Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai — Hospitality Beyond Your Imagination
This is a story of Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai which is known to my existence majorly due to 26/11, and second this is known as iconic place in Mumbai. I have seen the The Taj Mahal Palace, numerous number of times and every-time I’m in awe of it. ❤
The charm of this hotel is unmatched by any other hotel in the country! While it may not be as grand as some, its true magnificence lies in the stories it holds, the cultures it weaves together, and the unparalleled “Tajness” it offers to every guest.
For over 120 years, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai has stood tall and proud, serving as a symbol of resilience and grace by the city’s historic harbor. Preceding the Gateway of India, the hotel’s story has evolved alongside Mumbai, mirroring its transformation into the vibrant metropolis it is today.
Jamsetji Tata spared no effort in bringing his bold vision to life, from compensating the hotel’s chief architect and builder generously to sourcing cutting-edge equipment from cities like New York, London, Paris, Düsseldorf, and Berlin. This included an electric plant to power lights and lifts, along with a backup system for power outages. In 1902, the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), the parent company of The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, was officially established.
Let’s deep dive into the history of Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
/. The foundation of Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai was laid on 16 December 1903 by The Jamsetji Tata — the founder of Tata Group.
/.Legend suggests Jamsetji Tata built the hotel after being denied entry to a European-only hotel, though some historians contest this narrative. Let me know in the comments what do you think of it?
The hotel opened its door to the first 17 guests on December 16, 1903,
charging a princely Rs 10 as a set rate for a single room and Rs 13 for
rooms “with the added convenience of fans and attached bathrooms”. /. It’s a landmark in more ways than one. For more than 50 years after it was built, the hotel’s 240-foot-high dome was the first clear marker of Bombay Harbour that could be seen from the sea — the Gateway of India wasn’t built until 20 years later. The dome is still an official triangulation point, along with a chimney and a rocky island, for ships of the Indian Navy to fix their position in the harbour.
A little bit about the architecture of Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai :
The Taj Mahal Palace is an Indo-Saracenic Revival masterpiece, a style popular during the British Raj. This style blends features from:
- Islamic Architecture: Domes, arches, intricate jali (latticework), and decorative minarets.
- Indian Architecture: Ornamental carvings, Rajput and Mughal influences in detailing.
- European Architecture: Victorian Gothic, Renaissance, and Edwardian influences seen in the layout, staircases, and classical proportions.
The Dome
- The central red-tiled Florentine dome is the most iconic element of the Taj Mahal Palace.
- Its design draws inspiration from Renaissance-era domes in Europe, such as those in Florence, Italy.
Façade
- The façade showcases a harmonious blend of white Rajasthani marble and red sandstone.
- It features arched windows, intricate moldings, and ornate brackets, reflecting Mughal and Victorian Gothic influences.
European Interior Design
- Inside, the design incorporates Edwardian Baroque elements, with grand staircases, high ceilings, and luxurious chandeliers.
- The flooring includes a mix of Belgian marble, mosaic tiles, and fine carpets sourced from around the world.
Jali Work
- The use of jali screens (latticed stonework) is a hallmark of Mughal architecture.
- These screens, used in corridors and balconies, add both aesthetic and functional value by allowing natural ventilation and light while maintaining privacy.
Let’s deep dive little more into The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai :
/. In an era of rising momentum for the Indian freedom movement, eminent political leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Sarojini Naidu and Subhas Chandra Bose attended meetings at The Taj, their fearless voices echoing through its corridors.
/.The Harbour Bar at the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai was India’s first licensed bar. It opened in 1933 and is known for its signature cocktails, fine wines, and spirits.
/. Original tariff cards advertised “all latest comforts at moderate charges from ₹6 upwards”. But average room rates were ₹10 per day, with a princely ₹3 extra if you wanted a fan and attached bathroom.
/. The hotel served as a 600-bed hospital during World War 1. In times of economic trouble parts of it have been leased to a fuel distribution centre, a car showroom, and a taxi service.
/. But it wasn’t the first five-star hotel. That honour went to Juhu’s Sun N Sand hotel in 1962. The Taj didn’t have a swimming pool then and didn’t qualify.
/. From being the ground zero of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack to offering a sense of identity to every trespasser, the hotel is almost an institution in itself. And when Mumbai faced the heat from Coronavirus, the iconic hotel stepped up and did its bit.
/. A hotel that often feels like a rich cultural museum, The Taj houses more than 4,000 pieces of art within its walls. The collection is a medley of precious sculptures, tapestries, artifacts, and paintings by some of India’s most legendary names, including MF Husain, SH Raza, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, Jehangir Sabavala, KH Ara and VS Gaitonde.
/. Home to many artists over the years, the lobby features MF Husain’s Three Stanzas for the Millennium, which he painted when he was the artist-in-residence at The Taj.
/. The first authentic Japanese restaurant in India, Wasabi by Marimoto, to the first 24/7 coffee shop, Shamiana.
Still, ever the gracious host, ready to let the good times roll, from the swinging tunes of the Jazz Age to the city’s first introduction to the tango, and the treasure trove of artwork it has collected and displayed over the years, The Taj has been at the centre of culture in the city.
Here’s something you won’t find anywhere else: the sarees worn by the employees are designed to reflect the intricate marble patterns found in the lobby of the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai!
Tajness is the beauty in itself ❤
TIMELESS | ICONIC | AUTHENTIC | SOULFUL
Please note that all images and information have been sourced from the internet. Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this article. Feel free to share any additional insights or stories about this legendary property in the comments below.
