Images from the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai, India (photos by Brad A. Johnson)
Mumbai is chaos. Absolute, full-sensory chaos. The noise. The pigeons. The traffic. The incessant honking. The wild dogs barking. The heat. The tongue-wetting aroma of durian on the sidewalk. The wafting incense of marigolds and jasmine. Cows leisurely wandering through rush-hour intersections. Horses clopping. Children laughing. It’s maddening. And it’s what makes Mumbai one of the most interesting cities in the world, a place everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is the perfect antidote to all this frenzy. One of the world’s beloved grand dames, the turn-of-the-century palace overlooks the iconic Gateway of India in the Apollo Bunder neighborhood, on the banks of the Arabian Sea in the Bay of Bombay. Step inside the hotel, and the city’s swirling rumpus immediately fades. Serenity cleanses the senses. Here’s a quick look around this beautiful hotel.
The exterior of the hotel as seen from the interior courtyard
One of the palace’s interior hallways
Resting spot near the elevator
The Starboard Lounge
This was my suite
The Gateway of India, taken at sunrise from the terrace of my suite
Fine dining Indian restaurant Masala Kraft
Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant
The Harbour Bar and bartender Tehmton Dara Mistry
The neighborhood surrounding the hotel
All photos by Brad A. Johnson.
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