Mumbai is Indis’a main centre of commerce and offers plenty to those who enjoy stylish restaurants, night clubs, exotic shopping and world class hotels. Mumbai is made up of a series of islands joined together – you are thus never far from water. One mile wide and 30 miles long – Mumbai offers many traditional sights to be seen, as well as bird watching at Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Sewri Bay . |
GATEWAY OF INDIA
The Gateway of India by the water's edge at Apollo Bunder is the most famous colonial monument , and Mumbai's most famous landmark. Designed by GeorgeWittet, it is one of the last imperial monuments built by the British in Mumbai. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Mumbai, Lord Sydenham, on 31st March, 1913.
It is a solid structure consisting of eight open door ways, above which is a perforated design. It was completed in 1924 and was conceived as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar on the 2nd December, 1911.
Initially used as a disembarkation point for passengers alighting from steamers, ironically, twenty four years later, it became an exit point for the British troops who had to leave India when it got its independence in 1947.
It is a mid-Victorian Gothic style building made of stone, surrounded by a beautiful garden.
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From behind the gateway, one can hire motor launches or buy tickets for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbour. The luxurious and magnificent Taj Mahal Hotel is near the Gateway. The statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda are also close by. Near the gateway is the Colaba Causeway, which extends to the end of Colaba promontory, the southern end of Mumbai Island.
Take a ferry to ELEPHANTA CAVES , where you can climb upto the 6th century cave temples among statues of Shiva, Ganesh and Parvati carved from the rock. The view of the city from the boat is worth the trip alone.
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MUMBAI FORT
The old British fort was located in the area north of Colaba, which is known as Mumbai Fort. There are a lot of monumental buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the Sind campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also located in this area. . |
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THE PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM
It is a mid-Victorian Gothic style building made of stone, surrounded by a beautiful garden. It is named after the Prince of Waleswho came to India and laid the foundation for it in 1905. This grand structure houses a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china , a fine collection of miniature paintings and much more. Carefully preserved, the museum is a pleasure to visit, the gardens surrounding the building adding to its charm. Jehangir Art Gallery is adjacent and within the compound of the Prince of Wales museum is Mumbai's premier art gallery. A venue for contemporary arts and crafts from around the world.
The NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART is also situated opposite the museum. It displays contemporary paintings of Indian modern artists. |
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HAJI ALI MOSQUE
This early 18th century shrine contains the tomb of HAZRAT HAJI ALI, a Muslim Sufi saint. There are two local legends which claim to trace the hazrath’s antecedents. One story has it that Haji Ali was a rich,, local businessman who gave up materialism after a visit to Mecca and then took up meditation.
Another legend says that he was an Afghan mystic who lived and meditated here. He specifically ordered that after his death , his casket should be cast off into the sea off the shore of what is today Pakistan. However , the casket surfaced intact at the spot where the shrine is today. |
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The Haji Ali shrine is located on a small island on the Arabian Sea. There is a walkway which connects the shore to the shrine. This walkway is the only way to enter the shrine and it can be used only during low tides. High tides and monsoon rains completely cover the walkway. Inside the shrine there is a courtyard which normally sports a festive, talkative atmosphere.
