This city, amazing even the most sophisticated traveler's imagination, can rightly be awarded the title "city of contrasts". This is how Mumbai can be described in a nutshell, the sights of which will not leave anyone indifferent. They open to guests different pages of the history of the city and the amazing country. Let's get acquainted with the most famous of them.
India: Mumbai
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 quite 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, is the leader in terms of population: it is the first in India and the sixth in the world. Explainedthis is because Mumbai is a large administrative center with a fairly high standard of living within the country and great employment opportunities.
Mumbai, whose sights are known throughout the world, can surprise 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 monuments of different cultures, religions, and traditions coexist here. It has its own Arc de Triomphe, museums, Catholic and Hindu temples, gardens and parks, fashionable residences and caves, and many, many unforgettable things that can be called simply - the sights of Mumbai.
Hanging Gardens
Let's 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. The gardens named after one of the national heroes of India - Ferozshah Mehta - received this name due to their location. They are located in the heart of the Malabar Hill, on the roof of the huge reservoir of water that supplies the population of the southern half of the city. From here you can admire the most beautiful landscapes of the largest Indian metropolis - Mumbai.
The sights, photos of which are shown here, demonstrate that another interesting detail that attracts guests and citizens here is the beautiful landscape and the amazing design of the green spaces located here.
Indian gardeners have created an incredible world of plantcharacters. There are various animals, houses, pieces of furniture and even human figures. In the shade of the crowns of trees and shrubs, you can find cozy gazebos. The most beautiful flowers and unusual butterflies are everywhere - there are a lot of them here.
Indian Gate
This architectural monument is quite young. "Gateway to India", that is 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 greets those who come to 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 just like they change their color. The latter is due to the bas alt from which the structure marking the arrival in Mumbai is made. Attractions allow you to learn even 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 gates - this is the Taj Mahal and Tower Hotel. It was built in 1903 by one of the richest people in the country, who was offended in one of the European hotels, refusing to settle either because of citizenship or because of skin color. Industrial tycoon Jamsetji Nusservanji Tata decided to create a hotel that, in its luxury, beauty and levelservice would surpass all existing ones. 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 in the summer of 2010 received guests. For more than a century of history, the iconic hotel has been visited by world pop stars, famous actors, imperial persons, politicians.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Station
The station received this name in 1996 in honor of the hero - the national pride of India, and before that it was named after 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 brainchild, focusing on London designs.
It seems that the author wanted to embody in this building 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 rail communication at home and abroad.
Haji Ali Mosque
Another great place that opens the stunning city of Mumbai to guests. The sights, the 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 we althy Muslim who, having given away all his property, set off to travel the world. During this time, he performed many miracles, was known as a saint and gained followers. His dream was to get to the famous Mecca, where he went. But Hajdi Ali did not have a chance to see her. On the way, he fell mortally ill. Dying, he ordered to put his body in a coffin and throw it into the sea.
Miraculously dead Muslim wave brought to the shores of Mumbai. Here it was decided to bury the body and build a mosque on this site. Every day, pilgrims come here in a continuous stream, among which there are representatives of various faiths.
The mosque is located on a tiny island half a kilometer off the coast of Mumbai. At low tide, you can get to this place along the bulk land that connects the coast with the island, in case of high tide - by boat.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum (Originally Prince of Wales Museum)
This museum is also one of the attractions of Mumbai. Photos and descriptions of it can be found on almost every tourist site. And this is not surprising, because in terms of its historical value (more than 50 thousand exhibits are collected here) andsize (an area of more than one hectare), it is one of the largest in the world.
The reason for the creation of the museum was the visit of the royal person - the Prince of Wales, in whose honor it was named. Construction was completed in 1915. During the First World War, the premises of the museum were used as a hospital, later a children's center was located here. Since the 1920s, 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. Surprisingly, the caves are nothing but a temple. According to scientists, it is dedicated to the god Shiva. This cave temple complex was created by Buddhist monks, who invited Persian masters 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 the cave halls, many of which were destroyed, the most beautiful wall painting was practically lost. Today the caves are protected by the state.
All these museums, temples, parks and caves with their stories and mysteries make this Indian city incredibly popular. Therefore, you must definitely 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. That's whyyou need to fly first to the capital of India. You can get from Delhi to Mumbai either by plane or by bus.
