TAJ HOTELS RESORTS AND PALACES LAUNCHES VIVANTA BY TAJ – SRINAGAR

First Taj Hotel In India’s Northernmost State of Jammu & Kashmir

Brings 'Vivanta by Taj' Portfolio to 20 Hotels

Srinagar, India (April 20, 2011) - Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has opened Vivanta by Taj – Srinagar, the company’s first hotel in India’s northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, through a management contract with SAIFCO Hill Crest Hotels Pvt. Ltd, part of a well-known business house in the state.

Vivanta by Taj – Hotels and Resorts is a new signature from Taj Hotels, designed to deliver a vibrant and contemporary experience for global travelers who appreciate new experiences and pleasant surprises infused with the Taj tradition for warm hospitality. The opening of Vivanta by Taj – Srinigar brings this brand portfolio to 20 hotels throughout India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Set in the Zabarwan Range of the Himalayas in the heart of the Kashmir Valley, Vivanta by Taj – Srinagar is approximately 12 miles from the city’s new airport (SXR). With six acres on Kralsangri hill overlooking scenic Dal Lake, the property, enveloped in warm earthy tones and accents of copper and local wood carvings, is an ideal business or leisure retreat:  

• 89 rooms and suites; guests may select from Superior Charm and Deluxe Delight rooms, Deluxe Allure and Premium Temptation suites or the Presidential Nirvana suite
• All rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of the valley,  ergonomic work desks, 40” LCD TVs and spacious plush bathrooms with bathtubs and rain showers
• In addition, all suites feature a private balcony
• The luxurious two-bedroom Presidential Nirvana Suite commands a panoramic view of Dal Lake, Royal Springs Golf Course and the Tulip Gardens
• An inspired choice of dining options: Latitude, for international contemporary cuisine; Jade Dragon, the resort’s Chinese specialty restaurant, presenting favorites with a vibrant twist; 24-hour in-room dining or an array of indoor and outdoor romantic private dining, such as an alfresco moonlight feast on lush divans adjoining fire pits overlooking the valley
• High tech meeting rooms and fully equipped 24-hour business center
• Retail boutiques; 24-hour fitness center; open-air infinity pool
• JIva Spa, with signature treatments rooted in India’s ancient approach to wellness

Vivanta by Taj – Srinigar encourages guests to discover the natural beauty of Kashmir, rich with elegant Mughal gardens, beautiful lakes, historic monuments and inviting golf courses. The hotel’s alpine location affords stunning winter views of snow-clad mountains; the celebrated Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest garden with more than 10 million tulips, in the summer, and year-round scenic vistas of Dal Lake, considered the jewel in the crown of the Kashmir Valley. Vivanta experiences on Dal Lake can include bird watching, trout fishing, water skiing and lazy cruising aboard a traditional Shikara, a long and low gondola-style row boat complete with visits to the clusters of tiny floating shops as well as gardens and historic sites. Or explore the mountains with customized day-treks throughout the year.

Vivanta by Taj – Srinigar Launch Event with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister

The April 17 launch event was attended by Omar Abdullah, Honorable Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, and Farooq Abdullah; Abhijit Mukerji, Executive Director, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces; and Veer Vijay Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Vivanta by Taj - Hotels & Resorts.

“We are very happy that Taj is coming to Srinagar. This is a very positive development for Jammu & Kashmir as it will enhance tourism in the state,” said Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir.   

Speaking on the occasion, Abhijit Mukerji, Executive Director, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, said, “With this opening, we endeavor to pioneer new and unique destinations. While Jammu & Kashmir needs no introduction, we feel that there is great scope to develop tourism and hospitality here. This hotel will generate employment and will have a downstream effect in bringing business to Kashmir. We are happy to have received support and encouragement from the government and hope to grow and expand in the state.”

Over the last few years, the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir has seen a distinct upswing. As part of their strategic expansion, the Taj has a
[Back to Press Releases Main]