The structure has typical white, Mughal domes and minarets. Although it is a famous Muslim pilgrimage site, non-Muslim visitors are welcomed. The shrine looks its best when seen from the shore silhouetted against the setting sun. |
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FLORA FOUNTAIN
This fountain, situated in the heart of the city, was built in 1869 in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, who was governor of Mumbai from 1862-67. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and is referred as the 'Piccadilly Circus' of Mumbai. Decorated with mythological figures, the fountain is a stone structure with a sculpture of the Roman Goddess of abundance, at the top. Many of the major banks and offices are located in Flora Fountain. Close to the fountain is the Cathedral of St. Thomas. The construction of the chapel began in 1672 and completed in 1718. |
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MARINE DRIVE
Recently renamed as "Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road", one of the most popular promenades of Mumbai is the Marine Drive. Built on land reclaimed during 1920s and 1930s, it spans along the shore of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point past Chowpatty beach to Babulnath, at the foot of Malabar Hill. It is also referred to as the ‘Queen's Necklace’ because of the vivid line of streetlights lit up at night. |
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CHOWPATTY BEACH
Chowpatty beach is one of Mumbai's famous beaches, and is a popular spot for people seeking fun and relaxation. Situated at the end of Marine Drive, at the foot of Malabar Hill, this expanse of sand and sea is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. One can witness many Hindu religious ceremonies like the annual thread-tying ceremony initiating young boys into the Brahmin caste, 'Nariel Purnima' marking end of monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions. |
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JUHU BEACH
Crowded with screaming children, courting couples and unruly adolescence, Juhu is one of the largest and most frequented beaches of India. Located 18-km north of the city centre, it is one of the posh localities of Mumbai where one can find many luxury hotels and apartments, which are regarded as a favourite haunt of Mumbai's movers and shakers. On weekends one can take the pleasure of horse and donkey rides.
TARAPOREWALA AQUARIUM
Taraporewala Aquarium is located on Marine drive, and has a good collection of fresh water and saltwater fishes. There is a proposal to convert the aquarium into an underwater oceanarium. When completed one can have an underwater walk surrounded by marine life. |
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HANGING GARDENS
Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly known as Hanging Gardens, because the garden is laid on the slope of a hill. The terrace garden provides a panoramic view of the city and a breathtaking sunset. It is built over three reservoirs those store 30 million gallons of water, which is pumped to quench the thirst of the city. |
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KAMLA NEHRU PARK
Kamala Nehru Park is located on top of the Malabar hills. Built in 1952 and named after the wife of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, this park covers an area of 3500sq m and gives a magnificent view of Marine Drive.
RANI JIJAMATA UDYAN
Rani Jijamata Udyan, formarly Victoria Gardens, laid out in 1861, houses the Mumbai Zoo. It houses many of the rare and endangered species of animals and birds. The garden spreads over 48 acres in Byculla, on the central side of Mumbai. At the main entrance to the gardens is a clock tower, reminiscent of Italian renaissance. The garden has many scores of trees, some of which are really old. Within the gardens is the Albert museum, which has a collection of local archaeological finds that includes a huge stone elephant at the entrance, which was found in 1864 at Elephanta Island. |
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NEHRU CENTRE
Nehru Centre is a beautiful cylinder shaped building that achieves unity despite depicting multiple forces pulling it in different directions. It reflects Nehru's vision of Modern India. The Centre houses the Discovery of India Exposition, a permanent unique exposition, covering every aspect of artistic, intellectual and philosophical attainment of India through ages. The Nehru Centre Art Gallery is dedicated to the promotion of young talent and provides a platform to exhibit their work along with that of eminent artists. |
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NEHRU PLANETARIUM
The nearby Nehru Planetarium, commissioned on 3rd March 1977, has grown into a centre for scientific study of astronomy and for meeting of scientists and scholars for discussions and lectures, arranged periodically on various stellar and astronomical events. The planetarium presents a series of shows designed to increase the spectator's awe and understanding of the forces at work in the Universe. It also hosts astronomical exhibits, a scientific library and interactive tit bits.
