Mumbai Mahawar Vaish

Places of Interest


Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is one of India's most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai. The colossal structure was constructed in 1924. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbor, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. The Gateway of India is a monument that marks India's chief ports and is a major tourist attraction for visitors who arrive in India for the first time. At one point of time, this monument represented the grandeur of the British Raj in India. The total construction cost of this monument was approximately 21 lakhs and the whole expense was borne by the Indian government. A favourite spot for tourists, nowadays, this monument attracts vendors, food stalls and photographers. The passing of the 'First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry' was recorded as the first main event that took place at the Gateway of India. This ceremony was conducted on February 28, 1948, when the last set of British troops and divisions left India, post-independence.

History

The main objective behind the construction of the Gateway of India was to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay (Mumbai). In March 1911, Sir George Sydenham Clarke, who was then the Governor of Bombay, laid down the monument's first foundation. Although, this plan was approved only in 1914, the reclamations at Apollo Bunder were completed only in 1919. The architectural design of Gateway of India was fashioned by architect, George Wittet. It took 4 years to complete this monument's construction.

  • Location :  Colaba, South Mumbai
  • Highlights / Famous For :  Indo-Saracenic style of architecture
  • Nearby Tourist Attractions :   Elephanta Caves and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
  • How to Reach : 2.5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal and 2.4 km from Churchgate.

Taj Mahal Hotel

The huge and decent building of this world famous hotel is located in the Colaba region of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, next to the Gateway of India.The building of this hotel was constructed by Jamshedji Tata in the year 1904.Hotel Taj Mahal not only looked after the comfort of indian tourists but also gave an impetus to the hotel industry in India.From a historical and architectural point of view, the two buildings that make up the hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace and the Tower are two distinct buildings, built at different times and in different architectural designs.The hotel, which many claim offers the highest level of service in India, has hosted many notable guests, from presidents to captains of industry and stars of show business

  • How to Reach :  2.5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal and 2.4 km from Churchgate.
  • Tel. No. :  022-66653366

Elephanta Caves

9 nautical miles across the sea from the Gateway of India lay Elephanta, also known as ‘Gharapuri’. Visit this greenisland for the wonders of the 7th century, the painstakingly hewn rock-cut cave temple, dedicated to Shiva. The Maheshamurti panel in which Shiva is shown as a creator, protector and destroyer, is a sight that should be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. Regular excursions to Elephanta start every day from the Gateway of India. Make sure you visit the Chalukya Restaurant run by MTDC. The Caves will be closed on Monday .To get to Elephanta Caves, you will need to go to the Gateway of India in the Mumbai city. From here, get the tickets for the launch .The journey takes 1 hour to reach the island by sea. The launch travels at a speed of 14 Nautical miles. The tickets are available at the Maharastra tourism development Corp (MTDC) at the entrance of Gateway. The Caves are off-visit on Mondays although the MTDC does sell boat tickets with the ticket saying so, so be aware. The launch (boat) leaves from gate no.4 at the rear of Gateway of India. The ticket for deluxe boat is Rs.150 for Adult, Rs.90 for Child (3 to 7 years) which includes return journey. If you want to see the view from the upper deck, you have to pay Rs.10/-extra to the launch (boat) operator. Economy boat charges are Rs.20 less. Economy boat is Rs.130 for Adults.

  • Gateway Tel. No. :  022-22885220 / 022-22885221

Prince of Wales Museum

Founded in the early 1900s, this Museum is one of the premier cultural institutions in the country. On the 14th August 1905, a number of prominent people of Bombay gathered at the Town Hall and resolved to erect a Memorial to the visit of the Prince of Wales .The Foundation Stone of the Museum was laid by the Prince of Wales on 11th November 1905 and the Museum was named Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. Many things have changed since then. Bombay is now known as Mumbai and the name of the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India is changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Set against a well-laid-out garden which retains its original plan even today, the museum is an important Heritage building of the city.

