| MUMBAI |
Mumbai formerly Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city proper is the second most-populous in the world, with approximately 14 million inhabitants. Along with the neighbouring cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane, it forms the world's 4th largest urban agglomeration, with around 19 million people. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour. As of 2009, Mumbai was named an Alpha world city.
The seven islands that came to constitute Bombay were home to communities of fishing colonies. For centuries, the islands came under the control of successive kingdoms and indigenous empires before being ceded to Portuguese settlers and subsequently to the British East India Company. During the mid-18th
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century, Bombay emerged as a significant trading town. Economic and educational development characterized the city during the 19th century. It became a strong base for the Indian independence movement during the early 20th century. When India became independent in 1947, the city was incorporated into Bombay State. In 1960, following the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, a new state of Maharashtra was created with Bombay as the capital. It was renamed Mumbai in 1996.
Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment centre of India, generating 5% of India's GDP, and accounting for 25% of industrial output, 40% of maritime trade, and 70% of capital transactions to India's economy. Mumbai is home to important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India and the corporate headquarters of numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations. The city also houses India's Hindi film and television industry, known as Bollywood. Mumbai's business opportunities, as well as its potential to offer a higher standard of living, attract migrants from all over India and, in turn, make the city a potpourri of many communities and cultures. |
| PLACES OF ATTRACTION: |
Gateway of India: : |
It is a monument in Mumbai located on the waterfront in Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai, the Gateway is a basalt arch 26 metres (85 ft) high. It was a crude jetty used by fisher folks and was later renovated and used as a landing place for British governors and other distinguished personages. Its design is a combination of both Hindu and Muslim architectural styles, the arch is in Muslim style while the decorations are in Hindu style. The Gateway is built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. |
Chatrapati Shivaji Vastusanghralya: |
it’s named after the Prince of Wales, when King George came to India. He laid the foundation stone of this building in 1905. The style and architecture are principally 16th century Muslim art. It is a quite big museum having three sections i.e. art, natural history and archeology. It remains closed every Monday.
Jahangit Art Gallery: the first permanent art gallery in Mumbai was built in 1952. It holds exhibitions of paintings and sculptures time to time. Sir Jahangir Cowasji, after whom it is named was a great patron of art.
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Rajahai Clock Tower: |
it is situated in the compound of Mumbai University and is named after Rajabai, mother of Premchand Raichand, famous banker and merchant of 19th century. the clock tower is 280ft. high and it costs Rs. 3 lack to erect it. The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen statue depict various Indian castes. |
Hutatma Chaowk: |
means, the square of sacrifice, it is named in the memory of 105 martyrs killed in the movement of Samyukat Maharashtra. Previously it was known as Flora Fountain. |
Marine Drive: |
the long stretch of road lines on the east with modern buildings & out skirting a fine seaside drive on the west from Nariman Point to Chowpatty, you will find many new buildings. If you stretch the road from Malabar Hill, down Marine Drive when illuminated at night resembles to diamond necklace, and is generally known as “Queens Necklace”. |
Taraporawala Aquarium: |
it is sitauetd at Marine Drive and was built in 1951. In the hall, fish of various specimens brought from different parts of the world are displayed in the tanks, which look like picture frames in Masonite partitions. |
Chowpatty: |
it’s an open sea area. There are many stalls of Mumbai’ s favourite delicious dishes like Bhel puri, Pav Bhaji, Chaat, etc. also you will find big statute of Lokmanya Tilak over here. Pony ride is also available. Social and political meetings and religious ceremonies takes place. |
Hanging Garden: |
it’s a terrace garden constructed on top of three reservoirs. The soil is spread over the tanks from 6 inches to 30 inches. The water reservoirs were constructed in 1880 and again renovated in 1921 to increase its capacity upto 30 million gallons of water. Water is then cleaned and chlorinated and supplied to entire Mumbai.
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Haji – Ali – Gargah: |
it is situated in the middle of the sea about 500 yards from the road. It is named after the great saint Haji Ali. Thousands of people of every religion visit this Dargah for prayers. Only during the low tide, you can reach the shrine through a narrow concrete path.
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Elephanta Caves: |
they are situated on a small island about 11 kms. from the Gateway of India by boat. The name was given by the Portuguese from a large elephant structure they found there, which is renowned to the Veer Jijamata Udhyan, Mumbai.
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Essel World: |
This is Mumbai's only international-style amusement centre situated close to Gorai Beach. Special ferries get you across to the park and the entrance fee normally takes care of a fixed number of rides. These include the standard roller coaster and adventure themes, plus a water world section where kids can literally run amok.
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Mahalaxmi Temple: |
the temple is situated on the bank of the sea. It is dedicated to the goddess of wealth. Three images of Goddess Mahalaxmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati can be seen. The temple is strictly for Hindus only.
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Race Course: |
on the eastern side of Hornby Vellard is the Race Course, one of the finest in the world during the season which starts in the beginning of November and lasts up to the middle of April. Races are held every Saturday, Sunday and other holidays.
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Kanheri Caves: |
they are about 7-8 kms from Borivali railway station. There are 109 caves, some of which are best in India. The unfinished caves number 1 with massive pillars, number 2 with large hall and attractive sculpture and above all number 3 where there are 2 massive stupas of Lord Buddha, are among the important ones.
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Jain Temple: |
Built in marble in 1904, the shrine is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara or apostle. The walls of the temple are adorned with colourful paintings depicting various incidents in the lives of the 24 tirthankaras of the Jain religion. On the first floor is a special shrine dedicated to Parsvanath carved out of black marble& the ceiling shows the different planets as personified in Hindu mythology.
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