Figure out ,Why Mumbai is the Happening Place for Global Tourist
Just visualize a beautiful, sun-drenched coast, an enticing Arabian Sea, and a year-round daily forecast of 27.2 Degrees Celsius, and you will know why this island city of Mumbai as well as the Financial capital of India is also about outdoor fun. Discover top parks and attractions like Sanjay Gandhi National park,Gateway of India,Taraporewala Aquarium and Filmcity and much more.
Rejuvenate at legendary retreats like TAJ Mahal Hotel , find art and culture in Jehangir Art Gallery and surrounding places like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya or watch a thrilling Cricket Match at Wankhede Stadium. If you still want more fun then you can enjoy culture and diversity, at the edge of a sparkling Marine Drive or Queen’s necklace.
As if all that enjoyment isn’t enough, Mumbai is a waterfront city brushed by exemplary breezes, the light just perfect, the wine impeccably cheerful after a day of fun and frolic. No matter what, you will always find yourself smiling in this capital of Maharashtra.
The city we know as Mumbai is one of the most exhilarating and dynamic cities across the globe. Mumbai is renowned as a center of,entertainment, arts, sports, finance and much more.However, most individuals, are not aware of the history of this "City of Dreams".
How was this fascinating city born?
The name Mumbai is derived from the name of a Goddess called Mumbadevi, whose temple is located in Bhuleshwar, near the Marine Drive station, in Mumbai.Mumbadevi has been worshipped since ancient times by the original natives of Mumbai, the Kolis or the fisherfolk,a Marathi fishing community.The history of this vibrant city stages back to the establishment of the seven islands, called Old Woman's Island,Colaba, Mazagaon, Parel,Mahim, Bombay Island and Worli.The Maurya Empire ruled the island city in the 3rd century BCE, and made it a centre of Buddhist and Hindu culture and religion.Eventually, the city came under the sway of many other Hindu dynasties
Bhimdev, an eleventh century King established his kingdom in the region of Mahikawati, which is known in the present times as Mahim.He belonged to Solanki alias Chalukya clan and v came from Gujarat with his followers to Mumbai.King Bhimdev is credited with the foundation of Mumbai.
Later on the Muslim Sultans of Gujarat took over the islands in the 14th century, ultimately surrendering it to the Portuguese in 1534. The single contribution made by the Portuguese to Mumbai was naming it Bom Bahai or Bombay, prior to giving it as a dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she tied the knot to England’s Charles II in 1661. This changed the the course of history of Mumbai and it soon rose to a prominent place in the Country. That is why the city is full of enchanting heritage buildings where you can witness the astonishing examples of awesome colonial architecture.
Mumbai , the Glamour Capital of India
It may measure 603 square kilometers, but Mumbai rightly ranks as one of the distinguished cities in the world.So, welcome to the bright lights and big-city allure,in Mumbai, A-list celebrities actually do walk the sidewalks, with a coffee in one hand and mobile phones in the other. With a network of trains, buses and Metro Railway slicing through the city, travelling in the city is not that challenging, anymore.
And when the sun sets, this capital city of Maharashtra, comes to life in a completely different way, with pubs thumping to the beat of the latest rock band, a cluster of starlets swinging in the first row. Beautiful Pools,rooftop bars, restaurants that pull uber chic crowds, while searchlights crescent the night sky, displaying in style the recent silver-screen premier.
What you can do in Mumbai?
Glide on a pair of designer shoes in an extravagant boutique in Juhu. Have fun at numerous parks, explore the celestial sphere at Nehru planetarium, Worli, or let your hair down in an A list pub. Welcome to Maharashtra’s happening city, India’s entertainment capital, with high class power and nonstop environment. No wonder, Mumbai is called the city that never sleeps.Some of the tourist attractions of Mumbai
1.Gateway of India
Mumbai's most prominent monument, this is the first place every tourist who wishes to explore the city, visits It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. However, as soon as the British Raj got over, the emblem of colonialism got Indianised and started attracting hordes of foreign tourists as well as Indian citizens. On the rear side of the arch, is a flight of steps leading down to the water. Over here, you can go for a short cruise to Elephanta Caves, Mandwa Alibaug or just enjoy the Arabian sea.