  • Tel. No. :  022-22844484 /22844519

Jehangir Art Gallery

Jehangir Art Gallery is located at Kala Ghoda locality of Mumbai, Maharashtra.The construction work is carried out in the post independence era in 1952. Sir Cowasji Jehangir built this splendid structure in 1952 at his own cost. This art gallery is the most prestigious and modern venue for Indian artistes in the city. There are four exhibition halls to exhibit the work of art here. There is huge rush of artistes in this gallery to show one's works. Many of the artistes have to wait a couple of years to exhibit their works in this gallery. The gallery has a huge media attention and coverage. The building of the gallery is an enormous beautiful mansion. Jehangir Art Gallery is one of the Mumai’s well-known art galleries.

  • Visiting Hours :  11.00 am to 7.00 pm
  • Open :  On all days.
  • Entry :  Free

Rajabai Tower And University Of Mumbai

The University of Mumbai is one of the oldest and premier Universities in India.The University of Mumbai comprises a complex of two large and spacious Buildings.One of them is library and other is a convocation hall. The library and its 260 feet high Rajabai Tower were built with the handsom donation of to 200,000, a princely sum in those days. This entire cost was provided by Seth Premchand Raychand,a rich businessman and a prosperous broker who founded the Bombay Stock Exchange on the condition that the tower be named after his mother Rajabai. Premchand Roychand's mother was blind and as a staunch follower of Jain religion she was supposed to consume her dinner before evening. The evening bell of the tower helped her to know the time without anyone's help. The Rajabai Clock Tower was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, an English architect.He modeled it on Big Ben in London.The foundation stone was laid on 1 March 1869 and construction was completed in November 1878.The convocation hall was constructed with the funds generously offered by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, a prominent public sprited personality and a philanthropist.The entire construction work was completed in 1874.

  • Address :  CST Road, Kalina, Santacruz East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400098.
  • Phone :  (022) 2654 3000/(022) 2654 3000

Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk)

Flora Fountain, also known as 'Hutatma Chowk' since 1960, is declared as one of India's Heritage structures. Built in 1864, this spot houses India's prestigious fountain, located in the city of Mumbai. The name 'Flora' is derived from the name of the Roman Goddess of Flowers. The Flora Fountain was constructed by the Agri-Horticultural society of Western India. The total construction expense amounted to 47,000 Rupees and Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh donated Rs. 20,000 for its construction. The square wall within which the monument is erected is called as Hutatma Chowk. This place is also a major hub for commercial activities. Many institutes, such as the famous Bombay University, Bombay Stock Exchange and Gateway of India border the Flora fountain, in addition to other interesting places. Apart from sight-seeing, one can also spend time shopping for local delights in this place. The fountain is illumined at night and offers the most exquisite view to tourists.

History

The Flora Fountain was initially named after the Governor of Bombay, Sir Bartle Frere, but just before the fountain's inauguration in 1864, the name 'Flora' was bestowed on it. The Flora Fountain is erected in the same place where the original Churchgate of Bombay Fort once stood. The fountain was later known as 'Martyr's Square' of 'Hutatma Chowk' in 1960, to honor the 105 members of the 'Samyuktha Maharashtra Samiti', who lost their lives while fighting for a separate Maharashtrian state. The structure of the fountain was designed by R. Norman Shaw. The Flora Fountain is sculpted from Portland stone and is coated with white oil paint. James Forsythe, an engineer, was the one sculpted this monument. A magnificent statue of the Roman Goddess is installed at the top of the structure, which makes the fountain edifice even more beautiful. Flora fountain is the main business place of Mumbai and mostly the business houses,bank offices,book houses and insurance offices are situated in this area

  • How To Reach : By Road, one can hire taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the destination, as the area is well-connected by road. Public buses and trains are also available. Another way to visit the Flora Fountain is to board an MTDC, which are open-air buses run by the Government.

