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
This 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.
» High Court
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 .
» Juhu Beach
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.
» Wales Museum
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
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.
» Colaba
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.
» Marine Drive
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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