Mumbai

• Capital of Maharashtra : Mumbai
• Travel Attractions : Gateway Of India , Ajanta And Ellora Caves , Marine Drive.
• Languages Spoken : Marathi
• Best Time To Visit : September To April (Coastal Regions) And September To Mid-June (Hill Stations)

Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, and the most populous city of India, with an estimated population of about 13 million (as of 2006). Mumbai is located on Salsette Island, off the west coast of Maharashtra. By some measures, it is the largest city in the world. Along with its neighbouring suburbs, it forms the world's fifth most populous metropolitan area with a population of about 20 million.

Tourist Attraction

The Gateway of India was built in 1919 and opened to public in 1924. The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Historically, the gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left Independent India by sea, marched through

its portals. It is situated on the Apollo Bunder.

Nine kilometers by sea from Gateway of India, a ferry ride across the harbor takes one to the Elephanta Island. A Shiva temple on the island is a fine example of excellence in artisanship in rock-cut structures.

Built in 1914, the Prince of Wales Museum is surrounded by a beautiful landscape forming an ideal getaway from the bustle and hurry of the city. One of the best museums in the country, it is a treasure house of art, sculpture, china, rare coins, and old firearms. It also had priceless collection of miniature paintings.

Standing on a busy five-point intersection in the heart of the commercial fort area, the Flora Fountain was erected in the memory of Governor, Henry Bartle Edward Frere.

Haji Ali's Tomb is a mausoleum built in the memory of Haji Ali, a Muslim saint who was drowned while on pilgrimage to Mecca. It is accessible by a narrow causeway. Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus is an imposing structure formerly known as Victoria Terminus. It was built in 1888, designed by Frederick William Stevenson. The entire façade is covered by sculpture of animals and birds.

People and culture

A resident of Mumbai is called a Mumbaikar, or Bombayite. Many residents prefer to stay close to major railway stations for easy access to their workplaces, as a significant amount of time is spent on daily commuting. Thus, many live a fast-paced life, with very little time for social activities. Bombay residents celebrate festivals with great fanfare. Ganesh Chaturthi is the most popular festival of Mumbai followed closely by Navratri.

The metropolis has its own local roadside fast food flavour, comprising vada pav (leavened wheat bread split in half, with fried dumplings as filling), panipuri (deep fried crêpe with tamarind and lentil sauce), pav bhaji (leavened wheat bread accompanied with fried vegetables) and bhelpuri (puffed rice mixture), while South Indian and Chinese food are also very popular. The cosmopolitan residents have unique tastes in cuisine, music, film and literature, both Indian and international.

History

Present-day Mumbai was originally an archipelago of seven islands. Artefacts found near Kandivali, in northern Mumbai indicate that these islands had been inhabited since the Stone Age. Documented evidence of human habitation dates back to 250 BC, when it was known as Heptanesia (Ptolemy) (Ancient Greek: A Cluster of Seven Islands). In the 3rd century BCE, the islands formed part of the Maurya Empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor, Aşoka. The Hindu rulers of the Silhara Dynasty later governed the islands until 1343, when the kingdom of Gujarat annexed them. Some of the oldest edifices of the archipelago – the Elephanta Caves and the Walkeshwar temple complex date from this era.

In 1534, the Portuguese appropriated the islands from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, naming them Bom Baia, Portuguese for "good bay". They were ceded to Charles II of England in 1661, as dowry for Catherine de Braganza. These islands, were in turn leased to the British East India Company in 1668 for a sum of £10 per annum. The company found the deep harbour on the east coast of the islands to be ideal for setting up their first port in the sub-continent. The population quickly rose from 10,000 in 1661, to 60,000 in 1675; In 1687, the British East India Company transferred its headquarters from Surat to Bombay. The city eventually became the headquarters of the Bombay Presidency.

From 1817 onwards, the city was reshaped with large civil engineering projects aimed at merging all the islands in the archipelago into a single amalgamated mass. This project, known as the Hornby Vellard, was completed by 1845, and resulted in the total area swelling to 438 km².In 1853, India's first passenger railway line was established, connecting Bombay to the town of Thane. During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the city became the world's chief cotton trading market, resulting in a boom in the economy and subsequently enhancing the city's stature. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 transformed Bombay into one of the largest seaports on the Arabian Sea.

Geography

Mumbai is located on Shasti Island, which lies at the mouth of Ulhas River off the western coast of India, in the coastal region known as the Konkan. Much of Mumbai is at sea level, and the average elevation ranges from 10 to 15 metres. The northern part of Mumbai is hilly, and the highest point of the city is at 450 metres (1,450 feet). Mumbai spans a total area of 468 km² (169 mi²).

Three lakes are located within the metropolitan limits — the Tulsi Lake, Vihar Lake and Powai Lake. The first two are located within the Borivali National Park, and supply part of the city's drinking water. Mumbai also has three small rivers within the city limits originating in the National Park. The coastline of the city is indented with numerous creeks and bays. The eastern seaboard of Shast Island is covered with large mangrove swamps, rich in biodiversity.

Climate

The climate of the city, being in the tropical zone, and near the Arabian Sea, may be broadly classified into two main seasons — the humid season, and the dry season. The humid season, between March and October, is characterized by high humidity and temperatures of over 30 °C (86 °F). The monsoon rains lash the city between June and September, and supply most of the city's annual rainfall of 2,200 mm (85 in). The maximum annual rainfall ever recorded was 3,452 mm (135.89 in).

See also

History : - Silhara dynasty • Bombay Presidency • Seven islands of Bombay • Elephanta Caves • Kanheri Caves • Banganga Tank • Old Bombay • Worli Fort • 1992-93 Mumbai Riots • 1993 Mumbai Bombings • 2006 Mumbai train bombings • Tanks • Growth of Mumbai • Timeline

Geography - Flora and fauna of Mumbai • Powai Lake • Vihar Lake • Tulsi Lake • Thane Creek • River Ulhas • Gilbert Hill • Malabar Hill • Salsette Island • Mumbai Harbour • Middle Ground • Weather • Beaches • South Mumbai • Navi Mumbai

Culture : Dabbawalas • Bambaiya Hindi • Vada pav • Bhelpuri • Cultural centres • Theatres •

Tourist attractions

Parks and grounds Horniman Circle Gardens • Cross Maidan • Kamala Nehru Park • Hanging Gardens • Sanjay Gandhi National Park • Jijamata Udyaan • Brabourne Stadium • Wankhede Stadium • Mahalaxmi Racecourse.