Disclaimer: Top 10 Lists are created keeping in mind only my opinion. Rest assured that IH Aviation and Travel is not biased whatsoever.
Taj Hotels is a luxury hotel chain and is a subsidiary of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), headquartered at Express Towers, Nariman Point in Mumbai. Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, in 1903, the company is a part of the Tata Group, one of India’s largest business conglomerates. The chain’s first hotel was The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai overlooking the Arabian Sea that opened on 16th December 1903. The brand continues to be one of the most revered and loved hospitality brands with a legacy of over 121 years of impeccable service and genuine warmth. While I have previously published a Top 10 list of Taj Hotels and Resorts, here’s an updated version.
10. Taj Dal View, Srinagar
Taj Dal View, Srinagar, formerly operating under the Vivanta brand, is nestled in the heart of Kashmir. Surrounded by the majestic Zabarwan Mountain Range and the Dal Lake, the resort is spread across six expansive acres on a charming clifftop. It boasts rich interiors with intricate designs, metalwork, delicate woodwork, warm tones, and large windows offering mesmerising views of the valley and mountains. The 103 guest rooms and suites are designed with authentic regional inspirations, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can indulge in global fare and regional delicacies at Vista, the all-day diner; savour mouth-watering Pan-Asian dishes at Jade Dragon; or enjoy a tea at the Tulip Lounge, paired with a selection of aromatic international and local confections. Facilities include an outdoor pool offering panoramic views, a fitness centre and J Wellness Circle which offers treatments rooted in age-old wellness traditions.
Website: Taj Dal View, Srinagar
9. Taj Mahal, New Delhi
Taj Mahal, New Delhi, located in the heart of the city, stands as tribute to legendary hospitality and service, complementing the broad leafy boulevards of Delhi’s chief architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps and business district has furthered the hotel’s reputation as the epicenter of Delhi. The hotel’s entrance is portal to centuries past, and the architectural triumphs of the city date back to the 7th century. The hotel consists of 292 rooms including 26 suites. Dining options include Indian cuisine at Varq, Japanese fare at Wasabi, and authentic Chinese cuisine at House of Ming. Facilities include a swimming pool, a fitness centre, multiple event spaces, a spa and a salon.
Website: Taj Mahal, New Delhi
8. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Perched 2,000 feet above the city of Hyderabad is Taj Falaknuma Palace, a hotel with deep and rich heritage. Built in 1894, it is the former palace of the Nizam, rumoured to be the richest man in the world at one time. Guests arrive at Taj Falaknuma Palace in a horse-drawn carriage. The five-star luxury hotel, spread over 32 acres, allows you to journey to the gilded ages, where opulence and excess is celebrated and savoured in equal measure. The 60 rooms and suites are beautifully refurbished and lovingly restored by Her Highness Princess Esra, the Nizam’s Turkish wife. Each provides marvellous views of the palace courtyard and the 400-year-old city of Hyderabad. Guests can choose from various dining options that include Adaa – Indian fine-dining restaurant, Celeste – multi cuisine restaurant, Jade Terrace – offering afternoon and Gol Bungalow – located at the restaurant section of the palace overlooking the “city of pearls”. In addition to this, there is Hookah Lounge. J Wellness Circle, oak-paneled Palace Library, billiards room, a beautifully landscaped swimming pool and a fitness centre are some of the facilities present at the hotel.
Website: Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
7. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Situated in the middle of Lake Pichola and built in 1746, Taj Lake Palace is built with marble and features majestic architecture. Restored to its pristine glory, this spectacular palace became world renowned when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed at it. It was the secluded lair of the film’s eponymous Bond Girl. This heritage hotel in Udaipur has 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. Offering views of the lily pond and a traditional ambience, Neel Kamal is a fine-dining dinner-only restaurant that serves authentic flavours of the royal cuisine of Udaipur, the North West Frontier and other Indian delights. Bhairo is a rooftop restaurant that treats you to European cuisines. Jharokha that overlooks the Lake Pichola is an all-day dining restaurant. Amrit Sagar Bar offers a selection of cigars, sheeshas and wines. The property offers private dining in fairy tale settings with handcrafted menus. Facilities include J Wellness Circle, guided heritage walks, a 24/7 fitness centre, a hot/cold spa pool, shopping arcade, games room and a business centre.
Website: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
6. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Gleaming in golden sandstone, the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur sits high above the Blue City, amid 26 acres of gardens. Even today, it remains an active royal residence with family members residing in their own wing. Each of the 70 rooms and suites at Umaid Bhawan Palace features modern comforts and luxurious furnishings for an unparalleled experience of authentic royalty. Risala serves Continental and Indian fusion cuisine, while Pillars serves Rajasthani meals. Drinks can be enjoyed at The Trophy Bar. The unique Champagne Museum Walk invites guests to admire the fine collection of Victorian and Edwardian antiques with a glass of champagne in hand. J Wellness Circle offers traditional Indian beauty therapies, as well as hot tubs and steam rooms. For the health conscious, a yoga studio, gym and tennis courts are provided. There are two swimming pools available, one of which is the Maharajah’s subterranean Zodiac Pool.
