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TRAVEL GUIDE TO MUMBAI
 Its
young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross
currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city
of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State , formerly known as Bombay
lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site
originally composed of seven islets lying off the Konkan coast of western
India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and
"Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial
and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.
Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely
populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient
settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a
form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism
- whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the
Mumbai city.
People And Cultural Life in Mumbai
Mumbai's cultural life reflects its ethnically diverse population. City of
Bombay is truly multicultural, and representatives of almost every religion
and region of the world can b  e
found in Mumbai. Almost half of the population is Hindu; but the city also
encompasses important communities of Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jains,
Sikhs, Zoroastrians, and Jews. The Jews form one the oldest group of
occupants of Mumbai. Almost every Indian language and many foreign languages
are spoken over here. Marathi, the State language, is the dominant Indian
language in Mumbai, followed by Gujarati and Hindi.
The city of Mumbai (Bombay) has a number of museums, libraries, literary
and other cultural institutions, art galleries, and theatres and perhaps no
other city in India can boast of such a high degree of variety and quality
in its cultural and entertainment facilities.
 Chatrapati
Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus/Western Railway Station)
At the site of the Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands
Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and
architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. It is built in a
style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885.
Designed by F.W. Stevens the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic
Building has a frontage of over 15,00 feet. The administrative offices form
three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate
guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of
this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the
giant dome is a figure of a women with a torch held aloft to symbolise
progress.
Chhota Kashmir in Mumbai
It is a colourful garden developed in the Aarey Colony area just near the
Aarey Dairy. As the name suggests the beauty of this garden reminds the
natural beauty of Kashmir. The garden is full of variety of colourful
flowers, which blossom in all seasons round the year. The evergreen lawns of
the garden, the tall coconut trees, and the beautiful palm trees grown here
simply remind us of natural beauty of Kashmir. As the garden being one of
the very popular places in the Aarey Colony, people often come here for a
trip or picnic with prior permission. It is also a popular place where
sessions of outdoor film shootings are held. This garden, being a best spot
for picnic, is known as Picnic Spot and it is open for public during the
day.
Gateway Of India 
Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the
water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists
who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate
the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in
1911.
Mumbai Film City
Mumbai is the hub of Indian film industry, which has played a pivoted role
in the development of cinematography. "Bollywood", as it is
called, produces the second most number of pictures in the world every year,
next only to Hollywood, U.S.A. Mumbai claims to be the world's largest
production centre for films.
Marine Drive in Mumbai
Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 30s on
land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is
also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of
street lamps lit up at night. Recently it has come to known as Netaji
Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the
foot of Walkeshwar on the other.
Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty beach situated at the end of Marine Drive has a moderate expanse
of sand and is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. One can
witnesses many Hindu religious ceremonies taking place at Chowpatty like the
Annual Thread-Tying Ceremony initiating young boys into the Brahmin caste,
'Nariel Purnima' towards the end of the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi'
immersions.
Juhu Beach
Juhu is one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India. Located
18-km north of the city centre, it's a beckoning beach on the shores of
Arabian Sea and is one of the posh localities of Mumbai where one can find
the bungalows of the famous film personalities. Many shootings are held here
too.
Hanging Gardens in Mumbai
Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens were built in
1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly known as Hanging
Gardens, because of their location on the slope of a hill. The terrace
garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and affords a panoramic
view of the city or a breathtaking sunset. It is built over three
reservoirs, which store 30 million gallons of water pumped here for cleaning
before being supplied to the town.
Shopping in Mumbai is a memorable experience as one wanders through its
bazaars with striking names like Chor Bazaar, Mutton Street and Zaveri
Bazaar. Mumbai's streets, corners and pavements are lined with shops and
virtually anything one wants is available in parts of its famous bazaars and
markets. Shopping in Mumbai can be anyway one likes - air-conditioned and
fixed price, or street market and lots of hard bargaining
Shopping Downtown
Most of the Handicrafts emporia and bazaars are located in the downtown
area. Crawford Market, famous for flowers, fruits, meat and fish, is
certainly a place worth capturing on your camera; its sheer colour and
variety will not fit into one screen.
Most of the Handicrafts emporia and bazaars are located in the downtown
area. Crawford Market, famous for flowers, fruits, meat and fish, is
certainly a place worth capturing on your camera; its sheer colour and
variety will not fit into one screen.
Shopping Arcades Of The Hotels Such As Taj, Oberoi
If one wants to take the leisurely option for your shopping trips, go for a
stroll around the air- conditioned shopping arcades of the main hotels, the
Taj, the Oberoi Towers and the new Oberoi, all in south Mumbai, and shop for
clothes, shoes, leatherwear, jewellery, and good quality handicrafts.
