Nestled along the inner roads of the former Mahim Island, is
the newly opened quaint café “Irani
Chaii”. Aimed to revive the typical but dying Iranian Chai culture in
Mumbai, Mansoor Yezdi, started this café that welcomes people of all walks of
life looking for that time out atmosphere in a routine driven city.
Born in Iran himself, Mansoor today, warmly welcomes every
individual amicably as his way of giving back to every Indian who once opened
their doors to the waves of Iranians coming to make it big in this Metropolis
in the 18th and 19th Century. Have a cup of tea with him
and you will soon be swept into a timeless movie studded with historical scenes
and modern entertainment; Mansoor candidly states that “All Iranians are diabetic from childhood as chai and sugar flow
through their veins”.
With his logo sporting the traditional friendship between
India and Iran which few diplomats could meet, Mansoor will never let you feel
alone as he has many a story to tell that range from his grandfather selling
tea at Apollo Bunder in his thick Irani accent or the Goans who graciously
helped them master the art of baking.
Proud of his quality and standards, food enthusiasts are
even given a guided tour of his kitchen and interestingly, this café has more
to bargain for. He takes the term Social Responsibility to the next level,
where he not just gives a good 10% discount to men in uniform but also to those
who arrive on a cycle as his way to giving back to Mother Nature. Same reason
to why he does not sell water at his café. He is also proud that all wood used
in his café is recycled teak wood sourced from deserted buildings.
And if culture and history are your game, then come down
grab a hot cup of tea, sit on old Polish furniture and catch him mouth a few
phrases in Farsi as he watches you through the myriad of mirrors that once
functioned as CCTVs. Even the table cloth used here is chequered, hand woven
and specially flown in from Iran.
In reality this café is the epitome of the
Sanskrit Concept “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning “the whole world is one family” beckoning you
to return.
It’s 7 am. The air feels cool. Mumbai’s pride; Marine
Drive, is awake and alive. The broad promenade stretches along the Arabian Sea.
In the evening, the shining lampposts form a necklace, the Queen’s Necklace as
they call it. Beautifully rounded,
accompanied by the waves that steadily hit the rocks. But it’s early morning
now, the sun is about to rise and break through the morning mist. A faint
breeze strokes my chin as I listen to the ever present Mumbai crows.
To the north, the skyline stretches towards the sky, mostly
made by the high-risebuildings offancy Malabar Hills. They seem quite a
distance away behind a haze of mist, or smog as it might well be. I turn around
and my gaze falls on the Air India building, who has become my landmark. Tall
hotels together with ordinary corporate buildings form the Northern skyline. People
come to work here, but right now, people come to walk.
They walk alone, or in pairs. In long strides, and
short strides. The men, retired perhaps – in their white, big jogging shoes. Loose
trousers, shirts with rolled up sleeves. Some stroll along leisurely, some walk
briskly. They walk the talk. Old colleagues, neighbours, brothers, friends.
Twos and threes, sometimes in fours.
Then there is the retired couples; the women in their
salwar kameez and a woollen cardigan on top of it. It’s still cool for a
Mumbaikar. The wide trousers flutter around old legs above big shoes. Good
shoes. They don’t talk, there is no need. They walk. Before the sun emerges and
makes walking unbearable. Some wear track suits, swinging their arms energetically
from side to side.
An old woman walks towards me, she is wearing a burka.
She sits down next to me, breathes heavily. She seems distressed, restless.
After a while she heaves her heavy body and leaves, perhaps she needed a rest.
A suffering body or a suffering mind.
A young man is chasing a football, all by himself. The
ball goes this way and that, always captured by the man who puts it back on
track. He’s moving along with the ball, in between people. Nobody interferes. I
follow him with my gaze, soon the restless figure is lost among the people.
The stream of people thickens. The sun is about to
break. Four women are sitting side by side, chanting. Om, they chant. Ooomm... They are unmoved by the stream of people, by
the looks of any odd tourist. Closed eyes & deep in concentration.
The concrete wall along the promenade doubles as a
bench. People also walk on top of it, or they sit down cross legged with their faces
turned towards the sea. Contemplating; about the day that lies ahead or even
life itself…
Even at this hour, some young couples sit close together, captured in secrecy
perhaps, a more than common sight in the evening. Some do yoga, stretching
their bodies towards the soft sky. Some is lost to the world in deep
meditation. Or, we simply let our gaze wander. Up and down the promenade.
Thinking how lucky this overcrowded, polluted, dirty megalopolis is to have
such freedom and space for everybody to share.
The joggers emerge among the walkers. Long trousers,
short trousers. A woman in a sari even. Chubby young girls adamant on losing a
few kilos, their feet heavily touching ground. Sweaty foreheads come alone, but
also in pairs. Mutual struggle. Mutual pain. Being two is always a small
comfort. Athletic men in shorts glide along, fancy sun glasses, even more fancy
shoes. Expats trying to keep fit, trying to beat the forever-glaring sun,
trying to keep up a lifestyle from colder countries. Foreign business men from
nearby hotels follow suit.
But people mostly walk. Arms swinging from side to
side. Stretching limbs as they walk. Serious looks on their faces. Trying to
fight old age. Middle aged women in western clothes and big sunglasses walking
fast and furious. Fighting yesterday’s many-a-tantalizing laddoo. Young girls
in threes and fours. Serious sometimes if not giggling, discussing that very
special boy in school. Avoiding the many stray dogs that scuttle about. And
there he is; the little boy with the monkey in a chain. Frowned upon by the regulars,
but always attracting interest from tourists before they realise he’s not there
to entertain, but to earn a living.
I’m leaving, still not at risk while crossing the
street. Walking towards the Air India building, and then straight ahead on
uneven sidewalks towards Colaba. The odd stalls are coming to life along the
way, people are queueing for their buses, the Oval Maidan is quiet, but the
traffic is picking up as I reach the other side of the city where the sun has
hit the Indian Sea with full force.
Anne-Trine Benjaminsen lives in Stavanger, Norway.She is a frequent traveller to India, and passionate about Indian literature. She works as an in-house journalist/web publisher in the Norwegian oil service industry where she has also taught cross-cultural communication.But as time permits; she tries to pursue different creative projects within writing and photography. She volunteers for the Norwegian development organization Indias Barn (Children of India) as their magazine editor.
“I fell in love with India and Mumbai from the very start. I love the city’s vibrant atmosphere, the chaos and control… the crowds and the crows, the tempting book stores, the many markets, the soothing sea breeze and of course; the magnificent Marine Drive. What more can you ask for…”
Read more about India travels and Indian literature on www.benjamuna.com or email: anne-tb@online.no
It was my
last night in Mumbai. The end of a perfect holiday. But the flight wasn’t due
until 3.30 in the morning. I thought of ways to while away the hours.
“Let’s go
to Leopold’s,” I said to my friends and travel companions. “We need food, we
need to sit down a bit.” They all agreed, and waited for me – still the
experienced one – to find a way to cross the busy Colaba Causeway.
It was
getting dark, traffic had slowed down, the heat was bearable. And then I saw
him, on his motorbike, outside Café Leopold. I spotted him from across the
street, even though my vision always fails me in the twilight. A wave of
sensation surged through my body; could it really be…?
I forgot my friends, crossed the street oblivious to cars in every direction
and went right up to him.
“Shantaram,
is it really you?” (In retrospect, the famous quotation by Henry Morton Stanley upon locating David Livingstone in Africa; “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”now
has a totally new interpretation).
David Gregory
Roberts, the author of almost legendary novel and never-made-it-into-a-movie Shantaram sat astride his huge motorbike,
simply said yes, leaned back and smiled at me.
