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Bombay,
or Mumbai as it is now called, is the commercial capital
of India, a city of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and
discos, cricket, Bollywood and more.
History
The word Mumbai is derived from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess
of the Koli fisherfolk, the oldest inhabitants of Mumbai. The
name Mumbai, in its final form, dates back to the 18 th century.
For Portuguese, the name Bombay is Good Bay ("Bom"
"Bay" Good Bay). Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands.
These islands of no great value were ceded to Portuguese in
1534 by the Sultan of Gujarat. The Portuguese in turn given
these islands to Englands's Chareless II as part of the wedding
dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Englands's Charles
II in 1661. In 1668, the British government leased the islands
to the East India Company for 10 pounds per annum in the form
of gold and Mumbai grew gradually to become centre of trade.
In 1661, Charles II of England received the islands of Bombay
as dowry when he married Princess Catherine of Braganza. The
British Government leased the islands to the East India Company,
who developed it into a thriving trading port.
About City
The promise of business opportunities and religious freedom
drew people to Bombay from all over the country. As the migrant
population burgeoned, land was reclaimed, and the city began
its haphazard metamorphosis from a trading post into a metropolis
and industrial hub.
The city also became a hotbed of political activity during the
struggle for independence, hosting the First Indian National
Congress in 1885. Nearly fifty years later, the Quit India movement
was launched in Bombay.
In the mid-'90s, the city was rechristened Mumbai.
Today, Mumbai is the country's financial and cultural centre.
It is also home to a thriving film industry. It is seen, to
the teeming masses that flock there to live and work, as a place
where opportunities abound. Its inhabitants, an amalgam of great
wealth and abject poverty, are swept into the endless maelstrom
of activity that characterizes this city of dreams.
General Info
State:Maharashtra
Population : About 15 million
Area:440 sq km
Language:Marathi, Hindi, English, Gujarati
Climate : Being on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai's
climate is largely influenced by the sea. The climate is moderate,
with summers hot and winters pleasant. The monsoon lasts from
June to September, and rainfalls heavy.
Summer(April,May and June): Max. 33.3 C and
Min. 22.7 C.
Winter(Dec, Jan. and Feb) : Max. 29.5 C and
Min. 19.4 C.
Shopping:
Mumbai is a great place for shopping, where you can find everything
from all across the country!
The favourite for shoppers of all shapes, sexes and wallet sizes
is textiles and ready-made garments, including export surplus
apparel, which you can pick up at throwaway prices. Head for
‘Fashion Street’, a long row of ‘illegal’
roadside stalls on MG Road. Heera Panna Market is the place
for ‘foreign goods’, clothes with designer labels
at reasonable prices, electronics and household stuff, while
for trendy boutiques you could check out Kemp’s Corner,
Napean Sea Road, Warden Road and Linking Road near Bandra. Colaba
Causeway in downtown Mumbai is another great area for shopping
for shoes, clothes, bags and everything you can think of and
much that you can’t.
Best times to visit : The best time to visit Mumbai is between
November and February. It is advisable to avoid Mumbai during
the monsoon months |
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| Places of Interest
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Chattrapati
Shivaji Terminus
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT), this is one of the
most imposing buildings in Mumbai. It was from Chattrapati Shivaji
Terminus that the country's first train rolled out. At the entrance
to the terminus is a large statue of Queen Victoria. The clock
on tower is 3.19m in diameter. Stone gargoyles, peacocks, monkeys,
elephants and British lions are placed among the buttresses,
domes, turrets, spires and stained glass windows. The Terminus
looks more like a cathedral than a railway station.
Chowpatty Beach
The Chowpatty Beach overlooks a bay, and turns into a magical
brightly lit funfair at night with vendors, pony rides, fortune
tellers, performing monkeys, fishermen and families out for
a stroll. Ship lights twinkle in the distance, and Marine Drive,
the city’s most famous boulevard, decorates the bay in
a dramatic arc of streetlights christened the Queen’s
Necklace. Marine Drive extends from Nariman Point to Malabar
Hill past the famous Chowpatty beach, and is built on land reclaimed
from Back Bay along the Arabian Sea.
