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Mumbai
[ Edit ] Overview
Mumbai is an archipelago of 7 islands on the Konkan coastline in the western coast of India. Capital of the state of Maharashtra, Mumbai or Bombay as it was formerly known, is probably India’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan, busy and crowded city. The economic powerhouse of India, Mumbai is a city of contrasts- the extreme wealth and the extreme poverty exist side by side, the ancient and the modern stand close together, people from various different states, different religions, varying cultures and social standings find common ground and co-exist in this city.
The city extends over an area of 450 sq km with at least 1/4th of it lying below sea level. Nearly 13 million people are believed to be living in this city which has extended its borders north east into the city of Navi Mumbai, the twin city.
[ Edit ] History
Kolis:
The city which is the commercial, financial and entertainment centre of the country today was originally a fishing village inhabited by fishermen and fisherwomen called Kolis. In the 3rd century the islands were under the rule of Emperor Asoka of the Magadhan Empire. After the decline of the empire, a few Buddhist monks stayed behind with the Koli people. The Kolis who worshipped their stone goddess Mumbadevi, gave the city its name Mumbai.
Silhara Dynasty:
It was then ruled by the Silhara dynasty till the 13th century when the first merchants and agriculturalists settled in Mumbai. Part of the Walkeshwar temple complex is said to date back to this period. In 1343 the islands of Salsette and the whole archipelago was passed to the Sultan of Gujarat who is said to have built the Mahim mosque.
Portuguese Invasion
In 1534 Portuguese invaders forcibly took over the islands from the Sultan of Gujarat. They called it ‘Bom Bahia’ meaning ‘good bay’ referring to the natural deep water harbor of Mumbai. They built a few forts and a few chapels for the Koli’s, who had converted to Christianity. But overall they didn’t find much use for the place.
Dowry
Then in 1661 when Catherine of Braganza married Charles II of England the islands were given as part of her dowry. The East India Company received the island from the royalty of England in 1668, shortly after which they moved their headquarters from Surat to Mumbai and anglicized the name to Bombay.
Bombay, the commercial centre
The 2nd Governor Gerald Aungier decided to develop Bombay as a commercial centre and induced skilled workers and traders to come to Bombay. A lot of business communities from Gujarat like Parsis, Bohras, Jews, Banias etc. took up the offer and moved to Bombay. In the 18th century the ship building industry was shifted from Surat to Bombay by the Wadias and this attracted another set of skilled workers mainly goldsmiths, weavers, ironsmiths etc. to move to the city. Gradually the city began to develop into a commercial city and the British began the reclamation of land. By 1845 the islands merged together to form a large landmass. Construction workers from all states of India started coming to Bombay in search of work opportunities, a trend which has continued ever since.
Then in 1995 the city changed its name back to Mumbai.
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
[ Edit ] Location
Along the Konkan coast line.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
The best months to visit Mumbai are between October through to March. Monsoons (June to September) and summers (March to May) are best avoided for tourists.
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
[ Edit ] STD Code
022
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
The busiet railway station in Asia, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a Gothic style building designed by Frederick Stevens in 1887 and one of Mumbai's defining landmarks. Originally the terminus was named Victoria Terminus, to commemorate Queen Victoria Golden Jubilee. The building is beautifully designed with domes, arches, stained glass windows and spires. In 2004 it was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. more
[ Edit ] Elephanta Caves
Off the eastern coast of Mumbai is Elephanta Island, home to the 6th century Elephanta Cave temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva these temples have some stunning Indian sculptures. The caves are listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This island is an hour away by boat from the Gateway of India. more
[ Edit ] Film City
Mumbai is home to Bollywood, the second largest film producing community in the world. Built in 1978, Film city in Goregaon is the largest film studio in Asia where Bollywood films are shot.
[ Edit ] Gateway of India
Built in 1927, the gateway of India is probably the most popular landmark of Mumbai. This yellow basalt arch was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. The splendid structure overlooks the Arabian Sea and was designed by George Wittet. more
[ Edit ] Haji Ali Dargah
Haji Ali is the tomb of a Muslim saint who died when returning back from a pilgrimage to Mecca. It is said that his casket floated back to this place in Mumbai and so a tomb was made here in his honor. Located in the sea there is a concrete walkway leading up to it. During high tide the walkway gets flooded and becomes unsafe but otherwise this is striking shrine. more
[ Edit ] Mahalaxmi Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, this 18th century temple was built after the embankment being built was continuously getting washed away. The contractor had a dream that if they built a Laxmi temple then the embankment would hold and so he did and the embankment did not get washed away since.
