In the days when most visitors came to India by Ship and when Mumbai was India’s principle port, this was indeed the ‘GATEWAY’ to India today its merely Mumbai’s foremost land mark. The gateway was conceived following the visit of King George V in 1911 and officially opened in 1924. Architecturally it is a conventional arch of Triumpth, with elements in its design derived fro the muslim style of 16 th century Gujarat. It is built of yellow basalt and stands on the Apollo bunder, a popular Mumbai meeting place in the evenings

This church, also known as the afghan church, is near the end of Colaba Causeway. It was built in 1847 and is dedicated to soldiers who fell in the Sind campaign of 1838 and the first afghan war of 1843.

Beside wellingdon circle, close to the colaba hotel enclave, is the prince of wales museum, built to commemorate King George V ‘s first visit to India in 1905 while he was still prince of wales. The first part of the museum was opened in 1923. It was designed in Indo-Saracenic style and has sections for art and paintings, archaeology and natural history. Among the more interesting items is a very fine collection of miniature paintings, bas-reliefs from the Elephanta caves and Buddha images. Put aside at least half a day to explore this Fascinating place.

St Thomas Cathedral, begun by Gerald Aungier in 1672 but not formally opened until 1718, contains several interesting memorials. The old Mint was completed in 1829 and has an Ionic facade. It was built on land reclaimed in 1823 and adjoins the town hall. Behind the Town hall stand the remains of the old Mumbai Castle.

Mumbai’s famous beach attracts few bathers and even fewer sunbathers-neither activity has much of a following in India, and in any case the water is none too healthy. Chowpatty has plenty of other activities though. It one of those typical Indian slices of life where anything and everything can happen, and does. Sand –castle sculptors make elaborated figures in the sand, contortions and family group stroll around. In between there are kiosks selling Mumbai’s popular snack, bhelpuri and kulfi . Donkeys and ponies are available for children’s ride.

On the top of Malabar Hill, these gardens were laid out in 1881 and are correctly known as the Pherozeshah Mehta gardens .They take their popular name from the fact that they are built on top of a series of reservoirs that supply water to Mimbai. The formally laid out gardens have a notable collection of hedges shaped like animals and there are good views over the city.

This tomb and mosque are devoted to a Muslim saint who drowned here. The buildings are reached by a long cause way which can only be crossed at low tide. Here a scene of a typical Indian ingenuity and resourcefulness take place. Hundreds of beggars line the length of the causeway waiting for the regular stream pilgrims. At the start of the cause way is a small group of money changers who, for a few paise commission, will change a Rs 1 or Rs 2 coin into lots of smaller denominations. Thus a pilgrim can do his/her soul the maximum amount of good for the minimum expenditure.

Elephanta, a small island 10kms away from the Mumbai harbour, is a favoured destination for culture lovers during the festival held in February. The Elephanta island is known for its great cave shrine, excavated in the 6th century. Elephanta caves, earlier known as Gharapuri, is the tranquil abode of Lord Shiva. This land was renamed, Elephanta by the Portuguese, after the majestic carved elephant on this island.

The temple here has large pillars and nine marvelous sculptured panels, set on the wall which are awe-inspiring. The sculptures display the changing moods of Lord Shiva, with the magical interplay of light and shade intensifying the overall effect.

The festival of Music and Dance is organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The main highlights of the festival is the illuminated Maheshmurti (Shiva-idol), in the main cave of the island. Folk dances by the local fisher folk, ethnic local food varieties add to the ambiance. Over the years, the festival has become a major tourist attraction for Mumbaites and for incoming domestic and foreign tourists.