Bangalore, September 8, 2011:: On the anvil of its first anniversary, Vivanta by Taj marked a return to the garden city of Bangalore with the launch of a mega format property, the Vivanta by Taj - Yeshwantpur, Bangalore. This is the third Vivanta by Taj branded hotel in Bangalore - in addition to the existing Vivanta by Taj - Whitefield and Vivanta by Taj - M G Road in the city. With the launch of this new hotel, the overall portfolio of Vivanta by Taj - Hotels & Resorts goes up to 21.

Vivanta by Taj - Yeshwantpur, Bangalore is conveniently located close to the international airport, the city centre and right in the middle of the convention district of Bangalore.

Speaking on the launch of the new hotel, Mr. Raymond N Bickson, M.D. & C.E.O., Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces said "The launch of Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts heralded a new chapter in the 108 year history of the Taj. This brand is a testament to the dynamism and innovation that the Taj is known for. It supports the company's objective of achieving growth through domestic dominance. Having started our journey of Vivanta as a brand with our hotel in Whitefield, this is a gift to Bangalore on the anvil of our first anniversary. Yeshwantpur has the potential to emerge as a strategic suburb of Bangalore linking the new international airport to the corridor of development planned along Mysore Road, thus making it the ultimate location for Vivanta by Taj - Yeshwantpur, Bangalore."

Ms. Deepa Misra Harris, Vice President, Marketing, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces,said "Vivanta by Taj - Yeshwantpur had been conceived keeping in mind its location and Bangalore's appetite for development. Yeshwantpur is emerging as a bustling business hub and more recently, there has been a significant growth in development. This is the 3rd Vivanta hotel in Bangalore"

Mr. Veer Vijay Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Vivanta by Taj - Hotels & Resortssaid "This hotel is positioned as a new age urban oasis that offers vibrant work and play options to the corporate traveler. From dramatic suites, to delightful dining options, to relaxing recreational opportunities and mega corporate convention facilities, you will find everything in this hotel. We are happy to welcome our guests to come experience Vivanta"

Superbly located with 327 spacious rooms and luxurious suites near the modern metro terminus, minutes from Yeshwantpur Railway Terminus and just 35 km from the airport, Vivanta by Taj - Yeshwantpur, Bangalore spells convergence. Soak in the space that's only 15km from Bangalore's city centre, standing tall in 3.56 acres, adjoining the Peenya industrial estate - near Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, famed educational institutions, modern hospitals and luxury residential complexes. Feel the pulse of an international business and conferencing destination with more than 18000 sq ft of an independent convention and banqueting space, a parking capacity for 400 cars and intelligent technology that links it all. The Deluxe Allure Suites are equipped with two large LED TVs with sound-bars, DVD player, and state-of-the-art technology. The Premium Temptation Suites consist of huge living areas and are located on the highest floors of the hotel offering spectacular views of the city. The Presidential Nirvana Suite is indisputably one of the finest suites in the district. Spread across a spacious 1829 sq ft and perched on the 11th floor, this 3 bedroom interconnected suite overlooks the famous ISKCON temple. It also consists of a large dining area, kitchenette and elegantly appointed bathrooms.

As Vivanta's latest addition, this hotel seeks to evoke a lifestyle that is fashionably hip, and spatially engaging. The design ensemble is aimed to celebrate sensory pleasure by offering a myriad of materials used in a manner that delights while the effects created are a pleasure to behold. Reminiscent of Yeshwantpur being a "Garden City" in the early days, the interior design concept evolved around this theme articulated in the wide use of visual representations depicting nature. All the spaces take different interpretations relating to nature like cut-out trees on feature walls, floral patterns on screens, ceiling and furnishings. The colors splashed around the hotel's interiors mimic the natural environment's scenery. The interior design dares to challenge trends from the bold use of colors, forms, local art and craftsmanship. The concept of nature is pursued in the engagement between traditions and specifics of locality.

At the arrival lobby, guests are welcomed with the double-volume space that extends on to the garden as a "meeting point" between the restaurants and the banquet hall facilities. Intentionally, the garden courtyard is an important feature to host extended outdoor events. At the lobby lounge, one will immediately notice the use of warm earth colors as the base pallet on the soft furnishings, artwork selection and accessories. Punches of these design elements are carried out in the rest of the areas from hallways, corridors and into the rooms.