MUMBAI HIGH COURT
This building designed by Col. JA Fuller and built in 1878 is early English Gothic. It is 562 ft long and 189 ft wide. To the west of the central tower are two octagonal towers. Statues of Justice and Mercy top this huge high court building
OLD SECRETARIAT
Designed and built by architect Col. Henry St Clair Wilkins and planners Sir Henry Bartle and Edward Frere during 1865-74, it is described as a building in the Venetian Gothic style. Comprising of a tall tower on a central staircase, the structure has arcaded verandahs and some fine stone carvings. It serves now as the City Civil and Sessions Court |
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UNIVERSITY BUILDING
The University Buildings stand between the High Court and the Old Secretariat Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, in French Gothic style in 1857. The funds for making this was donated by a Parsi philanthropist Sir Cowasji Jehangir .The convocation Hall, named after him, resembles a church. The Library Building comprises of two floors. Above the porch of the building rises the 280 ft high Rajabai Clock Tower. The Library and clock tower were commissioned in 1880, the bells and clock following two years later |
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MINT and TOWN HALL
Both the Mint and the adjoining Town Hall with their pillars and Grecian porticos, were built in the 1820's. The Mint was sanctioned by the East India Company in 1823. An inscription on the building shows it was designed by Major John Hopkins of Mumbai Engineers. The construction commenced in 1824 and was completed in 1827. The site was originally reclaimed from the sea as early as 1823.
MANI BHAVAN
This is situated at 19, Laburnum Road, Gamdevi. On various occasions between 1917 and 1934, Mahatma Gandhi stayed and worked here.. The Library on the ground floor consists of more than 20,000 books. It contains books on Gandhiji's life and his thoughts and other allied subjects. Adjoining Gandhiji's room is the exhibition depicting the Mahatma's life through pictures. The simple sitting cum bedroom used by the Mahatma is preserved behind glass. |
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CRAWFORD MARKET
Rechristened as Mahatma Phule Market, it was built in 1871 by William Emerson.
The bas-reliefs, at a height, adorning the facade, were designed by J. L. Kipling at the School of Art, a stone's throw away.
It is the largest wholesale fruit market in the country and a visit there can be a 'fruitful' experience, especially during the mango season. But sadly, most of the vegetable & fruits are moving to New Mumbai's wholesale market. |
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SIR J. J. SCHOOL OF ART
Built during the same period as the University, its importance is heightened by the fact that Rudyard Kipling was born and spent his early childhood here. His father, John Lockwood Kipling, was the Principal of the art school and under his tutelage, many local artisans received training. Some of their works were used to adorn the buildings being constructed in Mumbai during that period as sculptured panels and motifs |
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CST ( VICTORIA TERMINUS MUMBAI)
Designed by FW Stevens and built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. This is the city's most prominent building and considered architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. Built in 1878, the Italian Gothic building has a frontage of over 1500 feet. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone lion and tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 ft dome crowning the center. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a woman with a torch held aloft to symbolize progress. The tower clock, visible from outside, has a diameter of 9' with a 3' 10" minute hand and a 2' 3" hour hand run mechanically. Still ticking 120 years later it is the only one of its kind in the country.
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Marble columns support the entrance facade. The main entrance has four great doorways which open to the booking offices. The internal arrangements were designed to afford a maximum of convenience.
Amidst the cacophony of rushing commuters and hooting trains, about one thousand trains and nearly two million commuters pass through the Terminus of this country's largest railway station. The local electric trains that ferry in and out of the city leave every three to four minutes. On the other side of the building, the trains pulled by heavy diesel or steam locomotives depart to different cities and towns. Trains from the central, southern and eastern region arrive here
THE GANDHI MUSEUM
The Gandhi Museum is housed in a home Gandhi used to stay in during his visits to the city and gives a good account of his life and work. |
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DHOBI GHAT
Don’t miss out on the Dhobi Ghat where the city’s washing has been cleaned everyday for decades by pounding it on stones by the dedicated ‘dhobis’
Stroll on the beach at Marine Drive or capture the sight from one of the many hotels strategically placed. |
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SHOPPING IN MUMBAI Shopping in Mumbai is a memorable experience. Mumbai's streets, corners and pavements are lined with shops and virtually everything is available in it's bazaars and markets. Shopping in Mumbai can be air-conditioned and at a fixed price, or a street market with lots of hard bargaining.
