MUMBAI - The City Of Dreams

     

  Well speaking about Mumbai it’s a place which once gets in you, bet it you cannot leave it. This place is like a city with opportunity for everyone, just need to know how to make the best of the things you have. There all class of people here in Mumbai, that is the best part of it no one cares about what Caste, Creed or Colours you are, this city is kind to all. This city has good shopping malls with the best brands to purchase, Theatre, Pubs, Restaurants with variety of foods, Street Food & Has a Mind blowing night life. So, Keep Mumbai always in your list and visit at least once in your lifetime, It never disappoints.

           Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The name Mumbai is derived from the name of the patron or kuldevata goddess Mumbadevi of the native Koli community. Marathi Language is the mother tongue of the Koli people and the official language of Maharashtra.  

   Mumbai is an important region of the country, since the ancient times. The port of Mumbai was a location for many traders and merchants then and today, this City of Dreams has attracted people from various parts of the Indian States & World. The city is also home to Bollywood and Marathi cinema industries.

                 Mumbai is the financial, commercial and the entertainment capital of India. It is also one of the world's top ten centre of commerce in terms of global financial flow, generating India's GDP and accounting for industrial output, maritime trade in India (Mumbai Port Trust and JNPT) and capital transactions to India's economy. Mumbai has many billionaires of any city in the world.

           The city houses important financial institutions and the corporate headquarters of numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations. It is also home to some of India's premier scientific and nuclear institutes. Mumbai's business opportunities attract migrants from all over India. Recent estimates of the economy of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is estimated to more than 500$ billion ranking it either the most or second-most productive metro area of India. Many of India's numerous big companies like Larsen & Toubro, State Bank of India, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Tata Group, Godrej and Reliance and five of the Fortune Global 500 companies are based in Mumbai. This is facilitated by the presence of the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), and financial sector regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

                The architecture of the city is a blend of Gothic Revival, Indo-Saracenic, Art Deco, and other contemporary styles. Most of the buildings during the British period, such as the Victoria Terminus and Bombay University, were built in Gothic Revival style. Mumbai has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Elephanta Caves and the Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble. In the south of Mumbai, there are colonial-era buildings and Soviet-style offices. In the east are factories and some slums. On the West coast are former-textile mills being demolished and skyscrapers built on top. There are 31 buildings taller than 100 m

    1. THE QUEENS NECKLACE :

 

        Well you won’t find a necklace here, but resemblance of it from top view of the marine drive promenade at night when all the street lights are on. But still it’s enjoyable at day and night. This one place has always been a good spot for a lot of Family, Couples and Tourists.

         2. TARAPOREWALA AQUARIUM:

        

        Taraporewala Aquarium is India's oldest aquarium and one of the city's main attractions. It hosts marine and freshwater fishes. The aquarium is located on Marine Drive in Mumbai. It is liked by kids and a lot of so it’s a mind reliving. 

     3.  CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ VASTU SANGRAHALAYA, (FORMERLY  PRINCE            OF WALES MUSEUM) :

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly know as Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is a museum in Mumbai which documents the history of India from prehistoric to modern times. It is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. The building is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, incorporating elements of other styles of architecture like the Mughal, Maratha and Jain. The museum building is surrounded by a garden of palm trees and formal flower beds.

    4. GATEWAY OF INDIA :

        The Gateway of India is an arch-monument built in the early twentieth century in the city of Mumbai, in the Indian state of Maharashtra.  The gateway is also the monument from where the last British troops left India in 1948, following Indian independence. It is located on the waterfront at an angle, opposite the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The gateway is amongst the prime tourist attractions in Mumbai. It is a regular gathering place for locals, street vendors, and photographers.

1.  5. vEERMATA JIJABAI BHONSALE UDYAN, ALSO KNOWN AS THE BYCULLA ZOO AND FORMERLY VICTORIA GARDENS, IS A ZOO :

1.     Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan, also known as the Byculla Zoo and formerly Victoria Gardens, is a zoo and garden covering 50 acres located at Byculla, in the heart of Mumbai, India. It is the oldest public garden in Mumbai after Indian independence was named after Jijamata, the mother of Shivaji, the first Maratha emperor.

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   6. BANDSTAND PROMENADE :

            The Bandstand Promenade, also known as Bandra Bandstand is a 1.2 kilometer long walkway along the sea on the western coast of Mumbai, India in the neighborhood of Bandra. It is simultaneously a popular hangout spot, a jogging track and a park. Towards the Land's End side of the promenade is an amphitheater. It serves as a venue for the Mumbai Festival, Celebrate Bandra and other events. The 'Artist's Court' is another performance venue built into the promenade that witnesses public Jam sessions on Sundays. 

