The eastern equivalent of New York City and the financial capital of the country, is constantly abuzz with activities. It has a very active nightlife for those inclined towards urban modes of entertainment. Some places of
interest to include on the must-watch list are: Gateway of India, The Prince of Wales Museum, Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - previously known as Victoria Terminus, a humongous architectural stone structure built by the British more than 200 years ago, Girgaon chowpati (beach), Downtown Mumbai - reminiscent of the 19th century British architecture.
Some pristine beaches can be found towards the south of Mumbai, for eg. Madh island beach. Elephanta Caves, carved out of a giant stone on an island are a short ferry away into the Arabian sea. Ferries can be rented from The Gateway of India. There is no dearth of luxury hotels that dot the city near all important tourist places. The city has one of the most active public transport system rivaling the best in the world in terms of density and reach.
Mumbai Sightseeing
The city’s long association with the British is reflected in the old world charm of its buildings made in the Indo-Saracen style. Some of the well-known landmarks are the Gateway of India at Apollo Bunder overlooking the harbour. The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, in the 16th century architectural style of Gujarat.
The Flora Fountain at the Hutatma Chowk was built in 1869 in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of Bombay, and the man responsible for much of Bombay; the stately Rajabai Clock Tower rises from the ornamented building of the Mumbai University; the High Court building next door was built in Neo-Gothic style as an imposing edifice to British Justice; the lavishly iced cake of the Gothic Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), the main railhead on the Central
Railway; Mumbai's famous Crawford Market, the Afghan Church in Colaba and the Prince of Wales Museum, its central hall topped by a huge white dome, supposedly inspired by the Gol Gumbaz of Bijapur.
The Prince Of Wales Museum was also built to commemorate the visit of King George V. Built in the Indo- Saracenic style, the Museum stands amidst a well-laid ornamental garden. The museum was opened in 1923 and is divided into three sections art, archaeology and natural history. It has an impressive collection of artefacts from Elephanta Island, Jogeshwari Caves, terracotta figurines from the Indus Valley, ivory carvings, statues and a large collection of miniatures.
The National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai exhibits the works of Indian masters as well as modern Indian art. The Nehru Planetarium is just 8 km away from the city centre and screens exhibitions and film shows on the mysteries of the cosmos and outer space. The Nehru Planetarium is a good place to take children to for an educational cum pleasure trip; close by is the Nehru Science centre which is a science park with permanent exhibits of railway engines, aeroplanes, tramcars and steam engines and other aspects of natural sciences. Mani Bhavan, at 19 Laburnum Road, is a Gandhi Memorial with a pictorial gallery and exhibits recalling the Mahatma’s life.
Elephanta Island is an hour away from Mumbai Harbour. Motorboats ferry tourists across to the island from the jetty at the Gateway of India. The boat ride, itself, is interesting as you go past fishing boats, anchored ships, yachts and little islands. The island resembles twin hillocks rising from the sea and the caves are located halfway up the higher of the two.
Carved out the solid basalt rock, the caves represent Mount Kailash, the heavenly mountain residence of Lord Shiva and date back to the 3rd or 5th centuries. The temple plan is designed in symmetry with the focal points worked out in a geometric Mandala, representing the cosmic field of energy. Inside the cave temple is a large hall, with nine sculptured panels depicting Lord Shiva in different moods as well as scenes from the life of Shiva. Little is known of the artists and architects who created these magnificent temples and sculptures out of sheer rock with the most primitive of tools.
What is known about the island is that it once was the capital of powerful coastal kingdom. When the island passed to the Portuguese, they called it Elephanta after the first artefact they stumbled upon – a monolith elephant. The monolith can now be seen at the Bombay Museum.
The Portuguese established fortifications and used the island for military exercises; as a consequence many sculptures were destroyed. The best time to visit Elephanta is between November and March. Summer months are very hot and humid and the monsoon season makes the hour long ride extremely turbulent.