|
Home | ||
Marine Drive |
|
 Marine drive stretches as far as 2 kms. and engirdles the psyches of each Mumbaikar coating them with an air of sweetness that takes all their worries away. A tired employee zipping past the busy road, a hassled lover, romantic couples, friends, enthusiastic tourists are a mere fraction of the crowd who seek solace in the fresh milieu of Marine Drive. The sight from a distance is as breathtaking as it is just a few steps away. Recently renamed Netaji Shubhash Chandra Bose Road, Marine Drive is nicknamed, the 'Queen's Necklace' as the twinkling lights along the promenade gives a spectacular view to the onlookers. Enjoy while you walk, play or sit on this restless road in Mumbai. |
|
Versova Beach |
Top^ |
 Versova Beach is among Mumbai's hot attractions. As a continuation of Juhu Beach, Versova Beach is separated by a creek. With splendorous Arabian Sea lunging on its sandy shore, Versova Beach is an ultimate fun destination. It is also home to Mumbai's largest fishing community - the Koils.Swimming is an exciting activity out here, but you need to be cautious during tides. The sea becomes violent in high tides, so it is not advisable to go here at such time. Sometimes the whole beach gets submerged in water due to glut of high tides. Even after all this, Versova Beach is still known for its charming locales and surroundings. Amongst all the scenes, the best scene at the beach is made by the fishermen, when they brace themselves to barge into the sea and get their first catch. |
|
Chowpatty beach |
Top^ |
 Among some of the fascinating beaches that you will find in India, Chowpatty beach is one of the most popular. During the time of Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the place becomes all abuzz with people. A walk along the beach is sure to fascinate you with the variety of people that you will meet and different shopping options that you will get. This wonderful beach acts as a base to other beautiful destinations like Malabar Hill, Girgaum and Gamdevi.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. |
|
Gateway of india |
Top^ |
 Gateway of India is situated on the waterfront in South Mumbai. Anyone coming to Mumbai from this harbor is greeted by the huge monument, which stands as a testimony to the imperial bygone era of the city. As you pass through the gate from the city side, the first scene that looms into view is that of the waterfront of South Mumbai. A popular harbor, it is used by a large number of people for traveling to the other parts of Bombay, especially the Elephanta Island.The architecture of the Gateway of India comprises of a huge arch, which is approximately 26 m in height. The entire structure has been made by using yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. It has mainly been constructed as per the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. One can also find the features of the Muslim architectural styles that were very much popular in Gujarat in the 16th century. The top of the monument stands adorned with a central dome, which has a diameter of 15 m. |
|
Victoria Terminus (Shivaji Terminus) |
Top^ |
 Victoria Terminus is undoubtedly the Raj's piece de resistance, Complete with carved stone friezes, stained glass windows and flying buttresses. It is Gothic architecture at its best, an awesome edifice that most citizens view with deep pride. At the top of the central dome stands the triumphant figure of Progress. The station was christened to commemorate Victoria Jubilee Day in 1887 when India's first steam engine puffed out to neighboring Thane, about 45 kms away. Today it has been rechristened Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus after the Maratha warrior. And the old steam engines have been replaced by electric ones. But to the 2.5 million commuters who push past its massive portals everyday, this is still VT, the pulse of a throbbing city. The terminal was built over 10 years, starting in 1878, according to a High Victorian Gothic design based on late medieval Italian models. Its remarkable stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. It is an outstanding example of the meeting of two cultures, as British architects worked with Indian craftsmen to include Indian architectural tradition and idioms thus forging a new style unique to Bombay. |
|
Crawford Market |
Top^ |