       7. JUHU BEACH :

                Juhu Chaupati and Juhu beach is the same. This beach is best visited on weekend afternoons and evenings evening with family, by friend and couples, it comes alive with children's rides, carnival-like amusements and food stands. The food stall serves so many delicious food like Pavbhaji, Chowmein, Pizza, Pani-puri, Sevpuri, papri Chat, Ragda Patti, falooda, Gola, sweet (Meetha) Pan and many more.

        8. KANHERI CAVES :

The Kanheri Caves are a group of caves and rock-cut monuments cut into a massive basalt outcrop in the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, on the former island of Salsette in the western outskirts of Mumbai, India. They contain Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings, paintings and inscriptions, dating from the 1st century CE to the 10th century CE. Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit Krishnagiri, which means Black Mountain.

 

         9. GLOBAL VIPASANA PAGODA :

     The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation dome hall with a capacity to seat around 8,000 Vipassana meditators (the largest such meditation hall in the world) near Gorai, north-west of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Simple and quite place. Should be visited at least once.

                      

       10. ESSEL WORLD / WATER KINGDOM :

       Esselworld and Water Kingdom together make one of Asia's largest amusement parks. They expand over an area of 64 acres and are frequented by locals and non-locals from all age groups, especially kids. You can reach from Gorai & Borivali. 

       11. SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK, BETTER KNOWN AS "BORIVALI NATIONAL PARK" :

            

            Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a 87 km² protected area in Mumbai, Maharashtra State in India. It was established in 1996 with headquarters at Borivali. It is notable as one of the major national parks existing within a metropolis limit and is one of the most visited parks in the world.   

    12. HANGING GARDEN :

    The Hanging Gardens, in Mumbai, also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, are terraced gardens perched at the top of Malabar Hill, on its western side, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park. They provide sunset views over the Arabian Sea and feature numerous hedges carved into the shapes of animals. The Boot house is the most entertaining spot of kids.

    

    13. ELEPHANTA CAVES :

                   Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. They are on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves"), in Mumbai Harbor, 10 kilometres east of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. There is boat service from Gateway of India daily.

    14. NEHRU PLANETARIUM :

        Nehru Planetarium is a huge dome-shaped building which was established in 1977 and inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Located in Worli in Mumbai, the building was designed by J.M. Kadri, one of the prominent architects of India. The building later became immensely popular among the astronomers, space aspirants and children in Mumbai.

    15. SNOW WORLD :

                Its one of its kind Indoor Real Snow based Theme Park which makes it easy for all families to have exciting yet relaxing hours. Snow world is one of the Mumbai's leading snow winter park, where it hosts fun for all the beginners as well as veteran. The most amusing news to have pleasure all in a negative temperature of -10 degrees along with living the lifestyle of an Eskimo Snow world is the place to try out your first moves on the boxes, build up confidence on your board or skis or have your first crack at the jumps on Skates.

 

    1. SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE :

        The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh. It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was originally built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil on 19 November 1801. It is one of the richest temples in India.

    2. HAJI ALI DARGAH :

The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah or the monument of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari located on an islet off the coast of Worli in the southern Mumbai. An exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Architecture, associated with legends about doomed lovers, the dargah contains the tomb of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Bukhari was a Sufi saint and a wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan. Near the heart of the city proper, the dargah is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mumbai.

    3. MOUNT MARY CHURCH:

Mount Mary Church – Bandra. About Mount Mary Church –The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, more commonly known as Mount Mary Church, is a Roman Catholic Basilica located in Bandra, Mumbai. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to the Mother of Christ and in September, the festival of the Virgin Mother culminates in a week long fair, popularly known as Bandra Fair, which has all the excitement of a small carnival. Stalls sell sticky Goan sweets and wax idols of the Virgin along with an assortment of candles shaped like hands, feet and various other parts of the body. The sick and suffering choose one that corresponds to their ailment and light it in Church, with the pious hope that Mother Mary will consider their appeals for help.

    4. MUMBA DEVI TEMPLE :

        Mumba Devi Temple is one of the most ancient temples situated in Mumbai and was built in the 18th century. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mumbadevi. Tourists from all over the world make sure to visit this sacred temple while in Mumbai. The name Mumbai is derived from Mumba Devi.

5. ISKCON :

ISKCON Temple, Mumbai officially known as Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari ji Temple is a temple in Juhu area in Mumbai in India. It is set upon four acres of land and a stone throw away from Juhu Beach. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON, inspired the construction of one of India's most beautiful temple of Lord Krishna in Mumbai. The temple is visited by thousands of people and devotees during festive.

VADA PAV

Vada pav, is a vegetarian fast food dish native to the state of Maharashtra. The dish consists of a deep fried potato dumpling placed inside a bread bun sliced almost in half through the middle. It is generally accompanied with one or more chutneys. Although it originated as cheap street food in Mumbai, it is now served in food stalls and restaurants across India. 

