Mumbai, India's economic powerhouse, pulses with power and energy. This great city of more than ten million people is the capital of the state of of Maharashtra and also the commercial capital of the whole country. Center of industry, transportation, and communication, its fine harbor on the Arabian Sea makes its one of the world's busiest ports. .....

SIGHTSEEING

GATE WAY INDIA
What could be more appropriate a beginning than the 'entrance' to the port of Mumbai? 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-co-loured basalt, the gateway was designed by George Wittet, inspired by 16th century Gujarat Style.
The changing light of the rising and setting sun gives varied hues of gold, ruset and pink to the imposing arch. Historically, the Gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left 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 Malbar Hill - and the northern parts of the island - to the southern most points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman point and Fort. .

VICTORIAL TERMINUS
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.

CARWFORD MARKET
Rechristened as Mahatma Phule Market, 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.


FLORA FOUNTAIN
It stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of the comercial 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.

CHOWPATTY BEACH
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.

JUHU
Situated 30 km from the city, it 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.

PRINCE OF WALES
This museum was built to commemorate King George V's first visit to India in 1905 while he was still Prince of Wales. Among the more interesting items is a very fine collection of miniature paintings, bas-reliefs from the Elephanta Caves and Buddha images

 

HAZI ALI MOSQUE
In the days when most visitors came to India by ship and when Mumbai was the principal port, this was indeed the "gateway" to India. Today it is merely Mumbai's foremost landmark. The gateway was concieved following the visit of King George V in 1911 and officially opened in 1924. Architecturally it is conventional Arch of Triumph, with elements in its design derived from Muslim styles of 16th century Gujarat.
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 for his contribution towards the building of Mumbai. Hutatma Chawk (Martyrs Square) is the new name given to the area around it, as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the fight for setting up the state of Maharashtra in the Indian Union. The spot is also a popular landmark for the congregation of rallies and meetings both political and apolitical.
This mosque is located in the causeway protruding into the Arabian sea. The white mosque is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali. Haji Ali was a wealthy Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to Mecca. It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket miraculously drifted and came to the spot where the mosque is built toady. The mosque can only be approached during low tide. The mosque is surrounded by refreshment stalls and other kinds of shops which take away the sombre of the place. The rocks behind the mosque is a good place to catch sea breezes.