Worldroom MICE Tourism Guide: India 2008


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	Worldroom National Tourism Guide INDIA 2008archive


	The city of dreams where the streets are paved of gold, Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay derives its moniker from the Hindu Goddess Mumbadevi. The Portuguese appropriated the city, a cluster of seven islands, in the 15th century. It eventually passed to the British as dowry to Charles II in 1661, for the hand of the pretty Catherine de Braganza, only to be leased out for a miniscule sum of ten pounds to the British East India Company in 1668. Tracing Mumbai's history deep in the annals of time dates the city back to the 3rd century BC, where the islands formed a part of Emperor Ashok's Buddhist Empire. As the islands passed through various hands, some edifices are still standing from the past as testament to the rich history - the Elephanta Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, etched into the sands of time, and the Walkeshwar temple, also known as Baan Ganga Temple, which is entwined with the epic Ramayana. Coming back to the developments of the East India Company, happenings in other parts of the world shaped the city to what it is today. Namely, the opening of the Suez Canal transformed the city into the largest trading center in the Arabian Sea. As the financial hub as far back as then, the Mumbai as we know it now began to develop. As a result, Mumbai has stunning pieces of architecture and precincts that relate to significant movements across the world. Marine Drive and the Backbay Reclamation became havens for Art Deco buildings. The precinct on Marine Drive, said to be the largest Art Deco one in Asia, facing the grand promenade the Queen's Necklace was built on reclaimed land in the swinging 20s. Primarily residential, at the tip on Nariman Point, office blocks came up that dominated the landscape as the financial hub of the city. Other influences though are as relevant. Namely the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, designed by British architect F.W. Stevens, exemplifies Victorian Gothic Revival architecture that blends in themes derived from traditional Indian architecture. Fort, developed by the Portuguese and British over three centuries, though no longer has the cloak of its walls, which were demolished in 1860, can be distinguished from its street patterns. Victorian Neo Gothic architecture too dominates the landscape. But it isn't only its colonial past that holds sway. The famed dargah Haji Ali was built in the 14th century in the middle of the Worli Bay by a Muslim Saint Haji Ali who renounced his worldly possessions. The Siddhi Vinayak Temple, rebuilt on the site of a 200 year temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh attracts thousands across all faiths. But the city's most venerable edifice is undoubtedly the Gateway of India, Indo-Saracenic style with Gujarati and Islamic elements such as wooden carvings. Designed by George Wittet, this imposing gateway was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911 and is as imposing on the Mumbai skyline as it is surreal. The city boasts of many attractions manmade and natural. Many a child has run away from home to don the greasepaint for fifteen minutes of fame in this urban megapolis, which is home to the Hindi film industry. This city has enough layers that peel off to reveal each shade of its personality. In the urban maze, there are enough getaways around the coast and outside the city to unwind. The stretch of beaches lining the city- the most popular being Juhu Beach and Chowpatty, and further off- Madh beach and Marve Beach attract children and adults alike. Those with a day to spare can spend time at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park or at amusement parks like Essel World and Water Kingdom. To get a glimpse of the heritage of the city, a trip to Elephanta caves is well worth a visit. Weekend jaunts to Alibaug, Lonavala, Khandala or Matheran are also options available to a traveller. A city of immigrants Mumbai is a cosmopolitan melting point of different customs and cultures. A day in Mumbai gives an opportunity to savour the sights and sounds of India through the humdrum of life. Home to Hindus, Parsis, Muslims and to a cross section of communities from India and across the world - be they Gujaratis, Keralites or even Nigerians or East European, all have descended on this city to eke out their individual fortune. Festivals are celebrated with pomp and gaiety in this multi-ethnic society. Be it gorging on seviyaan and delicious meats on Id-ul-Fitr, or joining a procession for the immersion of Lord Ganesh, the patron deity of Maharashtra to the chants of Ganpati Bappa Moriya, Mumbai's festivities are energetic and all consuming. Diwali, the festival of lights; Janamasthami, the birth of Lord Krishna, Navroz - The Parsi New Year and Gudi Pudva - the Maharastrian new year, and Garba during Navratri are celebrated with much enthusiasm. Keeping the faith in this kaleidoscopic city, devotees throng Haji Ali and Siddhi Vinayak temple alike. In this cultural pot-pourri, nightlife and entertainment is buzzing. Be it the finest wines stocked in the city hotels paired with eclectic international cuisine, or regional cuisine, Mumbai has it all. Konkani sits alongside with Cantonese, and for those looking for the local flavour, bhel puri and misal pao can be gorged from street side vendors. Theater, films, stand-up comedy and nightclubs - entertainment cuts across class to keep the city's inhabitants and visitors equally entertained. Mumbai truly is a cosmopolitan city that promises to keep the diversity of its inhabitants intact.