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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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Gateway of India |
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T his
26 metres high stone archway is the first landmark of Bombay a
visitor sees when arriving by ship. Designed by Writtet in the
16th century Gujarat style, it was built to commen/morate the
visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Indfia in 1911.
This crypto-Moresque archway welcomed numerous viceroys,
governors and top civil servants as they disembarked by launch
from their p&O steamers. An equestrain staue of Chhatrapatin
Shivaji and statue of Swami Vivekhanda have been installed here |
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High Court
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An attractive
building built in 1878 in the early Engligh Gothic style. The
central structure rises up to 54.2 metres and is surmounted by
statues representing Justice and Mercy |
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Juhu Beach |
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Juhu
is one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India.
Located 18 km north of the city centre, it’s a beckoning beach
on the shores of Arabian Sea and is one of the posh localities
of Mumbai where one finds the bungalows of the famous film
personalities. Many shootings are held here. On the southern end
of the Juhu beach one can find many Luxury hotels and
apartments, which is regarded as a favourite haunt of Mumbai's
movers and shakers. However, this beach is not a very good place
to swim, as it is crowded with choc-a-bloc Bhelpuri and Kulfi
stalls |
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Wales Museum |
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George Wittet
designed this Indo- Saracenic style building, which houses the
Prince of Wales Museum .
It also houses a priceless collection of art, sculpture, a fine
collection of miniature paintings and much more. Amid the hustle
and bustle of Mumbai stand some stately buildings, remnants of
the British Raj. Among them is the Prince of Wales Museum, named
after Prince George (Later George V) who visited India in 1905
and laid the foundation stone of the building. Through the arch
the Prince made his royal entrance to India as King George V for
the Delhi Darbar in 1911. This four-tiered goliath houses a
priceless collection of over 2000 miniature paintings from
various stylistic schools in India. Among other artifacts
feature a sizeable number of relics of the Indus Valley
Civilisation and instances of Tibetan and Nepalese art. |
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Chaupatty
Beach |
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The
site of massive political gatherings during India's independence
struggle, Chowpatty Beach occupies a special place in the
history of the city. Today it is still a favorite haunt,
especially during the evening. It's a fine place to take a
stroll, grab a snack and even get a massage. The later you visit
the more festive Chowpatty appears as musicians and performers
often line the beach after dark. During the annual Hindu
festival devoted to the elephant-headed god Ganesh (late
summer), thousands gather there for the ritual immersions of
statues. Swimming is not recommended, and you'll see almost no
one in swimwear at Chowpatty |
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Colaba |
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The crowded
streets of this commercial district draw many travelers because
of the plethora of hotels and restaurants located at the
southern end of Mumbai island. Don't let the press of street
vendors and shoppers dissuade you from taking in the colorful
scene. Early in the morning Mumbai's remnant fishing fleet
unloads its catch along the causeway. At night, the city's
youthful upper-class denizens and foreigners take over the
cafes. Keep an eye on your wallet while in Colaba, as the old
port has more than its share of unsavory characters as well |
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Marine Drive |
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Now
officially called Netaji Subhash Road, the drive runs along the
Arabian Sea and is one of the city's most popular spots for
evening walks or a romantic rendezvous at sunset. It follows
Mumbai's Back Bay, starting at ritzy Nariman Point and winding
up at Malabar Hill. At night, the glittering lights of Marine
Drive are known as the "Queen's Necklace." |
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