Maharashtra
Maharashtra forms part
of the Indian Peninsula. This rugged land is far more ancient
than the magnificent snowcapped Himalaya. With an area around
three lakh sq. km. and the chief language Marathi, this land is
ideally visited after the rains between Sept. and March for here
it does not only rains it pours, enhancing humidity. Although
the modern Metropolis like Bombay and Puna have all the latest
facilities, vet excursions and trip to country side would become
unbearable due to heat and humidity in summer and rainy season.
This is land of Chatrapati Shivaji. Ganesh Puja, of films and
its lure has many attractions for the visitors.
Mumbai
This commercial capital and
the Gateway of India is one of the greatest modern city of the
world. Originally Bombay was an archipelago of seven marshy islands
inhabited by mainly fishermen. Its officials name is Mubai called
after the patron Goddess Mumba Devi. In 1661 this port-town, then
called Bombahia was given to the British as part of the dowry
by the Portuguese, when their Princesses Catherine of Braganza
married Charles II of England. The King of England gave it on
lease for a petty annual amount of 10 in gold to East India Company,
who’s President, Gerald Aungier made many business communities
settle and start their business here. The city owes its development
to the British. Now most of the major industries and financial
establishments have their head offices here. Following spots deserve
visit by the tourist.
The Gateway of India: And the Adjoining Famous Spots:
The Gateway, a massive, imposing, a sort of triumphal arch, was
erected in 1924 to commemorate the arrival of King George V and
Queen Mary in 1911. Built of Yellow Basalt, it is a fine synthesis
of Hindu. Muslim and Euro pean style of architecture. It is a
popular shopping centre and many major establishments, hotels,
etc., are situated here. Opposite the Gateway stands the equestrian
statue of Chatrapati Shivaji, the epitome of Maratha pride and
unarguable courage. Close by is Apollo Bunder and the Taj Mahal
Hotel. Near here too, past Wellington Fountain is the Prince of
Wales Museum, noted for excellent collection of sculpture, painting,
has relief’s, oriental arms and other art treasures of great
interest are the Mughal and Rajput miniatures housed in the Museum.
Adjoining the Museum is Jahangir Art Gallery where frequent exhibitions
of contemporary Indian art are held. Flora Fountain or Hutatma
Chowk is the business and nerve centre of the city. Close to the
Fountain is the Cathedral of St. Thomas built by Gerald Aungier,
the real founder of modern Bombay. Along the Back-bay is Marine
Drive, now officially rechristened as Netaji Subhash Road. It
is a lovely promenade where people throng in the evening to enjoy
the cool environs of the sea.
Nariman Point is the city’s newest and most modern business
centre. Across the Back-bay the Drive ascends to Malabar Hill
the residential area of the top tycoons of the city. Near here
too is Walkeshwar Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.
Right on top of the Malabar Hill are Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens,
known as the Hanging Gardens. Down the Malabar Hill, further along
the coast is the Mahalakshmi Temple one of the oldest and most
sa cred shrines of the city. Near here is the Mahaiakshmi Race
Course which at tracts people from all walks to put in the horse
races. The Haji Ali Tomb, right into the sea can be reached by
a long causeway during low tide. It is a sacred shrine for Muslims.
Near here at Worli is the Nehru Planetarium and beyond it is Nehru
Science Centre.
EXCURSIONS
Elephanta Caves
Approachable by launches,
these caves have many rock temples which date back to early seventeenth
century. The main hail contains the images of Shankar in many
postures. There is a regular launch service to Elephanta every
half an hour from 9a.m. to 2p.m. from Gateway of India.
National Park
About thirty five km. north
of the city lays the Krishnagiri Upavan, now known as Sanjay Gandhi
National Park. The Kanheri Caves and the Vihar, Tulsi and Powai
Lake the main source of city’s water supply are located
here. It is a popular picnic spot with a toy train, a lion safari
and Gandhi Smriti Mandir amidst sylvan surroundings on Pavilion
Hill.
Kanheri Caves
About 32 km. from Bombay
Central, lie these caves, built in 1 century AD or before. They
reflect the deep, Buddhist influence. These caves were used as
Viharas for the traveling Buddhist monks.
Bassein
Once a fortified Portuguese
city, lies 77 km. from Bombay. The old fort and the ruins of the
churches here are only silent witness to the pomp and glory that
once Bassein possessed.
For shopping Bombay is a paradise for it has e possible available
right from the latest gadgets to ok antique items. Gateway of
India, Crafford Market, Mahatma Phule Market, Jhaveri Bazar and
scores of other big and small market are full of things you would
like to buy.
Bombay is well connected by air and rail links not only with all
the major cities of the country but of the world. For local transport
you have buses run by the BEST, local trains and taxis, autos
and Buggis, called here Victoria. Bombay offers a wide range of
hotels, hostels, lodges, guest or rest houses and the paying guest
facilities suiting every budget. Budget and middle class accommodation
can be had around Colaba.
Matheran
The nearest hill resort to
Bombay. Matheran, perched at a height of 803 meters. is on 104
km. from Bombay. This wooded paradise is at its best in November
and December.
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