Mumbai : Places to See
Gateway of india
Built
in the indo-saracenic style, the Gateway of india is meant to commemorate the
visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi
in December 1911. The foundation stone was laid on March 31, 1911 and George
Wittet's final design sanctioned in August 1914. Between 1915 and 1919 work
proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Pier for the land on which the gateway and
the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920.
Haji Ali Mosque
This early 18th century shrine contains the tomb of HAZRATH HAJI ALI, a Muslim
Sufi saint. There are two local legends which claim to trace the hazrath’s
antecedents. One story has it that Haji Ali was a rich , local businessman who
gave up materialism after a visit to Mecca and then took up meditation.
Town Hall
With its columns and tall Grecian porticos, this structure has been the foundation
of the Library Society of Mumbai which moved into the Town Hall in 1830, soon
after which a union was effected with the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain
and Ireland. One of its greatest assets is its library, a storehouse of knowledge,
which may not have an equal in the east.
University Buildings
Founded by Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Ready money, after whom is named the earlier
of the two structures, was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. Flanked by the High
Court and the Old Secretariat, the buildings were completed in 1874.
Bombay High Court
The
Bombay High Court is one of the premiere High Courts in the Country. It has
Appellate Jurisdiction over the State of Maharashtra, Goa , Daman & Diu.
in addition to Bombay Bench it has benches at Aurangabad, Nagpur, Panaji(Goa).
in Bombay it has Original Jurisdiction in addition to Appellate. The Bombay
High Court has sanctioned strength of 62 judges.
Sir J. J. School Of Art
Built during the same period as the University, its importance is heightened
by the fact that Rudyard Kipling was born and spent his early childhood here.
His father, John Lockwood Kipling, was the Principal of the art school and under
his tutelage, many local artisans received training.
Crawford Market
Rechristened as Mahatma Phule Market, it was built in 1871 by William Emerson.
The bas-reliefs, at a height, adorning the facade, were designed by J. L. Kipling
at the School of Art, a stone's throw away.
Chowpatty Beach (GIRGAUM)
Situated at the northern end of Marine Drive, it is a stretch of sandy beach
and attracts hordes of people during the weekends and on holidays. A 'food-mart'
of stalls have become a permanent feature and offer a range of eatables from
'bhel-puri'. The local speciality, to 'chaat', 'kulfi', coconut and other snacks.
Juhu Beach
JUHU Situated 30 km from the city, it is a crowded beach with residential apartments
and bungalows surrounding it. It seems as if the entire population of the area
descends on the beach for a breath of fresh air!. The central part has food
stalls again, similar to Chowpatty. And a lot more, in terms of fun-rides for
children.
