GATEWAY OF INDIA

The Gateway of India, which graces the locally known Apollo Bunder Pier, was designed by George Wikket to commemorate George V and Queen Mary's visit to India in 191 1. It was through this magnificent monument, numerous Viceroys, Governors and top civil servants were welcomed as they disembarked from their steamers. It was inspired by 16th Century Gujarati architecture. From here one can take launch cruises. A launch service is also available to take people on expeditions to the 6th Century Caves of Elephanta. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

 PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM

The Prince of Wales Museum was designed by George Wikket and completed in 1914. Built in the grand Indo-Saracenic style from locally quarried yellow and blue basalt and topped with a Bijapur style dome, it stands in beautiful gardens. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway) or C.S.T (V.T) (Central Railway).

JEHANGIR ART GALLERY

Built in 1952 and situated at Kala Ghoda, adjacent to the Prince of Wales Museum, the Jehangir Art Gallery is the most prestigious and modern venue for Indian artists to exhibit their talent. The Samovar Coffee Terrace that faces the Museum gardens is a popular hangout for local artists. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway) or C.S.T (V.T) (Central Railway).

RAJABAI CLOCK TOWERS

One of Mumbai's outstanding landmarks, the Rajabai Clock Tower is situated in the gardens of Mumbai University. Based on plans by George Gilbert Scott and completed in the 1870's, it is said to have been inspired by Giotto's Campanile in Florence. It houses the University Library, which was endowed by a Hindu businessman, Premchand Raichand, in memory of his mother Rajabai. It is 280 feet tall with five storey's and at a height of 30 feet, there are eight statues representing the Indian castes. The tower clock is reported to have played 16 tunes including 'Rule Britannia'. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

FLORA FOUNTAIN

Also known as Hutatma Chowk, Flora Fountain is a statue of the Roman Goddess of Spring erected in 1869 in memory of British Governor Sir Bartle Frere. Frere was responsible for the demolition of the Fort walls in 1864. It remains a major downtown landmark in Mumbai's business centre. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

FASHION STREET

This bazaar of export surplus cotton and inexpensive readymade is for one and all. They sell latest fashion clothes at very reasonable prices. It is advisable to check the clothes before payment. Bargaining is expected. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway) and C.S.T (Central Railway).

MANTRALAYA

This modern style building houses the offices of the Government of Maharashtra. Near this building at a little distance is Yogakshema and the offices of Life Insurance Corp. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

VICTORIA TERMINUS

V.T is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (C.S.T) and is Mumbai's architectural masterpiece. It stands on the old Bori Bunder station from where Asia's first train departed on 6th April, 1853. It is said that in the 17th century the Portuguese used to hang their criminals in the station's vicinity. This solid Gothic structure was designed in 1878 by F. W. Stevens and cost 1.6 million rupees to build. The statue atop the dome and the intriguing figures of animals and birds represent 'Progress' and 'Prosperity'- It is the headquarters of the Central Railway system consisting of 14 platforms. It offers passenger amenities and also operates local trains.

CHOWPATTY  BEACH

Chowpatty, literally meaning four channels, is situated at the end of Marine Drive at the foot of Malabar Hill. It witnesses great religious ceremonies, including the Ganesh festival in early September and the colorful festival of boats which marks the end of the monsoon. There are numerous food stalls selling bhelpuri (a Mumbai specialty).

CHOR BAZAAR (FLEA MARKET)

Chor Bazaar is commonly known as Thieves' Market, a name coined by the British but perhaps mistakenly. It is also thought that the original name was Chor Bazaar (Noisy Market) which aptly described the yelling and shouting of the local traders on Mutton Street while selling their second hand household goods. Today, it is a hustling bustling market selling an eclectic range of new and old furniture and bric-a-brac. The traders, whose families have been in this business for generations, scour the countryside buying goods to sell in the market. You must visit Chor Bazaar.

MARINE DRIVE

This is Mumbai's pride. It is a popular promenade and is Mumbai's favourite spot for watching the sun setting over the Arabian Sea. It is fondly called the "Queen's Necklace" because of the dramatic curve of its streetlights at night. Horse drawn Victoria rides are available from either ends of the promenade. Nearest station is Churchgate (Western Railway).

TOWN HALL

This is Mumbai's most distinguished example of neoclassical architecture. Completed in 1833 and designed by Col. Thomas Cowper R looks down on Horniman Circle, constructed 35 years later. The central garden was laid out by Rienzi Halton in 1869 on what was Old Bombay Green. The library contains many ancient books and manuscripts along with bronze and marble sculptures of prominent Mumbai personalities. Nearest station is C.S.T (VT) (Central Railway).

HANGING GARDENS

Built in 1880 and renovated in 1921, the Hanging Gardens are also known as the Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens. They were landscaped on top of three reservoirs which store 30 million gallons of Potable water supplied to the city. Joggers and walkers regularly use these well maintained gardens and lush green surroundings. Nearest station is Grant Road (Western Railway).

KAMALA NEHRU PARK

This children's park is opposite the Hanging Gardens and was built in 1952 after the wife of India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The park covers an area of 4,000 sq. yds. and offers a magnificent view of Marine Drive. There are lovely shaded pavilions covered with flowers and plants if one wants seclusion. Nearest station is Grant Road (Western Railway)

MAHALAXMI RACE COURSE

Situated at Mahalaxmi, opp. The Haji Ali Dargha (Shrine), this world class race course was built under the enthusiastic direction of Major J. E.Hughes. There are two enclosures, one for Members and the other for the general public. The Indian Derby is always in February. Mumbai's horse-racing season runs from November to April. The big races are major social occasions. Nearest station is Mahalaxmi (Western Railway).

NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART

C.J. Public Hall, Opp. Prince of Wales Museum, M.G. Road.

NEHRU PLANETARIUM

The Nehru Planetarium was inaugurated by late Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, on 3 March,1977 as a memorial to her father, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In the last 17 years, 6 million people have visited the planetarium. The education programmes for children have been highly appreciated. It exhibits collections of lunar and astronomical photographs. Nearest station is Mahalaxmi (Western Railway).

NEHRU CENTRE

The Nehru Centre was designed by the renowned architect  Mr. Kadri and houses the 'Discovery of India Exposition'. The design of the building is said to embody Nehru's vision of India's step-by-step rise from an agricultural nation to a modern industrialised state. The Discovery of India's exposition tracks India's history from prehistoric times to Independence in 1947. Three dimensional replicas of major architectural and artistic works, diorama, photographs and audio visual are displayed. Nearest station is Mahalaxmi (Western Railway).

ELEPHANTA CAVES

The Elephanta caves are situated at about 10 Kms. away from the Gateway of India. Also known as Gharapuri, the island stores the mystifying rock-cut temples which date back to the 7th century. The chief attraction of this ancient place is the huge three headed bust of Lord Shiva, popularly known as 'Trimurti'. The caves of Elephanta are a fine example of Hindu architecture at its best.

JIJAMATA UDYAN - ZOO (RANI BAUG)

MAHALAXMI TEMPLE

ISKCON

SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK

MOUNT MARY CHURCH

ESSEL WORLD

FANTASY LAND