Mumbai was formerly called Bombay. It stands on the islands, which in the colonial period were connected by ferries and bridges. The location on the coast of the Arabian Sea allowed Mumbai to become an important transport hub for the country, including its largest port. The city is the first in India by the number of inhabitants. Poverty and wealth easily coexist in neighboring urban areas.
Tourists can, if desired, get acquainted with the different sides of Mumbai. For example, Europeans often stay in hotels in Colaba and go on excursions to Dharavi - a vast slum with close buildings and a million inhabitants. The contrast between these areas is obvious. In terms of architecture, a great legacy remains after the departure of the colonists. Most of the objects have been renamed, but externally they have retained their original features.
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What to see and where to go in Mumbai?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Gates of india
The mixed style triumphal arch was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. The work dragged on until 1925, so that the monarchs had time to see only the model of the project. The height of the structure is about 26 meters. There is a gate in the city harbor at a distance from the access road and approaching close to the water. There are identical halls on each side, each accommodating up to 600 people.
Colaba District
It was formed as a colonial region, as it attracted Europeans for resettlement. Majestic and massive mansions, standing against the backdrop of skyscrapers, impress visitors. Budget and quality hotels are popular with travelers. This part of the city is relatively quiet and green. In the evening, the streets are filled with stalls with souvenirs, clothes, ornaments.
Marine Drive
The embankment is built along the Back Bay. Its length is about 4 km. Wealthy people live in this area. The house of the state governor is also located here. In 1961, an aquarium was opened on Marine Drive, which remains one of the best in India to this day. In the evening, it becomes clear why the embankment is also called the "Queen's Necklace": thousands of lights are lit, and they look like little pearls.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Station
The main railway station of the city was under construction for 10 years, up to 1888. At the same time, the station began to work earlier. The prototype of the project by architect F.W.Stevens was the English station in St. Pancras. The building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Two years later, the station, originally named after Queen Victoria, was renamed in honor of the national Indian hero.
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
It has existed since the beginning of the last century. Height - 7 floors, total number of rooms - 500. Interiors of each room are unique. European materials were used for decoration. The building was partly designed by Gustave Eiffel. The hotel overlooks the Arabian Sea. There is a swimming pool in the courtyard. The Taj Mahal is home to the best restaurants in Mumbai. The place is significant: the independence of India was declared here.
Dharavi
The slums are located in the city center. The population is approaching a million. Buildings literally stand on top of each other. The density is very high, which already threatens the city with serious consequences. The area is very poor and colorful. In the past, the area was inhabited by fishermen and those who worked in the mango swamps. When the reservoirs dried up, the active population left, and their shacks were occupied by migrants from other states of India.
Dhobi Ghat
This is the largest laundry room in the world. The area is 10 hectares, there are several levels. The washing process takes up to 3 days and includes drying and ironing. About 700 families work in Dhobi Ghat. The father passes on the skills and position to the son. The work is physically hard, so only men are involved. They beat the laundry on concrete bathtubs, then lay it out on the roofs or hang it up. Only charcoal irons are used.
Sanjaya Gandhi National Park
It bears the name of the deceased son of Indira Gandhi. The park is spread over a hilly area, where there are about a thousand species of plants. The fauna is also diverse. There are predators like leopards, herbivores like hares, and many snakes. The most popular attraction in the park is the lion safari. And the main attraction is the Kanheri Caves - a place for pilgrimage for Buddhists.
Elephanta Caves
In the past, the island where the caves are located was called Gharapauri. The current name appeared when Portuguese explorers found an unusual statue of an elephant in one of the caves. A ferry runs from the pier to the island. On the other side, you can walk to the natural beauty on foot or use special trailers. The paintings in the cave halls are dedicated to Shiva. There are stone sculptures in the inner temples.
Kanheri Caves
The temple-monastery cave complex is considered the largest in the world. Buddhists created it back in the 3rd century BC. Subsequently, the premises were expanded, new ones were added. Images of Buddha were carved right on the walls. A total of 109 caves are known to be connected to each other. Tourists are not shown everything. Particularly noteworthy are the large prayer hall, the hall sandwiched between stones, hall 34 with paintings on the ceiling.
Prince of Wales Museum
Located near the Gateway of India. Both projects have one architect - D. Wittet. The first stone of the foundation was laid by George V. The building was completed by 1915. However, during the First World War, a hospital and a children's center were located here. The exposition was opened in 1922. There are three main topics: art, archeology, natural history. In XXI, its official name was the name of the founder of the Maratha Empire.
Gandhi Museum at Mani Bhavan
The house where the museum collection is kept, Gandhi often visited during his lifetime. It belonged to a friend of the leader of the nation, and here key issues related to the country's independence were resolved. The building was later donated to the National Gandhi Memorial Fund. There is a monument to him near the entrance. The first floor was allocated for photos and materials from the press, and part of the office was also recreated. On the second floor, the interiors of the past are preserved.