Words came stumbling out although I felt completely in control. I just couldn’t
believe my luck. People come to Mumbai all the time. His readers and admirers come
to Mumbai all the time, and for them, “Leo” is the number one attraction even
though most of them are reluctant to admit it. The café cum restaurant is full
of mostly young backpackers and they all have this secret hope; to meet him in
person; Shantaram. I shan’t deny it. I have been to “Leo” many a time and you
tend to look around…. Because when you read the book, you really believe
(although wrongly) that this is Robert’s autobiography. And that makes the
8-900 page novel even more intoxicating.
Roberts seemed
perfectly at ease, he must be used to people of all kinds approaching him. He
told me there were a few Scandinavians inside the café tonight, that he had
been to Norway recently, to see his publisher.
I looked over my
shoulders, my friends had been able to cross the street and stood gazing at me
– a very enquiring look on their faces. I could feel their many questions, or
maybe just one;Who on earth is he?
I turned to
Roberts and asked the inevitable question; “Do you mind posing in a photo with
me?”
“Of course,” he said amiably. As in;
I’m all yours. I don’t remember who took the photo, but it’s a good one. Because I look at it
almost every day, a memento in my window sill.
We bade farewell.
I don’t know how long the encounter lasted, I can’t remember exactly what we
said, but I remember the motorbike as it swung out of the pavement and onto
Colaba Causeway, and roared towards the north. The last I saw of him was his
flapping, grey ponytail.
We got ourselves
a table. I did my best to explain, four pairs of ears eagerly tried to grasp
what I said. The noise at “Leo” is almost unbearable. And then I reached for my
cellphone and sent a text message to a booklover friend in Norway; “Guess whom
I just met…”.
Anne-Trine Benjaminsen
lives in Stavanger, Norway.She is a frequent traveller to India, and passionate
about Indian literature. She works as an in-house journalist/web publisher in
the Norwegian oil service industry where she has also taught cross-cultural
communication.But as time permits; she tries to pursue different creative
projects within writing and photography. She volunteers for the Norwegian
development organization Indias Barn
(Children of India) as their magazine editor.
“I fell in love with India
and Mumbai from the very start. I love the city’s vibrant atmosphere, the chaos
and control… the crowds and the crows, the tempting book stores, the many
markets, the soothing sea breeze and of course; the
magnificent Marine Drive. What more can you ask for…”
Read more about India travels and Indian literature on www.benjamuna.com or email: anne-tb@online.no
The below is a Guest Article showcasing the guest's personal impressions of Mumbai during her visit with her future husband in 2013. For more information on the Author, please scroll to the base of the article. ********************************************************************************* Oh, Bombay! Isn’t it the most populous, cosmopolitan, stylish, commercial, liberal, rich, Bollywoodish place in the whole of India? Take my word for that, it is. But also, it is home to infamous Mumbai mafia and the world largest slums (with 60% of Mumbai’s population living there).
Most Indians would still call Mumbai by its British name – Bombay, and there is an on-going debate regarding the original name of the city. Some say, that Mumbai is a derivative of two words “Mumba” (the name of local goddess Mumbadevi) and “aai” (“mother” in Marathi), while Bombay is an anglicized version of Portuguese “Bom Bahia” – “Good Bay”.
Seven original Islands, and later connected by land, today compose the city and like most places in India, its history goes far back in time, precisely to 1508 when the islands were taken by Portuguese from Sultan of Cambay in today's Gujarat. They built a settlement, churches and forts, however, without a clear idea of how to use the islands, they handed them over to England in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine de Braganza when she married Charles II of England. Apparently, the British king had no use of the islands either so, in 1668, he leased them to the East India Company for 10 pounds of gold a year. The Company built the ports and business dominated the center of the city. The construction of the port and trading incentives given to the locals, attracted many industry and business communities to flood the city, thus laying ground to the diversity of the city and its commercial success.
Dimitris and I arrived in Mumbai on time, took a taxi (Rs.500) from the airport and 45 mins later checked-in into a beautiful Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. After 10 days of traveling and staying in different hotels, Taj Mahal Palace was all we wanted from Mumbai and more than we hoped to get from a hotel. It is a piece of art, monument of history and an extraordinary experience, all in one! Upon seeing our room in the Palace section of the hotel, Dimitris let go his subconscious desire never leave the hotel for the entire stay in Mumbai and frankly speaking, neither did I!
This stunning hotel is today Mumbai’s landmark and perhaps, one of the most famous hotels in the World. But of course, it is not the marble or design, the cotton count of the sheets or the bathroom toiletries that make this hotel great, it is the impeccable and attentive service, the “extra mile” the staff were willing to go in order for us to enjoy ourselves and of course, it is a “wow” effect we got from pretty much everything – and to name a few : beautiful Tibetan mandalas in the room and access to an Oxford-like lounge with drinks that compliment the mood. I was rest assured that me insisting to stay at this particular hotel was indeed wise and no less than a fairy tale relived.
After dropping off our luggage, we went for dinner to the Zodiac Grill - one of the best romantic restaurants we’ve ever been to. We ordered non-vegetarian tasting menus for both and spent an evening, worshiped by the attention of our two Goan servers, Anthony and Domnic. They were professional, well-mannered and delightfully pleasant. Our first evening in Mumbai gave a promising start and well-needed refuge!
The next morning, after having our morning coffee at the lounge, we came to the concierge desk to find out about things to do in Mumbai and Viren A. D’Sa, the Taj’s Experience Manager, whom we approached, turned out to be, an experience in himself. He, perhaps is one of the best people suitable for the hospitality business from whom I have ever met (but I guess it applies to everyone we met at the Taj). He was super knowledgeable, entertaining and friendly. He wasn’t a concierge (and he seemed to be on the run when we approached the desk), nevertheless, he spent 15 minutes telling us where to go and what to see in details. We grabbed the map he handed to us and walked out eager to explore.
Unlike Delhi, Mumbai has very few things to see. Indeed, Brits invested in building the city center, but after the Independence, Indian’s zeal to wipe away all traces of colonial rule was, unfortunately, not matched by the same enthusiasm to build a new city. Skyscrapers popped up in some parts of the city and old Victorian buildings were given names that a non-Hindi speaking person could never pronounce, but most of Colaba (southern Mumbai, where we stayed) represents a fair amount of Art-Deco buildings in a pretty good conditions.
In general, we thought that Mumbai was by far the cleanest and most organized place we have seenduring our visit in India, perhaps, it is partially due to a ban on tuk-tuks within 20 kms of city center. Our taxi driver told us that the reason for it was that “tuk-tuks don’t follow the traffic regulations and create chaos in the city”, as if the rest followed traffic regulations?!
Our goal was to check out Victoria Terminus Train Station building (locally known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), which indeed had the most extravagant Gothic architecture of all. As historian Christopher London put it “the Victoria Terminus is to the British Raj what the Taj Mahal is to the Mughal empire”. Designed by F. Stevens, it was completed in 1887 and today, it is Asia’s busiest train station and a World Heritage sight as well. True to its reputation, it was so overflown with people that it forced us to run away and look for a refuge at the Crawford Market.
As Viren told us, Crawford market was a place where we could buy everything and he meant “e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g”, from fruits to postcards to souvenirs to puppies.
As it was Sunday, half of the market was closed, so while trying to get rid of an “I-am-a-security-and-you-can’t-walk-on-your-own-here annoying man, we checked out a few cute pets and took a taxi (Rs.70) to Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty, also known as Corniche and “the Queen’s Necklace” to enjoy warm (+30C) weather and a beautiful Arabian Sea sunset.
