Remembering 26/11: Taj Hotel -Then and Now

The Taj, which opened in 1903, is India's most famous hotel and also one of its most luxurious. After the 26/11 attacks the hotel's interiors were charred.

  • The Taj, which opened in 1903, is India's most famous hotel and also one of its most luxurious. After the 26/11 attacks the hotel's interiors were charred. Its walls were marred by bullet holes and grenade blasts, its corridors were soaked in blood. The hotel has now been renovated back to full glory.<br><br>Through this photofeature, we take a look at The Taj immediately after the Mumbai attacks and now.
    The Taj, which opened in 1903, is India's most famous hotel and also one of its most luxurious. After the 26/11 attacks the hotel's interiors were charred. Its walls were marred by bullet holes and grenade blasts, its corridors were soaked in blood. The hotel has now been renovated back to full glory.

    Through this photofeature, we take a look at The Taj immediately after the Mumbai attacks and now.
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  • The heritage wing of Taj, which was completely gutted during the attacks, was completely renovated within a year. In fact, many of the original art work was restored by their original painters.
    The heritage wing of Taj, which was completely gutted during the attacks, was completely renovated within a year. In fact, many of the original art work was restored by their original painters.
  • The rooms and the remaining food and beverage outlets in the hotel, including the ball room, were opened in phases.
    The rooms and the remaining food and beverage outlets in the hotel, including the ball room, were opened in phases.
  • The palace wing of the hotel was reopened to guests after nearly 21 months from the attack date. (Image courtesy: Press Trust of India)
    The palace wing of the hotel was reopened to guests after nearly 21 months from the attack date. (Image courtesy: Press Trust of India)
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  • High-end technology and interactive multimedia systems at the touch of a button ensure that the guest's experiences are wired for efficiency and comfort. Taj Club rooms and suites come with chauffeur-driven luxurious Jaguar transfers. (Image courtesy: Associated Press)
    High-end technology and interactive multimedia systems at the touch of a button ensure that the guest's experiences are wired for efficiency and comfort. Taj Club rooms and suites come with chauffeur-driven luxurious Jaguar transfers. (Image courtesy: Associated Press)
  • Guests in the palace wing will get to experience the attentive and personalised 'Palace Butler Service' where the butler will discreetly and efficiently guide them in the hotel. (Image courtesy: Agence France Presse)
    Guests in the palace wing will get to experience the attentive and personalised 'Palace Butler Service' where the butler will discreetly and efficiently guide them in the hotel. (Image courtesy: Agence France Presse)
  • Internationally acclaimed designers like Lissoni Associati from Milan, BAMO from San Francisco, DesignWilkes from Malaysia and James Park Associates from Singapore carried out the extensive restoration of the heritage wing of the hotel. (Image courtesy: Associated Press)
    Internationally acclaimed designers like Lissoni Associati from Milan, BAMO from San Francisco, DesignWilkes from Malaysia and James Park Associates from Singapore carried out the extensive restoration of the heritage wing of the hotel. (Image courtesy: Associated Press)
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  • The Taj Hotel was even visited by US President Barack Obama on his 3-day Presidential trip to India. He began his tour on a sombre and symbolic note, by paying respects to the victims of the 2008 terrorist siege at the hotel.
    The Taj Hotel was even visited by US President Barack Obama on his 3-day Presidential trip to India. He began his tour on a sombre and symbolic note, by paying respects to the victims of the 2008 terrorist siege at the hotel.
  • Obama at the memorial for the November 26, 2008 terror attack victims at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel in Mumbai.<br><br>The US President signed the Taj visitors' book and paid homage to the 26/11 victims.
    Obama at the memorial for the November 26, 2008 terror attack victims at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel in Mumbai.

    The US President signed the Taj visitors' book and paid homage to the 26/11 victims.
  • The iconic Taj was one of two luxury hotels taken over by terrorists on November 26, 2008.
    The iconic Taj was one of two luxury hotels taken over by terrorists on November 26, 2008.
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  • Remains tell their story: The devastation caused inside the Taj Hotel after the NSG and other security forces took control of the Taj.
    Remains tell their story: The devastation caused inside the Taj Hotel after the NSG and other security forces took control of the Taj.
  • The pavement outside the hotel was smeared with blood and shards of glass and flames were seen from some windows as commandos rummaged through the debris.
    The pavement outside the hotel was smeared with blood and shards of glass and flames were seen from some windows as commandos rummaged through the debris.
  • The 60-hour siege killed 183 people in 10 locations and another 239 were wounded.
    The 60-hour siege killed 183 people in 10 locations and another 239 were wounded.
  • <b>A look at what happened:</b> Shattered glass panes after the grenade launchers were used to fight back the attack on Taj.
    A look at what happened: Shattered glass panes after the grenade launchers were used to fight back the attack on Taj.
  • <b>A glimpse:</b> The Taj Hotel reception completely cluttered as the ramification of the terror war inside the hotel.
    A glimpse: The Taj Hotel reception completely cluttered as the ramification of the terror war inside the hotel.
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