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From
obscure, humble beginnings as a set of seven small
islands with tidal creeks and marshes between them, the
city has risen to such eminence that, today, it is
India’s most important commercial and industrial center.
Bombay is part of India’s beautiful west coast that runs
down from Gujarat, through Bombay to Goa, Karnataka and
Kerala. South of Bombay, narrow beaches and plains sweep
up into the forested hills of the western ghats. The
city boasts a perfect natural harbor which was developed
by the British and once the Suez Canal opened in the
19th centaury, the port of Bombay never knew a dull
moment. Today it handles more than 40 % of India’s
maritime trade.
General information
Altitude:
Sea level.
Best Season:
Throughout the year.
STD Code:
022
How to get there
Air
Bombay's International Airport is at Sahar (30 km) and
Domestic Airport at Santacruz, 26 km. It is connected
with all the major cities of India and the world.
Rail
Bombay is the headquarters for both western & Central
Railways. Regular train services connect Bombay with all
major towns and cities in India.
Road
Bombay is connected by good motorable road to Pune 163
km, Nasik 185 km, Mahabaleshwar 239 km, Shirdi 307 km,
Aurangabad 392 km, Vadodara 432 km, Ahmedabad 545 km,
Panaji 597 km, Hyderabad 711 km, Bangalore 998 km.
In and around
St. Andrew
St. Andrew's in the suburb of Bandra is a fine example
of an original, Portuguese - style façade.
Afghan Church
Afghan Church 4.5 km, of St. John the Evangelist is in
the Colaba area, which is the long arm of South Bombay
that stretches into the sea. The church was established
in 1847 and consecrated 11 years later as a memorial to
those who fell in the First afghan war.
The Old secretariat
The Old secretariat and the Public works Department
secretariat were designed and built by Colonel Orel
Henry St. Clair Wilkins during 1867 - 74. These
buildings are described as High Victorian Gothic in
style.
Crawford Market
Crawford Market 2 km, designed by William Emerson, has
bas-reliefs designed by J.L. Kipling.
Hutatma Chowk or Flora Fountain
Hutatma Chowk or Flora Fountain, 1 km, stands in another
crowded square at the heart of the fort area, now called
Hutatma Chauk (Martyrs' square). The fountain is a major
landmark and is erected in honour of the governor, Sir
Henry Bartle Edward Frere, who built new Bombay in the
1860s.
Victoria Terminus
The finest High Victorian Gothic structure in Bombay,
designed by Frederick William stevens, is Victoria
Terminus and the adjoining headquarters buildings of the
Central Railway, known originally as the Great Indian
Peninsular Railway.
Prince of Wales Museum
The foundation stone of the Prince of Wales Museum was
laid by George V in 1905 during his visit to India as
prince of Wales. George Wittet designed this building
with its dome and other oriental features in blue-grey
basalt and yellow sandstone.
Gateway of India
George Wittet will be remembered most, however, for his
Gateway of India on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder. It
was conceived as a triumphal arch to commemorate the
visit of George V and queen Mary for the Delhi darbar in
1911.
Elephanta
Elephanta, site of a magnificent series of rock cut cave
temples with large sculptured interiors. These were
excavated in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Kanheri Caves
Some 40 km from the fort area, near Borivali station of
the western railway suburban line, is a national park
within which lie the 2nd century Buddhist hill caves
Kanheri. Sculpture here too is on a large scale and
matches that of the better known Ajanta and Ellora
cavesin eastern Maharashtra. Beyond the central city are
the beaches of Juhu, Versova, Madh Island, Marve, Manori
and Gorai, one time secluded seaside resorts.
Chowpatti
Chowpatti, at the north end of Marine drive, is a
stretch of sandy beach. In the evenings, it is crowded
with people enjoying the cool sea breeze |
