Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai
Location: Western Suburbs of Mumbai, India
Attractions: Sagar Vihar Garden, Rain Tree Marg, Pandavpada Waterfalls etc
Founded in: 1971
How to Reach: One can easily reach Navi Mumbai by taking buses, boarding trains or by hiring taxis from Mumbai.


Navi Mumbai, acclaimed to be the world's largest planned city, is the twin city of Mumbai. Formerly known as New Bombay, it is a beautiful city about 29 kms to the northeast of Mumbai. Travel and tourism is booming in this satellite township, which is separated from Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) by the Arabian Sea. In 1971, Navi Mumbai was founded to share the pressure of Mumbai, though the plan has been successful only to some extent.

The city is located on the mainland of the eastern coastline of the Thane Creek and is connected with Mumbai, through bridges like Vashi and Airoli. Navi Mumbai has really good physical and social infrastructure to boast of. Nerul, Vashi, Airoli, Kalamboli and Taloja are major areas of the city. While visiting the parallel city, check out the Sagar Vihar Garden that presents a beautiful sight to behold, leaving you completely mesmerized by its beauty.

Rain Tree Marg at Belapur offers a panoramic view of Navi Mumbai amidst natural splendor. If you are touring during monsoons, pay a visit to Pandavpada Waterfalls in Kharghar and enjoy cascading waters. Kharghar Hills is another place from where you can glimpse the entire city. You can also go for trekking from Panvel to Karnala Fort (13 kms). To put succinctly, Navi Mumbai is a landscaped modern city that has all contemporary charms.

Accommodation
Navi Mumbai has many places which can offer nice accommodation to the tourists. You can here find guesthouses, deluxe hotels and budget hotels as well. Nearly all hotels are good and provide adequate facilities to keep their guests at ease. Days Inn on the Palm Beach Marg, Hotel Heritage Dakshin in Sai Chambers and the Park Hotel in Belapur are some of the classy hotels in the twin city of Mumbai.

Nariman Point

Nariman Point
Location: South Mumbai
Known for: Housing the leading business headquarters of India
How to Reach: One can easily reach Nariman Point by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.


Nariman Point is the leading business center in Mumbai, previously called Bombay. Located on the southern end of Marine Drive in South Mumbai, Nariman Point owes its name to Khusheed Framji Nariman - a futurist Parsi, who wished to retrieve the land from the sea in 1940. The area was developed by filling the shallows of the Arabian Sea by imported steel architectural frames along with debris and cement, which eventually gave rise to a solid platform.

What Nariman Point is today, is the outcome of the efforts and more essentially the vision that Khusheed had. This lively commercial hub has offices and headquarters of most of the premier business and industrial houses in the country. Dotted with many skyscrapers, Nariman Point reproduces the astonishing appearance of Manhattan and probably that's why it is also called as 'Manhattan' of Mumbai.

In 1995, Nariman Point had the highest commercial real estate rental space in the world. Bragging of an impressive skyline and high-priced residential condos, Nariman Point has the head offices of both national and international companies. Here, one can see the majority of the consulates, airline offices and high commission of foreign countries. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Vidhan Bhavan - the political headquarters of Maharashtra, are also located here.

Gateway of India

Gateway of India
Location: South Mumbai
Inaugurated in: 1924 AD
Highlight: It is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
How to Reach: One can easily reach Gateway of India by hiring taxis or autos, or by boarding buses or trains from the city.


Gateway of India is the landmark of Mumbai city and most of the tourists commence their trip by visiting this monument. It is situated on the waterfront in the southern part of the city. The gateway is an arch with a height of 26 meters and is made up of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. Gateway of India is an architectural marvel and belongs to Indo-Saracenic architectural style, with some elements derived from the Muslim architectural styles of the 16th century Gujarat.

The central dome of the structure measures 15 m in diameter, while its peak is at an altitude of 26 m from the ground. It was constructed with an estimated cost of 21 lakh, funded mostly by the Government of India. Peeping into the history, we can say that the monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in December 1911. The foundation of Gateway of India was laid down in 1911 by the then Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke.

