ABOUT MUMBAI:

• The financial and commercial capital of India is a modern metropolis as well as a living museum of the British era in India.
• It was originally a cluster of seven islands namely, Colaba, Fort, Byculla, Parel, Worli, Matunga and Mahim, which have been linked through successive reclamations.
• In 1534, the seven islands were ceded to Portugal by the sultan of Gujarat in the ‘Treaty of Bassein’.
• The major island of the group of Mumbadevi was passed on to Britishers in 1661, as part of the dowry when Catherine of Braganza married England’s Charles II.
• In 1665, the British occupied all the seven islands and leased them to East India Company.
• Today, the vibrant metropolis presents a true cosmopolitan outlook.

 

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), Mumbai, 10 kms away from Mumbai city centre.
• Rail: Lakmanya Tilak Terminus Railway Station (LTT) 3 kms away, Bandra Terminus Railway Station (BDTS) 6.5 kms away, Dadar Railway Station (DR) 8 kms away, Mumbai Central Railway Station (BCT) 14 kms. away and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station (CSTM) 17 kms away from Mumbai city centre.
• Road: Well connected with NH 3, NH 4, NH 6, NH 8, NH 9 and NH 17.

 

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

FORT & MONUMENTS	Gateway of India Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) Hutatma Chowk (Flora Fountain) High Court Rajabai Clock Tower Town Hall Bassein Fort Karnala Bird Sanctuary & Fort Murud-Janjira
HOLY CENTRE	Elephanta Caves Babulnath Temple Bholeshwar Temple ISKCON or Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple Mahalaxmi Temple Mumba Devi Temple Siddhi Vinayak Temple Walkeshwar Temple Afghan Church or St. John’s Church St. Thomas Cathedral The Gloria Church Mount Mary Basilica Haji Ali Raudat Tahara Ambarnath
SCENIC SITES	Netaji Subhash Marg or Marine Drive Matheran
PARK & GARDENS	Kamla Nehru Park Pherozshah Mehta Gardens (Hanging Garden) Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan (Victoria Gardens) Sanjay Gandhi National Park Essel World & Water Kingdom Fantasy Land Karnala Bird Sanctuary & Fort
MUSEUM & AUDITORIUM	Taraporewala Aquarium Bahu Daji Lad Museum (Victoria & Albert Museum) Bombay Natural History Society (Hornbill House) Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Memorial) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalay (Prince of Wales Museum) Nehru Planetarium
BEACHES	Chowpatty Beach Erangal Beach Gorai Beach Juhu Beach Madh, Marve & Manori Beaches Alibag Murud-Janjira
LAKE	Tansa Lake & Sanctuary Vaitarna Lake & Dam
WILDLIFE	Tansa Lake & Sanctuary
FAIRS & FESTIVALS	Ganesh Chaturthi Diwali Eid Holi Christmas

For more information visit https://mumbaicity.gov.in/

ATTRACTIONS OF MUMBAI

 

Gateway of India:

• 26 metres high archway was built to commemorate the visit of King George Vand Queen Mary to India in 1911.
• It has a main, large arch flanked by two smaller arches, at the top are four spires enclosing a small space with large balconies on either side.
• An equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji and statue of Swami Vivekananda have been installed here.
• There are plenty of launches and cruisers anchored in the sea near the archway, which carry tourist to the famous Elephanta Caves.
• Famous Taj Mahal Hotel facing the Gateway of India is also a prominent landmark of Mumbai.

 

Elephanta Caves:

• 9 kms away by sea.
• 7^th century rock cut cave temples on Gharapuri or Elephanta Island dedicated to Lord Shiva is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO.
• The Maheshmorti in the main cave is one of the most renowned and attractive sculptures.
• Here Shiva is shown is shown in one single carving as the Creator, Protector and Destroyer of the Universe.
• Other deities of Hindu trinity, Brahma and Vishnu are also shown in the panels along with Shiva.
• The island can be approached by launches and cruises available at the Gateway of India.

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus):

• First railhead of India is one of the largest and oldest train terminuses of the East.
• Designed by F.W. Stevens in Gothic style, the modern terminus is one of the most magnificent railway stations of the world.
• It was built over a ten-year period from 1878–88 at a cost of Rs. 16,35,562.
• Station has an imposing dome surmounted by a figure symbolising progress.
• Recently, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

 

Hutatma Chowk (Flora Fountain):

• Stone figure of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers is set at the junction of five busy streets.
• It is surrounded by fountains and host of mythological figures and was built in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of Bombay (1862 – 1867).
• There is also a martyr’s memorial in the same premises.
• Today, the area around the square is a flourishing businesscentre of Mumbai.

 

High Court:

• Imposing white-pinnacle building was built in 1878 and designed by Gen.
• A. Fuller in English Gothic style.
• It is 169 metres long and the central structure soars upto 54.2 metres, surmounted by statues representing Justice and Marcy.

 

Rajabai Clock Tower:

• 19^th century clock tower at the university campus rises to a height of 79 metres.
• It is the most conspicuous landmark of Mumbai.

