The Taj Brand of hotels is synonymous with its many opulent properties steeped in history as restored grand palaces or iconic buildings. Fairytales are literally realized at their properties as resident guests live the heyday life of India’s royalty whether it is for a honeymoon, a wedding or simply a vacation. The Taj brand is owned by the Indian Hotels Company LTD (IHCL) which operates 175 hotels worldwide, including three in the US, and is continually adding gem properties to its portfolio. The key to the success of the Taj brand lies in its singular mantra of invoking “Tajness” into all aspects of the hotel experience and that equates to respect, courtesy and professionalism, but also an ethos to blend the hotels into the city and cultural landscape in which they reside. It’s no surprise then that many of the group’s hotels have consistently been named some of the highest ranking in multiple global awards and honors.
At the equally beautiful The Pierre – A Taj Hotel in New York City, we met with Karambir Kang, the Taj Groups Area Director for the US, to find out why celebrities and notables always choose the groups’ hotels and which are the top three standouts. “It’s hard to choose just three” Karambir insists, “as so many of our properties are truly exceptional experiences. We just opened a new hotel in the Andamans, the two properties in the Maldives are spectacular, Taj Faluknuma Palace in Hyderabad used to belong to the then richest man in the world, the Nizam of Hyderabad.” But we pressed on and here, according to Karambir, are the top three Taj properties for weddings and honeymoons in India.
Most Romantic: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Udaipur in southern Rajasthan is known as the “City of Lakes” and has been dubbed as “the most romantic spot on the continent of India” by British administrator James Tod. It’s no wonder then that the recent Ambani wedding took place in this magical “pink” city. Seven lakes make up Udaipur and ornate palaces and historic forts add to the beauty of the area. The Taj Lake Palace Hotel is in the Jag Niwas palace on Lake Pichola. History says the after young prince Maharana Jagat Singh II was reprimanded for frolicking with the ladies of the harem on moonlight picnics, he built the palace as a place for pleasure. The hotel has been restored to its glorious beauty by the Taj Group and boasts 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites all with scenic lake views. “You can only get to the hotel by boat,” says Karambir, “as it is floating in the middle of the lake.” Indeed, a private gondola takes guests to and from the palace. “You feel like you are part of a fairytale,” adds Karambir.
Inside the palace is a sight to be seen with ornately decorated spaces that evoke the rich lives of royalty. An open-air restaurant has a lily pond in its center, carved nooks are resplendent with overstuffed pillows and village cushions while marble terraces provide unparalleled views of the area.
The Taj Lake Palace is only available to hotel guests to preserve the tranquility of its corridors, and although the hotel can host small, intimate host weddings, there are numerous banquet options nearby that can host larger wedding festivities. Many couples and their guests choose to stay at the Taj Lake Palace while attending the nuptials because of its utter inherent romance and, for well known faces, its privacy.
Fun fact: The hotel gained national attention in 1983 with the release of the Bond film, Octapussy, as it was location of the Bond girl’s hidden lair.
Most Opulent: Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
“In terms of sheer size, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is very opulent. This one is most popular with celebrities,” says Karambir. And yes, this is where Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot.
The Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace was built between 1928 and 1943 in the art deco style as the home of the Jodhpur royal family. It’s a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s history as it is the last palace built before partition. The mansion palace was named after Maharaja Umaid Singh and shares the same palm court marble that has been used in the Taj Mahal. Spread over 26 acres of lush grounds including 15 acres of manicured gardens complete with wandering peacocks, the Umaid Bhawan Palace has two major wings. One wing is entirely the home of the Rathore Dynasty of Jodhpur as Maharaja Gaj Singh, grandson of Maharaja Umaid Singh, still resides here with his family. The Taj Hotel Group owns and operates out of the other wing as a luxury five-star Taj heritage hotel with 64 Art Deco-style rooms and suites. Part of the hotel includes the original throne chamber, a private meeting hall, a public Durbar Hall, a vaulted banquet hall, private dining halls, a ballroom, library, subterranean swimming pool, a spa, tennis courts, marble squash courts and 360-picturesque views of the historical “blue city,” vast sand dunes, and the intimidating Mehrangarh Fort. A museum on the property shows artifacts from royal life and the Maharaja’s classic cars are also on display.
Weddings at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace are only possible for guests staying at the hotel, although invited guests can attend without booking a hotel room. “This hotel is more like a destination wedding as guests come here specifically to get married,” adds Karambir. Rooms start at about $600 per night and weddings here can be as small or large as you can imagine.
Most Historic: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
“Every Mumbaite has a story about The Taj Mahal Palace,” says Karambir. “Either their grandparents got married there, or their parents or themselves. They have an emotional attachment to the hotel.” And yes, it’s true. The Taj Mahal Palace opened in 1903 and overlooks the iconic Gateway of India. It’s grand hallways have hosted kings, presidents, celebrities and other notables. Obama has stayed here and so has Prince Charles, the Beatles, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sting, Jackie O and the list goes on and on.
Truly majestic with rich architectural details, legend has it that the hotel was built by industrialist Jamsetji Tata after he was refused entry to Bombay’s “whites only” Watson’s Hotel. The building incorporates Greco-Roman, Islamic, Maharajah and Victorian Gothic styles, all topped by a stunning Florentine dome. The current hotel has 565 rooms and suites that are resplendent in its rich history. Inside you’ll find a “floating” grand staircase, the original wooden travel agency office and post office counter for when the hotel managed their guests arrivals and departures and many other original architectural details.
The hotel is known for its fine dining experiences and in fact has nine of the city’s most acclaimed bars and restaurants including Mumbai’s oldest licensed bar, Harbour Bar. For weddings, the grand hotel has a ballroom for upto 450 guests and has 10 additional halls and venues to accommodate any smaller sized party.
Hotel rates average about $300-500 per night and weddings at The Taj Mahal Palace average about $150-$200 per person.
If you are interested in hosting your wedding at any of the Taj Group’s properties worldwide, Karambir recommends to call the New York-based Global Sales and Marketing Office at 212.515.5682, and they can help you create the perfect experience for your wedding in India. You can find more information on the entire range of Taj Hotels at www.TajHotels.com.