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India was built in 1924 to commemorate the visit
of King George V and Queen Mary to India. Built in the 16th
century Gujarati style, the monument stood testament to British
supremacy. Ironically, it was from here that the last British
troops left the country after independence.
Haji Ali Mosque
This mosque is located at the end of a long causeway protruding
into the Arabian Sea. The white mosque is the tomb of Saint
Haji Ali, a wealthy Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded
to Mecca. It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket miraculously
drifted to the spot at which the mosque is built toady. The
mosque can only be approached during low tide.
Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens or Ferozshah Mehta Gardens were laid in
1881 on top of a reservoir on Malabar Hill. The garden provides
a spectacular view of the city.
High Court
This building, designed in the English Gothic Style, was built
in 1878. The main structure rises 54.2 m in height and is surmounted
by statues representing Justice and Mercy.
Hutatma Chowk
Better known as Flora Fountain after the beautiful stone fountain
at its centre, Hutatma Chowk is the established business centre
of Mumbai. The Fountain was erected in 1869 in honour of Sir
Bartle Frere, Governor of Bombay, who was responsible for shaping
much of Bombay.
Jain Temple
The Jain Temple, built in white marble, is dedicated to Adinath,
the first apostle of the Jains. The temple is decorated with
paintings depicting incidents from the life of the Tirthankaras.
The first floor of the temple is particularly dedicated to Parasnath.
His image has been carved out in black marble and images of
planets as seen in Hindu mythology, adorn the ceiling.
Kala Ghoda
Kala Ghoda (Black Horse) got its name from the imposing statue
of King Edward VII, seated astride a black horse, which rested
there. Although the statue has long since been removed, the
name stubbornly lingers. The Kala Ghoda area is home to some
of the city's most beautiful buildings - The Elphinstone College,
the David Sassoon Library, the Army Navy Building and the once-celebrated
Watson Hotel. In an attempt to turn the area into an art district,
city conservationists organized the Kalaghoda Fair, an open
air craft bazaar, and cultural arena. This festival has become
an eagerly awaited annual event.
Kalbadevi
North of the Crawford market is a predominantly Muslim area,
dotted with Chawls (dwelling clusters), and home to some of
the busiest and most colourful bazaars in Mumbai. Near Kalbadevi
is the Jama Masjid and the Mumbadevi temple, dedicated to the
patron Goddess of Mumbai's original inhabitants. It is one of
the best places to wander aimlessly.
Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Memorial)
Mahatma Gandhi's residence in Bombay between 1917-34 has been
converted into a museum, which displays pictures and books related
to his life.
Marine Drive
Also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Marg, Marine Drive features
a bustling waterfront promenade. Marine Drive is built on land
reclaimed along the Arabian coast, and runs from Nariman point
to the foot of Malabar Hill. Sunsets here are particularly beautiful.
National Gallery of Modern Art
The National Gallery of Modern art in Mumbai exhibits the work
of prominent contemporary Indian artists. The National Gallery
is housed in the building that was formerly Sir Cowasji Jehangir
Public Hall.
Nehru Planetarium
8 kilometers from the centre of the city is the Nehru Planetarium.
It shows glimpses into the mysteries and wonders of outer space,
and are particularly entertaining for children.
Prince of Wales Museum
Like the Gateway of India, this structure commemorates the visit
of King George V. The building is built in Indo Sarcenic style
and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The central hall features
a huge dome which is believed to have been inspired by the Gol
Gumbaz. The museum, which opened in 1923, has an impressive
collection of artifacts from places such as Elephanta Island,
Jogeshwari Caves, and the Indus valley. There is a large collection
of terra-cotta figurines, ivory carvings, statues, and miniatures.
Taraporewala Aquarium
The aquarium was opened in 1951 and has an interesting collection
of marine and fresh water specimens. Shells, shell craft and
fishery by-products are also on display.
Walkeshwar Temple
This Hindu temple, bordering the Banganga Tank at Walkeshwar,
dates back to approximately 1715. Rama is said to have stopped
here to rest on his way to Lanka to rescue Sita. Legend has
it that the Banganga Tank was created when Rama shot an arrow
into the ground, and water sprang forth. Despite its proximity
to the sea, the Tank holds fresh water.