 Crawford Market (officially sanket phule) is one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. It is named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of the city. The market is situated opposite the Mumbai Police headquarters, just north of Victoria Terminus railway station and west of the J.J.flyover at a busy intersection. The animal market at the rear sells everything from poodles to parrots in small cages. North of the market are the narrow lanes of Kalbadevi. This predominantly Muslim area is a seething mass of people and traffic and is the location of several markets selling jewellery, textiles and leather goods. The most famous is the Chor Bazaar, Mumbai's 'thieves' market', which sells ‘antiques’ and miscellaneous junk - don't place too much faith in authenticity of anything here. This area is also home to the Jama Masjid and the Mumbadevi Temple which is dedicated to the patron goddess of the island's original Koli inhabitants. |
|
Juhu beach |
Top^ |
 Juhu beach is an alluring picnic spot located in Juhu suburb in Mumbai surrounded by the bewitching Arabian sea. Although weekdays are slightly gloomy, during weekends the beach is swarmed with huge crowds who are out there to breathe life. Evenings are lively with loud and colorful lights, children excited to the gills, hawkers selling roasted peanuts, pony riders, Ferris-wheels, merry-go-rounds, horses, donkey's and camels, people playing frisbees and beach cricket. Some prefer a peaceful stroll along the shores. Whatever the reason of visit; one thing that goes unskipped are the delicious delicacies like Bhel-Puri, Kulfi, Chaat etc. scooped out outside the beach. Hawkers wander about publicizing their handicrafts like T-shirts and cute little Indian dolls emanated from seashells. |
|
Flora Fountain |
Top^ |
 Flora Fountain is a stone fountain that is situated in the Fort Business district in South Mumbai.This was constructed in 1864 and named after the Roman Goddess of Flowers - Flora. The Agri-Horticultural society of Western India built this structure, which was designed by R. Norman Shaw. Flora is the Roman Goddess of Flowers, her pretty alabaster face continually assaulted by grime and pollution. It stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of the commercial Fort area. The Flora Fountain was erected by the Agri-Horticultural society of Western India. It was originally meant to be named after Sir Bartle Frere, then governor of Bombay. However, the name was changed before the fountain was unveiled. It stood in the center of the town as it then was, but now this area is the heart of the business district of the town. This is the very heart of Mumbai, circumscribed by stately colonial buildings standing like proud old sentinels of a bygone era. Next to her are a pair of torch bearing stone patriots that rise from the Martyrs Memorial nearby. Flora Fountain is now called Hutatma Chowk or Martyr's Square to honour those who died in the tumultuous birth of Maharashtra State. All around the square sit Mumbai's infamous vendors selling just about everything under the blazing tropical sun - from cheap nylon saris to herbal remedies. Tooting horns and traffic complete the chaotic picture, but through it all Flora manages to retain her serene composure. |
|
HANGING GARDENS |
Top^ |
 The Hanging Gardens was built early in the 1880's, over Mumbai's main reservoir. It is often said that these gardens wee made with the purpose to cover the water from the contaminating activities of the nearby Towers of Silence. The hanging gardens, parched on the slope of the Malabar Hills looks south from Malabar Hills, over Colaba. A unique feature of the Hanging Gardens is that the hedges are cut in shapes of different animals. Apart from that, there is a beautiful flower clock in the Hanging Gardens which also attracts a lot of people. The garden is built over three reservoirs that are pumped to supple the drinking water of the city. |
|
MANI BHAvAN |
Top^ |
 Mani Bhavan in Mumbai is a must visit for all those who are curious about knowing Mahatma Gandhi, the torchbearer of Ahimsa or Non-violence. The memorial is dedicated to this legendary freedom fighter of India & the Father of the Nation, who stayed here between 1917 and 1934 during India's freedom struggle.It was from Mani Bhavan that Gandhi initiated the Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat movements. The building came under the stewardship of the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi in 1955 and since then Mani Bhawan has become a veritable memorial to Gandhi capturing all the facets of Gandhi leading to India's freedom movement. |
|
Madh Island |
Top^ |
