6 Things You Didn’t Know About The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel In Mumbai

by Natasha Monteiro
6 Things You Didn’t Know About The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel In Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is an icon in itself. The 114 year old hotel has suffered its share of tragedy but it still stands tall, adding to the grandeur of the Mumbai skyline. Every Mumbaikar has seen the structure, marvelled at it even, but we bet you don’t know these fun facts about the hotel.

1. It Has Been India’s Partner In The Journey Of Independence

Built in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel has been an important part of India’s freedom movement. Numerous meetings by the freedom fighters were held in the hallowed halls of the hotel. It has also been a home to many leaders like Sarojini Naidu who lived here for a few years. Infact, it was from the steps of the hotel that Lord Louis Mountbatten bid India a final farewell.

Also read: Taj Mahal Hotel To Serve Its Menu From 1947 For Just Rs 1947

2. Taj Mahal Palace Is Older Than The Gateway Of India

That’s right! The hotel is a very good-looking 114 year old. The Gateway Of India is only 93 years old. We bet you didn’t know that.

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3. Mumbai’s Taj Hotel Was Used As A Hospital In WW1

The Taj Mahal Palace was converted into a hospital during World War 1. It provided for 600 beds between 1914 to 1918.

Also read: 10 Things Every Mumbaikar Should Do Atleast Once In Their Lifetime

4. The First Room Cost A Whopping ₹10

The hotel opened its doors on December 16, 1903 and charged its first 17 guests ₹10 for a single room and ₹13 for rooms with attached bathrooms and fans. Talk about expensive!

Also read: 10 Bathtubs Across The World With The Best Views

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5. The First Building In Bombay To Be Lit By Electricity

Not only was it the first building to have electricity, it was also the first ever place to have German elevators, American fans, English butlers, Turkish baths, the city’s first licensed bar, all-day dining restaurant, and the India’s first international discotheque – Blow Up.

6. The First Indian Building To Get A Trademark

Not as brutal as the Taj Mahal in Agra, this structure has got itself an architectural trademark – which means that no one copy the distinctiveness of the building anywhere across the world. Other structures to get this trademark are the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building.

 

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