New Vidhan Bhavan

The new building of Vidhan Bhavan was built in the Nariman Point area,very close to Mantralaya, in 1980-81.Prime minister of India late Smt. Indira Gandhi inaugurated it. The massive building is designed and constructed by the government engineers. Altough these style and technique used for this building is entirely indigenous, it has certainly a touch of mordern architecture. The building is a complex of two distinct part attached to each other. The front part with a large dome on its top comprises of two spacious assembly hall where the business of the two houses of Maharashtra Legislative assembly and Legislative council is conducted during the winter and the monsoon session of the year. The another part of the building is a high rise multistoried building where all the offices of the state legislature are housed. Many government and semi government offices are housed in the Nariman Point complex. CIDCO, State Bank, Shipping Corporation are few of them. British Council Library, and the Y.B. Chavan Pratishthan, the well known institution engaged in social and cultural activities also are located in this area at a close distance.

  • Nearest Railway Station : Churchgate

Mahalakshmi Race Course

The Mahalaxmi Racecourse is a horse racing track situated close to Mahalaxmi station on western railway. The Racecourse is run by Western India Turf Club. The track is oval shaped with 2,400 metres straight chute, spread over approximately 225 acres of open land in the heart of Mumbai city. It was built in 1883. This is a very vast ground where horse races are conducted regularly for the period of six months. The season for the races starts from November and ends in April. This is a world famous racecourse and attracts big crowd on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the season.

  • Address :  Near Mahalaxmi Railway Station, Doctor East Moses Marg, Mahalakshmi Nagar,Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052.
  • Phone :  022- 2307 1401

Film City Mumbai

Film city Mumbai is a world of wonder. The Indian film industry is one of the largest in the world and Mumbai accounts for 60% of film production. Film City is an integrated film studio complex situated near Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Goregaon East, Mumbai in India. It has several recording rooms, gardens, lakes, theaters and grounds that serve as the venue of many Bollywood film shootings. It was built by the state government to provide facilities and concessions to the film industry. It was renamed Dadasaheb Phalke Nagar in memory of the Marathi producer-director-screenwriter Dadasaheb Phalke who was father of Indian film industry.

  • Address :  Goregaon East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400065
  • Entry :  2 Hrs guided tour right inside the film city.
  • Entry Fees :  child below 5 years entry is free and above 5years Rs. 490 + service tax

Kanheri Caves

KANHERI CAVES is one of the airiest places in the city.The Caves premises offers a pleasant break from the pollution and the noisy, metropolitan life. Nestled in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali, the Kanheri Caves are also known as the 'lungs of Mumbai', because this is the only place in the city with the maximum amount of greenery and consequently, a lot of fresh air. The caves date back to 1st century BC and are believed to be one of the oldest cave formations of the country. The Kanheri Caves are renowned for their natural Basalt formations, ancient Indian styled architecture and the 109 special entrances to the caves. The word Kanheri originates from the Sanskrit term 'Krishnagiri'. Each cave here, unlike the other caves in the country, is adorned with a 'splinth' or a rock bed. Congregation halls with large stupas also indicate that the caves were Buddhist shrines and a focal point during the Buddhist settlement in the 3rd century. The Kanheri Caves became a distinctive Buddhist institution for congregational worship, study and meditation.

A Cluster Of Rock Cut Monuments When one visits the Kanheri Caves, there is a lot to see, in terms of what the caves have to offer and even around the caves. There are about 34 unfinished paintings of Buddha within the Caves. Apart from the paintings, one should also visit the 'Vihara' (prayer hall) and the different monasteries around the cave for a glimpse of former Buddhist occupation and life. If you have had enough of history and you are looking for a bit of excitement, then planned tours, adventure sports such as rappelling/trapeze and treks around Sanjay Gandhi National Park or the Silondha Trail can also be arranged by local tourist guides. The hilly terrain of the caves also creates several, small waterfalls which are beautiful to see. Natural streams and rivers around the Kanheri Caves offer stunning views and beautiful locations for families to enjoy a small picnic while visiting the caves.

  • Location : Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai
  • Attractions :  Basalt formations, 109 special entrances, deciduous green forests, ancient architecture.
  • Best Time to Visit : October to March