Know the history of India’s oldest hotel built in the 19th century

India boasts numerous luxury hotels. The Great Eastern Hotel, renowned as one of the oldest hotels in Asia, was established in 1840. 
 

Officially known as The LaLit Great Eastern Hotel, it is situated in the beautiful city of Kolkata. 
 

The Great Eastern Hotel was established by David Wilson as the Auckland Hotel. 
 

Built during the British colonial period, it was only open to foreign guests at the time. It even had a departmental store on its ground floor.
 

In the year 1833, the hotel became the first India hotel to be illuminated by electricity, marking a significant milestone in its history. 
 

In the year 1970, the West Bengal government assumed control of the hotel’s operations. Later, it was auctioned to a hospitality group.
 

The hotel underwent a massive transformation in 2005, when it was acquired by the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.