Les Clefs D'Or
Les Clefs D'Or

Your Key To Mumbai India- 2024 Les Clefs d’Or Award Nominee

Mumbai - A chaotic culture, with a celebration in diversity

It isn’t a big deal to make someone fall in love with Mumbai, because this city loves you back with open arms which inherits amalgamation of cultures and its myriad of emotions. 

Mumbai is tiny yet a fascinating city located on the west coast of India. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere, iconic landmarks, rich culture, bustling markets, street food and its association with Bollywood are reasons enough, for this lively city to make it a place worth living. People have often expressed their love and admiration for this city on various platforms. Hence, Mumbai spreads its charm over other cities due to its amalgamation of culture with a spirit of togetherness.  

The combination of seven islands that constitute Mumbai was earlier known as Bombay during the British colonial period. It derives its name from the local goddess Mumba (A form of Parvathi) which was given by a local Marathi speaking Koli community. Being a financial hub and an entertainment capital, it contributes to the global financial flow by being the center of world commerce. Due to its opportunistic nature, we can see a diverse range of culture, religion and cuisines co-existing in this city. It is thus, considered as the most cosmopolitan city. 

This city holds it pride in withholding some of the most scenic landmarks, which not only hold historic importance but are also considered as alluring pillars of Mumbai. Gateway of India, Bandra-Worli Sea link, Victoria Terminus, Rajabai Clock Tower, Asiatic Society Library, Mani Bhavan, Shree Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Mumba Devi Temple, Dhobi Ghat, University of Mumbai, Oval Maidan, Hanging Garden, Dharavi are few to mention and a worth visit locations. 

Mumbai is a city which has something for everyone, from historic landmarks to modern attractions. Marine Drive also known as Queen’s Necklace is one such beautiful promenade that stretches along the coast of Mumbai. It offers the stunning view of the Arabian Sea and is a popular spot for locals and tourists. When the sunsets and the sky turn orangish-pink is when the magic begins to happen. The streetlight comes on and the skyline is illuminated that’s when this place resembles a string of pearls, giving it the name, ‘The Queen’s Necklace’. Gobbling spicy vada pav, sipping hot coffee and relishing the tangy chaat, while enjoying the view, has been a major part of weekend evenings with friends and family. 

Simple yet generous, accepting, hardworking, helpful and extremely courageous is what best describes the Mumbaikars. The variety and abundance of people, culture, job opportunities, entertainment, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, sports events and museums are a reason for Mumbai’s unique cosmopolitan nature. Mumbai is a dynamic city with a unique blend of history, culture and modernity. Hence, it is a must-visit destination to anyone interested in exploring the many facet of Indian life and culture as a whole. Mumbai has something for all. So, when guests insist that they loved the city and they’ll visit again, I know they sure will. 

 

Kirtan Jardosh is a candidate for the 2024 Les Clefs d’Or Award. This article has been published in its original form.

Meet the Author
Kirtan Jardosh

Being an extrovert since birth, I always loved meeting new people and connecting. A smile on a stranger’s face and an urge to fulfil their needs by creating a great experience was the reason I took keen interest in hospitality management. After studying hospitality for 03 years, I joined hotels in the year 2017. I was assigned different roles at front desk. But the concierge always fascinated me as it’s always been about the magic created. Eight months under training and I was offered to join the concierge team, there was no chance I could have denied this opportunity. I was also obliged for having joined the Concierge fraternity and was entrusted the golden keys in 2022. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a heritage property since 1903, gave me the opportunity to join their concierge team as an assistant manager a year ago. A decade of understanding and absorbing knowledge, with tones of professional experiences and building numerable guest relations, today I am a proud member and Assistant General Secretary of Les Clefs d’Or India, giving me an esteemed privilege to cater my services and lead a motivated team that thrives on exceeding guest expectations with each passing day.

The Taj Mahal Palace

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai a flagship of The Indian Hotels Company Limited, is a paragon of luxury hospitality since 1903. Founded by Jamsetji Tata, it epitomizes opulence, setting standards with its refined elegance and welcoming ambiance. To preserve its legacy of impeccable service and luxurious living, The Taj Mahal Palace boasts 543 distinct rooms and suites across both hotel buildings. The 285 rooms and suites within the Palace building exude a century-old charm, adorned with authentic artifacts. Offering views of the city, pool, Gateway of India, or the Arabian Sea, each suite features unique themes, lush textures, and exquisite decor. The Bell Tower Suite exudes seafaring romance, while the Maratha suites pay tribute to the warrior tribe. The Ravi Shankar suite honors the musical maestro’s legacy. In elegant contrast, the Taj Mahal Tower, established in 1973, offers 258 rooms blending European-Indian architecture. This architectural marvel predates the Gateway of India, welcoming a diverse array of guests, from heads of state to Hollywood celebrities, embodying a global ethos. Beyond its opulence, the Taj Mahal Palace is an ideal base to explore Mumbai’s charm. Its history intertwines with Bombay’s social and commercial evolution, reflecting distinct period of the city’s legacy.

reservations.mumbai@ihcltata.com

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