mumbai guide

The Gateway of India, which graces the locally known Apollo Bunder Pier, was designed by George Witiet to commemorate George V and Queen Mary’s visit to India in 191 1. It was inspired by 16th Century Gujarati architecture. From here one can take launch cruises. A launch service is also available to take people on expeditions to the 6th Century Caves of Elephanta. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

The PrinceofWales Museum was designed by George Wittet and completed in 1914. Built in the grand Indo-Saracenic style from locally quarried yellow and blue basalt and topped with a Bijapur style dome, it stands in beautiful gardens. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway) or C.S.T (V.T) (Central Railway).

One of Mumbai’s outstanding landmarks, the Rajabai Clock Tower is stuated in the gardens of Mumbai University. Based on plans by George Gilbert Scott and completed in the 1870’s, it is said to have been inspired by Giotto’s Campanile in Florence. It houses the University Library, which was endowed by a Hindu businessman, Premchand Raichand, in memory of his mother Rajabai. It is 280 feet tall with five storeys and at a height of 30 feet, there are eight statues representing the Indian castes. The tower clock is reported to have played 16 tunes including’Rule Britannia’. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

Also known as Hutatma Chowk, Flora Fountain is a statue of the Roman Goddess of Spring erected in 1869 in memory of British Governor Sir Bartle Frere. Frere was responsible for the demolition of the Fort walls in 1864. It remains a major downtown landmark in Mumbai’s business centre. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

This modern style building houses the offices of the Government of Maharashtra. Near this building at a little distance is Yogakshema and the offices of Life Insurance Corp. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

V.T is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (C.S.T) and is Mumbai’s architectural masterpiece. It stands on the old Bori Bunder station from where Asia’s first train departed on 6th April, 1853. It is said that in the 17th century the Portuguese used to hang their criminals in the station’s vicinity. This solid Gothic structure was designed in 1878 by F. W. Stevens and cost 1.6 million rupees to build. The statue atop the dome and the intriguing figures of animals and birds represent ‘Progress’ and ‘Prosperity’- It is the headquarters of the Central Railway system consisting of 14 platforms. It offers passenger amenities and also operates local trains.

Chor Bazaar is commonly known as Thieves’Market, a name coined by the British but perhaps mistakenly. It is also thought that the original name was Shor Bazaar (Noisy Market) which aptly described the yelling and shouting of the local traders on Mutton Street while selling their second hand household goods. Today, it is a hustling bustling market selling an eclectic range of new and old furniture and bric-a-brac. The traders, whose families have been in this business for generations, scour the countryside buying goods to sell in the market.You must visit Chor Bazaar.

This is Mumbai’s pride. It is a popular promenade and is Mumbai’s favourite spot for watching the sun setting over the Arabian Sea. It is fondly called the “Queen’s Necklace” because of the dramatic curve of its streetlights at night. Horse drawn Victoria rides are available from either ends of the promenade. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

Situated at Mahalaxmi, opp. The Haji Ali Dargha, this world class race course was built under the enthusiastic direction of Major J. E.Hughes. There are two enclosures, one for Members and the other for the general public. The Indian Derby is always in February. Mumbai’s horse-racing season runs from November to April. The big races are major social occasions. Nearest station is Mahalaxmi (Western Railway).

The Nehru Centre was designed by the renowned architect M. Kadri and houses the ‘Discovery of India Exposition’. The design of the building is said to embody Nehru’s vision of lndia’s step-by-step rise from an agricultural nation to a modern industrialised state. The’Discovery of lndia’s exposition tracks lndia’s history from prehistoric times to Independence in 1947. Three dimensional replicas of major architectural and artistic works, diorama, photographs and audio visual are displayed. Nearest station is Mahalaxmi (Western Railway).