|
|
|
Mumbai |
 |
|
DESTINATION INFORMATION
Mumbai (Bombay) is a city of extreme contrasts, of great prosperity and abject poverty, of 21st-century technology and medieval squalor, epitomised by the destitute and crippled lying in rows beneath bright, electronic advertisements for dotcom companies.
Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal. It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood.
Until 1858, Bombay was governed by the East India Company, whose raison d'etre was trade and profit. In 1858, after the Indian Mutiny, control of British India passed from the East India Company to the Crown until Independence in August 1947.
The city is home to two cricket stadia ~ the Wankhede Stadium was built within 6 months in 1975, and is the city's new international ground after a dispute between the governing body of Indian cricket (CCI), who owned the Brabourne Stadium, and the Mumbai Cricket Association, over ticket allocations. The subsequent demise of Brabourne Stadium is that it no longer plays host to first-class matches.
Mumbai is colourful ~ the saris, the bazaars, the Indian sunlight ~, vibrant, energetic and friendly, a city with a varied and fascinating history. The hot, humid climate is only partly relieved by the annual arrival of the monsoon, between June and September.
Mumbai is an important centre of the gem trade, and the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world.
Top of page 
WHAT TO DO
- Chatrapati Shivalji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) ~ Considered to be architecturally one of the finest stations in the world, with exquisite ornamentation on the façade and a statue of Queen Victoria on the dome.
- Prince of Wales Museum ~ One of India's finest museums, housing treasures, artefacts, paintings and sculpture from India's long history.
- The Gateway of India ~ Situated at Apollo Bunder, this gateway was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Numerous Viceroys and Governors have been welcomed to India as they disembarked from their steamers, hence the name.
- Malabar Hill ~ An up-market residential area with some spectacular views of the city. Along its route you will find the Hanging Gardens and the Kamala Hehru Park, the Paris Towers of Silence (closed to the public) and the Banganga temple complex at Walkeshwas, one of Mumbai's holiest sites.
- Mani Bhavan ~ This simple and charming museum was where Mahatma Gandhi lived on his visits to Mumbai. His room and belongings are on display.
- Hutatma Chowk ~ This marvellous fountain was built in 1869 and 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, hence it is also known as the Flora Fountain.
- Elephanta Caves ~ Across the harbour lie these 7th century rock-cut temples. Once known as Gharapuri, or the Fortress City, the caves are now a designated World Heritage Site.
Top of page
« Back to Country Page
|
| |
|
