Mumbai Sightseeing

The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911.Constructed in honey-coloured basalt, the gateway was designed by George Wittet, inspired by 16th century Gujarat Style.Historically, the Gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left Independent India by sea, marched through its portals.

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This sweeping Queen's Necklace, flickering with a thousand lights at night turns into the main thoroughfare linking Malbar Hill - and the northern parts of the island - to the southern most points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nasriman point and Fort.

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Bombay's Victoria Terminus is no mere railway station; it is a prominent city centre around which metro life ebbs and flow. Built of yellow sandstone and granite, it is one of the finest examples of British Raj architecture, combining elements that are distinctly Gothic and Victorian, and embellished with blue-gray basalt that has been sculptured in fine detail. The handsome building could have been anything but a railway station, and in fact, in recent times, was converted into a public art gallery in a unique experiment of taking contemporary art to the people.

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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 Governer, Sir Henery Bartle Edward Frere, as a tribute for his contribution towards the building of Mumbai.

This colourful market north of VT, also known as Mahatma Phule Market, is the last outpost of British Bombay before the tumult of kalbadevi's bazaars begins, 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.

Eight km from the center of the city is located a center which tells about the universe. the Nehru planetarium is engaged in recreating image of the sky as seen from any where on the Earth any time. It unfolds the mysteries of the cosmos. They also screening regular film shows on the outer space which are of particular interest for children. Close by is the Nehru Science center which is a science park and permanent exhibits on intricacies of life. The antique models of Railway engines, aero planes, tramcar and steam lorry are very exciting to see.

 The modest Kamala Nehru Park (located on Bal Gangadhar Kher Rd) has several vantage points with panoramic views of Chowpatty Beach, Back Bay and the city. Named after the wife of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The park covers an area of 4000 sq. yards and from here one enjoys a magnificent view of Marine Drive 'Queen's Necklace'. A constant source of enjoyment is the gigantic 'Old Lady's Shoe' meant for children to play in. From the top of the shoe you can survey the entire garden. Another feature here is the lovely pavilion, which is surrounded by beautiful flowers and huge lawns. There is also a map of the city engraved in copper.

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The Hanging Gardens or Ferozshah Mehta Gardens were laid in 1881 on top of a reservoir on the Malabar Hills. This place has become a heaven for dating couples nevertheless the place provides a good view of the city. Nearby is the Kamla Nehru park. From the park one can have the best possible views of the Marine drive and the Chowpatty beach.

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The uninspiring Taraporewala Aquarium has a motley collection of freshwater and ocean fish, a tacky shell collection, a Christ crab with a crucifix on its shell, and a Qurban fish that supposedly has verses from the holy book inscribed on its tail

The building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his frequent visits to Bombay has been turned into a modest museum. It was the home of diaomond merchant and Indian National Congress supporter Revashankar Jhaveri. Gandhi's simple room remains untouched and contains little more than his trademark charkha (spinnig wheel) and charpoy (rope bed). It's said that this is where the Mahatma first learned how to use the spinning wheel, which became such an important part of his philosophy. There's library of Gandhian literature and also a cabinet marked 'Books Read By Gandhi', which includes lots of Tolstoy and Shakespeare and a well-thumbed copy of Les Miserables. The rest of the museum is devoted to photographic exhibits, framed leters and 3-D tableaux of key events in Gandhi life. Mani Bhavan is at 19 Laburnum Rd, near August Kranti Maidan where the campaign to persuade the British to 'Quit India' was launched in 1942.

The national gallery of Modern art in Mumbai exhibits lots of modern Indian art which are of a very high quality. The showcase includes a collection of some very interesting pieces of art. National Gallery is the revamped version of Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public hall. Near the National Gallery is the Jehangir art gallery which is the venue for exhibitions to many artists and on various occasions. The place also organizes exhibitions for touring exhibits.

Chowpatty Beach is in the heart of Mumbai. Chowpatty has rich historical links to the freedom movement; several important meetings were organized here during the freedom struggle. At present, this is where images of Ganesha are immersed after the ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi. Though the beaches remain empty throughout the day, it is a hub of activity in the evenings. On this beach the most famous are the Kiosks. These stalls sell all kinds of Chatt & Tikki and who can forget the famous Bhelpuri of Chowpatty. On the beach itself is a small colony of the original inhabitants of Mumbai, The Koli fishermen who can be seen drying their catch or mending their nets. Statues of Lokmanya Tilak and Sardar Patel, two of the most outstanding Maharashtrian freedom fighters, stand on the beach.

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