Dinner at Leopold's Cafe
We took a taxi back and before going to the hotel, walked around the Gateway of India monument for some fantastic shoots. It was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of George V, but not completed until 1924. At any time of the day, it was always full of locals, taking pictures and people-watching.
After returning to the hotel, we grabbed some snacks at the lounge and went to a famous (read “Shantaram“) and super busy Leopold Cafe for dinner.
Dimitris and I planned to meet our classmate Mihir the next day at 5 pm, to attend a tour of Taj Mahal Palace together. It was a fascinating story of the hotel, told by our favorite person at the Taj – Viren. I believe many hotels in the world could borrow an idea and start organizing hotel tours, but very few of them would have such a vibrant and eventful history as Taj Mahal Place, from its inception in 1903 to the terrorist attack in 2008 to the current celebs staying at the hotel (Scarlet Johansson and Russell Brand).
After the tour, we dropped by Sea Loungefor some tea and juice before heading toKhyber restaurant, highly recommended by everyone in Mumbai.It is a lovely, lavishly decorated restaurant serving a north India cuisine. We ordered an appetizer and some samples of meet kebab for the main course, as well as desserts. Everything was delicious.
After dinner, we continued to the stylish Harbour Bar, back at Taj Mahal Palace – the first bar in Mumbai to acquire a liquor license in 1933 – to try their signature cocktail from the Prohibition era. The story behind the cocktail is that a few Americans who had their boat moored by the Gateway of India heard about the abolition of prohibition in the US, entered the Harbour Bar to celebrate and demanded a cocktail which would blow them away. The bartender used Indian fruit juices to concoct a cocktail that is now known as Harbour Bar 1933. Our bartender came to the table to demonstrate the preparation of the drink before our eyes. Not only was his show impressive, but also the drink was delicious.
After saying goodbyes to Mihir, we went back to our room to pack and get some sleep before flying off to Mysore.
Mumbai, though rich in history, for us, it was a piece of paradise because of Taj Mahal Palace. So, my advice if you plan to visit Mumbai – book the Taj, get your swimming attire in order and enjoy the amenities! The rest of the world can wait!
Sviatlana Tsiaseika-Economou is an event planner living in
New York. Born in Minsk, Belarus, she graduated from Oxford, UK and has become
today, by passion a proud world traveler and history aficionado.
She visited India with her, now become, husband, to attend the Dalai Lama
teachings in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India.
If you would like to read more of her articles please log on to : www.svetanyc.com
The city of Mumbai has always prided itself to be a Westernized and cosmopolitan city whose people are both belonging to varied faiths and strata of emotional and literal intelligence. And though this financial hub, of the seventh largest nation in the world, is fast becoming a haven for the hard workers and the wealth inheritors, the city has overtime, amassed many a story whose tales have both contributed and inspired the social and economic fabric of a modern metropolis.
Nestled just beyond the reach of the original seven islands of the now city that never sleeps, Bandra or Bandora was the last outpost of the Portuguese on mainland India. Bandra only developed as a trading post in 1505 when the then Portuguese Viceory Dom Francisco de Almeida enroute to finding the Lisboa of the East [Panjim], set up base here.
Bandra came into full Portuguese possession with the Sultanate of Cambay ceding the region in the Treaty of St Matthew signed aboard the Portuguese brigSt. Matthew inBaçaimharbor in 1534. The first Christian missionaries however to set foot on this land were the Jesuits [Society of Jesus] upon receiving a Royal Confirmation of Permission in 1570 by the Portuguese Crown. They built St. Anne's (Santa Anna) College and Church in Bandra, the first church here.
The Portuguese then built additional churches in the area following the transfer of the Bombay Islands in 1661 [Not including Bandra] to the British as a part of the Marriage treaty between Catherine of Bragança of Portugal and Charles II of England. Upon learning the local languages and through their works of social service, the Jesuits today enjoy the support of six catholic parishes;Mount Carmel St. Peter's, St. Andrew's, St. Theresa's, St. Anne's and St. Francis D'Assissi, that lie within an area of four square kilometres of each other.
The Jesuits controlled Bandra till 1739 when they approached the British for help against the invading Maratha Army. This led to, against their will, the destruction of many Portuguese bastions including St. Anne’s college and Bandra Fort as precaution against the Marathas using them as bases to attack the then islands of Bombay.
Statues brought in by German Missionaries are more than a hundred
years old each and in good condition
Today Bandra, has retained its distinct identity of being a quaint hamlet with its open spaces, historic and colourful buildings of varied eras intertwined with bikes and people who criss cross the inner lanes riddled with antique Christian crosses and East Indian Homes. One can even spot a taste of Bollywood being splashed by artists onto the public walls of heritage houses in a bid to maintain and decorate a village of simple folk who have seemed to be lost in a world oblivious to the construction boom that soon will threaten their very existence.
But among the varied monuments Bandra has to offer the discerning tourist, Saint Peter’s Church and community does stand out. Originally built in 1852 and then redone in 1938 in the Romanesque style, Saint Peter’s started out as a shrine nestled among fishing villages. It has today become the pride of a Christian Community whose values encircle around service and community spirit. Even amongst Christian communities in the rest of the city, such tight nit bonds and ties among families led by the service and works of the Jesuits who lead them has been exemplary.
Being an innocuous tourist wandering in search of a story of a rich past, I ended up being welcomed in open hands by a community I would now proudly call my own. From the youth who proudly showcased to me the wealth of art and sculptured that were amassed by the once Swiss-German Missionaries who stayed here and who were either detained or deported by the British during the First World War, but whose statues have stood the test of time, being worshiped a hundred years since their arrivals; to the gentle embrace and family like attitude of the elderly whose hospitality and kindness could inspire many a poet. Its not uncommon to be invited to a home for tea or even convert passers-by into friends. The gaothans nestled in Chapel Road, Veronica Road and Rebello Road among many are simply a place of joy and a time lost serving as gentle reminders through the beauty of their architecture and the attitude of their people on what a community should be and what we stake to loose with the rise of a concrete jungle.
I felt I was truly in a simple quaint neighbourhood where people were more one than many. This being an irony when I come from the city beyond where as the cold winds blowing through the skyscrapers, one does feel lonely even if in a crowd. There is a sense of love and community spirit irrespective to who or what you are for here you are first human then the identity of your choice.
I would always treasure my maiden visit to Bandra as a townie and this hamlet, one among many, has shown me a new way of living my life; a lesson we all need in world where the Rupee replaces the Divine.
Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is often and rightly called the financial hub of the seventh largest nation in the world. With its fast pace of life and where time spent with another ought to be of value, often the Heritage and History that this city has to offer is conveniently sidelined. But as this city is popularly called the Gateway to India with many making it their entry, exit or even their transit points, one is starting to realize that the city has far more to offer than just what is marketed in many-a-brochure. With a blend of History, Cultural and Religious influences that span its lifetime, Mumbai has a wealth of edifices that proclaim a bygone glory in their own right and many have an interesting story of a time period, if not a dark secret of their very existence. So with the intention of creating an awareness coupled with a wishful thought that Mumbai may, after its dark era of history sprinkled with the rise of industry, will once again capture the imagination of the befitting tourist who dares to spend more than a day in the City of Dreams. Keeping this in mind, here are 50 Monuments in random order that one should visit to get the essence of what the city has to offer. Remember this is only the tip of the ice burg.
The Gateway to India Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Today this symbol of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbour.
The Taj Mahal Hotel The history of Mumbai and The Taj Mahal Palace are dramatically intertwined. The hotel is Mumbai's first harbour landmark (built 21 years before the Gateway of India) and the site of the first licensed bar in the city. For more than a century, the Taj has played an intrinsic part in the life of the city, hosting Maharajas, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe. To it is an world leader in hospitality and a favourite destination for discerning business travelers.
