MUMBAI, INDIA (November 8, 2002) � Taj Hotels, India and South Asia�s leading luxury hotel group, has long proved its commitment to preserving India�s historic palaces and hotels.  Now it has taken this dedication two steps further with the addition of two historical properties.  The Usha Kiran Palace Hotel, Gwalior in India�s Madhya Pradesh region is a 100 year-old elaborate palace that once housed England�s royalty; and the Rawal-Kot Hotel, Jaisalmer, perched on a rocky incline with views of the city, is located in India�s northwest region of Rajasthan.  The two properties will be refurbished to their original splendor, just as Taj has restored three other palace properties: the Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur; the Rambagh Palace and the Jai Mahal Palace, both in Jaipur.

�We are very excited to add these two properties to the Taj portfolio, and bring the Taj commitment to impeccable hospitality to these cities,� said Mr. R.K. Krishna Kumar, Managing Director of Indian Hotels Company Limited, parent company of Taj Hotels. �In particular, Jaisalmer is a fast-growing destination and a key location to complete Taj�s presence in India�s major tourism markets,� he added.  
 

In the Madhya Pradesh region of central India, the historically rich city of Gwalior, situated 73 miles south of Agra, boasts structures of the warrior kings, poets, musicians and saints who once lived there.  Built 100 years ago as a palace for the royal visits of the King and Queen of England, the Usha Kiran Palace is the city�s only palace hotel.  It dazzles with stone carvings and filigree work throughout.  Spread over seven acres of sprawling

Usha Kiran Palace Hotel

The Rawal-Kot hotel, or �Noble Residence,� is located in Jaisalmer, the golden  city of the desert in northern  India, located 184 miles northwest of Jodhpur, Rajasthan.  Situated only four miles from the airport and just two miles from the train station, the yellow sandstone hotel is perched high above the city on a rocky incline, and offers

Rawal-Kot Hotel

In 2003, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces will celebrate its 100-year anniversary as a leader in luxury hospitality.  To commemorate this momentous year, the group�s flagship hotel, The Taj Mahal, Mumbai, which opened in 1903, will be the host of ongoing festivities and special events throughout the year.  

Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces is comprised of 53 properties in 34 locations throughout India and an additional 12 properties in nine key international destinations outside India.  Taj properties include luxury hotels, business hotels, beach resorts, palaces, garden retreats and cultural center hotels.  Each offers world-class service and cuisine, coupled with an unrivaled fusion of Indian heritage, business services and modern luxuries.