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Mumbai,
the vibrant and pulsating capital of Maharashtra, and
India’s commercial capital (previously known as
Bombay), derives its name from “Mumbadevi”
the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk, its oldest
inhabitants.
The
Geography: The trapezoid-shaped island city
lies off the northern Konkan coast and the Arabian Sea
at latitude 18o53’N and longitude 72o52’E.
Mumbai is a city of skyscrapers, sea fringed promenades,
chaos, snarling roads, sputtering vehicles and a population
of over 18 million.
The
Climate : The climate of Mumbai is mainly warm
and humid. The annual average rainfall is 180 cm (60
cm in July alone). Temperature varies from 35oC in May
to 15oC in January.
The
Religions: Hinduism has the largest following.
Others: Judaism, Christianity (both Roman Catholic Church
and branches of the Protestant) and Muslim.
The
Festivals: The main festivals observed in Mumbai
are: Makar Sankranti , Mahasivaratri, Rama Navami, Gudi
Padva (to mark the Maharashtrian New Year Day, a day
fit for starting new ventures), The Parsi New Year and
Jamshedji Navroz, Shivaji Jayanthi, Naag Panchami, Coconut
Day, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra or Navaratri, Deepavali,
Ramzan and Id-ul-Zuha, Mount Mary’s Feast, Christmas,
New Year, and Easter.
Lifestyle, Economy: The lifestyle in
Mumbai is hectic. Due to its rapid rise as a commercial
and industrial city, the city accommodates a vast population
all engaged in various activities. Mumbai also has a
vibrant nightlife, with plenty of discotheques, nightclubs,
bowling alleys and restaurants.
It’s
said, the city never sleeps. Mumbai is the veritable
shopper’s paradise, from humble pavement shops
to high quality arcades, malls and plazas. The city
has the country’s largest and busiest port, handling
more than 46% of India’s total foreign trade.
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Mumbai
alone accounts for close to 20% of the total employment
in India’s organised industry. It is also famous
as the biggest film-producing city in the world.
Mumbai’s Stock Exchange: The
imposing tower of stock exchange building at Dalal Street
is a well-known city landmark and plays a vital role
in the city’s business scene. It is the largest
not only in India but also in Mainland Asia.
Nariman
Point is a specimen of the wonders modern building science
can perform. This place was filed with waters of the
Arabian Sea until it was reclaimed to build a series
of skyscrapers all over this plot. Visitors usually
impressed by its sleek skyscrapers that resemble Manhattan’s
skyline call this place “a piece of Manhattan
transported to Mumbai”.
Navi
Mamabi was conceived in the 1970s as an alternative
urban settlement to decongest Mumbai city. It is clean,
well-planned, with several new offices and business
establishments.
PLACES
TO VISIT
The Gateway of India: The city’s most famous landmark,
from its top one can see the harbour. There are launches
and cruisers anchored in front of the Gateway to take
people to the Elephanta Caves.
Mani
Bhavan: One of the most important Gandhi Memorial
Museums in the country, once a residence of the Father
of the Nation, it is now a source of inspiration and
freedom.
The
Prince of Wales Museum: Used during World War I as a
hospital, it can be spotted from a distance due to its
large central marble dome that sparkles in the sunshine.
Haji
Ali Mosque: The tomb of a Muslim saint, is
located off shore in Arabain Sea opposite Mahalaxmi
temple. During High tide, the walkway to the mosques
is submerged in the sea.
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Hutatma
Chowk (Flora Fountain): Situated in the heart
of the city, it has many banks, shops and offices surrounding
it.
Jijamata
Udyan-Zoo (Victoria Gardens): The garden with
a large elephant (which once stood on the shores of
Elephanta island) has beautiful, decorative architecture.
Mumbai
High Court: Designed by JA Fuller, it rises
90 feet high with a central tower of 178.5 feet; the
spiralets of the two octagonal towers in west are the
figures of Justice and Mercy.
Chatrapathi
Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus): Architecturally
one of the finest stations in the world. Over 1000 trains
and nearly two million commuters pass through the Terminus,
Mumbai’s largest railway station. The local electric
trains that ferry in and out of the city leave every
three to four minutes.
Nehru
Planetarium and Nehru Science Centre: Specially
designed for children and youth, it is a Wonderland
of Science offering a opportunity for scientific interest.
The narration, music, sound effects and special slide
projections create a sense of total participation in
the show.
Mount
Mary Church : One of the most prominent churches
in Mumbai & venue of week-long Bandra fair that
attracts people of all faiths.
Siddhivinayak
Temple : Situated in Prabha-devi, the temple
is extremely popular. Tuesday is especially auspicious
for devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord
Ganesha.
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Other spots of tourist interest include
Old Secretariat, Taraporewala Aquarium, University Building,
Mint, The Jehangir Art Gallery, The Jehangir Nicolson
Gallery.
The
prominent parks include: Kamala Nehru Park,
Hanging Gardens, Oval Maidan, Cooperage, Lion’s
Park, Pushpa Narsee Park, Priyadarshini Park and Sanjay
Gandhi National Park.
AMUSEMENT
PARKS
Essel World : Located at Goral, Essel
World is spread over 64 acres, offering more than 45
thrilling rides and games. Special ferries get the visitor
across to the park.
Water
Kingdom : Located next to Essel World in Goral,
it is the largest water theme park in Asia. The world’s
biggest wave pool, river adventure cruises and thrilling
rides n’ slides are just a few of its innovative
attractions.
BEACHES
Marine Drive: Marine drive, Mumbai’s
pride and joy, sweeps past Churchgate in a crescent
shape. A crowded thoroughfare during the day, it is
an equally crowded promenade in the evening when its
sparkling lights have fetched it the name-‘Queen’s
Necklace’. Situated on Marine Drive, Chowpatty
Beach is perhaps the most popular beach in the city.
The well-known chat and pani-puri stalls have been moved
to one end of the beach.
Juhu
Beach : Situated at about 30 km from the city
on the Bandra-Khar Road, it is a long stretch of sandy
beach.
Goral,
Marve, Manori and Madh: These beaches are unspoilt
stretches of golden sand. The sea at Marve and Madh,
however, is treacherous in places. Manori and Goral
are easily approachable by ferry. Across Apollo Bunder
approachable by ferry, is Alibaugh - a quiet uncrowded
beach resort.
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