The Victoria Terminus Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an historic railway station in Mumbai, India which serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways. " Slumdog Millionaire " famous song shot here on these platform. It is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. The building, designed by the British architect F. W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic City’ and the major international mercantile port of India. The terminal was built over 10 years, starting in 1878, according to a High Victorian Gothic design based on late medieval Italian models. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. It is an outstanding example of the meeting of two cultures, as British architects worked with Indian craftsmen to include Indian architectural tradition and idioms thus forging a new style unique to Bombay.
Crawford Market Crawford Market is one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. It is named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of the city.Crawford Market is a popular spot for buying all the household items. Whether you are planning on buying vegetables or poultry, then Crawford Market is the place to be. Crawford Market was the main wholesale market till 1966. Spanning around 72000 sq. yards, this market is also famous for its splendid architecture. Norman and Flemish styles can be seen in the architecture, depicting elements of the old-world charm in a modern city.
Situated just towards the north of Chhatrapathi Shivaji Terminus, the market is one of the most popular shopping areas of the city. If one wants to savor how the local dwellers shop, then there is nothing better than heading out to Crawford Market, which is open on 6 days of the week. The Crawford Market offers an exciting shopping experience for those who love to splurge. One of the most vibrant markets in the city, a whole array of dazzling fruits, vegetables and poultry can be found here. The mix of the fragrances vegetables, combined with the aromas of the fresh cheese and homemade chocolate, make it an interesting visit for tourists.
Flora Fountain Flora Fountain, at the Hutatma Chowk (Martyr's Square), is an ornamentally and exquisitely sculpted architectural heritage monument located at the southern end of the historic Dadabhai Naoroji Road, called the Mile Long Road, at the Fort business district in the heart of South Mumbai, Mumbai, India. Flora Fountain, built in 1864, is a fusion of water, architecture and sculpture, and depicts the Roman goddess Flora. It was built at a total cost of Rs. 47,000, or 9000 pounds sterling, a princely sum in those days. History of the Flora Fountain is traced to the time when the Old Mumbai Fort was demolished in 1860 as part of the then Governor, Sir Bartle Frère’s efforts to improve civic sanitation (municipal improvements) and the urban space requirements of the growing city.
Town Hall Town Hall is one of the most majestic structures among the other heritage buildings in the city of Mumbai. One can say that this building represents one of the last architectural remnants of the Victorian Bombay (Mumbai). The Town hall was colloquially called as 'Tondal' during the 19th century. The Town Hall houses the 'Asiatic society of Bombay' (Mumbai), which is a public state library in the city. For this reason, the structure is considered a storehouse of information. Mumbai's Town Hall is a colonial structure and was built in 1833. The plan for its construction began in 1811. After raising an amount of Rs.10,000 through a lottery, by the 'Literary Society of Bombay' (Mumbai), the funds were used for building the museum and library. The Town hall houses a library and a museum. Apart from the ancient manuscripts in Persian, Prakrit, Urdu and Sanskrit, several other treasures are safely preserved inside the hall. A collection of 1,000 ancient coins and the exceptional gold 'mohur' that once belonged to Akbar, the greatest Mughal Emperor, are just a few of the priceless treasures found here. Dante's first issue of 'Inferno' is one of the most precious treasures at the Town Hall.
G.P.O. The General Post Office, Mumbai, is the central post office of the city of Mumbai, India. The post-office handles most of the city's inbound and outbound mail and parcels. Situated in the vicinity of Victoria Terminus, this outstanding structure is a paradigm of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The general post office is modelled on the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka. It was designed by British architect John Begg, a consultant architect to the British government. Begg designed the structure in 1902, and construction began on 1 September 1904. It was completed on 13 March 1913 at a cost of ₨ 1,809,000. Black basalt, with a dressing of yellow Kurla stone and white stones from Dhrangdra are the predominant materials used.
Prince of Wales Museum The Prince of Wales Museum, now commonly known as 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya', was established during the early 20th century. This museum is considered as a heritage structure in Mumbai because of its admirable architecture. The Prince of Wales Museum is one of the most significant museums in India. The museum showcases several collections of ancient artworks, sculptures and artifacts in its galleries.
The Prince of Wales Museum was built in order to honor and commemorate the visit of King George V to India. Although the idea for a museum was initiated in 1904, the foundation stone was laid down by the Prince of Wales in 1905. In 1907, the government of Bombay (Mumbai) Presidency granted the museum committee a strip of land called the 'Crescent Site'. The Prince of Wales Museum was designed by a prominent architect, George Wittet and was erected on this site in 1915. Initially the museum was used as a military hospital and a 'Children's Welfare Center' during the 'First World War'. The museum was inaugurated in 1922.
Bombay University The University of Mumbai (known earlier as University of Bombay) is one of the oldest and premier Universities in India. It was established in 1857 consequent upon "Wood's Education Dispatch", and it is one amongst the first three Universities in India.
Rajabai Tower is a famous clock tower located in South Mumbai. It stands in Mumbai University Fort Campus located next to the High Court. The tower is, undoubtedly, an example of exquisite beauty. It has become one of the major tourist destinations in Mumbai. The tower was built by Sir Gilbert Scott, who modeled it on the Big Ben, a clock tower in London. The foundation stone of the tower was laid down on March 1869. The majestic tower holds a big clock which can be viewed from a distance. The clock also plays melodic tunes at fixed intervals. The tower has many impressive features and has been beautifully embellished with oriental figures. It was on March 1, 1869 the first step towards the construction of the Rajabai tower was taken; the foundation stone was laid on this day. The model was based in Sir Gilbert Scott, who was an English architect. Premchand Roychand, an affluent broker who founded the Bombay Stock Exchange, agreed to fund for the construction of the tower. After the monument was built, the total cost was estimated to be Rs.2 lakh, which was an enormous amount in those days.Rajabai tower owes its name to Premchand's mother, who was a blind woman.
As Premchand's family was a strict follower of Jainism, his mother took her dinner before evening and the evening bell of the tower assisted her in determining the time without anyone's help. She would then take the dinner herself. Premchand was the sole contributor for the construction of the tower and hence wanted it to be named after his mother Rajabai.Rajabai tower has been held high for its astounding architecture. It offers to the viewers a wonderful blend of the Venetian and Gothic styles of architecture.
St. Thomas Cathedral The Cathedral of St. Thomas is one of the most prestigious landmarks in the city of Mumbai. Built in 1718, the cathedral is a standing example and symbol of the early British settlement. The Cathedral was built in an effort to maintain and possibly improve the standards of the British settlement. The first Anglican Church in the city, St. Thomas Cathedral holds tremendous religious significance for the Christian population of Mumbai.
The idea for the Cathedral of St. Thomas, named after the first apostle of India who came from Malabar, was initiated by Governor Aungier, the Second British Governor of Bombay, in 1676 AD. However, after his death, the project was abandoned. The construction for the church was already underway and the construction stood halfway at 5 meters high for around half a century.
In 1710, the East India Company Chaplain adopted this unfinished task and decided to make a magnificent Anglican structure in the honor of St. Thomas. After the completion of this grand edifice, this church was finally opened as the first Anglican Church in Mumbai on the day of Christmas in 1718 AD. In the 18th and 19th century, the Cathedral was divided on the basis of different classes of society. There was even a separate room for 'Inferior Women'.
St. Thomas Cathedral was built to Neo-Classical and Neo-Gothic styles with a white façade. The interiors of this cathedral mirror the interiors of the St. Thomas Cathedral in Ireland, and look much the same today as they did when it was first built in the 18th century.