[ Edit ] Marine Drive
Marine Drive in Mumbai, which was renamed Netaji Subhash Road, is a 6 km long road built on reclaimed land. It runs parallel to the Arabian Sea, sweeping around Chowpatty Beach. Nariman Point in the southern end of Marine Drive is the main business centre in Bombay.
[ Edit ] Prince of Wales Museum
The Prince of Wales Museum is a grand building designed in an Indo saracenic style by George Wittet. The architecture of the building has an interesting mixture of Islamic, Hindu and British influence.It functioned as a military hospital during the 1st world war and was officially opened in 1923. The museum has artifacts and exhibits from different parts of India. It has collections of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, terracotta figurines from the Indus valley, miniature and large canvas paintings, porcelain structures, weapons, jewellery etc. The museum is now officially known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya.
[ Edit ] Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Also called Borivali National Park it is the only national park in India that is within city limits. The patch of dense greenery in Borivali is home to animals like leopards, monkeys, deer, white lions, tigers and bird. 2nd Century Kanheri caves built by the Buddhist Monks is also located within the park premises.
[ Edit ] Siddhivinayak Temple
At Prabhadevi is the famous Siddhivinayak temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Built in 1801 by Vithu Patel, the temple is today maintained by the Siddivinayak Ganpati Trust. The idol of Lord Ganesh is built in black stone and is 2.5 feet tall. The locals have a lot of respect and faith in this temple and so on Tuesdays, which is considered auspicious for Ganesh temples, there is an endless queue of devotees waiting in line to enter the temple complex. Devotees carry bael leaf, milk and curd for their puja.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji domestic and international airport is well connected to most domestic cities and towns and many international cities.
[ Edit ] Rail
Mumbai has at least 4 main rail heads - Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Bombay Central Station, Bandra Terminus, Dadar Terminus etc. There is also the newly developed Konkan line that runs along the Konkan coast.
[ Edit ] Road
Mumbai has an excellent internal as well as external road network that connects it to all the major cities and towns of India. The Pune Express Highway, National Highway 3 both connect Mumbai well outside its city limits.
Driving distances to Mumbai from:
- Ajanta & Ellora:
- Alibaug: 145 kms
- Aurangabad: 403 kms
- Delhi: 1407 kms
- Elephanta Caves: 11 kms
- Goa: 593 kms
- Lonavala: 109 kms
- Nasik: 135 kms
- Pune: 163 kms
[ Edit ] Getting Around
Getting around Mumbai is fairly easy. There are many choices of transport available. You can choose between meter taxis, auto rickshaws (also run on meter), local trains or public buses.
The local rail network in Mumbai is divided mainly into Western line, Central Line and Harbour line. All three are interconnected at important stations like Dadar, Wadala, Bandra, Kurla, Andheri, CST, etc.
[ Edit ] Other Information
Mumbai’s nightlife is very active even though the law of the state requires them to shut down by 2am. There are a number of night clubs to choose from, most of them charge cover charges and many of them will only allow couples( no single men but single girls are generally allowed), and many of them have dress code regulations like men with slippers or sandals may not be allowed in( best to check before heading out).
[ Edit ] Shopping
In Mumbai you will find street vendors everywhere selling all kind of items from household to electronic to office items. Some of good street shopping places are Chor Bazaar for antiques, jewellery, wooden items, general bric-a-brac; Zaveri Bazaar for some real gold, silver or diamond jewellery, Dharavi for leather products; Fashion Street for clothes and junk jewellery; Colaba Causeway for clothes, shoes, costume jewellery, etc.; Bandra Hill Road and Bandra Linking Road for clothes, costume jewellery and foot wear. The street vendors at most of these places set up their carts right in front of big stores so that way you also have the choice of entering shops to buy similar stuff of better quality and higher prices.
[ Edit ] Food
Mumbai is food haven. A lot of times you can find cheap street food, mid range eateries, cafes and fine dining all on the same street. Some of the typical Mumbai street food to not be missed are pani puri, vada pau, pau bhaji, bhel puri and dosas.
Mumbai also has some restaurants catering to specific regional cuisines. Over the years there have been a number restaurants serving authentic international cuisines. Mumbai also has some fantastic Konkan sea food restaurants.
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