Aamchi Mumbai Ep. 1

Heritage walk of Mumbai

Welcome to the 1st episode of 'Aamchi Mumbai' Here, we are gonna take a heritage walk of Mumbai. We all depict Mumbai as the cosmopolitan, diverse and supremely urban city. This city has to offer a lot more than this. Heritage sites are commonly seen on the streets but we all hardly pay attention towards it and the kind of historic background that they have to offer. Mumbai is the home for almost everything, that even includes the incredible patrimony. Today in this listicle we are going to explore some heritage & historic sites of Mumbai. 

1. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus : 

Let's begin with the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus (CSMT) previously known as Victoria Terminus (VT). It is a superb example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India. One of the most busiest train stations in Mumbai with 18 platforms, has marked it's existence in UNESCO World Heritage sites. It's construction was started in 1878 and took 10 years to complete, The British architectural engineer Frederick William Stevens designed this marvelous historic station, Also during the 26/11 attacks, terrorists had entered the CSMT and opened fire and threw grenades at people. In 1996, Victoria terminus was renamed to Chatrapati Shivaji terminus (CST) and recently in 2017, it was changed to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus. 

2. MCGM Headquarters :

The similar architectural influence we find in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) building at the Mahapalika marg, located in South Mumbai. This legendary V-shaped building is 128 years old. MCGM is the India's richest Municipal Corporation on which the entire city of Mumbai runs. The iconic statue of Pherozeshah Mehta stands tall in front of the building who is considered as the Father of Bombay Municipality. 

3. Kala Ghoda : 

Kala ghoda located in Colaba, is an art district of Mumbai. Annually, this area offers the splendid Kala Ghoda Art Festival where various artists perform their talents which is one of the best tourist attractions of South Mumbai. This area offers a hub of cultural art, museums etc. The Mumbai National Gallery of Modern Art, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and the Jahangir art gallery is situated nearby. This was named as Kala Ghoda (Black Horse) because of the statue of King Edward on black horse was installed in this place many years ago. The current statue was installed in 2016. The Watson Hotel, one of the grandest hotels during 1800 is also located in this area. 

4. Flora Fountain :

The Flora Fountain is the historic landmark located at the Hutatma Chowk. It was built in 1864, depicts the Roman goddess, Flora. The type of architecture which we get to see in this construction is Neo classical with gothic revival. During the colonial rule, horse-driven and electric trams were present in Mumbai which is evident because near this Flora fountain we find the tram tracks on roads. It is the ideal place to rest and stand still in middle of the honking & bustling city. 

5. Elephanta Caves :

Elephanta caves are designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are a collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. The elephanta island is located 20 kms away from the magnificent Gateway of India. It has ancient carvings and sculptures which heritage & culture explorers would love to see. Heading towards elephanta caves, on the streets there are a lot of artefacts and carvings which are available for purchase. 

6. The Asiatic Society of Mumbai Town Hall :

Situated in the fort area, this town hall was opened by the British people and officials who resided here during the colonial era. It was built with the intention to conserve and preserve the British heritage in India and that too in Mumbai because it was one of their most significant colonies and also the important meetings of the officials used to take place here. Its construction was completed in 1833, that is exactly 188 years before. The library in this spectacular town hall offers its old collection of around 8 lakh books, manuscripts etc. The British generally wanted to showcase their grandeur by constricting such huge establishment in their colony. 

7.  The Gateway of India :

Finally, the Gateway of India is a prime tourist attraction. It's a historic construction, built to commemorate the regal visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. It served to allow entry and access to India. Its construction was completed in the year 1924. This eye-catching monument is based on Indo-Saracenic architectural style. In 1995, when Bombay officially became Mumbai, to mark the occasion, the legendary politician of Mumbai, HinduHriday Samrat - Balasaheb Thackeray installed a marble plaque with the new name of the city on the Gateway of India. 

Henceforth, whenever visiting this vibrant & beautiful city, don't forget to also explore these mesmerizing sites, Heritage walk in this city is a must. Till then goodbye will see you in the next episode of Aamchi Mumbai with some fascinating stories, facts and information about my most favorite city, 'Mumbai'