Indian
States
Maharashtra |
| |
Cities
In Maharashtra
Mumbai
( Sightseeing )
Gateway
of India
What could be more appropriate a beginning than the 'entrance'
to the port of Mumbai? The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to
commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi
Durbar in 1911. Constructed in honey-co-loured basalt, the gateway
was designed by George Wittet, inspired by 16th century Gujrat Style.
The changing light of the rising andsetting sun gives varied hues
of gold, ruset and pink to the imposing arch. Historially, the Gateway
holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left
Independant India by sea, marched through its portals.
Marine
Drive
This sweeping Queen's Necklace, flickering with a thousand
lights at night turns into the main thoroughfare linking Malbar
Hill - and the northern parts of the island - to the southern most
points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman point and Fort.
Victoria
Terminus (Shivaji Terminus)
Bombay's Victoria Terminus is no mere railway station; it is
a prominent city centre around which metro life ebbs and flow. Built
of yellow sandstone and granite, it is one of the finest examples
of British Raj architecture, combining elements that are distinctly
Gothic and Victorian, and embellished with blue-gray basalt that
has been sculptured in fine detail. The handsome building could
have been anything but a railway station, and in fact, in recent
times, was converted into a public art gallery in a unique experiment
of taking contemporary art to the people.
Flora
Fountain
It stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of
the comercial fort area. The beautifully sculptured fountain was
erected in the memory of the Governer, Sir Henery Bartle Edward
Frere, as a tribute for his contribution towards the building of
Mumbai.
Crawford
Market
This colourful market north of VT, also known as Mahatma Phule
Market, is the last outpost of British Bombay before the tumult
of kalbadevi's bazaars begins, it was built in 1871 by William Emerson,
the bas-reliefs, at a height, adorning the facade, were designed
by J.L.Kipling at the School of Art, a stone's throw away. It is
the largest wholesale fruit market in the country and a visit there
can be a 'fruitful' experience, especially during the mango season.
But sadly, most of the vegetable & fruits are moving to New
Mumbai's Wholesale Market.
Nehru
Planetarium
Eight km from the center of the city is located a center which
tells about the universe. the Nehru planetarium is engaged in recreating
image of the sky as seen from any where on the Earth any time. It
unfolds the mysteries of the cosmos. They also screening regular
film shows on the outer space which are of particular interest for
children. Close by is the Nehru Science center which is a science
park and permanent exhibits on intricacies of life. The antique
models of Railway engines, aeroplanes, tramcar and steam lorry are
very exciting to see.
Kamala
Nehru Park
The modest Kamala Nehru Park (located on Bal Gangadhar Kher
Rd) has several vantage points with panoramic views of Chowpatty
Beach, Back Bay and the city. Named after the wife of India's first
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The park covers an area of 4000
sq. yards and from here one enjoys a magnificent view of Marine
Drive 'Queen's Necklace'. A constant source of enjoyment is the
gigantic 'Old Lady's Shoe' meant for children to play in. From the
top of the shoe you can survey the entire garden. Another feature
here is the lovely pavilion, which is surrounded by beautiful flowers
and huge lawns. There is also a map of the city engraved in copper.
Hanging
Gardens
The Hanging Gardens or Ferozshah Mehta Gardens were laid in
1881 on top of a reservoir on the Malabar Hills. This place has
become a heaven for dating couples nevertheless the place provides
a good view of the city. Nearby is the Kamla Nehru park. From the
park one can have the best possible views of the Marine drive and
the Chowpatty beach.
Taraporewala
Aquarium
The uninspiring Taraporewala Aquarium has a motley collection
of freshwater and ocean fish, a tacky shell collection, a Christ
crab with a crucifix on its shell, and a Qurban fish that supposedly
has verses from the holy book inscribed on its tail.
Mani
Bhavan
The building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his frequent
visits to Bombay has been turned into a modest museum. It was the
home of diaomond merchant and Indian National Congress supporter
Revashankar Jhaveri. Gandhi's simple room remains untouched and
contains little more than his trademark charkha (spinnig wheel)
and charpoy (rope bed). It's said that this is where the Mahatma
first learned how to use the spinning wheel, which became such an
important part of his philosophy. There's library of Gandhian literature
and also a cabinet marked 'Books Read By Gandhi', which includes
lots of Tolstoy and Shakespeare and a well-thumbed copy of Les Miserables.
The rest of the museum is devoted to photographic exhibits, framed
leters and 3-D tableaux of key events in Gandhi life. Mani Bhavan
is at 19 Laburnum Rd, near August Kranti Maidan where the campaign
to persuade the British to 'Quit India' was launched in 1942.
National
Gallery of Modern Art
The national gallery of Modern art in Mumbai exhibits lots
of modern Indian art which are of a very high quality. The showcase
includes a collection of some very interesting pieces of art. National
Gallery is the revamped version of Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public hall.
Near the National Gallery is the Jehangir art gallery which is the
venue for exhibitions to many artists and on various occasions.
The place also organises exhibitions for touring exhibits.
Chowpatty
Beach
Chowpatty Beach is in the heart of Mumbai. Chowpatty has rich
historical links to the freedom movement; several important meetings
were organized here during the freedom struggle. At present, this
is where images of Ganesha are immersed after the ten days of Ganesh
Chaturthi. Though the beaches remain empty throughout the day, it
is a hub of activity in the evenings. On this beach the most famous
are the Kiosks. These stalls sell all kinds of Chatt & Tikki
and who can forget the famous Bhelpuri of Chowpatty. On the beach
itself is a small colony of the original inhabitants of Mumbai,
The Koli fishermen who can be seen drying their catch or mending
their nets. Statues of Lokmanya Tilak and Sardar Patel, two of the
most outstanding Maharashtrian freedom fighters, stand on the beach.
|