I had an opportunity to visit Mumbai in November for Work. So, took some time off to cover some of the important sites of the city, which is the financial capital of India.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus -
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly known as Victoria Terminus), a World Heritage Site, under lights.
It is an incredible railway station and the building is palatial. One cannot think about Mumbai and not think about the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
The Gateway of India -
The Gateway of India, Colaba, Mumbai. It has been constructed at the Apollo Bunder, on the Arabian Sea. An icon commonly associated with Mumbai, it is almost a 100 years old.
The interior façade of the Gateway. The last batch of British Troops ceremoniously marched out from this Gate to mark an end to British Rule in India.
The interior façade of the Gateway as seen from the side!
The Gateway has been design keeping in mind the traditional Indian and traditional Islamic Architectures. So when you observe this monument you will see features which you traditionally associate with Indian monuments spanning across Ancient and Medieval India.
When, I was young, whenever the weather report for the major metropolitan cities was announced in the news, Mumbai (then Bombay) was always represented with the icon of the Gateway. So, whenever I go to Mumbai, I make it a point to go there as for me, personally, the Gateway is the symbol of Mumbai.
Saint Thomas Cathedral, Fort -
The side façade of Saint Thomas Cathedral, Fort, Mumbai (Const. in 1718 CE). This cathedral was the central point of reference for the expansion of old Bombay (now known as Fort area) for the Britishers.
Clicking the front façade of the cathedral was not possible as there was a lot of foliage.
A tablet at the gate highlighting the heritage value of the Saint Thomas Cathedral, at the entrance.
The interiors of the Saint Thomas Cathedral, Fort, Mumbai.
A fountain and a cross in front of the entrance of the historical Cathedral.
It was an incredible place to be. If we step into the steps of the Britishers who were just trying to settle in Bombay (in the 18th Century CE, when the Marathas were powerful), this Cathedral would have meant so much to them. Faith helps you do things normally you would find difficult. Perhaps that is why they decided to make this cathedral the central point of the Bombay Fort Area.
Victorian Gothic Art and Deco Structures of Mumbai -
This inscription, located at the Oval Maidan, marks the series of Victorian Gothic Art and Deco structures which were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage. Nearby are the Mumbai University, Bombay High Court etc. all structures of immense Historical Value. These structures belong to the Victorian Era (19th Century CE) and have been constructed mostly in neo-Gothic Architecture.
Hornbill House, Head Office of the Bombay Natural History Society -
The Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba -
The Taj Mahal Hotel at Colaba, next to the Gateway of India is a historical hotel. Looking into the Arabian Sea, it is a sight one can't miss. It was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic Style in 1903 CE.
The Taj Mahal Hotel, as seen from the Gateway of India. It was one of the unfortunate targets of the brutal 26/11 terrorist attacks. Seeing the lights of the Taj glimmer on the Arabian Sea made me feel that life goes on, no matter what is thrown at you!
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All Pictures © Rohan Anirudh Singh
