West
India Travel Guide
Mumbai Tourism
Following the first war of
Independence in 1857, the East India Company was accused of mismanagement, and
Bombay reverted to the British crown. With the outbreak of the American Civil
War in 1861, and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, exports, specially cotton,
from Bombay became a major part of the colonial economy.
The Great Indian
Peninsular Railway facilitated travel within India. This network of commerce and
communication led to an accumulation of wealth. This was channelled into building
an Imperial Bombay by a succession of Governors. Many of Bombay's famous landmarks,
the Flora Fountain and the Victoria Terminus, date from this time.
The
water works, including the Hanging Gardens and the lakes were also built at this
time. The Bombay Municipal Corporation was founded in 1872. However, this facade
of a progressive and well-governed city was belied by the plague epidemics of
the 1890s. This dichotomy between the city's symbols of power and prosperity and
the living conditions of the people who make it so continues even today.
The
construction of Imperial Bombay continued well into the 20th century. Landmarks
from this period are the Gateway of India, the General Post Office, the Town Hall
(now the Asiatic Library) and the Prince of Wales Museum. Bombay expanded northwards
into the first suburbs, before spreading its nightmare tentacles into the the
northern suburbs. The nearly 2000 acres reclaimed by the Port Trust depressed
the property market for a while, but the Backbay reclamation scandal of the '20s
was a testament to the greed for land.
The freedom movement reached a
high pitch of activity against this background of developing Indian wealth. Gandhi
returned from South Africa and reached Bombay on January 12, 1915.
Following
many campaigns in the succeeding years, the end of the British imperial rule in
India was clearly presaged by the Quit India declaration by the Indian National
Congress on August 8, 1942, in Gowalia Tank Maidan, near Kemp's Corner. India
became a free country on August 15, 1947. In the meanwhile, Greater Bombay had
come into existence through an Act of the British parliament in 1945.
Mumbai
Places to SeeGateway of IndiaWhat could be more appropriate
a beginning than the 'entrance' to the port of Mumbai? The ceremonial arch was
built in 1927 to Commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the
Delhi Durbar in 1911.
Haji Ali MosqueThis early 18th century
shrine contains the tomb of HAZRATH HAJI ALI, a Muslim Sufi saint. There are two
local legends which claim to trace the hazrath’s antecedents.
Town
HallWith its columns and tall Grecian porticos, this structure has been
the foundation of the Library Society of Mumbai which moved into the Town Hall
in 1830, soon after which a union was effected with the Royal Asiatic Society
of Great Britain and Ireland.
University BuildingsFounded by
Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Ready money, after whom is named the earlier of the two
structures, was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott.
Bombay High CourtThis
blue-basalt building in early English Gothic style was designed by Col. J. A.
Fuller. It has central tower standing almost 180 ft.
Sir J. J. School
Of ArtBuilt during the same period as the University, its importance is
heightened by the fact that Rudyard Kipling was born and spent his early childhood
here.
Crawford Market Rechristened as Mahatma Phule Market,
it was built in 1871 by William Emerson. The bas-reliefs, at a height, adorning
the facade, were designed by J. L. Kipling at the School of Art, a stone's throw
away.
Chowpatty Beach (GIRGAUM)Situated at the northern end
of Marine Drive, it is a stretch of sandy beach and attracts hordes of people
during the weekends and on holidays.
Juhu BeachJUHU Situated
30 km from the city, it is a crowded beach with residential apartments and bungalows
surrounding it. It seems as if the entire population of the area descends on the
beach for a breath of fresh air!.
Mumbai Excursions
LION
SAFARI PARK/KRISHNAGIRI UPV/SANJAY GANDHI NATIIONAL PARK
The national
Park, also called Krishnagiri Upvan has the Gandhi Smriti Mandir on Pavilion Hill.
The Lion Safari park gives visitors an opportunuity to watch the Indian lion from
special, closed vehicles. The Lion Safari park is open on all days, except Monday.
Closed on Tuesday if Monday happens to be a public holiday.
ELEPHANTA
CAVES
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.
ERANGAL BEACH
The suburban electric
train stops at malad, from where the journey must be made by road. Hotel accommodation
available. GORAI BEACH (59km) The nearest railway station is Borivili. Private
shacks are available here.
JUHU BEACH
A 5 km long beach fringed
with palms and coconut trees, it is a popular picnic spot and has a number of
hotels and restaurants.
KANHERI CAVES
Carved out of native
rock, the 112 caves that form the complex are believed to have been occupied by
Buddhist monks for nearly a thousand years, starin g2nd century A.D thus nmaking
them one of the oldest rock monasteries in the country. Caves No. 1,2 and 3 are
noteworthy for their massive pillars, scuptures and stupas.
CHODBUNDER
The suburban electric train stops at Borivili from where Chodbunder is
9.6 km by road. It is an enchanting picnic spot.
KERALA CAVES
The
Buddist rock-cut Chaitya Hall of Karla dates to the 2nd century B. and is said
to be the most perfect od its kind. An inscription at the entrance attribters
its excavation to Bhutapal of Vaijayanti. The caves are approached by a rough
path of about 2 km. Sedan chairs available.
KARNAKLA BIRD SANCTUARY
AND FORT
About 150 species of birds have been spotted here, 30 of which
are migratory. The rare Ashy Minive, a native of the Phillippines, has also been
seen here
MADH, MARVE AND MANORI BEACHES
By suburban electric
train to Malad and thence 12km, 5.6 and 6.4 respectively by road. Ferry sevices
feom Marve Beach to Mnori Beach are available. Allow full day, Accomodation available.
MATHERAN HILL RESORT
A motorable road has been constructed
and is open to light vehicle traffic. Trains available from Mumbai CST (Victoria
Terminus) to Neral and then to Matheran.
How
to Reach MumbaiBy Air:
Mumbai is an international airport.
Many international airlines operate flights to Mumbai from various parts of the
world. Indian Airlines and many private airlines connect Mumbai with all major
tourist centres in India.
By Rail:
Mumbai is the headquarters
of the Cent6ral 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.
By Road:
Mumbai
is connected by good motorable roads with all major tourist centres.
