Our latest trip took us to India for seven days. This was a work trip with a little time in between to relax with some much appreciated down time in Delhi.
We started our trip with a night in Mumbai. We didn’t have much time in Mumbai so rather than spending our time fighting traffic to sight see we headed straight to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. The Taj Mahal Palace hotel is a must do even if for just one night. The hotel is definitely on the high end of the price scale, but is steeped in history, has amazing architecture and certainly lives up to the price tag.
The Taj which has a laundry list of celebrity and notable guests has an amazing history. It was first opened in 1903 and was the first hotel in India to have electricity. In 2008 the hotel was attacked by terrorists causing significant damage. The hotel offer a free 45 minute guided tour to guests but you need to book early. We unfortunately didn’t get in quick enough but the hotel was kind enough to give us a DVD of the tour.
Perhaps one of the best things about the Taj is the view overlooking the Gateway of India, an amazing arch monument to commemorate the landing of King George Vand Queen Mary on their visit to India in 1911.
Checkin and check out at the Taj was something special. A Traditional Indian Tikka welcome and a coin for good luck when leaving as they believe family should never leave home empty handed and as a guest of Taj we are considered family.
We wandered the streets close to the hotel, however walking the streets of Mumbai is not something for the faint hearted. Crossing the streets and navigating the traffic as a pedestrian is definitely a high risk sport.
