The Taj Mahal Palace is India's first luxury hotel, having been constructed by the Indian industrialist and philanthropist Jamsetji Tata, founder of the Tata Group, in 1903. Tata had sought to provide and gift Mumbai with a hospitality landmark of its own, built by Indian hands and money to serve the people of India, and can prove itself a match for any other foreign brands.

Jamsetji wanted to build an establishment in Mumbai that offered the same level of luxury and hospitality as lavish international hotels. For that, he generously commissioned the best architects and gathered the finest equipment from around the world. Following the incorporation of the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) in 1902, the Taj Mahal Palace started out as a luxury hotel on December 16, 1903. While the property would survive later historical events such as both World Wars, the independence of India, and its transition into a republic, by 1966 it would also be in a neglected and rundown state, attributed to the loss of foreign guests after independence.

While hoping to prevent bankruptcy, the hotel's management was franchised to Pan Am's Inter-Continental Hotels division in 1972, with the property being renamed the Taj Mahal Inter-Continental. Another addition to the property was the Taj Mahal Tower, a tower wing built on the site of the old Green Hotel in that same year. Later on, the property was acquired by the Taj Hotels group, which continues to own it to this day. In 2017, the property became the first building in India to acquire intellectual property protections for its architectural design in the form of a trademark. Despite setbacks and new competition, the property continues to provide guests with a luxury stay experience in one of Mumbai's historic districts.

Design and Architecture

Jamsetji Tata, the person behind the birth of The Taj Palace, made sure that the hotel was built by the most skilled people using the best equipment available. Naturally, the iconic property boasts stunning architecture. The magnificent exterior, defined by the 240-feet (73.15-meter) red Florentine dome and intricate carvings and moldings over the windows and doors, strongly evokes the aesthetics of Indo-Saracenic architecture combined with the arched windows of Baroque architecture and the flat roofs of Renaissance architecture.

The hotel showcases a combination of Indo-Saracenic, Oriental, and Moorish architectural styles. The arches and minarets popular during the British colonial period can be seen throughout the building. The interiors gleam with marble and wooden floors and crystal chandeliers. Even the guest rooms and suites are dressed to impress with period art, wooden furniture, and elegant fabrics while also embracing a minimalist design with its bright and plainly-adorned wall.

You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at The Taj Palace. The hotel boasts an array of restaurants and bars serving top-notch food and drinks.

Golden Dragon

Dig into spicy Sichuan and Cantonese delights at Golden Dragon. You can try the signature Peking Duck and watch live plating.

Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm, 7 pm - 11:45 pm

Souk

You'll feel like you've been transported to Turkey in this Eastern-Mediterranean-themed restaurant. Sip on aromatic teas and coffees or try Middle Eastern delicacies here while admiring city views.

Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm, 7 pm - 11:45 pm

Harbour Bar

Visit the city's first licensed bar and sip on Prohibition-era cocktails. You can accompany the drinks with light snacks and bay views.

Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12 pm - 1 am

Loya

This restaurant focuses on traditional Indian cuisine, especially from the northern part of the country.

Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12 pm - 3 pm, 6 pm - 11:45 pm

La Patisserie

If you love freshly baked goods, meats, and artisanal cheeses , visit La Patisserie. The place also offers wines.

Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 9 am - 9 pm

Wasabi by Morimoto

If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine , stop by the fine-dining Wasabi by Morimoto. Try the whitefish carpaccio or explore the seasonal collection for chef's special delicacies.

Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12:30 pm - 2:45 pm, 7 pm - 11:45 pm

Shamiana

Don't miss visiting Mumbai's first coffee place during your stay. Shamiana is ideal for a scrumptious breakfast or brunch with international delights.

Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 24 hours

Sea Lounge

Feel like a posh English person in this elegant tea salon with sea views. You can savor continental delicacies and Indian street food here.

Dress code: Semi-formal
Opening hours: 7 am - 11:45 pm, 2 pm to 6:30 pm (high tea)

Aquarius

This vibrant and colorful space ideal for hanging out with friends. Secure a poolside cabana or a rattan chair and enjoy light snacks and drinks.

Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 7 am - 11:45 pm