Most of the Handicrafts emporia and bazaars are located in the downtown area. Crawford Market is famous for flowers, fruits, meat and fish. The main areas for bargain clothes are around Colaba Causeway and Fashion Street. More trendy and costly shops are at Breach Candy and Kemps Corner.
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Chor Bazaar is an antique-hunter's delight with a phenomenal collection of antiques, jewellery, wooden articles and leatherwear while nearby Zaveri Bazaar is famous for its diamond, gold and silver jewellery. The shopping arcades at the Oberoi, the Taj Mahal and other star hotels offer a good variety of up-market shops like clothes, shoes, leatherwear, jewellery, and good quality handicrafts.
Very close to Gateway of India is the main Government Emporium, which is well stocked with a variety of handicrafts and clothes. In the streets opposite to the government emporium, there are many handicraft, silver and antique shops. |
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Colaba and Flora Fountain (Hutatama Chowk), in the heart of south Mumbai, and at walking distance from Mumbai VT and Churchgate railway stations, are full of shops of all kinds, mainly ethnic artefacts and departmental stores. It is a good place to find shoes, cotton clothes, kaftans and children's clothes.
Bandra is the residential abode of Mumbai's elites. Linking Road joins Bandra to Khar and is lined up on both sides with showrooms for the affluent. But the striking contrast here is the pavement selling, a world of contrast from a posh showroom.
FESTIVALS Mumbai has traditional, religious, state and national festivals organized and celebrated in the city, depicting one or more aspects of human life, relationships or ancient traditions. Many of these festivals such as, Dussehra, Mohurram, Shivratri, Christmas, Budh purnima etc, are celebrated nation wide. Some of the popular festivals are - |
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Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug-Sep)
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the month of Aug / Sep, as the birth anniversary of Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom. The festival is so popular in Mumbai that the preparations begin months ahead. Images of Ganesha are installed and elaborate arrangements are made for lighting and decoration and celebrations are held for 7-10 days. The Chaturthi is the last day dedicated to the elephant-headed god, and thousands of processions converge on the beaches of Mumbai carrying the idols of Ganesha, to be immersed in the sea. This immersion is accompanied by drumbeats, devotional songs and dancing and marks the end of the festival.
Banganga (Jan)
The Banganga Festival is a musical extravaganza organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in January at the atmospheric Banganga tank at Walkeshwar. Top artistes from around the country perform live classical music concerts and cultural enthusiasts attend the festival and feast the soul as well as the mind.
Elephanta festival
The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11 km from Mumbai.
In February Elephanta Island comes to fervour as the site of the Elephanta Festival. Organized by MTDC, every year, renowned dancers and musicians perform outside the caves, beneath a star-studded sky, to a select and appreciative audience. Special launch services and catering arrangements are provided for visitors.
Gudhi Padava (Mar-Apr)
Gudhi Padava is the Maharashtran New Year's Day celebrated on the first day of Chaitra (Mar-Apr). This day marks the start of the Hindu solar year. It is a day of great festivity and rejoicing. People get up early and clean their houses, decorating them with intricate rangoli designs. Bamboo staffs (gudhi) decorated with silk cloths and topped with a brass goblet or kalash are erected. These are supposed to drive away evil from the houses.
Nariyal Poornima (Aug)
Nariyal Purnima or coconut day in August marks the end of the monsoons and is celebrated by Mumbai's fisher folk. Boats are painted, little oil lamps lit and set afloat amidst the waves and carried in the boats, and coconuts are broken against their bows as an offering to the Sea God and the seas are set afloat with garlands of flowers as the new fishing season begins.
Bandra Feast (Sep)The feast day of Virgin Mary is celebrated in Mumbai for a week beginning on a Sunday closest to the birthday of the Virgin Mary (Sep 8). The feast is held at the Basillica of Mount Mary in Bandra. A fair is held with huge Ferris wheels, amusements and rides, bands and shows. The devout trudge up the stairs of the church to light their candles. |
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