your credit cards: the Taj Mahal Palace has a shopping arcade that houses some of the most luxurious brands.
- The area near the hotel can sometimes cause bit of a bottleneck, so plan accordingly.
- Make the most of the hotel’s excellent location and reserve rooms facing the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India.
- Rooms are divided between the original palace building and a tower wing that was added in 1973. The palace rooms retain an Old World atmosphere, while the tower accommodations have a contemporary look and feel.
- Each suite has a different theme, though every one is decorated with Indian accents. For example, the two-floor Ravi Shankar Suite commemorates the famous Indian musician by displaying his sitars. The Tata Suite, named for the hotel founder, is outfitted with white Makrana marble floors, hand-knotted carpets, colonial furniture and gleaming chandeliers.
- Reserve a table at the cozy Wasabi by Morimoto, one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the city. Let chef Masaharu Morimoto call the shots and craft a seasonally driven omakase menu starring fresh seafood flown in from Japan.
- Venture to Souk for Middle Eastern fare. Sit at the rooftop restaurant and enjoy sundowners over a gorgeous view of the sea and plates of mezze.
- Head to Golden Dragon for upscale Sichuan and Cantonese dishes, like a succulent Peking duck, and the Sunday dim sum brunch.
- High tea at Sea Lounge is a longstanding tradition at the Mumbai hotel. Peer out at the sea while sipping Darjeeling and noshing on chaat (Indian snacks) and desserts.
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