Gateway of India
Mumbai's most famous landmark, The Gateway of India, is situated
at Apollo Bunder. It was designed by George Wikket.
It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen
Mary to India in 1911. Through this magnificent monument, numerous viceroys and
governors were welcomed to India as they disembarked from their steamers, hence the name.
Flora Fountain
(Hutatma Chowk)
This marvellous fountain was built in 1869, in honor of Sir Henry
Bartle and Edward Frere. It is situated in the heart of the Mumbai city at a junction of
five streets. The fountain has a figure of "Flora", the Roman Goddess of Flowers
at the top.
Mahalaxmi Temple
This temple is situated very close to the sea off Mahalaxmi. This
temple has three beautiful images of Hindu goddesses, Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati and
Mahakali which are made of gold. During Navaratri festival, devoted Hindus throng
this temple in great numbers to offer coconut, flowers and sweets to the goddesses.
Chowpatty Beach
Juhu Beach
Chowpatty beach is situated on Marine Drive. This beach is
well-known for it's stalls selling "Bhel-Puri and Pani -Puri chat" a favourite
fast food among the Mumbaites and visitors to the city.
Juhu Beach is the most popular beach in Mumbai which is 30 kms
away from the heart of Mumbai. It is a long stretch of sandy beach from Santacruz to
Vile-Parle. This is a very popular beach for picnic.
Both these beaches are crowded on week-ends.
Haji Ali
Haji Ali mosque, and the tomb of a Muslim saint, is located off
shore, in the Arabian sea opposite Mahalaxmi temple. During high tide the walkway to the
mosque is submerged in the sea and it can be visited only during low tide.
Kamala Nehru Park
Hanging Gardens
The giant Old woman's shoe in the Kamala Nehru Park is
very popular with children to play in. One gets a panoramic view of parts of
the city from these parks situated at the height of Malabar Hill. When seen at
night, the view of street lights of Marine Drive resemble a dazzling bejewelled
"Queen's Necklace". At sunset, the waterfall and fountains in the park
are lit with colorful lights which are worth seeing. The Hanging Gardens surrounded by
beautiful flower beds and lush green lawns are very popular as picnic spots.
Mount Mary Church
This is one of most prominent and splendid churches in Mumbai,
situated in Bandra (West). During the month of September a week long fair is held which is
Mahalaxmi Race Course
Situated in Mahalaxmi, this racecourse is one of the best in the
world. The racing season is for six months from October to April. It attracts huge crowds
for heavy betting.
Nehru Planetarium Science Centre
This Science Centre is named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,
India's first Prime-Minister. It is situated in Worli. It has a computer laboratory,
mobile science exhibition units, a heritage hall, an auditorium, inflatable dome
planetarium, science library and a children's science park.
The sky-show at the planetarium is very interesting with it's
narration, sound effects and slide projections which combines entertainment with
education. It has a library containing a large collection of books on astronomy,
astrophysics and space sciences.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum
This museum stands not too far from the Gateway of India.
It has a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china and other antics. Carefully
presereved, this mid-Victorian Gothic style building built in 1904 with beautiful gardens
surrounding it, is worth visiting in Mumbai.
Taraporewala Aquarium
Situated on the Marine Drive, this aquarium has fish in varying
shapes, sizes and colour. It's a delight for children as well as grown-ups.
(Veermata Jeejabai Bhonsle Udyan)
These botanical and zoological gardens have an interesting
collection of flora and fauna. Apart from these, it also has a beautiful
gateway, an arched architctural screen and a museum building in the
Greco-Roman Style. A large stone elephant at the entrance is also worth seeing. These
gardens are situated in Byculla.
Essel World Amusement Park
Essel World is located on Gorai Island. It offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water Kingdom is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. This international-style theme park and amusement centre situated close to Gorai Beach is perfect for a one-day holiday. Special ferries get you across to the park and the entrance fee normally takes care of a fixed number of rides, which include the standard roller coaster and adventure themes, plus a water world section where kids can literally run amok. Summer is usually crowded, but the place also offers low budget monsoon packages and special deals on weekends.
Fantasy Land
Located at Jogeshwari, Fantasy Land provides many entertainment rides for those with appetite for adventurous rides. It is another amusement park made up of modern mechanism games for children and adults like Essel World. It is also a venue for fun and games for visitors of all ages. Fantasy Land, a fun park within the city limits of Mumbai, is enveloped in lush green landscape, spread on an area of 30 acres.
Sight-Seeing Outside The Mumbai City
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are located on an island about 10 Kms.
away from the Gateway of India. These caves consist of temples carved from rock which date
back to the 7th century.
The chief attraction is the three headed bust of Lord Shiva,
popularly known as "Trimurti".
One can reach there by taking a ferry from Gateway of India.
Lonavala,Khandala, Karla Caves
Situated atop Western Ghats ( Mountain range) on Mumbai-Pune
highway are the twin Hill resorts of Khandala and Lonavala. During monsoon the beauty of
Khandala is enhanced when the clouds envelope them and several gushing waterfalls can be
seen from the lush green hills. At Lonavala the Valvan and Bushy dams are worth visiting.
When you drive a little further towards Pune from Lonavala, you reach Karla, where the
famous Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa Caves are situated.
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