Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai, India
Face of 26/11: November 26, 2008: Mumbai fell victim to one of the worst terrorist attacks, killing up to 166 people. The image of the front dome of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel encapsulated with a large plume of smoke is one that is etched into the memory of every Mumbaikar. The iconic symbol of opulence in Mumbai lay under siege for more than 60 hours at the mercy of 4 heavily armed terrorists, which made Taj the face of 26/11 attacks.
About the hotel: The foundation of the Taj was laid in 1898, and the hotel opened its gates to the guests for the first time on Dec 16, 1902, even before the foundation for the Gateway of India was laid (on Mar 31, 1911). During the First World War (1914-1918), the hotel was converted into a hospital with 600 beds. In 1947, independent India's first speech to Industry was also made at the hotel.
