World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Mumbai  - Sightseeing
Sightseeing

Mumbai's main areas of interest are located on the more southerly parts of the peninsular, where the European settlers established their enclave and where the various local communities took root. The centre of Imperial Bombay is the area known as Fort after the fortifications that protected the British settlement. Starting in the 1860s, the Governors of Bombay embarked on an ambitious programme of building development - a process that continued under official and private patronage well into the twentieth century. As a result, Mumbai boasts a stunning array of High Victorian buildings in a fascinating range of architectural styles, which reflect the then prevailing British passion for the Gothic as well as the influence of Indian and Saracenic styles. The result is a breathtaking affirmation of the wealth, panache and confidence of Imperial Bombay. There are a large number of examples for the visitor to look at but Mumbai University, Standard Chartered Bank Building and Municipal Corporation Building give a flavour of what can be expected.

At the same time as the sahibs were building their modern Imperial monuments in the Fort, the local communities were expanding rapidly to the north. This part of the city is every bit as characteristic of the modern city as the Fort - some would say more so. Its narrow, twisting streets and raucous bazaars, all noise and activity and thronging with people, are a complete contrast to the spacious, tree-lined boulevards of the more southerly areas.

Superimposed on these two distinctly different parts of Mumbai is the modern city: the 1930s developments along Marine Drive and on Cumbala Hill, the modern office blocks to the west of the Maidans and the tower blocks that line the southern end of Back Bay. Further north up the peninsular are the suburbs of Mumbai and it is here that the worst of the shanty towns and slums are located. These are, sadly, as much part of modern Mumbai as the more glamorous areas to the south; the poverty, squalor and degradation is truly shocking.

Mumbai was a city built on toleration - prosperity was considered more important than religious homogeneity - and this is reflected in the number and range of places of worship in the city. The Anglican cathedral, Catholic church and Scottish kirk in Mumbai rub shoulders with countless Hindu temples, many mosques and other Parsee and Buddhist temples. Together, they form a rich and varied heritage.

Most attractions are fairly central and can be reached on foot. For those that cannot, visitors tend to take taxis- as they are still cheap and infinitely more convenient than public transport. For this reason, there are no transport details for the attractions.

Tourist Information

Government of India Tourist Office

123 Mararishi Karve Road, Churchgate
Tel: (022) 203 3144 or 3145. Fax: (022) 201 4496.
E-mail: gito@bom5.vsnl.net.in
Web site: www.indiatouristoffice.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800, Sat 0830-1400.

There are also offices at the international and the domestic airport.
Many of the individual States of India have their own tourist office in Mumbai; the GITO can provide contact details.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture