|
|
| Home
» Mumbai |
|
About Mumbai |
|
| |
Mumbai formerly known as Bombay is the state capital of Maharashtra. It has one of the world's largest natural harbors and has developed into India's largest as well as busiest port city. Mumbai Metropolitan is comprised of Mumbai city, Mumbai suburban district and the adjoining cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane. Together they make one of the world's most populous urban conglomerations with an estimated 19 million people.
The city originates from a group of seven islands in the Arabian Sea lying off the northern Konkan coast. Creeks and channels that once separated these islands were filled and bridged over the years. This cluster of seven Koli islands was inhabited by fishermen and was a part of Gujarat. In 1535, the Portuguese appropriated them from Gujarat. But since, they could not find any use of it was ceded as part of dowry of marriage of their Princess to Prince Charles II of England.
| |
In 1668, due to the significant natural port of Bombay, it was leased out to The East India Company for a sum of £10 per annum. Bombay soon became an important trading port as well as a prime commercial center. British Governor Gerald Aungier (1672 - 1677) often referred to as 'Father of Bombay' initiated development and reclamation processes and encouraged businessmen to settle and prosper in the city.
With The Hornby Vellard massive civil engineering project aimed at merging the seven islands into an amalgamated landmass, 1784 onwards the city transformed. In 1853, the first passenger railway line of the country was established between Bombay and Thane. The American Civil War (1861-1865) catapulted the city's economic stature, as it became world's chief cotton trading market. In 1869, the opening of the Suez Canal transformed Bombay into one of the largest seaports on the Arabian Sea.
Over the subsequent years, Bombay grew into a major urban center, spurred by large-scale infrastructure improvements. Today, Mumbai is the fifth most expensive city in the world. The core area called the "Island City" has the most expensive real estate in all of India. Being home to top industrialists and Bollywood - Hindi Film Industry, Mumbai has the most enviable neighbor lists in almost every part of the city.
The mega cosmopolitan Mumbai bursts with contrasts in almost anything and everything it has. The serene Arabian Sea touches the city gently giving rise to exotic beach lines that have become spectator to palatial Bungalows, luxury apartments & towering skyscrapers along the coastline. In stark contrast to this lies Dharavi - Asia's largest slum, very much a part of Mumbai. The inhabitants of this metropolitan present a colorful picture of contrasts in caste, culture, religion and languages.
The polyglot population of Mumbai speaks languages like Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and English. Although the official language is Marathi, English is the prime language of white-collar professionals. An interesting language widely spoken in Mumbai is Hinglish that is a vernacular form Marathi, Hindi and Indian English with dozes of certain unique slang thrown in. It truly reflects the free and vibrant spirit of Mumbai City.
The original name Bombay is said to have evolved from Portuguese phrase bom bahia meaning "good bay". In 1997, by an Act of the Parliament, the name was officially changed to Mumbai deriving from "Mumba" the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folks, the earliest known inhabitants and "Ai" meaning mother in Marathi. As the name suggests, Mumbai has embraced with open arms migrants from all across the country with dreams in their eyes.
Important financial institutions of the country including the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India and the corporate headquarters of many Indian as well as multinational corporations are situated in Mumbai. Besides housing India's Hindi film and television industry, Mumbai is home to Marathi television and Marathi film industry as well. The city is base to conglomerates like State Bank of India, LIC, Tata Group, Godrej and Reliance. The industry base has diversified from textile mills and the seaport to IT, Telecom, engineering, diamond-polishing, healthcare and atomic research.
Mumbai is more than just a city of dreams, it's a shopper's ultimate fancy with the top international brands having their only boutiques in India in this city. The various markets and bazaars of Mumbai offer an opportunity to get stuff ranging from the most exclusive designer pieces to their dirt price replicas. The culinary delight begins with the Chowpatti serving spicy mouth-watering pau bhaji, bhel puri, pani puri and kababs to the finest restaurants serving traditional Indian as well as International cuisines.
The city has the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (earlier named Victoria Terminus) and Elephanta Caves as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Besides these, must visit places include Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatti, Juhu Beach, Malabar Hills, Crawford Bazaar, Kalbadevi, Essel World, Hanging Gardens, Film City, Flora fountain, Tomb of Haji Ali, Siddhivinayak, Mumbai Devi Temple and Mahalakshmi temple.
Mumbai welcomes travelers with a warm and humid weather thorughout the year. The months of March to October have temperatures over 30 °C (86 °F). June to September, Mumbai experiences torrential rains that may start without prior warnings of dark clouds or storm gathering. Carrying an umbrella would be a must for any travelers during this time. The monsoon sometimes also results in flooding of major roads and streets of the city. November to February experience a clear, warm to cool weather.
To reach Mumbai the options available include direct flights from all over India to Sahara Airport and International flights to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport that is South Asia's busiest airport. Being head quarters to Central Railway (CR) and the Western Railway (WR), Mumbai has trains reaching or passing from across the country every 5 mins. MSRTC buses provide intercity transport, connecting Mumbai to other major cities of Maharashtra and India. A special tourist bus service called - The Mumbai Darshan is a great option to explore the various tourist attractions in Mumbai.
Mumbai is often referred to as the city that never sleeps. The truth of the statement lies in the fact that Mumbai lives a hard life, struggling hard at work and partying harder at night. Nightclubs, Dicotheques, Pubs, Restrobars - call them anything and Mumbai gives you a place to hang-out. A day in Mumbai can be utilized minute by minute. The offerings of the city won't cease, the time would.
|
|
|
