Places to See

Gateway of India, the principal landmark of Mumbai, was the principal port when the visitors came to India by ship. The gateway was conceived, following the visit of King George V to India in 1911, and was officially opened in 1924. Its architecture is akin to the conventional Arch of Triumph, with elements derived from Muslim styles of 16th century Gujarat. Near the gateway is the Colaba Causeway, which extends to the end of Colaba promontory, the southern end of Mumbai Island. Sassoon dock is always interesting to visit at dawn, when the fishing boats come in and unload their catch.

The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. Johns church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit. The Prince of Wales Museum, built to commemorate King George's V visit to India, was opened in 1923. It is modelled on the Indo - Saracenic design, and has sections for art and paintings, archaeology, and natural history. The Jehangir Art Gallery is within the compound of the Museum, and displays paintings of modern Indian artists. Flora Fountain is also nearby, and is the business centre of India, housing many of the major banks and offices. It was erected in 1869 in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, who was governor of Mumbai from 1862-67. Close to the fountain is the Cathedral of St. Thomas begun by Gerald Aungier in 1672, but formally opened in 1718.

Victoria Terminus

One of the most popular promenades of Mumbai is the Marine Drive, built on land reclaimed during 1920, and runs along the shoreline of Back bay, starting at Nariman point, and sweeping around by Chowpatty beach upto Malabar hills. Chowpatty beach is one of Mumbai's famous beaches, and is a popular spot for people seeking evening outs. It is also a scene for the vibrant annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival. A major landmark of this vibrant city is the VT or Victoria Terminus which was designed in Italian Gothic style by F. W. Stevens. The first train to steam out of Mumbai was from here to Thane in 1853.

Taraporewala Aquarium is also on Marine drive, and has both fresh water and saltwater fishes. On top of the Malabar hills are the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, which offer superb views over Mumbai. Some distance away from Malabar Hills is Mahalaxmi Temple, the oldest temple in Mumbai, dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth. Haji Ali tomb and mosque is located nearby, and can be reached by a long causeway, which can be crossed at low tide. Other attractions of Mumbai include the Juhu beach and the Nehru Planetarium.

Mumbai Home-|- Around Mumbai
Bombay(mumbai) -|- Aurangabad -|- Ajanta -|- Ellora