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The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, India

By Jackie Craven, About.com

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The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: Overlooking the Harbor and the Gateway of India

Gateway of India Monument and the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers Hotel in Mumbai, India

The Gateway of India Monument and the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers Hotel in Mumbai, India

Photo by Flickr Member "Jensimon7"
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel overlooks the harbor and is adjacent to the Gateway of India, an historical memorial built between 1911 and 1924. Constructed of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete, the grand arch borrows details from 16th century Islamic architecture.

When the Gateway of India was built, it symbolized the City's openness to visitors. The terrorists who attacked Mumbai in November 2008 approached by small boats and docked here.

The tall building in the background is the tower wing of the Taj Mahal Hotel. Designed by American architect Melton Bekker, the Taj Mahal Tower was constructed in the 1970s. Arched balconies offer sweeping views of the harbor.

Jointly, the Taj Hotels are known as the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.

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