 

Town Hall:

• Colonnaded building overlooking the Horniman circle house the Asiatic Society Library.

 

Netaji Subhash Marg or Marine Drive:

• It is one of the most beautiful and popular promenades in the world.
• Reclaimed from the Back Bay, the drive starts from Nariman Point via Chowpatty Beach upto the Malabar Hill.
• Exhilarating view of the promenade can be enjoyed from Malabar Hill, especially at night, when the string of lights on the curve shine like  pearls and appears like a ‘Queen’s Necklace’.

 

Taraporewala Aquarium:

• It houses an exotic collection of marine and fresh water fish.

 

Bahu Daji Lad Museum (Victoria & Albert Museum):

• Museum set amidst lush Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan was originally established in 1855, as treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts.
• Today, it has a rich collection if archaeological finds original maps, photographs, prints and paintings depicting the history of Mumbai.
• Museum was recently honoured with an ‘Award of Excellence’ by UNESCO under its Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation Programme, 2005.

 

Bombay Natural History Society (Hornbill House):

• It is located near Prince of Wales museum and is a treasure house of nature wonders.

 

Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Memorial):

• Mahatma Gandhi often resided here during his visits to the city.
• It is now preserved as a national memorial.
• Building houses a research library, a film and recording archive and set of diorama on Gandhiji’s life.

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalay (Prince of Wales Museum):

• It is  now of the best museum in the country and was earlier named after King George V, who as Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone in 1905.
• Museum a housed in an impressive building built in indo – Saracenic style and is surrounded by well laid out gardens.

 

Nehru Planetarium:

• This imposing structure at Worli, houses the only astronomical centre of the city.
• The circular sky theatre of the planetarium recreates an image of the sky as seen from anywhere on the earth.
• A library here has a rich wealth of books specialising on astronomy, astrophysics and space science.
• Nehru Science Centre, adjacent to the planetarium is specially designed for children and youth.

 

Kamla Nehru Park:

• Children’s park named after the wife of Jawahar Lal Nehru is perched on the beautiful slopes of Malabar Hill.
• It was laid in 1952 and commands a panoramic view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach.
• “Old Woman’s Shoe” along with the swings and slides in the park are centre of attraction for children.

 

Pherozshah Mehta Gardens (Hanging Garden):

• Beautiful garden was laid out in 1881, atop a water reservoir.
• It is also a popular picnic spot and the sun-set view from here is spectacular.

 

Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan (Victoria Gardens):

• Lush garden is a comprehensive complex of a Botanical Garden, Zoo and Museum, which has cultural and historical exhibits.
• Elephant, camel, pony and boat rides are available.

 

Babulnath Temple:

• Temple of Lord Shiva to the south of Malabar Hill was built in 1780 and a tall spire was added to the structure in 1900.
• It enshrines a black stone Shivalingam and idols of various gods and goddesses.

 

Bholeshwar Temple:

• It is dedicated to Lord Shiva also known as Bholeshwar (the Pure One).
• Temple is covered with brass plates and has a red flag adorned with representation of the sun and moon.

 

ISKCON or Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple:

• Magnificent shrine at Juhu is worth visiting, especially during the morning and evening prayers.

 

Mahalaxmi Temple:

• Shrine of Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is set picturesquely on a rocky promontory at the edge of the sea and is one of the most popular shrines of Mumbai.
• Present temple was built in the 18^th century and enshrines elaborately ornamented statues of Mahalaxmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati.

 

Mumba Devi Temple:

• It is dedicated to Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the city.
• It is believed to have been originally built by Koli fisherman in the 1^st century B.C.
• Temple was erected at the present site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and was demolished by the British in 1739.
• New shrine was later reconstructed at Kalbadevi in 1753 and enshrines a beautifully ornamented image of the goddess.

 

Siddhi Vinayak Temple:

• Mumbaites have great respect and devotion for this holy shrine of Lord Ganesh, at Prabhadevi.

 

Walkeshwar Temple:

• Ancient temple near Malabar hill is said to have been built in 1000 A.D. by Silhara Kings.
• It was vandalised by the Portuguese in 16^th century and was beautiful rebuilt by Rama Kamthi, a wealthy Brahmin in 1715.
• As per legends Lord Rama made a Shivlingam out of sand (Waluk) and prayed here.
• The sacred Banganga Tank nearby is said to have been created by Lord Rama.

 

Afghan Church or St. John’s Church:

• Magnificent church at Colaba, with wide Gothic arches and beautiful stained glass windows.
• It was built in 1847, in the memory of the British soldiers who fell in the Sindh and Afghan campaigns of 1838 and 1843.

 

St. Thomas Cathedral:

• Church at fort is a fine blend of the classical and Gothic styles of architecture.
• It also has several interesting memorials and monuments.

 

The Gloria Church:

• Church located at Byculla, was originally built by Portuguese in 1632.
• It was demolished and built in Gothic style in 1911.

