The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai turned 111 last month. In honour of this long-standing, iconic landmark hotel in India, we have decided to share some of its history and heritage throughout the last 111 years...
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai – The Beginning
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai was imagined by Mr. Tata who believed that the commercial capital of India required a grand hotel, one that would enhance its reputation amongst the great cities of the world.... Construction started in 1898 – the start of 5 years of meticulous hard work, imagination and dedication before its completion in 1903.
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai was built with no expense spared; lavishly assembled interiors and an incomparable stately mirage were not cheap to accomplish as the final cost amounted to £500, 000! The official engineer and architect was a radical Englishman, W. A. Chambers, who completed the project after the step-down of two former architects. The hotel welcomed its first 17 guests on December 16, 1903 and has been regarded one of India's leading assets ever since.
The view of The Taj Mahal Palace Exterior from the Poolside
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai – The Hotel
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai opened with 30 private suites, 350 rooms, electric lights and even 4 electric passenger lifts – true luxury and technological sophistication at the turn of the 20th century. In its quest to provide the very best in luxury, the hotel even had its own power plant with electricity, and a CO2 gas ice-machine plant that functioned as an early air-conditioning system! Mr. Tata ensured that The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai had all the ‘latest arrangements and contrivances’ such as a power laundry with electric irons, a resident doctor and chemists, modern amenities and even a post office.
The interior and exterior design styles of The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai were inspired by Moorish domes and Florentine Renaissance, Oriental and Rajput styles – a truly modern approach to design at the time. Although the design was innovative at the beginning, The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai now achieves a charming, heritage-rich ambience with the retention of these original design features.
A Wall of Photographs Showcasing The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai's most Well-Known Patrons
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai – The Legacy
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai is now an internationally renowned and iconic landmark of India. It survived a terrorist attack in 2008, retaining its high standards of hospitality, with the slightly increased security the only change to show for it. With the recent TV documentary, “Hotel India”, aired by BBC recognising its distinguished and enduring legacy, The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai’s authentic heart is known by the populace.
The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai preceded the famous Gateway of India by over 20 years. Until then, the hotel was the first sight for ships calling at the Bombay Port. Since then however, the photograph of the Gateway of India, flanked by The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai has become a global symbol of both the city of Mumbai and its commercial eminence. The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai remains a representation of the heights of Indian hospitality and tourism.
Visit India’s most prominent luxury heritage hotel, 'The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai', and let us design your own bespoke luxury India itinerary – call us on 0161 233 0110 for more information!
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