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 Commonly
known as ‘Bombay’ until 1996, Mumbai is
the commercial capital of India.Bombay was a cluster
of seven islands called Heptanasia by Ptolemy in 150
A.D. Geologicaly, Bombay forms a part of peninsular
India, which is considered to be the oldest part of
the country.
Kala Ghoda Art District
This is a magical place, for those who are willing
to look through the dust and grime, to discover a world
of architectural treasures that are now, being painstakingly
brought into their own. The Kala Ghoda Art District,
covering roughly 2 square kilometres, drew its name
from a huge statue of King Edward VIII astride a black
horse (Kala Ghoda in Hindi) that once graced the centre
of the main thoroughfare. Beginning from the Regal Cinema
(behind the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai), this hub of culture
is home to a heady mix of quaint restaurants, museums,
educational institutions, cultural organisations, theatres
and art galleries, making it comparable to many international
art districts. It is also the venue of a two-week annual
festival (February) that transforms it into a cultural
wonderland -The Kala Ghoda Festival.
Victoria Terminus
One of the city's largest buildings, this terminus
station of Central Railway seldom is graced with an
elaborate Italian Gothic design. The first train to
steam out of this station, abbreviated as VT, to Thane
was in 1853.
Gateway of India
A ceremonial arch built in 1927 to commemorate the
visit of King George V and Queen Mary is located in
the southernmost peninsula of the city. Constructed
in honey-coloured basalt, the design of the gateway
was inspired by 16th century Gujarati Architecture.
The changing light of the rising and setting sun bathes
this imposing arch with various hues of gold, russet
and pink. The Gateway holds historical significance
as the last of the British troops leaving Independent
India by sea, marched through its portals.
Marine Drive
This sweeping Queen's Necklace, flickering with a thousand
lights at night turns into the main thoroughfare linking
Malabar Hill and the northern parts of the island to
the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman
Point and Fort.
Flora Fountain
It stands at a busy five-point intersection in the
heart of the commercial Fort area. The beautifully sculptured
fountain was erected in the memory of the Governor,
Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere, as a tribute to the contribution
he made to the city.
Chowpatty Beach
This stretch of beach is well known by locals and tourists
alike as a great place to indulge your taste buds in
the evenings. A 'food-plaza' of stalls offering a range
of snacks like 'bhel-puri', 'chaat', 'kulfi'
and fresh coconut water! Chowpatty, situated at the
northern end of Marine Drive, is a great place to witness
the annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in August/September
when large images of the elephant-headed god are immersed
in the murky sea. As a part of the city's cleanliness
and beautification drive, Chowpatty is also being given
a face-lift.
Malabar Hill
On the northern promontory of Back Bay is the expensive
residential area of Malabar Hill, favoured for its cool
breezes and fine views over Back Bay. The formal Hanging
Gardens, known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, on top
of the hill, Kamala Nehru Park and the Banganga temple
complex at Walkeshwar invite tourist attention here.
Elephanta Island
Rock-cut temples on this peaceful Island, 10 km northeast
of the Gateway of India, are the Mumbai's major tourist
attractions. Believed to have been carved between 450
A.D. and 750 A.D, the temples are still worth a visit.
The main cave contains large sculpted panels relating
to Siva, including the astonishing 6 metre high triple-headed
Trimurti - in which Siva embodies the roles of creator,
preserver and destroyer.
Juhu Beach
Situated 30 km from the city, Juhu is a crowded beach
with residential apartments and bungalows surrounding
it. It seems as if the entire population of the area
descends on the beach for a breath of fresh air! The
central part has food stalls again, similar to Chowpatty.
And a lot more, in terms of fun-rides for children.
Kalbadevi
A visit to Mumbai is incomplete without a foray into
the bazaars of Kalbadevi, north of Crawford Market.
The narrow lanes of this predominantly Muslim area are
hemmed in by laundry-draped tenements, and a seething
mass of people that bring Mumbai's traffic to a standstill. |
