THE
GATEWAY OF INDIA
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The Gateway of India by the water's edge at Apollo Bunder is the most famous colonial monument , and Mumbai's
most famous landmark. Designed by GeorgeWittet, it is one of
the last imperial monuments built by the British in Mumbai. The first stone was laid by
the then Governor of Mumbai, Lord Sydenham on 31st March, 1913.
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It is a solid structure consisting of eight open
door ways, above which is a perforated design. It was completed
in 1924 and was conceived as a triumphal arch to commemorate the
visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar on
the 2nd December, 1911.
Initially used as a disembarkation point for passengers
alighting from steamers, ironically twenty-four years later it
became an exit point for the British troop who had to leave
India when it got its independence in 1947.
There are
launches and cruisers anchored in front of the Gateway, that
take people to the Elephanta Caves, or for short rides |
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THE PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM
It is a mid-Victorian
Gothic style building made of stone, surrounded by a b  eautiful garden. It is named after
the Prince of Wales who came to India and laid the foundation for it in 1905.
This grand structure houses a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china , a fine
collection of miniature paintings and much more. Carefully preserved, the museum is a
pleasure to visit, the gardens surrounding the building adding to its charm. Jehangir Art
Gallery Adjacent and within the compound of the Prince of Wales museum is Mumbai's premier
art gallery. A venue for contemporary
Indian art from around the world.
HUTATMA CHOWK (FLORA
FOUNTAIN)
Erected in 1869, in
honour of Sir Bartle Frere, (governor of Mumbai1862-67)) to whose progressive policy Mumbai owes many of her great public buildings, and growth
it is situated in the heart of the city, Decorated at its four corners with
mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure of 'Flora'
the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top. Today the Hutatma Chowk area is one of the
busiest places in the city, with many banks, shops and offices surrounding it.
MARINE DRIVE
The city's pride and joy, and it's most
spectacular verandah. Built on land reclaimed in 1920 and running parallel
to the shoreline of backbay, from Nariman Point it sweeps past Chowpatty
right up to Malabar Hill. Also known as "Queen's Necklace" it is a crowded
thoroughfare .by early morning joggers who pound the promenade during the
day, and an equally crowded promenade in the evening. by lovers canoodling
at Marine Drive. Except during the monsoons you can board a hovercraft.
from here. Best viewed from Hanging Gardens.
MUMBAI HIGH COURT
This building designed by Col. JA Fuller and built in 1878
is early English Gothic It is 562 feet long and 189 feet wide. To the west of the central
tower are two octagonal towers .Statues of Justice and Mercy. top this huge high court
building.
OLD SECRETARIAT
Designed and built by architect Col. Henry St Clair
Wilkins and planners Sir Henry Bartle and Edward Frere during 1865-74, it is described as
a building in the Venetian Gothic style. Comprising of a tall tower on a central
staircase, the structure has arcaded verandahs and some fine stone carvings. It serves now
as the City Civil and sessions Court
UNIVERSITY
BUILDING
The University Buildings stand
between the High Court and the Old Secretariat Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, in
French Gothic style in 1857. The funds
for making this was donated by a Parsi philantropist Sir Cowasji Jehangir .The convocation
Hall, named after him resembles a church. The Library Building comprises of two floors.
Above the porch of the building rises the 280 feet high Rajabai Clock Tower. The Library
and clock tower were commissioned in 1880, the bells and clock following two years
later.
MINT & TOWN HALL
Both the Mint and the adjoining Town Hall with their
pillars and Grecian porticos, were built in the 1820's. The Mint was sanctioned by the
East India Company in 1823. An inscription on the building shows it was designed by Major
John Hopkins of Bombay Engineers. The construction commenced in 1824 and was completed in
1827. The site was originally reclaimed from the sea. as early as 1823.
THE JEHANGIR NICOLSON GALLERY
This gallery at the National Center
for Performing Arts at
Nariman Point has a superb collection of modern Indian Art, which appears in rotation with
special exhibitions.
Recommended tourist spots:
kashid and
harihareshwar. Also
about India and
discover India blog
matheran - Hill stations near
Mumbai
bhandardara
ganpatipule
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