Vivanta by Taj - Yeshwantpur, Bangalore will be a delight for gastronauts and gourmands with a wide range of dining options. A melting pot of world cuisine, the hotel will have three distinctive restaurants and one chic bar. Serving exquisite delicacies from the land of the five rivers, Punjab, will be Paranda. It is set with brick inlays, vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, a private dining room and a unique glass encased spice entrance. A bold design - the welcome feature at the entrance has geometric walls bathed with spices which then fold down as a feature floor finish. The contemporary interiors are dressed in chic design flavours. Themes of soil, water, fire, charcoal and the forest permeate the menu to reflect Paranda bringing nature's bounty to the plate, resulting in dishes complete with the smell, aspect or texture of the landscape from which they were drawn.

The all day dining restaurant Palette offers an eclectic mix of oriental, continental and Indian selections with an accent on the south of India. Palette's hip and edgy interiors makes for a casual dining in a contemporary setting. The custom made ceiling design in floral patterns doubles up as the interior's custom light fittings. With a large open kitchen, a delectable Deli Palette promises a riot of culinary colors.

'Azure' with a refreshing aqua look takes the high ground as a modern Mediterranean restaurant serving the best from the land of Olives, with some of the most interesting food variants in the form of Italian, Moroccan, Greek and Lebanese cuisine including mezzes, grills and oak flavored pizzas. Wine connoisseurs will surely enjoy the extensive wine selection to match the fine Mediterranean cuisine served. Azure's design inspiration is understated sophistication. Blue and white colours that represent water are dominant. A mosaic wall with artistic embellishments and carefully selected art pieces add to its elegance. Take your pick from the community tables or the private dining section or even better an al fresco experience.

Unwind yourself in the high energy bar Shimmer. Accentuating with a fashion theme and with predominant hues of fizzy pink and moody blacks, this high energy bar includes a pathway inspired by a ramp. Shimmer has walls with full sized mirrors, a high gloss lacquer finish, stylish furniture and fiber optic lights. Its window display will give guest fashion designers the opportunity to showcase their latest collections. The bar is poised to be an ode to the cosmopolitan character of Bangalore with high octane entertainment. The cuisine includes tapas, sushi and Indian selections.

Apart from this the hotel includes a host of other recreational facilities including the Jiva Spa, a 24 hour fitness center and a stunning swimming pool. Jagr, or Awaken the 45 minute long signature spa treatment at Vivanta Yeshwantpur brings the philosophy together with a warm foot soak, a relaxing champi (Indian head massage) and an elevating back walk that will take away the stress of a busy work day and bring you to a state of blissful surrender. The Relaxation Room is dimly lit with curved glowing white walls and the ceiling resembles a conceptual stupa, a mound-like structure, to bring about a reflective sense of being. The spa also offers a hammam, a sensual bathing retreat, for men and women separately; experiential and tropical showers in the wet areas, hot loungers and a sauna room.

Slated to be also positioned as a premium corporate convention hub, the Vivanta by Taj - Yeshwantpur boasts of over 18,000 sq ft. of dedicated conferencing and banqueting facilities. The banquet halls have been designed with modern technology, integrating style and elegance. Suitably wired for hi-tech conferences and meetings, the pillar-less banquet halls give a sense of space with natural light and greater floor to ceiling height. The hotel is also equipped with an independent convention area.

With each Vivanta hotel we present signature experiences rooted in local destination cues. These Vivanta motifs are a representation of the Vivanta philosophy of hospitality with an imaginative twist. Discover an unexpected side to the city with "Back to Basics" at the Taj Kuteeram. A day trip to the Kuteeram comprises of a 45 minutes scenic drive, a yoga session, a tryst with rural India and an option to drop by Nrityagram - a performing arts school inspired by the ancient Gurukul system to witness varied forms of Indian classical dance or try your hand at pottery. Alternatively guests can soak in the history of the city with the "History and Folklore Circuit" that takes you through Bangalore's significant landmarks, introduces the local arts and articrafts and is interspersed with a quintessential South Indian breakfast and lunch.

About Vivanta by Taj
Vivanta by Taj is a 5-star hospitality brand positioned in the upper-upscale segment and is a part of Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces.

Currently comprised of 21 hotels and resorts in India and the Indian Ocean region, Vivanta by Taj is represented across key metropolitan capitals as well as popular holiday destinations like Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Vivanta by Taj offers an imaginative, vivacious and stylish take on 'cool luxury'. With innovative cuisine, energetic spaces, unique motifs, the smart use of technology and experiences that seek to constantly engage, invigorate and relax, it appeals to the cosmopolitan world-traveler immersed in a sensory lifestyle.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 92 hotels in 53 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.