Wodehouse Church Wodehouse Church is another major church situated on Wodehouse Road at Colaba in Mumbai. Christian devotees flock the Wodehouse church on a regular basis. On January 15, 2004, the Wodehouse Church entered its centenary year. It is elaborately decorated, neo-Gothic stone church designed by Walter Ashbridge Chambers, a noted architect of the firm Gostling, Chambers and Fritchley. The colorful frescoes adorning the vaulted ceiling including the altar's glass panels have been restored adding to the beauty and grandeur of the Wode House Church. The frescoes may not be considered a great art, but they are somewhat unusual in Mumbai, and that adds to the uniqueness to Wodehouse Church. Painted by an Italian Jesuit, Brother Antonio Moscheni, they depict scenes from the life of Jesus and from the Old Testament. The Wodehouse Church is exorbitantly decorated with a glut of art and that does not distract the devotees, instead they inspire and add to the peace and tranquility amidst the aesthetic appeal.
Bombay High Court The Bombay High Court is one of the oldest High Courts of India with jurisdiction over the states of Maharashtra and Goa, and, the Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The court is one of the most distinguished high courts in the country. The first Chief Justice, the Attorney General and Solicitor General of Independent India were from this court. The Bombay High Court has the sanctioned strength of 75 judges.The Bombay High Court was inaugurated on 14 August 1862 under the High Courts Act, 1861. Although the name of the city was changed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995, the Court as an institution did not follow suit and remained as the Bombay High Court.
It was designed by British engineer Col. J. A. Fuller. The first sitting in this building was on 10 January 1879.
Justice M. C. Chagla was the first Indian permanent Chief Justice of Bombay High Court after independence [1948 - 1958] Architecture: Gothic revival in the Early English style.The statues of Justice and Mercy are atop this building.
Bhikha Behram Well The Well was created by a prominent Parsi named Bhikaji, who had come from Bharuch and dug this fresh water well to address the need for fresh water in Bombay. Situated at the southern end of Cross Maidan, near the Central Telegraph Office, it first opened to travellers in 1725. The pavilion was added in the 1950s. The well and its stone canopy are decorated with beautiful stained glass. Behram, a Parsi, was passing through this region, when he built this well for travellers. The well has a perennial source of sweet water, which is remarkable as most of the water in the area is brackish owing to the proximity to the Arabian Sea. The site is held sacred by the Parsi community.They pray here with their foreheads pressed against the stone rim. It is said that if anyone lights a lamp near it, all his wishes would be fulfilled.
Marine Drive Marine Drive (officially, "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road") is a 3km long, six lane concrete road in southern Mumbai which stretches north along the coastline, forming a natural bay. This C-shaped road links Nariman Point to Babulnath, and is situated at the foot of Malabar Hill. Known world over as Marine Drive, this tourist spot has also been called Sonapur by the locals of the city. Large crowds of people come to this place to stride along the beautiful walkway and to view the stunning sight of the setting sun at dusk. The scenic beauty of the perfectly lined palm trees offers its visitors an enthralling experience.
Marine Drive is also referred to as 'Queen's necklace', because the street lights make the road look like a string of pearls and create an illusion of a necklace, when viewed at night from any elevated point along the pathway of the drive.
Hanging Gardens Hanging Garden in Mumbai was built in1880 on the Malabar hills and later renovated in 1921. It is so called because this terraced garden lies on the slopes of Malabar hills.Hanging garden in Mumbai is located opposite to the Kamala Nehru Park and is also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Garden, after the famous barrister. The garden provides a stunning view of the sunset over the Arabian Sea. It is believed that the terraced gardens were built over the three main reservoirs of Mumbai, to protect the reservoir's water from contamination of the nearby Towers of Silence. The lush green Hanging garden is a nice break from the hum drum of city life. The hedges in the garden are cut in the shape of animals giving it a unique look. The flower clock of the garden is one of its main attractions.
Baan Ganga Banganga or Banganga Tank is an ancient water tank which is part of the Walkeshwar Temple Complex in Malabar Hill area of Mumbai in India.
The Tank was built in the 1127 AD, by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty kings of Thane. It was rebuilt in 1715 AD, out of a donation for the Walkeshwar Temple by Rama Kamath.
According to local legend, it sprang forth when the Lord Ram, the exiled hero of the epic Ramayana, stopped at the spot in search of his kidnapped wife Sita.As the legend goes, overcome with fatigue and thirst, Rama asked his brother Lakshmana to bring him some water. Laxman instantly shot an arrow into the ground, and water gushed forth from the ground, creating a tributary of the Ganges, which flows over a thousand miles away, hence its name, Banganga, the Ganga created on a baan (arrow). The area also has a Hindu cremation ground which after 2003, received a makeover to house a Gas crematorium.The tank today is a rectangular pool structure surrounded by steps on all four sides. At the entrance are two pillars in which oil lamps called diyas were lit in ancient times.The tank is spring fed and so its water remains sweet, despite being located only a few dozen meters away from the sea. Apart from being a cultural hub, the place over the years has provided inspiration to many artists, be it on film or on canvas.
Mahalaxmi Temple Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most famous temples of Mumbai situated on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mahalaxmi area. It is dedicated toMahalakshmi the central deity of Devi Mahatmyam. The temple was built in 1831 by Dhakji Dadaji (1760–1846), a Hindu merchant.
The temple contains images of the Goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. All three images are adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. The image of Mahalakshmi is in the center shown holding lotus flowers in tandem.
Haji Ali Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most popular religious places in Mumbai, visited by people of all religions alike. Haji Ali Dargah is one of India’s most famous and prestigious landmarks situated about 500 yards from the Mumbai shoreline in the middle of the Arabian Sea off Lala Lajpatrai Marg. Haji Ali Dargah is the complex housing the tomb of the Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.). Along with the tomb, there is also a Masjid at Haji Ali. This monument has been sentinel to the shores of Mumbai since a long time.
The structure has white domes and minarets reminiscent with the Mughal architecture of the period. The Dargah is a renowned pilgrimage site among the Muslims. Non-Muslims are also allowed to visit the Dargah. The white-coloured structure attracts visitors in large numbers. About 10 - 15 thousand people visit the Dargah daily. The number of visitors increases to 20 - 30 thousand, on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Bandra Fort Castella de Aguada (Portuguese: "Fort of the Waterpoint"), also known as the Bandra Fort, is a fort in Mumbai. It is located at Land's End in Bandra. It was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower overlooking Mahim Bay, the Arabian Sea and the southern island of Mahim. The Portuguese builders actually called it Forte de Bandorá (or Bandra Fort).
The strategic value of the fort was enhanced in 1661 after the Portuguese ceded the seven islands of Bombay that lay to the immediate south of Bandra to the English. The name indicates its origin as a place where fresh water was available in the form of a fountain ("Aguada") for Portuguese ships cruising the coasts in the initial period of Portuguese presence.
Mt. Mary's Church The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, more commonly known as Mount Mary Church, is a Roman Catholic Basilica located in Bandra, Mumbai. The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated here on the first Sunday after 8 September, the birthday of the Virgin Mary. The feast is followed by a week-long celebration known locally as the Bandra Fair and is visited by thousands of people. The basilica stands on a hillock, about 80 metres above sea level overlooking the Arabian Sea. It draws lakhs of devotees and pilgrims annually. Many of the faithful attest to the miraculous powers of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The shrine attracts people from all faiths who pray to Virgin Mary for expressing their gratitude or requesting favours. The church was destroyed in 1738 during a raid by the Marathas.
