- How to Get There
- Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
- Gateway of India
- Marine Drive
- Juhu Beach
- HAJI ALI
- Essel World
- Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
- Elephanta Caves
- Film City
Mumbai : The City of Dreams
Mumbai
Mumbai : The City of Dreams
Mumbai is a huge city. That will be the first thing that will strike you as you reach the place. It is filled to the brim attractions of every kind.
Home to the second most famous movie industry in the world, Mumbai is a wonderland in its own right. Mumbai is the financial capital of India and has some of the most incredible pieces of architecture decoration its landscape. It is surrounded by a long fascinating shoreline hugging the Arabian Sea. Religion is another aspect of this magnificent city where festivals are celebrated with great pomp and splendor. Its history cannot be underestimated as well. It has played an important part in the history of India.
How to Get There
By Air :
Mumbai’s international terminal is the Sahar International Airport, renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Located 30 km from centre of the city. Most of the international flights ply from here and connect it with various national and international destinations.
By Rail :
The headquarters of both Western and Central Railways lie in Mumbai. Railways are said to be the lifeline of Mumbai. Super-fast trains and passenger trains connects the city with all prominent towns of India like Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The two railway stations in Mumbai are Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) previously known Victoria Terminus, and Bombay Central Station. Other local railway stations are Dadar, Church gate and Kurla.
By Road :
Mumbai is perfectly connected by a road network to the rest of India. The city’s public bus system BEST is one of the most efficient bus systems. Bus services ply regularly between Mumbai and cities like Bangalore, Surat, Nashik, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mangalore, Cochin and Goa.
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
One of the richest Hindu temples in the world, the Siddhivinayak Temple is a fascinating sight to behold. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the most popular deity in Mumbai. The temple was originally built in the 18th century but the current structure is a much more recent one. It is now a huge structure that comprises six stories topped with a golden dome. The black idol is unique as the trunk of the elephant god, Lord Ganesh, is turned towards the right side which is not the norm for idols of this god.
Gateway of India
The amazing Gateway of India overlooks the Arabian Sea and is a significant landmark of Mumbai. It was contracted to celebrate the visit of Queen Mary and King George V ion the year 1911. It is a representation of the grandeur of not only the British Raj but India as well. The architecture of the arch is a combination of Indian and Saracenic styles and has become a symbol of the history of India.
Marine Drive
Officially called the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, the Marine Drive is an incredible sight. The entire stretch is washed by the waters of the Arabian Sea. You can enjoy the cool breeze wafting from the sea here. During the evening, the sight of the sun setting inside the sea is unforgettable. You should stay on after the evening falls and the dark sets in. Then the Marine Drive will come alive with numerous lights. From a height, it may seem that the Marine Drive is a necklace of pearls decking the neck of the beautiful sea. This has earned marine Drive the name of Queen’s Necklace
Juhu Beach
The Juhu Beach is one of the most famous beaches of Mumbai. The Arabian Sea quietly washes over the warm sands of the beach creating an ambience of serenity. You can while away the time enjoying breeze and the atmosphere till dusk when you will witness a spectacular sunset. Alternatively, you can chase the wind with a ride on a horse.
HAJI ALI
The sacred Dargah of Haji Ali floats like a magnificent mirage over the Arabian Sea. A long causeway connects the island to the mainland. The current structure was constructed in the 19th century over an older structure dating back to the 15th century. Inside the Dargah lies the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, the revered Islamic saint. During the high tide, the causeway and the island is overrun with water making the sacred mosque an island of its own.
Essel World
The Essel World is a gigantic amusement park which is the largest of its kind in Asia. You can enjoy a wide range of activities here. Some of them are relaxing while others can get the adrenaline to start pumping in your veins. There are rides to suit the tastes of everyone. Some rides are meant for families, others for children and some are meant for those looking for a thrill. Apart from the rides, Essel World contains a culinary galley. There, you can indulge your taste buds with amazing dishes of various cuisines.
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mumbai is over a hundred years old. The temple is a beautiful sight with its three spires and the front entrance. The entranceway has been created fantastically with elaborate and intricate carvings. Idols of various Hindu gods and goddesses have been installed at this temple.
Elephanta Caves
The awe-inspiring caves on Elephanta Caves are worth the journey by boat although the journey is actually quite enjoyable. These caves feature a dizzying array of sculptures that date back to sometime between the 5th and the 8th centuries. These sculptures are a representation of the diorama of Buddhist and Hindu cultures. The caves are filled with fascinations and you can be transported back in time on watching these unbelievably beautiful pieces. The Elephanta Caves have been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Film City
Most people know Mumbai as the center of Bollywood, the prolific film industry of India. In the Film City, you will be steeping into that world. This huge expanse contains a multitude of sets that range from mountains to gardens to cities and homes. There are lakes and villages and nearly every setting that can be required for a movie. In fact, you will be enchanted with the glamor of it all and find it difficult to differentiate between movie and reality here. The Film City has been the location for many notable movies produced in India. As you travel around this mesmerizing place, you may even run into an ongoing movie production or two.
