Tourist Information about Mumbai (Bombay)

Mumbai is the capital of Maharastra State and the gateway to this beguiling subcontinent. Of the four
great cities in India, Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan, spear heading India's move into the 21st
century.

The word Mumbai is derived from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisherfolk, the oldest
inhabitants of Mumbai. The name Mumbai, in its final form, dates back to the 18 th century. For
Portuguese, the name Bombay is Good Bay ("Bom" "Bay" Good Bay). Mumbai is a cluster of seven
islands. These islands of no great value were ceded to Portuguese in 1534 by the Sultan of Gujarat.
The Portuguese in turn given these islands to Englands's Chareless II as part of the wedding dowry of
Catherine of Braganza when she married Englands's Charles II in 1661. In 1668, the British
government leased the islands to the East India Company for 10 pounds per annum in the form of gold
and Mumbai grew gradually to become centre of trade.

Population (1991 census) : 12596000 (12.6 million)

Weather :Summer(April,May
: and June): Max. 33.3 C and Min. 22.7 C
Winter(Dec, Jan. and Feb) : Max. 29.5 C and Min. 19.4 C
Access : Mumbai is well linked to most parts of the globe by air. Domestic airlines link it to major
towns in India. Mumbai is well connected to most major Indian town by rail. It is also connect to
surrounding cities by road also. Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation and ITDC conducts
tours in and around Mumbai.

Tourist Places in Mumbai

• Gateway of India
• University Buildings
• Mumbai High Court
• Sir J. J. School of Art
• Crawford Market
• Town Hall
• Flora Fountain
• Fort
• Shivaji Terminus
• Marine Drive
• Beaches
• Museums
• Victoria Terminus
• Chor Bazar
• Rajabai Clock Tower

Many of the spots listed on the tourist guide books are taken for granted by the average Mumbaiite.
Edifices are too familiar a sight in their daily lives to be seen afresh. Yet the rulers of the past have left
an indelible stamp, and much of it stands in its glory for all to see and appreciate. The colonial
architecture of the 19th century rubs shoulders with the 18th century wood carvings made popular by
the Muslims of Gujarat. Gothic arches, canopied balconies, bas-relief panels combine with oriental
domes and spiral staircases to lend character to the imposing buildings.

The historic structures are best seen after sunset when, awash in flood light, they gain momentous
character and stand out as proud reminder of an era gone by.

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. Constructed in honey-coloured basalt, the gateway was designed by George
Wittet, inspired by 16th century Gujarat Style. The changing light of the rising and setting sun gives
varied hues of gold, russet and pink to the imposing arch. Historically, the Gateway holds greater
significance as the last of the British troops left Independent India by sea, marched through its portals.
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. Flanked by the High Court and the Old Secretariat, the
buildings were completed in 1874. Resplendent in a florid and highly decorative French Gothic style,
the main building with its turrets and gabled roof has a large circular window, with its outer border
originally made up of twelve stained glass skylights, depicting the signs of the zodiac.
Mumbai 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. Two octagonal towers with their spiralets holding at their pinnacles two
carved figures of Justice and Mercy are situated to the west of the central tower.
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. His father, John Lockwood Kipling, was the
Principal of the art school and under his tutelage, many local artisans received training. Some of their
works were used to adorn the buildings being constructed in Mumbai during that period as sculptured
panels and motifs.

