Attractions in Mumbai
| Gateway
of India - Constructed
in 1924, this arch is Mumbai’s most recognizable
icon. Built to commemorate the visit of King
George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, it
is also the place from where the last British
rulers left the country in 1948. Designed by
George Wittet and constructed of yellow basalt
stone, this sandy-hued edifice is a popular
place for an evening stroll. This monument is
the starting point for most tourists who wish
to explore the city. Besides the arch, the steps
lead down to the water. Here, you can board
one of the bobbing little motor launches for
a short cruise through Mumbai’s splendid
natural harbour.
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Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk) -
Situated
in the very heart of Mumbai, Flora Fountain
derives its name from Flora, the Roman Goddess
of Flowers. Also called the Hutatma Chowk or
Martyr’s Square to honour those who died
in the tumultuous birth of Maharashtra state,
it today houses at its edges vendors selling
just about everything under the blazing tropical
sun.
Chowpatty &
Juhu Beach - Situated
next to Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach is a teeming
mass of people, vendors and roadside
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restaurants,
its specialties being bhelpuri and
kulfi. Once here, you will discover yourself
the beautiful line of street lamps along Marine
Drive. No wonder it is popularly referred to
as the Queen’s necklace!
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Haji
Ali - Just off the
coast in northern Mumbai, this historic mosque
becomes an island when high tide immerses the
walkway from the mainland. The main attraction
is the 500-year-old tomb of Haji Ali, a wealthy
businessman who gave up all his material possessions
for a life of religious meditation. Filled with
people of all faiths at all times, it also has
numerous refreshment stalls.
Mahalaxmi Temple
- Devoted to the Hindu
Goddess of wealth,
Mahalaxmi, this famous temple of Mumbai is located
at the seashore
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of the northern side of Malabar hills. Idols of Hindu
Goddesses, Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali situated
in the temple are decorated with gold ornaments. We
advise a visit to this temple during Navratri when
devotees from all over the country throng this temple
with offering of coconut, flowers and sweets.
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Kamala Nehru Park & Hanging Gardens
- The Hanging Gardens or Ferozeshah Mehta
Gardens were established in 1881 atop a reservoir
in Malabar Hills. It was created here to cover
the water from the potentially hazardously contaminating
activities of the nearby Towers of Silence.
This garden will provide you with one of the
best views of sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Located opposite to the Hanging Gardens, Kamla
Nehru Park overlooks the Marine Drive. This
park houses the “Old Woman’s Shoe”,
smoothly
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cut hazes and spacious walkways. From here,
you will have a spectacular view of the city
and the sunset.
Mount Mary Church
- Situated at Bandra, the
Mount Mary Church is one of the most prominent
church in Mumbai with exquisite interiors. It
is also the venue where the week long fair is
held in September. Opposite to the Church is
another statue of Mother Mary where devotees
light candles and seek blessings. From this
place you will get a breathtaking view of the
Arabian Sea. |
Mahalaxmi Race
Course - It is not exactly Ascot, but the Mahalaxmi
Race Course is probably the closest you can get to
rubbing shoulders with high society fillies and cocktail
party stallions. During the racing season between
November to February, few events are as well attended
as the Mumbai Derby, an annual affair with all the
traditional English trimmings! And of course magnificent
thoroughbreds, belonging mostly to the kings of Indian
industry. And while you are there, we recommend the
roast lamb in wine sauce and green pahadi
kebab as you rest on the red-plaid sofas and watch
the horses thunder past.
Nehru Planetarium and Science
Center - Named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,
India’s first Prime Minister, it was inaugurated
by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 12 December,
1979. Designed especially for children to educate
them on science and astronomy, the main attractions
here include a computer laboratory, mobile science
exhibition units, evolution and heritage hall, auditorium,
inflatable dome planetarium, science library and a
children’s science park. It has a huge library
with books on astronomy, astrophysics and space sciences.
What would leave you further amazed is the giant planetarium
projector, an instrument that reproduces the night
sky as seen at any place of the earth at any time,
past, present and future.
Taraporewala Aquarium - Situated
in Marine Drive, this is the city’s only aquarium.
A popular place with all tourists, it transports you
to the colourful world of fresh water and salt water
fishes in varying shapes, sizes and colours.
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