 Madh Island, Mumbai is believed to be an island in the primitive stage of its formation. But in its current status it is bound by Arabian Sea to the West and covered by Malad Creek at the southern parts. The Madh Island lies on the northern parts of Mumbai. The location of the place is as such that one can enjoy the altitude as well as the soothing sea breeze. Another attraction on Madh Island Beach is the Madh Fort also called Versova fort. It is believed that this fort was built by the Portuguese as a watchtower and later used as a training camp for cadets. You could come over here for a fresh bout of breeze and fort's picturesque locale that is sure to enthrall you. |
|
Elephanta caves |
Top^ |
 Elephanta is located around 10 to 12 kilometers from Gateway of India at south Mumbai, This cave is very famous tourist attraction and specialized for rocky old temples. Inside there is lord shiva and Trimurty idol statues just in entrance known for Indian craft and carving work done since ancient old age. It were Portuguese who named it Elephanta caves because they found an idol statue of elephant near the caves.Specialty is a 20 feet height idol of Load shiva with three head, so called 'Trimurty Sadashiva', and more of such old age sculptures and idols inside. A very good place to be seen for all those historical place lovers photographers taking photos of same. |
|
Lonavala |
Top^ |
 Lonavala is a picturesque hill station, situated in state of Maharashtra. It lies very close to another hill resort, Khandala, equally popular and equally mesmerizing. Known as the 'Jewel of the Sahayadri Mountains', it is perched at an altitude of approximately 625 m above the sea level. Lonavala is also known for being the starting point for the tourists visiting the ancient Buddhist caves of Bhaja and Karla. The hill station has a number of attractions to boast of, both in and around its surroundings. Given below is more information on Lonavala sightseeing tours. Lonavala provides a panoramic view of the lush green surroundings of the Sahyadri ranges. The peaceful environs of the town, which provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city, attract tourists to this place. Travelers can take a walk along the waterfalls, the grassy abundance and hills in and around Lonavala. The mountainous terrain of Lonavala is ideal for trekking and hiking. |
|
Tower of Silence |
Top^ |
 The Tower of Silence or 'Parsee Bawdi' is located on the top of Malabar Hills and is spread over an area of 55 acres.This Tower is a huge circular structure similar to a well and it is a custom amongst Parsee community that after death, the bodies of the Parsee people are sent to this Tower where they are consumed by birds like the eagles and vultures. The reason for doing so is that the Parsees believe that the dead body should not pollute the air, water or soil by means of cremation and hence such a place is created, which is also called as 'dakhma' or 'dokhma.' In the 9th century, the Parsi community from Iran came to Mumbai and constructed this structure which consisted of 3 rings out of which first was for male bodies, the second for female bodies and the last one for children. |
|
Kamla Nehru Park |
Top^ |
 Kamla Nehru Park is one of the most famous picnic spots in the Mumbai city. It is especially very popular amongst the kids, who come here to indulge in their childish outdoor games and have fun. The park is situated on top of the enchanting Malabar Hill and spreads over an area of approximately 3,300 sq m. The location of the Kamala Nehru Park is such that one can have a view of some of the most beautiful parts of the city from there, like the sprawling Chowpatty Beach and the glitzy Marine Drive. Perched on the top of Malabar Hill, Kamala Nehru Park is essentially a vantage point that presents a panoramic view of the glittering city - Mumbai. It extends to 3,300 sq m in the most luxurious and posh residential area of the Bollywood city of India. The park was christened after Kamla Nehru, who was the wife of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. The park is a pleasant place with foliage all around and well-maintained green lawns.Kamla Nehru Park is among Mumbai's best hunt for entertainment and greatly popular amongst the kids. Perched at the top of picturesque Malabar Hill, Kamala Nehru Amusement Park covers an area of 3,300 sqmts. |
|
The Kanheri Caves |
Top^ |