The final structure was at last opened to the public on December 4, 1924, by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading. After India got independent, the last British troops passed across the gateway in 1948 to board their ship heading for England. This amazing architectural monument was very much alive in the colonized nation and still doesn't fail to capture the attention of every onlooker. Inscription imprinted on the gateway reminds the historical event of the King's arrival.

This majestic gateway has always been the centre of attraction for one and all. Moreover, the large expanse of the Arabian Sea visible from the monument makes the entire view simply overwhelming. This makes Gateway of India, the most visited spot in Mumbai. At the back of the Gateway, there are steps leading into the sea, where motor boats rest to take the visitors on a ride to Elephanta Islands. Moreover, a short cruise through the natural harbor of Mumbai is absolutely refreshing.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Location: Mumbai
Significance: It has been declared a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO.
Attraction: Victorian Gothic Style of Architecture
How to Reach: One can easily reach CST by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.


Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a railway station, is a brilliant specimen of the Victorian Gothic style of architecture in India. Once called Victoria Terminus, the station is positioned on the suburban railway tracks of Mumbai. CST also serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways of India. Attributable to its wonderful structural design, CST was acknowledged as a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO in 2004.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the busiest railway stations in the country. The edifice, designed by F.W. Stevens, turned out to be the icon of Bombay as the 'Gothic City'. It also became the major mercantile port of India. It took around ten years to construct the terminus as per the classic structures of the late 19th century. The westernmost terminus of the Central Railway, CST is a railway architectural marvel because of its sophisticated structural and technical solutions.

Built in 1888, Victoria Terminus boasts of spectacular stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and unusual ground plan, unlike the traditional Indian architecture. Its fine interiors, like wood carving, tiles, ornamental iron, brass railings, etc, reflect the efforts of students at the Bombay School of Art. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus represents an excellent fusion of two cultures. During its construction, British architects worked with the Indian craftsmen, exchanging notes to give a new look and style to Bombay.

Churchgate

Churchgate
Location: South Mumbai
Attractions: University of Mumbai, Nariman Point etc
Highlights: Churchgate is home to Western Railway headquarters.
How to Reach: One can easily reach Churchgate area by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from anywhere in the city.


Churchgate is a downtown business district in South Mumbai. Imbibing its name from Churchgate Railway Station, the city center is crammed with several offices and banks. However, the railway station is a big hit in the transportation market of Mumbai, being the terminus of Western Railway line of Suburban Railway. Seeing that it is the preliminary point of many trains, it is always thrived with people going to their offices.

If truth is to be told, the term Churchgate has been derived from St Thomas Church that is sited about half a kilometer from the railway station and a primeval gate, now taken over by the Flora Fountain. Dotted with number of banks and offices, Churchgate also makes the site for the Income Tax Office. Nariman Point, the class business center of Mumbai, is just about a kilometer from Church Gate. To its west lies the Marine Drive, this is a beautifully designed avenue in Mumbai (or erstwhile Bombay).

This area is also a focal point of educational institutions like University of Mumbai, Government Law College, Jain Hind College, K.C. College and Indo-German Training Center. Wankhede Cricket Stadium, Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Brabourne Stadium and Oval Maidan are some of the prestigious sport complexes in the region. In precise terms, Churchgate is a nice place to take a stroll and have a quick look of the distinguished buildings of Mumbai.

Banganga

Banganga
Location: Walkeshwar Temple, Malabar Hill
Attraction: Banganga Festival
How to Reach: One can easily reach Banganga by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.


Banganga, which once had been a gorge, is today present in the form of a water tank in the Malabar Hill area of Mumbai. To be found in the complex of Walkeshwar Temple, this tank has a mythological legend behind its emergence. In the 12th century, the temple is believed to have been built by the rulers of the Silhara dynasty. Banganga Tank was reconstructed in 1715 with the donation made by Rama Kamath. The tank is a rectangular pool bounded by steps on all four sides.