Mani Bhavan Mani Bhavan, a modest two-storied building on the Laburnum Road in the comparatively quiet locality called Gamdevi, served as Gandhiji’s Bombay head-quarters for about seventeen long and eventful years (1917-1934). It belonged to Shri Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, who was Gandhi’s friend and a host during that period. It was from Mani Bhavan that Gandhi initiated Satyagraha against Rowlatt Act and propagated the causes of Swadeshi, Khadi and Hindu-Muslim Unity. In 1955 the building was dedicated as a memorial to Gandhiji and to the very important activities of great significance he initiated from that place.
Mani Bhavan has a story to tell as it housed Gandhiji occasionally during the times when he grew in stature and strength, from an agitator to a world figure by successfully introducing satyagraha (individual as well as mass) as a new and effective weapon to fight all evil and injustice.
Once you enter the place, there is a library with the statue of the Mahatma where people offer their tributes. Then a staircase dotted with Gandhi’s pictures depicting his life leads visitors to the first floor which has a big photo gallery where photographs of his childhood till his assassination are displayed along with press clippings. The room that Gandhi used during his stay here is on the second floor – there is a glass partition and people can see through two of his spinning wheels, a book and a still preserved floor- bed. Right opposite the room there is a hall where photographs and paintings of his lifetime are on display.
Kanheri Caves One of the airiest places in the city, the Kanheri Caves premises offers a pleasant break from the pollution and the noisy, metropolitan life. Nestled in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali, the Kanheri Caves are also known as the 'lungs of Mumbai', because this is the only place in the city with the maximum amount of greenery and consequently, a lot of fresh air. The caves date back to 1st century BC and are believed to be one of the oldest cave formations of the country. The Kanheri Caves are renowned for their natural Basalt formations, ancient Indian styled architecture and the 109 special entrances to the caves. The word Kanheri originates from the Sanskrit term 'Krishnagiri'. Each cave here, unlike the other caves in the country, is adorned with a 'splinth' or a rock bed. Congregation halls with large stupas also indicate that the caves were Buddhist shrines and a focal point during the Buddhist settlement in the 3rd century. The Kanheri Caves became a distinctive Buddhist institution for congregational worship, study and meditation.
There are about 34 unfinished paintings of Buddha within the Caves. Apart from the paintings, one should also visit the 'Vihara' (prayer hall) and the different monasteries around the cave for a glimpse of former Buddhist occupation and life.
If you have had enough of history and you are looking for a bit of excitement, then planned tours, adventure sports such as rappelling/trapeze and treks around Sanjay Gandhi National Park or the Silondha Trail can also be arranged by local tourist guides. The hilly terrain of the caves also creates several, small waterfalls which are beautiful to see. Natural streams and rivers around the Kanheri Caves offer stunning views and beautiful locations for families to enjoy a small picnic while visiting the caves.
Mahalaxmi Race Course Mahalakshmi Racecourse, owned by The Royal Western Turf Club-an elite sports club in Mumbai, is a renowned horse racing track in the country. It is considered to be one of the greatest circuits in Asia. The racecourse's Grandstand, is also included in the list of the 'heritage structures of India'. The Mahalakshmi Racecourse is built on the once marshy flatlands that were known as 'Mahalakshmi Flats' about 100 years ago. Every year, on the first Sunday of February, the renowned Indian Derby is held for the members of Mumbai's high society. This is the one place where people can bet on horses and gamble. The land, in which the racecourse is built, was first given to the people of Mumbai by Sir Cusrow N Wadia and is now leased from the Muncipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). Wealthy business tycoons, actors, celebrities and other people belonging to the upper strata of society attend the racecourse games conducted from November to April. More than a 100 horses are trained before the racing season.
The Mahalakshmi Racecourse was built in 1883 and is a mirror image of the Melbourne Caulfield Racecourse.
Iskon Temple ISKCON temple, Mumbai officially known as Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari ji Temple is a temple in Juhu area in Mumbai in India. It is set upon four acres of land and a stone throw away from Juhu Beach. The temple complex opened in 1978 and includes a spacious marble temple, an auditorium, restaurant and a twin towered seven-storey guest house where visitors can stay and participate in the daily spiritual programs of the temple.
ISKCON Juhu is also a hub of research and education starting from its scientific research to school education (Bhaktivedanta Swami Mission School) with I.C.S.E curriculum. It also holds daily discourses on various Vedic scriptures along with many regular seminar and courses. The ‘Heaven on Earth’ complex houses a spacious library which not only has an extensive collection of spiritual books but also a multi media section.
Mahim Durgah
Makhdoom Ali Mahimi (1372–1431) was a Muslim Scholar originating from the Konkan in India, widely acknowledged for his scholarly treatises, liberal views and humanist ideals. Mahimi was born into a family of Arab travelers from Iraq who had settled down on the island of Mahim, one of the seven islands that later formed the city of Bombay (now Mumbai). Mahimi was the first Indian scholar to write an exegesis on the Qur'an, which gained critical acclimation from numerous Islamic scholars including Shah Waliullah. His commentary (tafseer) of the Nobel Quran in Arabic "Tayseer Al-Quran" is available in Al Azhar University, Cairo and Ummul-Qura University, Makkah.Mahimi is revered by both the Muslims and Hindus, all Muslim sects hold him in high esteem. After his death in 1431, he was buried in Mahim. The site later became a dargah(shrine) for devotees.
David Sasoon Library
The David Sassoon Library is the name of a famous library and heritage structure in Mumbai, India. The idea for a library to be situated in the center of the city was the brainchild of Albert Sassoon, son of the famous Baghdadi Jewish philanthropist, David Sassoon. The building was designed by architects J. Campbell and G. E. Gosling, for the Scott McClelland and Company, at a cost of Rs. 125,000. David Sassoon donated Rs. 60,000, while the rest was borne by the Government of Bombay Presidency. The library is located on Rampart Row, looking across the Kala Ghoda. The building, completed in 1870, is built using yellow Malad stone, much like the abutting Elphinstone College, Army and Navy Buildings and Watson's Hotel. Above the entrance portico is a white stone bust of David Sassoon.
The Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue
Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue is the second oldest Sephardic synagogue in Mumbai. Constructed in 1884, the synagogue was designed by Bombay architects Gostling and Morris and was paid for by the Sassoon family, who were prominent philanthropists in Bombay in the nineteenth century. It was built in the classical revival style and originally had Minton tile floors imported from Stoke-on-Trent in England. The synagogue’s decorative interiors featured Victorian stained glass windows and rich Burmese teak wood furnishings and staircase.
The synagogue is cared for by the Jewish community, which has diminished in recent years, leaving the synagogue without sufficient funds for conservation. The synagogue is in need of comprehensive treatment as water infiltration has damaged the roof, ceiling, and wall surfaces. The stained glass panels must be cleaned and restored, and the windows, timber balconies, and staircases require careful restoration.
The Royal Opera House Royal Opera House, also known as Opera House in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), is India's only surviving opera house. Situated on Charni Road, near Girgaum Chowpatti beach, the name ‘Royal’ got prefixed to ‘opera house’ as its foundation stone was laid during the British Raj in 1909, and King George V inaugurated the building in 1911 while the building was still under construction. It was completed in 1912. Additions were made to the building up to 1915. After years of neglect following its closure in 1993, restoration work started after 2008, though the exterior restoration was completed in 2011, further restoration continues.With cinematography getting popular in the early 1930s, the opera house was modified for screening films and holding fashion shows, and held movie shows after 1935. As single-theatre cinemas took a down turn in the 1980s, the opera house too ran in loss. It was in January 1991 that the last film show was held here. There after the premises has been acquired by the erstwhile princely state of Gondal family on a 999 year lease.