 Kanheri Caves are placed in the confines of the woods of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in the north of Borivali, 40 km from the city of Mumbai. These caves leave a heavy and dense trail of Buddhism in them which reflects itself in its architecture. Krishnagiri is the Sanskrit origin of the name Kanheri. The meaning of Krishnagiri is ‘black in colour,’ which is explained by the colour of the caves.The Kanheri Caves are carved out of a huge rock of basalt. They date from 1st century BC to 9th century AD. These age-old caves housed many Buddhist monks in the ancient times, and you will find clear traces of this. Even though the caves are not really that artistic and not full of carvings, the simplicity of the caves is beautiful in itself. You will find beds made out of stone platforms in the caves. There is also a hall where the Buddhist monks used to gather for their prayers and worship. Here stone columns are found, which also have the Buddhist temple. |
|
Shirdi |
Top^ |
 The Shirdi Saibaba temple is located at Shirdi in Ahmednagar district of Maharshtra. A seat of venerable Sai Baba, Shirdi attracts millions of devotees from across faiths, castes, creeds, which flock in here to pay their homage to Shri Sai Baba. The temple is beautiful shrine that has been built over the Samadhi of Shri Saibaba.Regarding travel and tourism, Shirdi is a major religious place in India and never-ending queues outside the temple substantiates this fact. Today, Sai Samadhi Mandir is thronged by the devotees to get a glimpse of Sai Baba, whose blessings are said to heal the deepest wound. The most remarkable verity about this place is that here you will find people from all religions and communities, without any kind of discrimination, since Baba treated every person in the same manner. |
|
Aksa beach |
Top^ |
 Aksa Beach is a silent beach and is among the least visited beaches of Mumbai. This clean beach is the best to see the variety of snails and beautiful shells. Aksa beach is a natural tranquil escape. This beach is located only 40 km north of the centre of Mumbai near the suburb of Malad. It offers much serenity making it hard to believe you're still so close to the city. Aksa Beach is a popular vacation spot in Aksa village at Malad close to Malvani in Mumbai. Earlier it used to be a quiet and deserted beach that was very clean and was a habitat for a variety of sea creatures with plentiful snails and shells on the beach. The steady influx of visitors especially around weekends has made it a coveted destination for city-people who want to escape to its natural setting. |
|
Ajanta Ellora cave |
Top^ |
 Ajanta cave : The caves of Ajanta are not practically caves, however these caves are none other than the temples built out of living rocks. It lies in a horseshoe shaped escarpment, overlooking the narrow waghora river gorge.This small town is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO, consisting 30 extraordinary rock cut cave temples. Ever since the year 200 BC, its ravine had been a great monastic centre. The earliest & finest examples of Buddhist paintings in India can be seen at the Ajanta caves, in existence the morals of Ajanta executed between the 2nd century BC & 5th century AD. Ellora Cave : Ellora caves are also remarkable presence worldwide for its splendid architectural structures. Ellora caves are regarded as a world heritage site of India. There are almost 34 monasteries & cave temples at ellora, hewn from a long escarpment, dated back from 600 to 1000 AD are among the most splendid examples of rock cut architecture in India. They are one of the world's biggest rock hewn monastic temple complexes. It has beautiful paintings & stunning sculptures of Buddhist, Hindu & Jain faiths. The temples at ellora are dedicated to Buddhism, Jainism & Brahmanism. The mammoth complex was carved out of huge rocky cliff face. |
|
Aurangabad caves |
Top^ |
 Aurangabad caves were artificially dug out on soft rocks. There are about 10 caves in Aurangabad found in two distinct locations. The western group and eastern group each consisting of 5 caves are a plethora of Tantric Hinduism Architecture and Iconography. Out of these 10 caves the 3rd and the 7th caves are the most fascinating ones. The 3rd cave has scriptures depicting scenes from Jataka Tales and the 7th cave has sculptures of Bodhisattva. Among the 10 caves of Aurangabad, 9 were monasteries.The 4th cave of the western group is the oldest. There is a Stupa in front in a collapsed condition. The other western caves are Buddhist Monasteries which are also known as Viharas. There are open courts surrounded by open cells. It's believed that the Viharas were built to give shelter to the Buddhist monks. The 6th and 7th cave falls in the eastern group. These caves depict the most fascinating work of art. There are sculptures of women in exotic hairstyles and ornaments, Buddha and also Ganesha. To the left of cave 7 there are sculptures of Bodhisattva praying to rescue from the 8 dangers of life representing death. A few km away from Aurangabad is the famous monument of Bibi-ka-Maqbara. |
|