Mumbai - the entertainment capital of India

One of the four metros of India, Mumbai is the capital of state of Maharashtra. Also referred as the commercial capital of India, Mumbai is famous for its high rising buildings and headquarters of financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). Mumbai is also famous for being the home of Hindi film stars and business tycoons. In fact, Mumbai is referred as city of dreams, people come here from far and near to fulfill their dreams. Nightlife of Mumbai is very famous as the city people hang around bars, pubs and wake up till late night. Bhelpuri, Bada pao are some of the special delicacies of Mumbai and also liked by visitors very much. Some of the famous attractions of Mumbai are :

Gateway of India : A huge archway, the Gateway of India is the principal landmark of Mumbai. Set on the water’s edge at Apollo Bunder, the gateway is major attraction for tourists. Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V to the then Bombay in 1911. The foundation stone of the gateway was laid on March 31, 1911 and completed in 1924. An Indo-saracenic building, gateway of India is built from Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete. The central dome of gateway is 83 feet high and 48 feet in diameter. The gateway has historic significance as the last British troops to leave India, the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the gate in a ceremony on February 28, 1948.

Juhu Beach : One of the major attractions of Mumbai, Juhu Beach provides a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Originally a crowded beach, Juhu Beach is surrounded with residential apartments and huge bungalows. A popular picnic spot, Juhu Beach is 5 km long beach fringed with palms and coconut trees, and has a number of hotels and restaurants. Everyday in the evening the beach turned into a virtual fair ground. Hawkers, vendors, snake-charmers, palmists can be seen here dealing with the visitors. Despite much crowd, you can enjoy fresh air coming directly from the Arabian sea. Also savour the local delicacies of Mumbai such as Bhel Puri, Bada Pao etc or buy some unique items to keep them as souvenoir.

Chowpatty Beach : Another famous beach of Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach is set at the northern end of Marine Drive. Chowpatty is a beautiful stretch of sandy beach and attracts large number of people during the weekends and on holidays. You can enjoy Bhel Puri, Bada Pao, Ice cream or other local eating items on the beach.

Haji Ali Tomb : Situated amidst the sea on a small island, Haji Ali Tomb is the shrine of Muslim Sufi Saint Haji Ali. In addition to Muslims, the shrine is visited by people of other religions as well. The tomb is reachable only by a walkway connecting the sea-shore to shrine which can be used only during low tides. During the high tides and monsoon the walkway remain flooded. At the shrine complex there is a mosque and a courtyard.

Bombay High Court : A blue-basalt building in early English Gothic style, the high court was designed by Col. J. A. Fuller. Bombay High Court has central tower standing almost 180 ft high.

Prince of Wales Museum : Also called the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalaya, Prince of Wales Museum is a treasure house of art, sculpture, china, rare coins, and old firearms. Build in 1905 to commemorate King George V's first visit to India, the first part of this museum was opened in 1914. Here you can see archaeological findings dating back to 2,000 BC from the Indus Valley Civilisation and a good collection of Indian art and artefacts across the country. The museum is open all weekday from 10.15 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays.

Mahalaxmi Temple : One of the famous temples in Mumbai, Mahalaxmi temple is devoted to the Goddess of wealth Mahalaxmi. Considered the oldest temple in Mumbai, the temple houses the images of goddess and her two sisters, which are said to have been found in the sea.

Marine Drive : Marine Drive or Netaji Subhash Road,is lifeline of Mumbai backed with the high rising buildings. Built on land reclaimed in 1920, Marine Drive runs along the shoreline of Back Bay, starting at Nariman Point and runs up to Malabar Hill.

Jain Temple : Dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Adinath, the temple was Built in 1904. The marble temple is constructed on the lines of typical modern Jain temples. The temple walls are beautifully decorated with images of incidents in the lives of the Tirthankars.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park : Sanjay Gandhi National Park is located in Borivali, a suburb of Mumbai. You can spot a variety of wild animals in the park including leopards. The park is also renowned for 109 Buddhist rock-cut caves once used as Viharas (monasteries).

Elephanta Caves : Situated at a distance of 9km from Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves are known for their rock temples and sculptures. Known as Gharapuri (fortress city), the 7th century cave temple complex has been carved out of rock. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Elephant caves were a flourishing place of pilgrimage till few centuries ago. Here you can see a magnificent 18 feet high, three-headed bust of Shiva- the Maheshmurti. The main cave is known as Elephanta, which is supported by massive pillars. Inside the main hall you can see sculptures of various gods in the Hindu mythology.

Radhika is an India based writer, working with a software company. Travelling is her favourite hobby, based on her personal experiences she writes travelogues. For more india related information visit the site www.itopc.org also get information about popular Destinations of India

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