Every year in the month of February, the tank is cleaned up for the Banganga Music Festival of Maharashtra. According to the legend, Lord Rama - the exiled hero of the Ramayana, took halt at the point while looking for his wife - Sita, about five thousand years ago. As he felt thirsty, he asked Lakshman (Rama's brother) to get him some water. At once, Lakshman shot an arrow in the ground and fresh water gushed out.

It is believed that Banganga is the tributary of the pious river, Ganga, which flows at a distance of over thousand miles. The place was called Banganga because Ban suggests an arrow and Ganga refers to the Ganges. Whatever is the story or legend, the reverence for the holy waters of Banganga is never questioned. It is worshipped by people with great respect. At religious events, people in large numbers come to take a holy dip in the mossy waters and make offerings.

Mumbai Tourist Attractions

Mumbai Tourist Attractions
Mumbai is one of the most glamorous and happening cites of India. Being highly influenced by the British during the colonial rule, the city has transformed drastically and is now known as the commercial capital of the country. It has an unfaltering lifestyle and never comes to a halt. Besides, Bombay has been bestowed with a host of tourist attractions which are thronged by a great influx of tourists every year. Therefore, the sightseeing tour to the city will refresh you by all means. Moreover, these tourists spots will not only make your tour exciting, but will also provide an insight into the otherwise hidden legacy of the place.

Gateway of India
Gateway of India is the landmark of Mumbai city. The monument is situated on the waterfront in the southern part of the city. The gateway is an arch with a height of 26 meters and is made up of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete.

Flora Fountain
Inspired from Flora - the Roman Goddess of Flowers, Flora Fountain is a stone fountain in South Mumbai. Located in the Fort business district, the splendid fountain was built in 1864. It was constructed by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India.

Mahalakshmi Racecourse
Mahalakshmi Racecourse is actually an elite horse racing ground in Mumbai. This oval shaped ground is to be found in the Mahalakshmi area of India's commercial capital. Leased by the Bombay Municipal Corporation, Mahalakshmi Race Course is run by the Turf Club.

Town Hall
Town Hall is conceivably the most imperial structure amongst the heritage buildings of Mumbai. Housing the Asiatic Society of Bombay, Town Hall is located in the Fort area of South Mumbai. The pillared monument is even more significant for its exquisite edifice that has old wooden floor.

Film City
Mumbai is synonymous to the Film City of India. Perhaps this silver screen allures thousands of aspirants, who come to test their fortune in the flicker industry of movies. Bollywood, the Hindi Film Industry, is generally taken for the entire film industry of India.

Churchgate
Churchgate is a downtown business district in South Mumbai. Imbibing its name from Churchgate Railway Station, the city center is crammed with several offices and banks. However, the railway station is a big hit in the transportation market of Mumbai.

Banganga
Banganga, which once had been a gorge, is today present in the form of a water tank, in the Malabar Hill area of Mumbai (Bombay). To be found in the complex of Walkeshwar Temple, this tank has a mythological legend behind its emergence.

Malabar Hill
Malabar Hill is a small hill in South Mumbai that is quarters to the famous Hanging Gardens, Walkeshwar Temple and Kamala Nehru Gardens of the Dream City of India. In fact, it is the highest point in the city center, with a height of 50 meters.

Nariman Point
Nariman Point is the leading business center in Mumbai, previously called Bombay. Located on the southern end of Marine Drive in South Mumbai, Nariman Point owes its name to Khusheed Framji Nariman - a futurist Parsi, who wished to retrieve the land from the sea in 1940.

Prithvi Theatre
Prithviraj Kapoor, a legend in himself, is the source of inspiration behind the establishment of Prithvi Theatre. A well-known theatre of Mumbai, Prithvi Theatre belongs to the Kapoors - the leading actor/director families in Bollywood. Shashi Kapoor, youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor,

Rajabai Tower
Rajabai Tower is essentially a majestic clock tower in South Mumbai. Located in the precincts of Mumbai University in Fort Campus, right next to the High Court, Rajabai Tower is a beautiful structure, ornamented with oriental figures. Its history reveals that it was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott.