Mumbai meri jaan!

Mumbai – The City Of Dreams.

To the tourists of the World, welcome to a land called Mumbai, share the experiences of the City, you will love to make your Homeland. It can be referred to as the First City of India, the Urbs Primus of Indus , a city that is discussed internationally with fervour for its cosmopolitan taste, its traditional roots , its resilient economy, the rich heritage and legacy it bequeaths. Being the Financial Capital of India, the city is accounted in international summits and arguments with much zest as comparable to London or Paris. The real estate here is more precious than even New York and Tokyo, as of today.
So, step out to feel the essence of Mumbai, grab its beauty, let the city grow on you and take back home those memories to treasure till the time you come to visit it again!

The history……

Following the first war of Independence in 1857, the East India Company was accused of mismanagement, and Bombay reverted to the British crown. It is an archipelago of seven islands. The city initially belonged to the fisherfolk – the ‘Koli’ Community. The community survived trading and living along the vast coastline. The archipelago was ruled by Hindu Rajas until 1401, when the Muslim rulers ( known as the Sultans then) invaded their territories and conquered the lands. The Muslims further surrendered to the Portuguese in 1534. They coined the name “Mumbadevi” after the local deity of the city. It later came to be called as Mumbai, the British referred to it as Bombay. The city is called upon by both the names even to this day.

Places to visit……

The city offers you plenty of options in terms of places to visit par you preferences. We begin with:

Gateway of India

This 26 metres high stone archway is the first landmark of Mumbai a visitor sees when arriving at it by the way of the Arabian Ocean. Designed by Writtet in the 16th century Gujarat style, it was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.

Chowpatty Beach

A popular beach where celebration of festivals such as Coconut Day and the Ganesh Chaturthi immersions take place. It also stands a host to a number of kiosk selling the local chat – namely sev puri, the preferred pani puri and kulfi.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
This is the city-structure which sports the Gothic architecture which is the legacy left by the British Raj. The most exquisite Railway Station that the Nation beholds.

Nehru Science Center

This Centre upholds the scientific aspects and the technological dimensions of the city. It is located at Worli.

Malabar Hill

This plush area of Mumbai, the Malabar Hill has attractive residences, including the Chief Minister's house and a palatial state guest house. Here also, are the ruins of Walkeshwar temple build sometime between 810 and 1260 AD. Hence, it is also known as Walkeshwar even today.

Rajabhai Tower

Built in the19th century Gothic style on the university campus, the 79 metres high clock tower commands a fine view of the city. The tower also houses the university library.


Mahalaxmi Temple

An important Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth. Devotees throng this temple to seek her blessing.


Best time to be here…..

The Mahalaxmi Race course hosts its racing season during the months of November to April. As an international city, Mumbai boasts of the Mumbai Festival every year in the month of January. This year the extravaganza which portrays the art and culture of the metropolis, attracted huge crowds during the span of 15th – 31st January. The ongoing Kalaghoda festival sports the exuberance of the city. The vintage car exhibition during this period is a must watch for avid car lovers.
The winters in the city are cool and romantic. As a visitor it would be preferable to avoid the rainy season which starts from mid-June to September months. Lord Ganesh being the city’s beloved diety, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with pomp and splendour. The city then showcases its religious dimension in the most beautiful fashion. The festive season reaches an acme during Navratri and Diwali. The New Year is welcomed with great enthusiasm. So, the best time to be in the city would be during the winter months.

Art and Culture…
Mumbai boasts of a cosmopolitan culture and upholds the values of fraternity and brotherhood. The people here refer to themselves as “Mumbaites”.
The city is a connoisseur of artistic subjects. The Prithvi Theatre displays the best talent on-stage while Jehangir Art Gallery exhibits the artistic genius dwelling in every Mumbaite. The city is home to the Indian Film Industry. Yes, Bollywood has seen its birth and development in this very metro. The Filmcity at Goregaon, Kamal Amrohi studios and R.K. Studio is where all the “Lights, Camera and Action” takes place.

How to get here….
Access to Mumbai is easy and well – defined over the airways, roadways and the railways. Mumbai has an international airport. Air India and several international airlines operate flights to connect Mumbai to various cities of the world. Indian Airlines and many private airlines domestically connect Mumbai . Being the headquarters of the Central and Western Railways, regular trains link Mumbai with all major cities like Aurangabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Nagpur and Trivandrum. Mumbai is well-connected to major tourist locations in the countries by means of Expressways.


Food……

While Mumbai boasts of Hilton and The Taj, roadside eateries will give you the authentic spice of the City food. The “Vada-Pav” is something you cant afford to miss. Old fashioned foot and cycle tiffin carriers ( called as the “dabawallas”) bear the lunch for the working class of the city. There are also plenty of gourmet speciality restaurants.

The city has been ripped by terror attacks and its lifeline has been blasted several times in the past years. Yet, the city awakes. Let’s not take its resilience for granted. Let’s hope and pray that the city becomes an enjoyable destination for the globetrotters and a safer abode for the locals. This city truly deserves applause for its immense fortitude.

For the tourist, the best way to feel the city is by breathing the same air that 14 million of its population breaths, criss-crossing their paths as they hurry to their workplaces at distant suburbs and return home trying to keep up to the pace of the city.
You can’t help falling in love with the city; the magnanimous city will draw you to her charms.