Mumbai City Travel
Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married
Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who
offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here.
Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began
to thrive here.
Mumbai has lived upto the reputation for which it was established. It is a city
built by the residents of the city. Mumbai is more than a cosmopolitan made
of concrete buildings.
This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants.
People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the
society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour.
In the 18th century Mumbai grew rapidly and it also became one of the leading
centers for the activists in the freedom struggle. Britishers played their role
by shifting the presidency from Surat to Bombay, the former name of Mumbai.
Also, the first railway line on which train moved was laid between Bombay and
Thane.
Bombay played a formative role in shaping the freedom struggle. It hosted the
first Indian National Congress and was also a venue for the declaration of 'Quit
India' by Gandhiji. Today Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra. Bombay was re-named
as Mumbai in 1996.
It is a city which never sleeps, its streets are never empty. The factories
and mills of operate day and night to meet the growing demands, their efforts
has made Mumbai the commercial capital of India.
The marvelous natural port of Mumbai is fit for handling an ever expanding world
trade. The city situated on the edge of Arabian sea has some thing or other
to offer to every body but one has to struggle to achieve that and one who is
left behind parishes in the race of life in Mumbai with no one to care for.
For decades the city has attracted migrants who come here to earn bread, many
fail and those who survive are absorbed in the pace of Mumbai.
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.
Places to See
Gateway of India
What 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 Mosque
This 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 Hall
With 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 Buildings
Founded by Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Ready money, after whom is named the earlier
of the two structures, was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott.
Bombay High Court
This 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 Art
Built 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 Beach
JUHU 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!.
How to Reach Mumbai
By 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.
