Taj West End — Indian Hospitality Magazine
Hotels Resorts

Taj West End

Race Course Road's 1887 heritage property — Bangalore's oldest luxury hotel and its most historic garden

T

Originally a colonial boarding house; acquired by Taj Hotels

Founder · Est. 1887 · Race Course Road, Bangalore

Taj West End traces its origins to 1887, when it operated as a colonial boarding house on Race Course Road in what was then the Bangalore Cantonment. The property was acquired and developed by Taj Hotels into a luxury hotel that uniquely combines heritage architecture, 20 acres of gardens, and contemporary hospitality — the oldest luxury hotel property in Bangalore.

The 20-acre garden estate is the hotel's defining feature: mature rain trees, flowering bougainvillea, and landscaped pathways create an environment that is more botanical garden than hotel grounds. Heritage buildings — including colonial-era structures — sit within the garden alongside contemporary additions, creating an architectural timeline that spans over a century.

The dining programme includes Masala Klub (contemporary Indian), Blue Ginger (Vietnamese), and The Veranda (the terrace restaurant overlooking the gardens). Each restaurant benefits from the garden setting — outdoor dining at Taj West End is a fundamentally different experience from dining in a tower hotel.

Taj West End — additional image

“This property has been welcoming guests since 1887. The rain trees were here before we were. We maintain both the building and the trees.”

What Defines Taj West End

The 20-Acre Garden— Bangalore's most significant hotel garden — mature trees, landscaped grounds, and colonial-era architecture.
Masala Klub— Contemporary Indian dining — the Taj's signature Indian concept at the heritage property.
Blue Ginger— Vietnamese cuisine — the same concept as the Taj Palace Delhi outpost.
Heritage Rooms— Colonial-era rooms in the original building — period architecture at five-star standards.
The Veranda— Garden-facing terrace dining — breakfast here is Bangalore's most atmospheric morning meal.

The Experience

The approach along Race Course Road, through gates, and into a garden that immediately removes you from the city. The air is cooler. The noise is absent. The rain trees provide canopy. The heritage buildings appear through the foliage. It is less a hotel and more an estate that happens to accept guests.

Rated & Reviewed By

Condé Nast Traveller India · Travel + Leisure · Lonely Planet · Outlook Traveller

Editorial Notes

  • Taj West End's 1887 origins make it Bangalore's oldest luxury hotel property — studying it is studying Bangalore's hospitality history.
  • The 20-acre garden is among the largest hotel gardens in India.
  • The heritage-contemporary architectural combination creates a living timeline.
  • Mandatory curriculum reference for hospitality students studying heritage hotel preservation and garden-estate management.

Getting There

Nearest Metro: Majestic (Green/Purple Line, 10-minute drive). By road: 25, Race Course Road.