POHA - BREAKFAST SPECIAL

        Poha is an easy, delicious and healthy breakfast recipe, popular in Maharashtra. Made with onions, potatoes and seasoning like chillies, crushed peanuts, lemon and curry leaves make up a tasty and easy meal of Poha, especially when you don't feel like cooking. It is a very light and a refreshing breakfast dish.

MISAL PAV

                  Misal pav is a popular dish from Maharashtra, India. It consists of misal (a spicy curry usually made from moth beans) and pav. The final dish is topped with farsan or sev, onions, lemon and coriander. It is usually served with bread or rolls toasted with butter and buttermilk or dahi and papad. It is served as a breakfast dish, as a snack and also as a full meal.

   PURAN POLI

Food is the ultimate spirit of any festive occasion and the popular Maharashtra dish puran poli defines the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi and other festive occasions like Diwali. It is an easy recipe of flat bread stuffed with a sweet lentil filling made from Chana dal and sugar. You can use Bengal gram and jaggery too. In Marathi language, the sweet filling is called puran and the outer bread is the poli. It is a delicious side dish with rich flavors yet extremely easy and quick to make.

SOL KADI

Sol Kadi is a drink which is made with tangy kokum and coconut milk. Sol kadi is known to cool down the digestive system after eating spicy food. Kokum itself is supposed to be an excellent antidote for acidity. This is a famous drink from Maharashtra's Konkan       region. 

    BOLLYWOOD:

Mumbai, the City of Dreams, houses the prime centre of Hindi Film Industry, better known as Bollywood. The languages of Hindi, Urdu and English are extremely common in Bollywood. Bollywood is the world's second largest movie and music industry and India's largest. The incredible colors, music, dancing, and action of the movies have captured the attention of the world and rapidly gaining more fans worldwide. Entertainment and films have become a way of life here with tourist attractions including 'Amitabh Bacchan's House' and Sharukh khans Mannat. And also to understand of the movie industry work, there is a tour to film city for Movie enthusiasts.

    KOLHAPURI CHAPPAL:

   Kolhapuri chappals are Indian hand-crafted leather slippers that are locally tanned using vegetable dyes. Kolhapuri Chappals or Kolhapuris as they are commonly referred to are a style of open-toed, T-strap sandal. It can take up to six weeks to make a pair of Kolhapuris. Originally made from buffalo-hide and thread. It goes best with Dhoti and kurta Payjamas, also now days its mix n matched with all generations of Male and Female. And if you are in Mumbai you can gift your loved ones, A traditional Kholapuri Chappal.

 WARLI PAINTINGS: 

    The Warli Tribe is an indigenous tribe, found in Western India. Portions of mountainous as well as coastal regions of Maharashtra-Gujarat border are inhabited by the Warli / Varli tribes. Warli paintings are nothing but unconventional and stylish. With the tag of being an ethic art, Warli paintings have taken the aspects of interior decoration by a storm, originated in Maharashtra. Extremely delightful to watch, these Warli paintings demand time and dedication for being made. Same warli art is drawn on cloth and paper.

MUMBAI DABBAWALAS:

            The dabbawalas also called tiffin walas constitute a lunchbox delivery and return system that delivers hot lunches from homes and restaurants to people at work in India, especially in Mumbai. The lunchboxes are picked up in the late morning, delivered predominantly using bicycles and railway trains, and returned empty in the afternoon. They are also used by meal suppliers in Mumbai, who pay them to ferry lunchboxes with ready-cooked meals from central kitchens to customers and back.

    

DHARAVI SLUM:   

    Dharavi is a locality in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, considered to be one of Asia's largest slums. Dharavi has an area of just over 2.1 square kilometres and a population of about 1,000,000. Dharavi is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Dharavi has an active informal economy in which numerous household enterprises employ many of the slum residents. Leather, textiles and pottery products are among the goods made inside Dharavi. The total annual turnover has been estimated at over US$1 billion.

 BOMBAY DUCK(BOMBIL):

   

    The origin of the term "Bombay duck" is uncertain .But when the British introduced the railway system to western India under their Raj, Bombay duck started going in wagonloads to the interior from Bombay. The crates stank of dried fish...They were marked 'Bombay Dak', literally 'Bombay Mail'. At the time, the railway was run by whites. Of course Bombil is not actually a duck; it is in fact, a very fleshy fish, and it is found only in the waters around Mumbai and Bay of Bengal. Mumbai has always had a bit of a love affair with the Bombay duck, and it is an especial favourite of the Parsis and Goans.

        As a result, Mumbai is among the most populous cities in the globe. The Places, Beaches and food mentioned in this bog is just one of the best things of Mumbai, But this just a small glimpse of the Mumbai, there is alot more to see, feel and enjoy with your loved ones. So, when you come to Mumbai plan with someone who knows Mumbai very well. Just like me, He he!!