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Matheran
This quaint hillside retreat was discovered in 1850 and is the
nearest hill station from Mumbai, and provides a welcome respite
from the heat and crowds of the city.
Lonavla
Lonavla and Khandala are twin resorts just over 100 kms from
the rat race of Mumbai. The towns are perched high on the Western
Ghats, and popular tourist destinations. Both towns are famous
for their delicious chikki (molasses candy) and chocolate fudge.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Previously known as the Borivali National Park, this protected
forest area is on the northern outskirts of Mumbai. The Lion
Safari is popular attraction. However, the small population
of animals, which includes a few tigers and panthers, faces
extinction due to urban encroachment.
Bassein
This fortified city, built by the Portuguese, separates greater
Mumbai from the Indian mainland. The city of Bassein was at
its architectural best in 1534, with one cathedral, five convents
and 13 churches. In 1739, the city was lost to the Marathas.
The ruins of the fort are the only evidence of a glorious past.
Elephanta Island
The Elephanta island is known as Gharapuri (fortress city).
The 7th century cave temple complex, which has been carved out
of rock under two small holls, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and
was a flourishing place of pilgrimage tilla few centuries ago.
It has a magnificent 18 feet high, three-headed bust of Shiva-
the Maheshmurti. The main cave, which is known as Elephanta,
is supported by masasiva pillars, each restin gon a supported
by massive pillars, each resing on a square base with fluted
shafts. inside is the main hall housing sculptures of various
gods in the Hinu mythology. This well known tourist spot is
accessible by boat from the Gateway of India.
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| Special Festivals
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Ganesh
Chaturthi:
Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals celebrated
in Mumbai. The ten day long event held in August/September was
given religious and cultural dimensions to engender feelings
of nationalism and self-esteem by Lokmanya Tilak during the
freedom movement. Colourful pavilions house ornate statues of
the God Ganesh and the nights come alive with the folk dances-
Dandiya and Garba- before the festival culminates with the idols
ceremoniously taken in procession to be immersed in the sea
on Chowpatty beach. The Hindu festivals of Dashera or Navratri
and Diwali; Muslim festivals of Id and Christian festivals of
Easter and Christmas are celebrated with great community participation
and gusto.
Elephanta Festival
The Elephanta Festival held in February on the Elephanta Island
is a festival of classical Indian dance and music organised
by the MTDC. Famous classical dancers, singers and musicians
perform during this festival.
Diwali:
The festival of light is celebrated with great fervour. The
festival commemorates the day Rama is believed to have returned
to Ayodhya after rescuing Sita from Ravana. Homes are aglow
with diyas or lamps, and many people burst fireworks. Diwali
lamps are specially floated in the Banganga Tank.
Navratri:
Navaratri is a nine-day long festival honoring the manifestations
of Shakti, which represent action (Durga), wealth (Lakshmi)
and learning (Saraswati). In Mumbai the festival is celebrated
with elaborate dandiya and garba dances. Dussehra, the tenth
day, marks Ramas victory over Ravana, and is celebrated with
Ramlilas, (enactments of the Ramayana).
Id-e-Milad:
This religious holiday falls in the third month of the Islamic
calendar. It marks the birthday, as well as the death anniversary
of prophet Mohammed.
Christmas:
Christians in Mumbai celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with
great fanfare. Many attend the long midnight mass held at churches
all over the city. Predominantly Christian quarters are decorated
with stars and lanterns. It is a time of family togetherness.
Despite the diverse religious beliefs of the city's population,
Christmas is seen as a universal festival. In the week between
Christmas and the New Year in Bombay, social activities peak
and parties abound. |
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| How to get there |
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By Road
: Mumbai is well connected by major National Highways to
almost all parts of the country.
By Air : Mumbai is India's busiest International Airport
and is served by all major International Airlines. On the domestic
network, Mumbai is connected by Indian Airlines, Jet Airways
and Sahara Airlines, to most major cities in India by frequent
daily flights.
By Rail : Mumbai is the headquarters of the Central and
Western Railways. Regualr trains connect it with all major cities
like Aghamedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Calcutta, Delhi,
Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Madras, Nagapur and Trivandrum.
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