On April 1, 1902, one of Jamsetji Tata's four dreams takes formal shape with the incorporation of the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel opens in December 1903

Diamond by the Sea

During the first world war, the Taj Mahal Palace hotel serves briefly as a military hospital

The hotel adapts the latest technologies of the time. Electric lighting illuminated the premises as early as 1904; a CO2-based 15-tonne cooling facility operates till 1922

The hotel serves as a hub for Indian leaders during the Independence movement

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel celebrates independence along with the rest of the nation. In this picture, Lord Mountbatten speaks to an audience two days after Independence Day.

The Architect Of India's Luxury Hospitality

IHCL becomes a public listed company

IHCL takes over operations of Udaipur’s Lake Palace, giving Rajasthan tourism a major shot in the arm.

The Gold Star

The 23-storey Taj Tower wing, adorned by Tanjore influences, is built.

IHCL makes its foray into Goa, with Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, playing a pivotal role in promoting tourism in the state.

The Chambers, India’s premier business club is launched.

The Chambers, Reimagined

IHCL acquires St James’ Court, London — the first Indian hospitality brand in the city. Its international expansion continues in Sri Lanka (1998), Maldives (2001) and New York (2005), among others.

As it did in Goa, IHCL consolidates the popularity of God’s Own Country by opening the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin.

Waterfront Luxury

IHCL's international expansion continues with Sri Lanka.

The company celebrates its centenary year.

To Bombay, With Love

Taj launches its first luxury residences project, Wellington Mews in Mumbai; the first Jiva Spa opens at Taj Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior.

IHCL enters the American market in 2005 by acquiring the lease of The Pierre in New York City

IHCL launches Taj Safaris — India’s first luxury safari circuit — and the award-winning Taj Inner Circle Programme.

Call of the Tiger

The Taj Public Service Welfare Trust is set up in the aftermath of the 26/11 attacks.

Vivanta by Taj is launched, with Vivanta Guwahati in 2015 marking IHCL’s entry in the northeast.

A reimagined lean-luxe Ginger brand comes to life with the launch of Ginger Panaji.

Functional Luxury

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai becomes India’s first building to secure an image trademark

To Bombay, With Love

Brand Finance ranks Taj as India’s Strongest Brand for the first time.

Taj is named the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand for the first time by Brand Finance.

The Jewel in the Crown

Opens a flagship Ginger at Mumbai Airport, accompanied by the debut of J Wellness Circle, a holistic wellness offering. IHCL’s Transformation Journey is a case study at Harvard Business School

INNERgise to Energise

IHCL announces Taj Bandstand, Mumbai; crosses Rs 1 lakh crore market cap in the second half and closes with a portfolio of 350 hotels in 150+ locations.

Taj marks four consecutive years as India’s Strongest Brand; IHCL wraps up the year with 600+ hotels in over 250 locations

Checking Into Tomorrow