 

Mount Mary Basilica:

• Church dedicated to Mother Mary at Bandra is one of the most important Marian pilgrim centres of the world

 

Haji Ali:

• It houses the tomb of a Muslim saint, who died while on pilgrimage to Mecca.
• When casket containing his mortal remains floated and came to rest on a rocky bed in the sea, devotees constructed the tomb and mosque at this spot.
• Mosque set amidst the waters if the sea can be approached through a causeway, which gets submerged during the high tide.

 

Raudat Tahara:

• It has marble mosque and mausoleum built by the Dawoodi Bohra Muslims in honour of their spiritual leader, the late Dr. Syedna Tahar Saifuddin.

 

Chowpatty Beach:

• Poplar beach in the ‘Heart of Mumbai’ has a special place in the life of Mumbaites.
• It is the venue for important festivals like Coconut day and the Ganesh Chaturthi immersions.

 

ATTRACTIONS AROUND MUMBAI

 

Sanjay Gandhi National Park:

• It is located near Borivalli railway station, which is about 35 kms by suburban electric train from the town.
• Park also called a Krishnagiri Upvan, has the Gandhi Smriti Mandir on Pavilion Hill.
• Lion Safari Park is very exciting.
• Kanheri Caves, one of the largest groups of Buddhist caves in western India, are another attraction of the park.

 

Essel World & Water Kingdom:

• 70 kms away from Mumbai city near Gorai Beach.
• Very popular theme park offers exciting rides and games.
• Water Kingdom nearly is great experience for any water loving individual.
• Nearest railhead is Malad or Borivalli from where the journey has to be made by road and sea.
• It is also approachable by road via Bhayandar on Western Express Highway.

 

Fantasy Land:

• 29 kms away from Mumbai city at Jogeshwari.
• Amusement Park is smaller in size and cheaper as compared to Essel World.

 

Erangal Beach:

• 35 kms by suburban electric train to Malad, thence by road.
• Hotels and shacks are available at this lovely beach.

 

Gorai Beach:

• Clean and calm beach of Gorai, is located 59 kms from the city centre.
• Nearest railhead is Borivali, from there by bus or auto to Gorai creek, which has to be crossed by ferry.
• Famous theme park – Essel World is located nearby.

 

Juhu Beach:

• Second most popular beach of Mumbai lies on the Bandra-Khar road, about 20 kms from the city centre.
• Crowded beach lined by bungalows and high rise apartments offers various entertainment and amusements.

 

Madh, Marve & Manori Beaches:

• 44.8 kms, 38.4 kms and 44 kms respectively by suburban electric train to Malad, and thence 12 kms, 5.6 kms and 6.4 kms respectively by road.
• Ferry services available from Marve Manori beach.

 

Alibag:

• 112 kms away from Mumbai city.
• Fine beach resort was the home of Shivaji’s admiral, Angre.
• There are two sea forts known as Khanderi and Undheri.
• Nearby, Chaul is an old fortress town.
• It is also a convenient base for visiting Kihim and Nagaon beaches.
• Resort is well connected by road with Mumbai via Panvel and Pen.

 

Ambarnath:

• 70 kms away from Mumbai city.
• Hindu pilgrim centre is famous for the 11^th century Somnath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• It is also a popular picnic spot connected by local trains from Mumbai.

 

Bassein Fort:

• 15^th century Portuguese Fort is 76.8 kms by sub-urban electric train to Bassein Road and thence 4.8 kms by road.

 

Karnala Bird Sanctuary &Fort:

• Sanctuary lies on the Mumbai – Goa road, 61 kms away from Mumbai city.
• An old fort nearby is quite interesting.

 

Matheran:

• 105 kms away from Mumbai city.
• Clean and quiet hill resort in the Western Ghats is a favourite weekend destination for Mumbaites.
• Some of the important sites ate – Charlotte Lake, the Panorama and the Sunset Points and various other viewpoints.
• Matheran is also known for came and leather articles and chikki, a special sweatmeat.
• The ‘Toy Train’ playing between Neral and Matheran was started in March 1907, covering a distance of 21 kms on 610 mm gauge.
• Beautiful section is very popular among the visitors.

 

Murud-Janjira:

• 165 kms away from Mumbai city.
• Beautiful coastal town is famous for Janjira, an impregnable island-fortress, 5 kms south of Murud.
• It was built in 1140, by Siddi Johar and became the capital of Siddis during 16^th century.
• The fort remained virtually invincible in its lifespan.
• The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira Caves are worth visiting.
• Murud lies 45 kms south of Alibag and the nearest railhead is at Roha (50 kms) on the Konkan Railway.

 

Tansa Lake & Sanctuary:

• Tansa Lake is 103 kms by sub-urban electric train to Atgaon and thence 14.4 kms by road.
• Lush forests around the lake are haven for many species of bird’s animals.

 

Vaitarna Lake & Dam:

• Scenic lake and dam lies on the Kalyan – Nashik railway route.
• It is 122 kms by sub-urban electric train to Khardi and thence 12.8 kms by road.