Gallery "Jehangir"
The main museum of contemporary art in the city. The exposition is displayed in 4 rooms. The collection includes paintings by Indian artists, sculptors and photographers. Getting the opportunity to present your work in the gallery is a chance to become famous. Some young masters have been waiting for the opportunity to arrange an exhibition in Jehangir for several years. Near the entrance and along the street, there are sellers of paintings and souvenirs.
Bhau Daji Lada Museum
The oldest museum in the city. It was founded under the names of Victoria and Albert. In 1975 it was renamed in honor of the famous local doctor and antiquarian. The collection is extensive and includes: maps, rare photographs, samples of applied art. The museum has a library where a collection of old books in several languages is kept. In front of the entrance there is a statue of an elephant dating from the 6th century.
Haji Ali Mosque
It is interesting primarily by its location. The mosque was built on an island off the coast of Mumbai. Named after its founder. The merchant Haji Ali renounced everything and went on a pilgrimage. He could not get to Mecca, his body was returned to the mosque and buried here. At low tide, the mosque can be reached from the city by a narrow road. The structure is slowly deteriorating due to natural features.
Siddhivinayak Temple
The construction was completed in the first years of the century before last. However, the temple acquired its present appearance later.Almost 100 years after its foundation, additional premises were added, including a guest house and recreation areas for employees. A small artificial pond also appeared. Dedicated to Siddhivinayak to the elephant-headed god - Ganesh. In one of the halls there is a statue of him made of monolithic stone.
Mahalakshmi temple
Built in 1785. Dedicated to the goddess of prosperity, wealth and luck. A legend is connected with the appearance of the temple. Allegedly, the British engineers and their Indian assistants did not manage to connect all the islands of Mumbai together. Goddess Lakshmi through a dream indicated the place where her statue is buried. Once the artifact was unearthed, luck returned to the project. In gratitude for her help in her work, the goddess received a temple.
Mount Mary Basilica
For the first time, a prayer house on this site was built by the Jesuits in 1570. The altar was decorated with a statue of the Virgin Mary, which was brought from Portugal. Later, the building was converted into a chapel, the sculpture was lost and rebuilding began again. The current basilica appeared by 1904. She has gothic features. Interior and exterior decoration is rich in small details. On holidays, bells ringing in the district.
World Vipassana Pagoda
An exact replica of the Shwedagon stupa in Yangon, it took 11 years to build. A particle of Buddha's relics donated by Sri Lanka was immured into one of the stones. The pagoda opened its doors to everyone interested in 2008. The complex includes several more objects. Among them: a meditation hall, an art gallery, lecture rooms, a library. 8 thousand people can pray and meditate at the same time.
Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple
Built in 1988, supposedly one of the prophecies was fulfilled. Many statues were installed in the temple - dedicated to deities. After a while, it was necessary to urgently strengthen the foundation and make several more important changes in the structure. On major holidays, Hare Krishna pilgrims from all over the country gather here. There is a garden next to the temple, a restaurant and a gift shop.
Bombay Supreme Court Building
It was built until 1840. This building is an example of colonial architecture in the neo-Gothic style. The design was based on German castles. They are distinguished by their monumentality, reliability and clarity of lines. All of the above is symbolic for the Supreme Court. There are some peculiarities in the design. For example, a bas-relief: a one-eyed monkey is played with the scales of justice.
Bandra-Worli Sea Bridge
Cable-stayed bridge with a toll. The length is over 5.5 km. According to this indicator, the longest in India of the surface. Connects two urban areas. The opening of the bridge made it possible to reduce travel time for some routes by 10 times. It is stated that the structure is capable of withstanding a magnitude 8 earthquake. Since the bridge is blown by winds, it is prohibited to travel on it by two- and three-wheeled vehicles.
Water Kingdom and EsselWorld
The water park was built in 1998 and is part of an amusement park. The Water Kingdom is divided into the following sectors: Wetlanik, Lagoon, Miss Fisley's Hill, Amazon Adventure, Children's Area. They are stylized in different ways, in some children can only be supervised by adults. EsselWorld opened in 1986. There are extreme rides here, as well as something like a carousel for the little ones.
Juhu beach
The second most popular beach in the city. Moreover, in some periods he is even more lively than Chawpatty. The length is about 6 km. The coastal area is built up with first-class hotels and mansions. Some are owned by Bollywood stars who have long chosen this beach for relaxation. Cricket games are held on the sand. The area is famous for its picturesque sunsets. Hare Krishna temple complex is located nearby.
Bollywood
Film industry of the city, the term refers to films produced in Mumbai. 14 studios and 44 sites are concentrated on a huge territory. There are two types of excursions available for tourists. On the Mumbai Filmcity Tour bus ride, you can learn a lot about Bollywood history, while the Live Show Tour will appeal to those looking to get on the set.
