This city, stunning the imagination of even the most sophisticated traveler, can rightfully be awarded the name "city of contrasts." In just a few words, one can characterize Mumbai, the sights of which will not leave anyone indifferent. They open to visitors different pages of the history of the city and an amazing country. Get to know the most famous of them.
India: Mumbai
The sights of this ancient and at the same time very modern city attract many tourists here. The city itself has a long history, the beginning of which was lost somewhere in the Stone Age. But Mumbai acquired its official status in the sixteenth century.
The current name of the city appeared recently - in 1995, and before that it was called Bombay. The name Mumbai (or Mumbai) is derived from the name of one of the local goddesses.
The city, which is located in the west of the country, leads in terms of population: it is the first in India and the sixth in the world. This is explained by the fact that Mumbai is a large administrative center with a fairly high standard of living within the country and great employment opportunities.
Mumbai, whose sights are famous all over the world, can surprise you with its ultra-modern and luxurious buildings, adjacent to the poor and dilapidated neighborhoods. For tourists, it is interesting for its organic eclecticism - the fact that here are the monuments of different cultures, religions, traditions. There is its own Arc de Triomphe, museums, Catholic and Hindu temples, gardens and parks, fashionable residences and caves and many, many unforgettable, which can be called simply - the sights of Mumbai.
Hanging gardens
Just note that these are not those gardens that are a wonder of the world. And the word “hanging” also does not quite reflect what can be seen here. This name was given to the gardens named after one of the national heroes of India - Ferozshah Mehta - due to their location. They are located in the heart of Malabar Hill, on the roof of a huge reservoir of water, which provides the population of the southern half of the city. From here you can admire the beautiful landscapes of the largest Indian metropolis - Mumbai.
The sights, photos of which are shown here, demonstrate that another interesting detail that attracts visitors and citizens here is the beautiful landscape and the amazing decoration of the green spaces located here.
Indian gardeners have created an incredible world of plant characters. There are various animals, houses, furniture and even human figures. In the shade of the crowns of trees and shrubs you can find cozy gazebos. Beautiful flowers and unusual butterflies are everywhere - there are a lot of them.
Indian gates
This monument of architecture is quite young. The “Gateway to India”, exactly how its name is translated from English, was erected in 1924 in connection with the visit of the British monarchs: George V and Mary.
The name itself is quite symbolic, since it is this architectural structure that meets those who arrived in the city from the Arabian Sea. At one time, this monument marked the strength and power of the British Empire. After 1948, when the British military left the city through these gates, they became a symbol of the country's independence, changing their status in the same way as they change color. The latter is due to basalt, from which the construction was made, marking the arrival in Mumbai. Sights allow you to learn more about the history of this amazing city.
"Taj Mahal Palace and Tower"
Another building of amazing beauty and luxury is located near the Indian Gate - this is the Taj Mahal and Tower Hotel. It was built in 1903 by one of the richest people in the country, whom they offended in one of the European hotels, refusing to settle either because of citizenship, or because of the color of their skin. Industrial tycoon Jamsetji Nusservanji Tata decided to create a hotel that would surpass all existing ones in luxury, beauty and level of service. It should be noted that he achieved his goal. The hotel has become one of the best in the world, and its architecture surprises with its luxury and unusual style.
In the fall of 2008, the hotel was attacked by terrorists, but was quickly restored and already in the summer of 2010 received guests. Over its more than a century of history, the cult hotel has been visited by world pop stars, famous actors, imperial persons, and political figures.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Station
The station received this name in 1996 in honor of the hero - the national pride of India, and before that it bore the name of the British Queen Victoria.
The station building is recognized as a UNESCO heritage and, without a doubt, adorns Mumbai, the sights of which open new pages of its history to the guests of the city. It is known that the construction of the building began in 1878 and lasted almost a decade. The author of the project was the English engineer Frederick William Stevens, who created his architectural creation, focusing on London samples.
It seems that the author wanted to embody in this structure all the best that was at that time in English architecture. Perhaps that is why the building looks so monumental and pompous. Many different details, a mixture of architectural traditions, a variety of materials and styles have done their job. The station symbolizes the power of railway communication within the country and abroad.
Haji Ali Mosque
Another wonderful place that opens the guests to the stunning city of Mumbai. Sights, photos of which are given below, characterize it from a slightly different side. The mosque in question was built in 1431. She immortalized the memory of one incredibly rich Muslim who, having distributed all his possessions, went to travel the world. During this time, he performed many miracles, became known as saints and gained followers. His dream was to get to the famous Mecca, where he went. But Haji Ali never saw her. On the way, he became mortally ill. Dying, he ordered his body to be put in a coffin and thrown into the sea.
Miraculously resting Muslim, the waves brought to the shores of Mumbai. Here it was decided to bury the body and build a mosque in this place. Every day, pilgrims come here in a continuous stream, among which there are representatives of various religions.
The mosque is located on a tiny island, which is located half a kilometer off the coast of Mumbai. During low tide, you can get to this place by the bulk land, which connects the coast with an island, in case of high tide - by boat.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum (originally Prince of Wales Museum)
This museum is also included in the sights of Mumbai. A photo and description of it can be found on almost every tourist site. And this is not surprising, because it is one of the largest in the world in its historical value (more than 50 thousand exhibits are collected here) and size (area of more than one hectare).
The reason for the creation of the museum was the visit of the royal person - the Prince of Wales, in whose honor he was named. The construction was completed in 1915. During the First World War, the museum was used as a hospital, and later a children center was located here. Since the 20s of the twentieth century, the museum has returned to its true purpose.
Mandapeshwar Caves
One of the oldest monuments of the city, which was created in the eighth century AD. It is amazing that caves are nothing more than a temple. According to scientists, he is dedicated to the god Shiva. This cave temple complex was created by the forces of Buddhist monks who invited Persian craftsmen to decorate the caves.
These ancient caves have seen a lot in their lifetime. Refugees hid here, soldiers lived, there were fires and floods, and later they were completely forgotten. All this had an extremely negative impact on the appearance of cave halls, many of which were destroyed, the most beautiful wall paintings were almost lost. Today, caves are protected by the state.
All these museums, temples, parks and caves with their stories and riddles make this Indian city incredibly popular. Therefore, you must certainly get here in order to see the sights in Mumbai with your own eyes. How to get here? There are no direct flights from Russia to this city yet. Therefore, you must first fly to the capital of India. You can get from Delhi to Mumbai either by plane or by bus.