Website: Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
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5. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans occupies 46 acres on the famed Radhanagar Beach at Havelock Island. Fringed by strip of mangroves overlooking the beach, the luxury resort in Andaman is a homage to the secluded Andaman and Nicobar archipelago stretching for 700 Kms from the southern tip of Burma towards the north of Sumatra. The resort consists of 54 luxury villas on stilts under a canopy of Coconut and Palmyra trees. Every villa comes comes with a balcony offering garden or pool views. The Settlers is an intimate community dining experience in a glamorous setting with sensational cuisine. Turtle House is the resort’s global grill restaurant, serving wholesome meals with generous servings all day. The menu features American, European, Middle Eastern and Indian classics enhanced with local ingredients. Shoreline offers multiple cuisines ranging from lush and creamy coconut milk-based curries to fiery, spice-laden bombs. An outdoor Olympic length swimming pool, a fitness centre, a recreational centre and J Wellness Circle are present at the hotel. Taj Exotica Resort and Spa also offers activities such as picking mangoes, mud apples and mulberries at the orchards, jungle treks, beach picnics, supervised scuba diving, snorkeling, night kayaking and scuba diving.
Website: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
4. Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa, Gangtok
Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa is nestled in the alpine landscape of Sikkim and is set amidst lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the majestic Kanchenjunga. The 14-acre property features 69 guest rooms and suites. The architecture emphasizes a strong sense of the indigenous culture and the resort is a blend of Sikkimese aesthetics and contemporary design. Bringing in the picturesque vistas of the outdoors, each of the spacious rooms features a unique Thangka, the local Buddhism inspired paintings. The resort offers a unique gastronomic experience to the patrons with its forest-themed, all-day diner Machan, a pan-Asian specialty, Soi & Sake and Guras Lounge & Bar serving Hi-tea and cocktails. Guests can embrace wellbeing at J Wellness Circle,with its wide-ranging holistic practices rooted in the ancient wellness traditions of India. For those who relish entertainment, the resort also provides a dedicated games room.
Website: Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa, Gangtok
3. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
Spread across 56 acres of landscaped gardens, the Mediterranean-style Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa sits along a private beach overlooking the Arabian Sea. All this space is coupled with old-world architecture, flower-lined patios and a sunshine-laden atrium. Tropical design elements pervade this 5 star resort in Goa’s magnificent rooms and villas. Tiled roofs, textured walls, and warm and earthy colour tones create the essence of this luxury seafront getaway. Each of the 140 rooms comes with a balcony overlooking the garden, pool or sea and select rooms offer a private pool or hydromassage bathtub. Guests can try a range of Indian and international delicacies, along with refreshing drinks. Dining options include Alegria (Goan cuisine, seafood), Li Bai (Asian cuisine), Lobster Shack (beachfront), Miguel Arcanjo (Mediterranean food), Eugenia (multi-cuisine restaurant). The lounge bar Adega Camoens offers cocktails and light snacks. Sunny afternoons can be spent playing tennis or getting a relaxing massage at J Wellness Circle. The resort also provides a fitness center and Children’s Activity Centre. There are also multiple event spaces and an outdoor swimming pool.W
Website: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
2. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Built in 1835, Rambagh Palace is an icon of Jaipur. Adorned with hand-carved marble latticework, sandstone balustrades, and lush Mughal Gardens, it once served as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. From the Maharaja’s residence to an authentic palace, this palace hotel in Jaipur upholds its ceremonial grandeur for all guests. The 78 restored rooms and suites reflect Rambagh Palace’s illustrious past and are rooted in a gilded history. Among its many renowned restaurants is Suvarna Mahal, housed in the 18th-century-styled palace ballroom, offering Royal Indian delicacies. Additionally, guests can enjoy iconic experiences at the Polo Bar and Rajput Room offering multi-cuisine delicacies. Make the most of the day with an outdoor meal at Verandah and for an evening cocktail, head to Steam, the resort’s unique lounge bar aboard a lovingly restored train car replete with steam engine. Facilities include J Wellness Circle offering traditional Indian recipes, outdoor and indoor pools and a fitness centre. There are also vintage horse-drawn carriage rides every evening.
Website: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
1. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace opened in Mumbai, then Bombay, in 1903, giving birth to the country’s first harbour landmark. Strategically located in Mumbai’s prime historical and commercial hub, The Taj Mahal Palace is walking distance from Colaba Causeway, known for its touristy tiny roadside shops. The hotel still retains the charm it had when it opened more than 120 years ago. Each of the 285 rooms & suites are a striking blend of nostalgic elegance, rich history and modern facilities. Guests can choose from 9 restaurants and bars, renowned for delectable cuisines from India, Europe, the Middle East and the Orient. Facilities include J Wellness Circle, an outdoor swimming pool, Taj Salon and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Website: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
If you think that I have missed any of the hotels or resorts under the Taj brand that you think should be included in the list, let me know in the comments section below.
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