The Opera House built in baroque design featuring a blend of European and Indian architectural style was conceived in 1908 by Maurice Bandmann, an entertainer from Kolkata and Jehangir Framji Karaka, head of a firm of coal brokers. It was built with exquisite Italian marble on a leased land close to the Kennedy and Sandhurst bridges. Although the work was completed in 1912, several additions were made until 1915. The pediment figure at the pinnacle was substituted with three cherubs. A pair of unique crystal chandeliers, called the ‘Sans Souci’, donated by the David Sassoon family, which was earlier located in the Sassoon mansion, was shifted to the foyer of the opera house.
At the main entrance, the dome is segmented into eight different parts "as a tribute to poets, dramatists, novelists, literati and people from art and culture." The interiors of the opera house as it existed in the past were provided with orchestra stalls with cosy cane chairs. 26 rows of boxes with couches were provided behind the stalls. The seating enabled a clear view of the stage to all the people seated in the stalls and in the Dress Circle. The acoustics were planned by providing the ceiling in a manner that permitted distinct audibility to audience seated in the gallery to hear every word or song from the stage. The entrance was originally designed with a frontage for carriages to drive in.
Jahangir Art Gallery
The Jehangir Art Gallery, was constructed by the donation given by Sir Cowasji Jehangir-2nd Bart to the trustee of Prince of Wales Museum. It is located in South Bombay (Mumbai) in the heart of the fort area or the historic core of the city. Over the years, this area has evolved as the center of art activity in the city, a phenomenon triggered off in the 1950s with the establishing of the Jehangir Art Gallery. As a rendezvous point for artists, patrons and art lovers, the Jehangir Art Gallery complex over the years is recognized nationally and internationally as a centre of contemporary Indian art.
On 21 January 1952, The Chief Minister, Mr. B G Kher formally inaugurated the Jehangir Art Gallery, dedicated to the memory of Sir Cowasji’s late son, Jehangir.
The Jehangir Art Gallery now has four halls with modern amenities, suitably equipped for exhibitions of the visual arts – the Auditorium three Exhibition Gallery, Hirji Jehangir Gallery and Terrace Art Gallery for Photography and Visual Art. The Auditorium Hall has about 2,700 square feet of floor area and hanging wall space of approximately 180 running feet.
The Gallery sponsors an annual exhibition known as the Monsoon Art Show to showcase the works of proven merit. Meritorious final year students from various art colleges of Maharashtra. During the Golden Jubilee year master stroke exhibition was started in which old master works were exhibit.
Horniman CircleSituated in the Fort precinct of Mumbai, Horniman Circle Gardens is one among the largest parks in southern Mumbai. This garden is surrounded by various office buildings, mainly comprising the city's premier banks. The Horniman Circle Gardens covers 12,081 square yards (10,101 m2) and is designed with a huge open space with grand buildings towards the center of the walled city. Complementing its lush greenery, this garden was famously known as 'Bombay Green' in the 18th century. After India gained independence in 1947, this garden was renamed 'Benjamin Horniman' as a tribute to the editor of the Bombay Chronicle newspaper. The Horniman Circle Gardens has hosted the annual Sufi mystic music festival, known by the name 'Ruhaniyat'. Also, this garden was the main site for various dance concerts and the famous Kala Ghoda Arts Festival of Mumbai. Although construction works at the Horniman Circle Gardens started in 1821, it could not be completed for the next 12 years. Later in 1842, the Horniman Circle Gardens was misused as an area to dump coconut shells. Hence, the-then Police Commissioner, Charles Forjett, initiated plans to convert this place into a circle that surrounded several buildings. The governors, Lord Elphinstone and Sir Bartle Frere stood beside him and supported this effort. Thus, trees were planted all over with well-laid walkways and the garden was completed in 1872. The garden attained the name 'Elphinstone Circle' after the Governor, Lord John Elphinstone.
After India attained freedom from the British Rule in 1947, this garden was rechristened as 'Horniman Circle Gardens' after Benjamin Horniman, freedom fighter and the editor of the Bombay Chronicle newspaper. During the pre-independence years, a band performed in this garden every evening and the Parsi community gathered here and this spot was one of their favorite social gathering venues.
The design of this garden was done on the lines of London's Park Crescent and comprises a small park with a neo classical porch, well laid rows of trees and a perfect walkway. The initial purpose of laying down the garden was to provide some open space for the locals to sit back and relax. This garden that dates back to the 18th century was called 'Bombay Greens' during that time.
Bombay Yacht ClubThe Royal Bombay Yacht Club (RBYC) was founded in 1846, in the Colaba neighbor of Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra. The Bombay Yacht Club was founded in 1846 with Henry Morland as club commodore. In 1894, the Commissioners of the Lord High Admiral bestowed upon the club the Blue Ensign of Her Majesty's Fleet with a Star of India surmounted by the Imperial Crown. Yachting received a major stimulus in 1911, when King George V and Queen Mary landed in Bombay from the Royal P&O liner, S.S. Medina.
In 2013 the Royal Bombay Yacht Club Residential Chambers received an award of merit in the 2013 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards.
Watson's HotelWatson's Hotel, now known as the Esplanade Mansion, is India's oldest surviving cast iron building. It is located in the Kala Ghoda area of Mumbai. Named after its original owner, John Watson, the building was fabricated in England and constructed on site between 1860 and 1863.
The hotel was leased on 26 August 1867 for the terms of 999 years at yearly rent of Rupees 92 and 12 annas to Abdul Haq. It was closed in the 1960s and was later subdivided and partitioned into smaller cubicles that were let out on rent as homes and offices. Neglect of the building has resulted in decay and, despite its listing as a Grade II–A heritage structure, the building is now in a dilapidated state.The external cast-iron frame closely resembles other high-profile 19th century buildings such as London's Crystal Palace.
John Watson opened the hotel as an exclusive whites-only hotel, and it was the swankiest hotel in the city in those days. Then it was handed over to Hannah Maria Watson, by then the Secretary of State for India, wherein she entered into a lease deed with Sardar Abdul Haq,Diler ul Mulk,Diler ul Daula, for a term of nine hundred and ninety nine years on 26 August 1867. After Watson's death, the hotel lost its popularity to the rival Taj Hotel. In the 1960s the hotel was closed. Sometime after this, it was subdivided and partitioned into small cubicles with independent access and let out on rent.
Army Navy BuildingThe 'Army and Navy' Building in South Mumbai - another iconic landmark. Worth a look for its fine mid-19th-century neo-classical facade, this building was originally used as a British army navy store.
Houses the various offices of Tata group companies and other businesses, and of Tata Group's lifestyle department store "Westside". Also houses the Dinshaw Petit Library (150 year old library, good place for rare books).
Vatcha AgiaryVatcha Agiary is a Parsi fire temple built in 1881 by Bai Pirojbai, who was the widow of the late Seth Dadabhoy Maneckji Vachha. Its main entrance has been closed but Parsis who wish to visit this Agiary, have to enter through a tiny door that is situated to the left of the entrance.
The Agiary is officially called Bai Pirojbai Dadabhoy Maneckji Vatcha Agiary after Bai Pirojbai who built the temple in memory of her late husband Seth Dadabhoy Maneckji Vatcha. The interesting temple was built in 1881 and looks as though it mixes Art Déco with ancient Persian architectural styles, even before Art Déco existed. The two imposing winged creatures guarding the entrance resemble sculptures in Persepolis. Unfortunately, only members of the Parsi community are allowed inside the temple, but it is said to carry a fire that has been burning for 300 years.
Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple
Located in Worli, Nipponzan Myohoji temple is the oldest Buddhist temple of the city and draws many people due to being an ultimate place of tranquillity.
