As part of the expansion strategy for its Leisure Division, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces makes its foray into the spectacular fort city of Gwalior with the unveiling of the beautiful Usha Kiran Palace on  October 15, 2004. With a legacy of experience in hospitality dating back to the opening of its flagship hotel in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces was the perfect choice to carry on the royal tradition of the Usha Kiran Palace. Tastefully restored by the Taj, this 120-year palace will now allow guests to relive the history of the ancient city of Gwalior, with its colourful kaleidoscope of romance, culture, music, art, architecture and symbols of a bygone era; all in the midst of discreetly woven-in contemporary comforts.
 
Announcing the foray, Mr. Jamshed Daboo, Chief Operating Officer, Taj Leisure Hotels, said, “Steeped in the splendour of its past, the ancient city of Gwalior has made a successful transition into a vibrant and bustling modern Indian city. The magnificent mementoes of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior a unique and timeless appeal. This city houses numerous palaces, temples and monuments. We are pleased to make our foray in this land of wonderful and contrasting variety with the beautiful Usha Kiran Palace, which promises to give each guest an album full of memories to take home.” 

The Usha Kiran Palace was originally built to play host to the king and queen of England. This heritage hotel was the residence of the late Maharaja Jiwajirao Scindia. Artistic stone carvings and delicate filigree work, standing in splendid solitude, embrace this regal palace, set amidst 9 acres of lush landscaping and located next to the exquisite Jai Vilas Palace, the ancestral palace of the Scindia family. Abundant with fruit and flowering trees, sprawling lawns, arched bridges and a fountain sparkling with coloured lights, every moment spent here is reminiscent of royal moments. 

Each of the 15 superior rooms and 21 deluxe rooms of the Palace is a reflection of the local culture and the exquisite architecture. Light, airy and modern, these rooms offer gorgeous views and décor befitting royalty and are well equipped with guest amenities that include international direct dial facility, mini bar and colour television with satellite programmes. Offering a view of the magnificent Gwalior Fort, the 2 one-bedroom royal suites welcome guests with arched openings and vibrant hues. Elegant and modern, yet reflecting the local culture in design details like silk drapes, coloured globes of light and canopied beds, the suites include a massage bed, lounge area and water fountains. 

The Usha Kiran Palace offers its guests various royal dining experiences. Guests can indulge in a wide variety of Continental, Asian and Indian cuisine including Mughlai, Maratha and Nepali specialities from the royal kitchens of the Scindias, at the multi-cuisine restaurant 'Silver Saloon' or experience alfresco dining amidst vistas of greenery at the courtyard cafe, 'The Courts'. For aperitifs and sundowners, guests can head to the 'Bada Bar Lounge' that offers a selection of the finest European wines and spirits. Or guests can choose to kindle the flames of romance with romantic dining options that include candle-lit dinners by the poolside accompanied by live music. 

Designed in a minimalist style with luxurious touches and reflecting the elements of nature, the 'Jiva Spa' at the Usha Kiran Palace offers the flavour of royalty and exquisiteness of the old India in a new and fresh setting. Equipped with single and double treatment suites, a meditation garden cocooned within ancient pillars, an open heritage courtyard; the Spa has treatments and programs designed specifically to maintain physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium. All products used at the Jiva Spa are 100 per cent natural and have been developed in consultation with expert Ayurvedic doctors, healers, yoga and meditation practitioners. Indulge in a range of Indian aromatherapy massages, time-honoured Indian treatments, body scrubs and wrap, and signature treatments from the Royal House of Gwalior such as the special 'mangal snan', an auspicious bath with medicinal oils. Providing a unique and refreshing experience, it is the only spa in the world with live musicians, who will serenade guests with soothing strains of Indian classical music during their treatments. 

In addition, the palace offers recreational facilities that include a swimming pool, splash pool, fitness center, lawn tennis, library, billiards room and souvenir shop. The business facilities at the palace range from Internet access to a fully equipped pillar-less banquet hall that can accommodate up to 90 people in theatre-style seating, while the beautifully landscaped lawn is ideal for a cocktail reception for up to 1,500 guests. 

Less than four hours from Delhi, with the launch of the Usha Kiran Palace, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces provides travellers an excellent opportunity to experience the splendor of Gwalior, in addition to its existing offerings in other picturesque destinations.