2. Babulnath Temple
This majestic temple of Lord Shiva was built in 1780 . The temple situated at approximately 1000 feet above sea level, over seeing the spectacular Arabian Sea. Babulnath is a must visit place for those who wish to know the city. It is the perfect place, if you are looking to find both peace and tranquility.
The splendor and elegance of the temple is sure to make you forget your worries and apprehensions. It also gives you the feeling of being on Mount Kailash, the eternal abode of Lord Shiva .The nearest station to reach Babulnath temple is Marine Drive.
3.The Prince of Wales Museum.
Now known as 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya', was formed during the first half of the 20th century.The wonderful architecture of this museum has made it a heritage structure of Mumbai. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is one of the most eloquent museums in India. The museum displays numerous collections of age -old artifacts ,artworks and sculptures in its galleries.
4. Shivaji Park
Shivaji Park is one of the biggest parks in Mumbai with a magnificent history. It was established in 1925 and honored it on the name of 17th century great warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj . A huge bronze statue of Shivaji Maharaj riding his horse is located on north side of the park.
The park has witnessed immense freedom meetings and also enchanting speeches by great leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Indira Gandhi, Balasaheb Thackeray etc. Shivaji Park has also seen the marvelous game of Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The Master blaster spent four years playing and practicing Cricket at the Shivaji Park.
5.Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mumbai. It is considered to be the one of the most -frequented beaches of Mumbai and is located in Vile Parle'. It is a most preferred location for Bollywood film shootings. Juhu Beach has a opulent locality where most of the Film and Television celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan reside.Hence, it is quite natural to see renowned celebrities taking walks along the sands of this famous beach in Mumbai.
6. Elephanta Caves
Located just about 9 nautical miles over the sea from the majestic Gateway of India are the famous Elephanta caves, locally called as 'Gharapuri'. In the local language which is Marathi ,Gharapuri means ‘the city of caves”.
It is a must visit island for heritage aficionados. The lush green island is full of 7th century wonders, the diligently carved rock-cut Lord Shiva cave temple.
Especially, the image of Maheshmurti is mesmerizing and captivating , it shows lord Shiva as a creator, protector and destroyer.You can take a ferry from Gateway of India to reach this UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Elephanta caves.
Likewise for archaeological excavation fans there is another one such heritage site Ajanta and Ellora caves ,which they simply cannot afford to miss. Although , Ajanta and Ellora are not located in Mumbai , but you can easily visit them when you are in the city thanks to the awesome transportation system.
7.Ajanta and Ellora Caves
If you wish to make your visit to Mumbai an unforgettable one, then you must see the caves at Ajanta and Ellora! These caves are one of the most distinguished illustration of age-old Indian architecture, the Ajanta and Ellora caves exhibit the artistry of the yesteryear and still stand wonderfully for the entire world to relish in their legendary and spellbounding beauty. Approximately, constructed between the 2nd and 3rd century BC, the mythical caves are some of the few remaining tributes of an enigmatic, Buddhist culture prevailing in ancient India.
The magnificent caves were first spotted by a British Army Officer in 1819 during one of his expeditions. The caves were named after a nearby village named Ajintha, situated from about 12 km from the caves. These caves are hewed in horseshoe design of rock surface about 76 m in height near a small stream called as Waghora.
Ajanta and Ellora caves are situated in a panoramic valley in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra .Ajanta is only 100 km from Aurangabad and Ellora is 30 km from it.
Aurangabad is well-connected to Mumbai both by rail and road. Jalgaon Station is the nearest rail head to reach the caves. You can also take a flight to Aurangabad from Mumbai and then hire a local taxi or travel by the state-run buses to reach the Ajanta Ellora Caves.
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