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.
It is the largest wholesale fruit market in the country and a visit there can be a 'fruitful' experience,
especially during the mango season. But sadly, most of the vegetable & fruits are moving to New
Mumbai's wholesale market.
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. One of its greatest assets is its library, a
storehouse of knowledge, which may not have an equal in the east.
Flora Fountain
It stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of the commercial Fort area. The beautifully
sculptured fountain was errected in the memory of the Governor, Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere, as a
tribute for his contribution towards the building of Mumbai.
Hutatma Chawk (Martyrs Square)
Is the new name given to the area around it, as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the fight for
setting up the state of Maharashtra in the Indian Union. The spot is also a popular landmark for the
congregation of rallies and meetings - both political and apolitical.
Fort
This is the older, downtown area (with the Nariman Point reclamation being the newer commercial
centre), surrounding the Flora Fountain. It gets its name from the fact that it was a part of the fortified
city which were later considered obsolete and demolished during the time of the Governor Frere. A
small portion of the wall is seen as part of the boundary wall of St. George's Hospital.
Shivaji Terminus
One of the finest examples of high Victorian Gothic architecture, it is the headquarters of the Central
Railways and is one of the finest railway stations in the world.
Marine Drive
This sweeping Queen's Necklace, flickering with a thousand lights at night turns into the main
thoroughfare linking Malabar Hill - and the northern parts of the island - to the southernmost points of
Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point and Fort.
Beaches
It is natural that a city surrounded three sides by the sea would offer handsome choice of beaches.
Beginning from the southern end are:
CHOWPATTY (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. A 'food-mart' of stalls have become a permanent feature
and offer a range of eatables from 'bhel-puri'. The local speciality, to 'chaat', 'kulfi', coconut and other
snacks. A larger portion of the terrain is left open for the public where people come to enjoy the
evening sea breeze and the children to play. As a part of the city's cleanliness and beautification drive,
Chowpatty is also being given a face lift. 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! The central part has food stalls again, similar to
Chowpatty. And a lot more, in terms of fun-rides for children.
Beyond the city are the relatively unspoilt, secluded beaches at Versova, Madh Island, Marve, Manori
and Gorai. However, Versova is also seemingly going the juhu way, primarily on account of the
density of highrise buildings that have come up in the recent years. The beaches at Madh and Marve
have their dangerous spots which are marked by signboards. Care should be taken to avoid these
zones. The spots further ahead, Gorai and Manori, two fishing villages, are accessible by ferry.

Museums

Prince of Wales Museum King George V, who as Prince of Wales, laid the foundation stone of this
museum in 1905. Situated near the gateway of India, it was designed in the Indo-Saracenic style to
commemorate the King's first visit to India. During the First World War, it was used as a hospital. It
was opened as a museum in 1923 and has three main sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History.
One of the best museums in the country, it is a treasure house of art, sculpture, China, rare coins and
old firearms. It also has a priceless collection of miniature paintings.
The glistering white marble dome crowning this building can be sighted from a distance as it lies
nestled amidst a well-laid out garden.
Timings: 1015 to 1800 hours except Mondays; Entrance: Rs. 3 per head; Tel: 244519/244484
Victoria and Albert Museum
Adjoining the Victoria Gardens, this museum built in the Greco-Roman style houses archaeological
finds, maps and photographs depicting the history of Mumbai; Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nehru Museum/Planetarium
This museum, adjacent to the Planetarium, has a children's Science Park and a permanent gallery
which has exhibits relating to the properties of life. A collection of a tramcar, railway engine,
supersonic jet and steam lorry are also present. The Planetarium has daily shows except on Mondays.
Timings: English - 3 p.m. & 6 p.m. Sat./Sun. 3 p.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Hindi 4.30 p.m.; Marathi 1.30 p.m.
Entrance Adults Rs.5, Children (below 12) Rs 2 Tel: 493 2667/492 0510.
Mani Bhawan
A memorial to Mahatama Gandhi, who stayed at these premises a number of times between 1917 and
1934. It contains a collection of books on and by the Mahatama. A pictorial gallery captures the
moments and events of his life. Timings: 9.30 a.m. 6 p.m.; Entrance: Rs. 2 Tel: 362 7864.
Victoria Terminus
This is indeed a terminus with a difference! Enormous as it is, one seldom misses it when in Mumbai.
Over a hundred years old, this elaborate Italian Gothic structure was designed by F W Stevens, and is
a terminus station of the Central Railway. The first train to steam out of Mumbai was from VT to
Thane in 1853. Today, over half a million commuters use it everyday.
Chor Bazaar A literal translation reveals a shocking 'Thieves Market'. Located at Bhendi Bazaar, it is
full of quaint shops selling object d'art, curios and antiques. With luck, one can pick up a genuine
antique at a reasonable price.
Rajabai Clock Tower (Mumbai University)
This 280 feet clock tower is located within the gardens of the Mumbai University building. With its
five elaborately decorated storeys it is indeed an impressive structure. About 30 feet from the ground
is a frieze of eight statues depicting the various Indian castes. The top of the tower is crowned by 16
elaborate statues.