Taj West End

Founded in 1887 by the Bronsons as a modest 10-room inn, Taj West End, Bengaluru has grown into one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. In 1905, the Spencers acquired the property for Rs. 4,000 (USD 45), expanded it with 20 additional rooms, and named it “The West End.” When the Taj Group leased it for 99 years in 1984, the contract ensured the historic name would be preserved. Nestled within acres of historic gardens, the property is home to centuries-old cycads.

The Taj West End is one of the oldest continuously running hotels in India, with timeless elegance woven into every corner, from its lush lawns and renowned event spaces to housing the oldest functioning postbox in the city, crowned in honour of Queen Victoria’s coronation.

At Taj West End, Bengaluru, the Heritage Wing, built in 1905, is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in the city. With its tiled roofs, white pillars, and long verandahs, it instantly takes you back a hundred years. The building has been carefully restored, keeping its old character while adding modern luxuries that make it feel warm and welcoming. Outside, there’s even a restored horse carriage made in Wimbledon, London, a reminder of how people once travelled around Bangalore. The lounge is almost like a little museum, with hand-drawn maps of colonial India, Persian zodiac charts, and the original rosewood bar stand from the Bronsons’ inn. Step outside and you’ll spot cycads, trees that date back to the dinosaur age.

Walk down the Heritage Corridor and you’ll see old sepia photos from the past. If you look closely, you might even spot Winston Churchill in one. The lawns outside are home to Bengaluru’s second-oldest rain tree, planted in 1848, its wide branches forming a beautiful green canopy. The colonial buildings take up only a small part of the property, leaving plenty of space for tropical gardens and lotus ponds. Each block of rooms is named after an Indian flower, Frangipani, Gardenia, and more. Beyond the gardens, the hotel offers a swimming pool tucked into the greenery. The property is also wheelchair-accessible, with toilets fitted with grab rails, so every guest can enjoy with ease.

Blue Ginger

Blue Ginger was one of India’s first Vietnamese restaurants, and it still feels special. Set in an open-air pavilion with soft lights and rustling leaves, it’s calm and welcoming. The food is simple but full of flavour, fresh herbs, light broths, and delicate textures.

Opening hours: Lunch - 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm; Dinner - 07:00 pm to 11:45 pm
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Dress code: Smart Casual

Loya

Loya brings together flavours from across North India, smoky from Kashmir, rich from Punjab, and full of depth from the hills. The chefs here use old techniques like dhungar for a smoky touch, baghar to temper spices, and dum to slow-cook everything just right.

Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 11:45 pm
Cuisine: Indian
Dress code: Smart Casual

Machan

Machan, around since 1978, is the hotel’s all-day spot and a bit of a legend in the city. Inspired by the jungle, it has earthy tones, an open kitchen, and a casual buzz that fits any mood. Whether it’s breakfast before meetings or a late dinner after a long day, Machan always feels easy to walk into.

Opening hours: 7:00 am to 11:30 pm
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine
Dress code: Smart Casual

The Blue Bar

The Blue Bar is located beside the lawns, offering a relaxed setting for evening drinks. Guests can enjoy well-crafted cocktails accompanied by live music, making it a popular spot to unwind at the end of the day.

Opening hours: 4:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Cuisine: Finger food
Dress code: Smart Casual

If you’re planning a wedding in Bengaluru, Taj West End is one of the prettiest places you can pick. The 20 acres (8 hectares) of lawns, old trees, and heritage buildings give it a calm, heritage charm that’s hard to find in the city. You can have a small ceremony or a big celebration; both feel just as special.

Prince of Wales Lawn

Venue type and style: Named in honour of King Charles, who visited Taj West End in the early 1990s, the Prince of Wales Lawn is a green oasis covering 1,115 sq m (12,000 sq ft), perfect for large, grand weddings.
Capacity: Up to 1,200 guests

West End Court

Venue type and style: West End Court combines elegance with lush garden views, making it a top choice for large gatherings. Spanning 1,057 sq m (11,380 sq ft), the space features chandeliers overhead and forest-green décor.
Capacity: Up to 1,200 guests

Ballroom

Venue type and style: The Ballroom is all about luxury and space, with opulent ivory and red tones creating a regal atmosphere. Covering 460 sq m (4,950 sq ft), it works well for big celebrations, but can also be split into two smaller sections for more intimate events.
Capacity: Up to 400 guests

Tamarind

Venue type and style: Tamarind has warm ochre and soft yellow tones, giving it a cozy, welcoming feel. Covering 132 sq m (1,420 sq ft), it’s ideal for smaller weddings or themed celebrations.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Plumeria

Venue type and style: Plumeria is a small, ornate space with gold filigree and crystal chandeliers. Covering 102 sq m (1,100 sq ft), it has an adjoining pre-function area for added convenience, making it ideal for intimate weddings.
Capacity: Up to 60 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

J Wellness Circle at Taj West End is a peaceful place to relax and recharge. Based on traditional Indian healing, it focuses on the five elements. Guests can enjoy massages, signature treatments, yoga, and other therapies that leave you feeling refreshed. The fitness center is fully equipped, with a dedicated studio for yoga, stretching, and aerobics. The swimming pool is set among the gardens, offering a quiet spot to cool off. For beauty and grooming, Niu & Nau salon provides hair, skincare, and other treatments.

You can also take a stroll around and discover over 135 years of history on the Heritage Walk. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of the property’s most notable landmarks, including Karnataka’s oldest operational post box and a majestic 180-year-old rain tree, among other historical treasures. The hotel also offers a dedicated concierge so you won’t miss a thing during your stay.

Just beyond the property, Bangalore Palace, built in 1887 by Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar, is a magnificent blend of Tudor and Scottish Gothic architecture. Lalbagh Botanical Garden, spread over 240 acres, features 2,150 plant species, a glasshouse that hosts biannual flower shows, an aquarium, a lotus pool, and 3,000-year-old rock formations.

Art lovers will enjoy the National Gallery of Modern Art, housed in the restored Manikyavelu mansion, which displays around 500 works of modern Indian art and hosts gallery walks, film screenings, dance performances, talks, and children’s workshops. History buffs can explore Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Nearby K.R. Market offers a bustling scene of copperware, spices, and local goods to complete the experience.

Taj West End also offers versatile spaces for private gatherings, corporate meetings, and intimate celebrations. Cycad provides a cosy, refined setting with rich earth tones, gold accents, and practical amenities like audiovisual equipment and seamless internet, accommodating up to 20 guests. Gulmohar Hall combines understated elegance with a private garden, complemented by business facilities and attentive staff, making it perfect for meetings or small events of up to 20 guests.