Chor Bazaar in Mumbai
At Chor Bazaar one'll find a phenomenal collection of antiques, jewellery,
wooden articles, leatherwear and general bric-a-brac. Chor Bazaar is
commonly known as "Thieves' Market, a name coined by the British but
perhaps mistakenly. It is also thought that the original name was "Shor
Bazaar" (Noisy Market), which aptly described the yelling and shouting
of the local traders on Mutton Street while selling their second hand
household goods. Today, it is a hustling bustling market selling an electric
range of new and old furniture and bric-a-brac. While on one looks out for
brass planters and silver "Hookahs" (remember bargain very hard in
Chor Bazaar) take time to wander up and down the other alleys, some devoted
to furniture, others to crystal and glassware, and others to far less
romantic items like inner tubes or valves.
NEAR BY
EXCURSIONS OF MUMBAI
Bassein
Bassein is located 77-km away from Mumbai and is well connected by rail and
road. It served as an important ship-building centre in the early 17th
century. Marathas defeated the Portuguese in 1739 at this site. Bearing a
close resemblance to Goa, a quite place where tourists can take time off
from the crowd. Amidst dense brushwood and palm groves one can find ruins of
the fort built by Portuguese. Another important feature, which attracts
large number of tourists is the Portuguese cuisine served by locals who also
rent rooms.
Nalasopara
A village called Nalasopara, which lies about 10-km away, to the northwest
of Bassein, was the erstwhile Konkan capital from about 1500 BC to 1300 AD.
It attracts tourists, as it is believed to be the place of the Buddha in a
previous incarnation. Many Buddhist relics have also been found here.
Thane
Thane is known as the "City of Lakes". There are around 23 lakes
in the city among which The Talao Pali Lake, Upvan Lake are the must to see
places. Endowed with its beautiful lakes and abundant greenery, the city
witnessed a spurt in property development, bringing in hordes of people into
the city.
 Elephanta
Caves
An hour's boat ride from Colaba, the tranquil, forested island of Elephanta
is one of the most atmospheric places in Mumbai. Populated only small
fishing community, it makes a wonderful contrast from the noisy environment
of the metropolis. A series of seven magnificent rock-cut caves, dating from
the 4th-9th centuries AD are located here about 76m above the sea and are
accessible by a flight of steps.
Vihar And Powai Lakes
Vihar and Powai Lakes are two adjoining lakes in Mumbai suburbs. These
lakes are popular picnic spots where office goers, students and tourist
groups often go for excursion on weekends and holidays. A delightful park is
laid out by the side of lakes and there are number of shady trees for
relaxation. Visitors will find a varying skyline of the suburbs.
Goa, the coastal paradise located in South Western
India is popular for its sun kissed sandy beaches, easygoing life style,
fenni and various fairs and festivals. The relaxed and tranquil atmosphere
of Goa makes it a hit place among tourists seeking sun, sand, food.
Chapel Of St. Francis Xavier
Behind the gate of St. Paul's college is a Kuchcha road branching off the
main road, leading to the chapel of St. Francis Xavier. It is built of
laterite plastered with lime mortar, with tiled roof supported by wooden
rafters is a plain chapel with only one altar.
The Church Of St. Cajetan
Opposite the Se Cathedral, beyond the road is the large and beautiful
church of St. Cajetan built of laterite blocks, which were lime plastered.
The façade, having two towers on either side to serve as belfry, has
Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches in
which are kept the statues of the apostles.
The Convent And The Church Of The Cross Of Miracles
On the southern outskirts of Old Goa is a hill on which stand this convent
and church. Built of laterite, plastered with lime mortar, the plain looking
church and the single storeyed convent with numerous cells are now in ruins.
A church, specially built in 1619 to house the Cross of Miracles, having
crumbled, the present church was built on the same spot in 1674.
The Convent housed the congregation of the Oratory of Philip Neri of Goa.
In 1835, the Church and the convent were abandoned. The Cross of Miracles
was transferred to a chapel in the Se Cathedral in 1845.
Anjuna Beach
With its fluorescent painted palm trees and infamous full moon parties,
ANJUNA, 8-km west of Mapusa, is Goa at its most "alternative".
Designer leather and lycra may have superseded cotton Kaftans, but most
people's reasons for coming are the same as they were in the 1970s: dancing
and lying on the beach slurping tropical fruit. While browsing in the area
have a day trip to the famous flea market.
One of the main sources of Anjuna's enduring popularity as a hippy hang out
is its superb beach. Fringed by groves of swaying coconut palms, the curve
of soft white sand conforms more closely to the archetypal vision of
paradise than any other beach on the north coast. Bathing is generally safer
than at most of the nearby resorts, too, especially at the more peaceful
southern end, where a rocky headland keeps the sea calm and the undertow to
a minimum.
