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Bombay, today known as Mumbai, is a modern commercial
city and so cosmopolitan in its appearance and habits that
the visitor feels at home immediately on arrival. Bombay is
the capital of Maharashtra and gateway to this beguiling
sub-continent. The word Bombay (Mumbai) is derived from
Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk,
the oldest inhabitants of Bombay. The name Bombay, in its
final form, dates back to the 18th century.
Bombay was a cluster of seven islands called
Heptanes
by Ptolemy in 150 A.D. Geological, Bombay forms a part of
peninsular India, which is considered to be the oldest part
of the country |
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Haji Ali |
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 This
mosque is located in the causeway protruding into the Arabian
sea. The white mosque is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali. Haji Ali
was a wealthy Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to
Mecca. It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket
miraculously drifted and came to the spot where the mosque is
built toady. The mosque can only be approached during low tide |
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Mahalaxmi Race Course
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Situated in
Mahalaxmi, this racecourse is one of the best in the world. The
racing season is for six months from October to April. It
attracts huge crowds for heavy betting. |
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Mahalaxmi
Temple |
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 This
temple is situated very close to the sea off Mahalaxmi. This
temple has three beautiful images of Hindu goddesses,
Mahalaksmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali which are made of gold.
During Navaratri festival, devoted Hindus throng this temple in
great numbers to offer coconut, flowers and sweets to the
goddesses |
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Mount Mary
Church |
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This is one of
most prominent and splendid churches in Mumbai, situated in
Bandra (West). During the month of September a week long fair is
held which is attended by the people of all relegions |
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Flora Fountain |
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 This
marvellous fountain was built in 1869, in honor of Sir Henry
Bartle and Edward Frere. It is situated in the heart of the
Mumbai city at a junction of five streets. The fountain has a
figure of "Flora", the Roman Goddess of Flowers at the top |
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Victoria
Gardens (Veermata
Jeejabai Bhonsle Udyan) |
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These botanical
and zoological gardens have an interesting collection of flora
and fauna. Apart from these, it also has a beautiful gateway,
an arched architctural screen and a museum building in the
Greco-Roman Style. A large stone elephant at the entrance is
also worth seeing. These gardens are situated in Byculla |
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