Built in 1956, the Nipponzan Myohoji temple origination is linked to a prophecy made 700 years ago in the 13th century by a monk in Japan called Maha Bodhisattva Nichiren.
Today, the temple is spread over an area of 8,840 square feet enveloped in an overwhelming oriental atmosphere even through the interiors which have been designed along purely traditional lines.
In the temple's main hall where devotees gather for prayer, two huge wooden Thomas or Japanese drums lie silent.
During these sessions, devotees chant na-mu-myo-ho-ren-ge-kyo to the resounding beat of drums. The hall itself stands on 10 pillars carved out of stone. The four walls are lined with vegetable paintings. A series on Buddha's life and times, finely executed with deft strokes.
Kotachiwadi Khotachiwadi is a heritage village in Girgaon, Mumbai, India. Houses generally conform to the old-Portuguese style architecture.It was founded in the late 18th century by Khot, a Pathare prabhu, who sold plots of land to local East Indian families. There used to be 65 of these houses, now reduced to 28 as old buildings are being pulled down to make way for new skyscrapers.
Most of the residents now descend from the original inhabitants of Bombay. Recently Gujarathis, Marwaris have moved into the area.The neighbourhood included the "Anantashram" eatery which was famous for serving authenticMalwaniorKonkanicuisine.
Central Telegraph OfficeBuilt in the 1880s, this beautiful neo-Gothic building was Bombay's General Post Office until 1913 when the function was transferred to the existing edifice by Victoria Terminus. It became the Central Telegraph Office thereafter, but is now also an office building. In recent years, the historic building underwent a successful restoration to bring it to its former glory. The Central Telegraph Office is located on Veer Nariman Road (formerly Church Gate Street) by the Flora Fountain circle in the Fort/Kala Ghoda area.
Chabad House The Nariman House or Chabad House is a five-story landmark in the Colaba area of South Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The building was home to a Chabad house, a Jewish outreachcentre run by Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg, who owned the building since around 2006. The centre had an educational center, a synagogue, offered drug prevention services, and a hostel. The building was attacked and six of its occupants, including Holtzberg and his wife, who was five months pregnant, were killed during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. Their two-year-old son Moshe survived the attack after being rescued by his Indian nanny, Sandra Samuel.
Hiranandani Gardens Township
Hiranandani Gardens is a neo classical architectural marvel nestled amidst the verdant Powai hill, strategically located opposite the serene Powai Lake, A place where more than 4000 families stay. Sprawled majestically over 250 acres, Hiranandani Gardens is Mumbai’s finest residential township that has redefined the standards of elegant living. Intelligently planned, crafted with precision and embellished with care, it fulfills the delicate dreams of many, giving rise to a new perception of life and life style.
Created from barren land, this luxuriantly green and grand township is a tangible expression of a vision to create better communities.
Afghan ChurchThe Church of St John the Evangelist, also known as Afghan Church,is located at Navy Nagar in Colaba, Mumbai. It is a Presbyterian Church built by the British in the honour of those who died in the First Afghan War of 1838. The church also memorialises the Bombay Army, Madras Army and Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Army from Lahore.
The earlier architecture of the church was a small thatched chapel to the south of now INHS Ashvini Naval Hospital. Eventually, a new structure was brought up on the plot of land granted by the government on the agreement that the spire will serve as a landmark for the ships at the harbour which could be viewed from quite a distance. Today’s architecture of Afghan Church is the work of the City Engineer, Henry Conebeare, whose designs were approved in the year 1847. However, the reredos, the Afghan War Memorial mosaics, the tiles, pews and screen were designed by architect William Butterfield.
The cost to build the spire was Rs 5, 65,000. This cost was privately raised by Sir Cowasji Jahangir and he himself contributed Rs 7,500 for it and also had an illuminated clock placed in the spire. It is the first monument of religious significance built in India in order to memorialize a military event.
Church is open daily from dawn to dusk and otherwise, if, it is locked the verger who lives next to the church will open the door.
Eros Cinema
The Eros Cinema is an Art Deco style cinema located in Mumbai, India. It has a seating capacity of 1,204 people per show.
Architects Shorabji Bhedwar designed the Streamline Moderne building, it marked the beginning of Back Bay reclamation in early 1938. The foundation of Eros Cinema was laid in 1935. The cinema opened in 1938 and construction of this building on the then newly reclaimed Backbay plot housing shops and other businesses, apart from the cinema, took about two and a half years to complete. Partially faced with red Agra sandstone, this building is painted cream. The two wings of this Art Deco building meet up in a central block. The foyer is in white and black marble with touches of gold. Marble staircases with chromium handrails lead up to the upper floor. The murals are in muted colours depicting Indian architectures.
JN Petit LibraryThe JN Petit Library at Fort is a typical example of a once-magnificent library running to seed. Housed in a beautiful heritage building dating back to 1895, this massive library has 150,000 books, including a rare copy of Firdausi’s 11th century epic poem The Shahnama, illustrated with gold leaf. Its huge, airy reading room, with stained glass portraits of the Petit family, is supposedly the largest in Asia. Its eclectic collection of books includes rare Parsi and religious books dating from the 16th century, as well as modern self-help books and current copies of magazines such as The New Yorker and Scientific American.Like many of its counterparts, the Petit is run by a private trust. It survives almost entirely on donation.
Jogeshwari CavesThe Jogeshwari Caves are some of the earliest Hindus and Buddhist cave temples sculptures located in the Mumbai suburb of Jogeshwari, India. The caves date back to 520 to 550 CE. According to historian and scholar Walter Spink, Jogeshwari is the earliest major Hindu cave temple in India and (in terms of total length) ' the largest'.
The caves are located off the Western Express Highway, and are surrounded by encroachments. The caves are used as a temple by the encroachers. The caves are classified as endangered as sewage and waste enter the premises. They are also infested with bats.
Mahakali CavesAt present. these caves are locally known as Mahakali caves. These were referred as Kondivite or Kondivti caves by J M Campbell as these caves were near Kondivti village. There are total of 19 caves, fifteen on southeast face of the hill and four on the northwest face. These are situated on Mahakali hills in Mahakali region of Mumbai.
Tourist Tip - The cave complex is maintained by ASI however as this is not a ticketed monument hence not much maintenance is provided. The local defecate at the entrance hence it is very stinky however you can manage through it. Go early in morning, between 7-10 AM for better photographs and you will also avoid the local crowd.
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad MuseumThe Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum (formerly the Victoria and Albert Museum) is the oldest museum in Mumbai. Situated in Byculla East, it was originally established in 1855 as a treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts, and was later renamed in honour of Bhau Daji.This museum houses a large number of archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai, clay models, silver and copper ware and costumes. Its significant collections include a 17th-century manuscript of Hatim Tai Outside the museum is the installation of the monolithic basalt elephant sculpture recovered from the sea, which originated from Elephanta Island (Gharapuri Island).
Nestled along the inner roads of the former Mahim Island, is
the newly opened quaint café “Irani
Chaii”. Aimed to revive the typical but dying Iranian Chai culture in
Mumbai, Mansoor Yezdi, started this café that welcomes people of all walks of
life looking for that time out atmosphere in a routine driven city.
Proud of his quality and standards, food enthusiasts are
even given a guided tour of his kitchen and interestingly, this café has more
to bargain for. He takes the term Social Responsibility to the next level,
where he not just gives a good 10% discount to men in uniform but also to those
who arrive on a cycle as his way to giving back to Mother Nature. Same reason
to why he does not sell water at his café. He is also proud that all wood used
in his café is recycled teak wood sourced from deserted buildings.