Dona Paula
At the place where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea is the
secluded bay of Dona Paula with a fine view of the Marmagao Harbour. 7-km
from Panjim, nestled on the south side of the rocky, hammer-shaped headland
that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries, this former fishing village is
nowadays a commercialized resort. This is an idyllic spot to relax and
sunbathe. Water scootering facilities are also available over here.
The official residence of the Governor of Goa, Known as Cabo Raj Bhavan is
situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula. Along the road leading to
this place lies the ruins of the small military cemetery the British built
at their brief occupation of the Cabo, to deter the French from invading
Goa.
Colva Beach
A hot season retreat for Margao's moneyed middle classes since long before
Independence, Colva is the oldest and largest of South Goa's resorts. Its
leafy outlying 'Vaddos', or wards are pleasant enough, dotted with colonial
style villas and ramshackle fishing huts. The beachfront is a collection of
concrete hotels, souvenir stalls and fly blown snack bars strewn around a
central roundabout.
Each afternoon, busloads of visitors from out of state mill around here
after a paddle on the crowded foreshore, pestered by postcard wallahs and
the little urchins whose families camp on the outskirts. If, however, one
wants to steer clear of this central market area, and stick to the cleaner,
greener outskirts, Colva can be a pleasant and convenient place to stay for
a while. Swimming is relatively safe while the sand, at least away from the
beachfront, is spotless and scattered with beautiful shells.
Varca Beach
If one staying in Benaulim, one is bound at some point to visit Varca: the
row of beached wooden fishing boats 2-km south of Benaulim belong to its
community of Christian fisher folk, whose palm thatched long houses line the
foot of the grassy dunes.
Arambol
The Countryside Heaven Of the fishing settlements dotted along the north
coast, only Arambol 32-km northwest of Mapusa, is remotely geared to tourism
- albeit in a very low-key, low-impact fashion. If one is happy with basic
amenities, the village offers two very fine beaches and a healthy dose of
peace and quiet. Parties are occasionally held here, drawing revellers
across the river from Anjuna and Vagator, but these are rare intrusions into
an otherwise tranquil, out of the way enclave. Beaches Of Arambol Modern
Arambol is scattered around an area of high ground west of the main coast
road, where most of the buses pull in. From here, a bumpy lane runs
downhill, past a large school and the village church, to the more
traditional end of the village, clustered under a canopy of widely spaced
palm trees. The main beach lies 200m farther along the lane. Strewn with
dozens of old wooden fishing boats and a line of tourist café bars,
the gently curving bay is good for bathing, but much less picturesque than
its neighbour around the corner.
 Mapusa
The ramshackle market town of Mapusa is the district headquarters of Bardez
Taluka. If one arrives by road from Mumbai and plan to stay in one of the
north Goan resorts, one can jump off the bus here and pick up a local
service straight to the coast, rather than continue on to Panjim, 13-km
south.
Panjim
Called Panjim by the Portuguese, Panaji, which means "the land that
does not flood" is the state capital of Goa. Unlike many capital
cities, Panaji has a distinct unhurried character. It is situated on the
southern banks of the Mandovi River, which makes this town all the more
charming.
The European Ambience Typical of a Goan town, Panaji is built around a
church facing a prominent square. The town has some beautiful Portuguese
Baroque style buildings and enchanting old villas. The riverside, speckled
with brightly whitewashed houses with wrought iron balconies, offers a fine
view.
Vasco-da-Gama
Vasco da Gama, 29-km by road southwest of Panjim, sits on the narrow
western tip of the Marmagoa (also known as Mormugao) peninsula, overlooking
the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this
strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India's
west coast. It remains a key shipping centre, with container vessels and
iron ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth, but holds nothing of
interest for visitors, particularly since the completion of the Konkan
Railway, when Goa's main railhead shifted from here to Margao. The only
conceivable reason one might want to come to Vasco is to catch a bus to
Dabolim airport, of Bogmalo beach, 8-km southeast.
Aguada Fort
A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called
there, giving it the name "Aguada" (meaning 'water' in
Portuguese). On the northern side, it provides a harbour for local shipping.
The fort, at present, houses the central jail. A 19th century built
lighthouse is situated inside the fortress.
Mayem Lake
Just east of Old Goa, the lily-covered Carambolin Lake has an enormous
amount of waterfowl, many Egrets and Heron, Bronze-Winged, Pheasant-Tailed
Jacana and thousands of exotic species such as Comb Duck and Cotton
Pygmy-Goose.
Goa Carnival
Carnival in Goa is a non-stop 3-day festival of color, song and music,
providing a healthy entertainment for all, young and old. The soothing
climate, full of fun- 'n' -frolic, which the Carnival generates, is much
longed for. It does not matter whether one enjoys or see others enjoying.
There is enthusiasm and happiness all around.
More
Information on Goa click here
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