History of Mumbai

It was after the first war of independence in 1857 that the East India Company was accused of mismanagement which led to Bombay reverting the British crown. And it was after the American Civil War in 1861 and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 that Bombay became a major part of colonial economy.

The wealth that was accumulated with the network of commerce and communication in India led to the building of Imperial Bombay. In fact the construction of many famous landmarks of Bombay like Flora Fountain and Victoria Terminus were then started. The landmarks of this period are Gateway of India, Town Hall, General Post Office and prince of Wales Museum.

When to visit Mumbai

It is better to avoid visiting Mumbai during the monsoon months of June to September as this is when Mumbai becomes an overflowing pothole. Instead, plan a trip to Mumbai between October to April when there is less humidity and the air is pleasant. However if you visit Mumbai in August/September, you will be able to witness Ganesh Chathurti, a great festival of Mumbai.

The culture of Mumbai

Mumbai is a multicultural and multi ethnic society with a mix of Gujarati, Islamic, Maharashtrian and Parsi elements. Though the Shiv Sena has tried to give a Marathi identity to Mumbai, Mumbai is still a land of opportunity, especially on celluloid. In fact, a visit to the film world of Mumbai, Bollywood shows the film city that produces the maximum number of movies in a year, in the world.

Mumbai is a city where the extremities live in perfect harmony. You can tell the difference of lifestyles here by taking a walk down the rich Marine Drive and the chaotic Chowpatty, having a cup of tea at the Irani tea stalls or coffee at Apollo Bar of Taj Mahal Hotel and by taking a look at the bungalows of Pali Hills to the chawls that exist in Dharavi. Perfect examples of how the rich and not so rich live in Mumbai, or mini India.

Tingling taste buds in Mumbai

The most popular food in Mumbai is the Bombay platter that typically consists of curries, rice, vegetables, salad, chapattis, curd, sweets, etc. The reason this is the most preferred meal in Mumbai is because it includes an all-inclusive diet for a person.

People in Mumbai love their own variety of fast food that ranges from Bhel Puri to Pav Bhaji and Pani Puri to Vada Pav. Some of these snacks need no cooking while some are really hot and spicy, just right to tickle your taste-buds. The famous desserts of Mumbai that are recognized across the world are the Shrikand, Chikki, Puran Poli and Shira.

Tourist attractions of Mumbai

You are never to get bored in Mumbai as this is a city that offers a lot to keep you busy. English is quite common where even average people on the street will be able to understand enough to guide you. There are some spots you have to visit in Mumbai like Marine Drive, which is referred to as Bollywood, the Indian version of Hollywood.

Marine Drive caresses the seashore from Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. After Chowpatty Beach, Marine Drive is also famous for the Queen’s Necklace, which is one of the busiest and breeziest roads of Mumbai.

A visit to Chowpatty beach in August/September lets you see the majority Hindu population of Mumbai thronging its sands in a bid to immerse their huge idols of Ganesh and to incur his blessings.

The other days on Chowpatty Beach are filled with people who come here to eat and to be entertained. The Hanging Gardens of Mumbai is also called Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens which is built over 3 reservoirs and stores billions of gallons of water for cleaning, before getting pumped to the city of Mumbai.

Colaba is the hub of tourist activity in Mumbai because of its street stalls, cafes and kitsch ambience. There are many reasonably rated guesthouses and economy hotels found here for the budget traveler.

The Fort area of Mumbai is synonymous to old Victorian and Gothic buildings. This is an area that is always full of activity as it is an important financial and commercial center. You find the Bombay Stock Exchange here.

Crawford Market comes with a 50 ft high sky lit awning and is the place to shop for varieties of fruits, vegetables and meat. It is the frieze found just above its main entry point, and designed by Lockyard Kipling the father of Rudyard Kipling, that has made the market famous.

The most famous landmark of Mumbai is the Gateway of India which was built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to India in 1911. You can take a short motorboat cruise from the Gateway and experience Mumbai by the sea.

Haji Ali is a mosque that is visited by people of all faiths; however as it is found at the end of a causeway that protrudes to the Arabian Sea, it can be visited only at low tide. Essel World is the famous amusement park of Mumbai, which is situated near Gorai beach and can be reached by ferry. There are roller coasters and a water world you can enjoy with during your visit here. There are special rates on weekends and off seasons.

Shopping in Mumbai

Shopping in Mumbai is both exciting and electrifying where you can find everything ranging from the latest trends to antique jewelry, the latest cars and gadgets, handicrafts and abstract paintings.

There are huge malls you can visit and spend hours deciding on what to buy. There are also specialized malls for jewelry, furniture, weddings, sports items, interiors and equipments. Besides these malls, you could also check out ancient markets like Chor Bazaar, Mutton Street, Hill Road, Fashion Street and Zaveri Bazar.

The markets of Bombay are often referred to as the New York of India where you can find everything that you want. However when shopping at local markets, you have to bargain a lot so that you can get products at throwaway prices.

Location and Climate

Goa is separated from the state of Maharashtra by the Terekhol River in the north while the state of Karnataka lies to its south. The Western Ghats surround it on the east while the Arabian Sea is found to its west.

Goa is a state with moderate temperature and not much of a variation in its seasons. May is the hottest month here while January and February are the coldest. It’s rainy in Goa between June and September because of Southwest Monsoon where July gets the most rainfall.

Famous culture of Goa

Goa is very famous for its rich cultural heritage of folk songs, folk tales and visual arts. As music flows in Goan blood, most Goans can play the guitar or piano. Most of the Goan songs come from Portuguese love songs, but there are also musicians here who have created their own hard rock.

The coexistence of Hinduism and Christianity that is special in Goa which started with the Portuguese introducing their religion to a Hindu society. It was on 19^th December 1961 that Goa was included into the Indian Union; however the romance of the past still lingers here.

The Goan folk dances are comprised of different strata, castes and religions of Goan society where women perform traditional dances like Dekni, Fugdi and Dhalo. Kunbi is also a famous tribal folk dance while the Morulem is performed by the backward community in Shigmo. Locals perform the Dhangar during a Navarathri, which is a great merge of worship and dance.

Food

The various cultures of Goa have produced unique Goan cuisine. Besides tandoori, rice and dal, the restaurants offer chourisso and vindalho, dishes made from pork. It was the Portuguese who had introduced cashew nuts and chilies here while plantains were brought from African colonies. You can find the best wines, including port wine and beers of India here in Goa.

Seafood is predominant here while most of the dishes here are chili hot, spicy and pungent. There are numerous restaurants found in Goa, which are famous for its wonderful seafood cuisine. Chinese restaurants here serve international cuisine while Goan restaurants offer Goan curry fish and Mangalorean delicacies.

Festivals and fairs

Festivals and fairs are played around temples and churches here; where indo-Latin festivals are the most famous carnivals. The spring festival of Saturnalia is in honor of New Year, and is a festival of joy and abandon. On the other hand, Shivaratri is a festival of austerity and penance in Goa. This is because Indians have been worshipping Lord Shiva centuries before the Indo-Iranians migrated into Goa.

Shivaratri starts on the fourteenth day of the month of Falgun and Shigmo, another festival is celebrated in the later half of the month. Zatra is a festival celebrated in all the important temples of Goa like Mangueshi, Kundai, Shiroda and Velinga.

Monuments of Goa

Goa is proud of the Old Portuguese forts found dotted around the coast of Goa. As these forts are reasonably preserved, a visit here is worth it. There are forts at Chapora is worth visiting while the one at Terekhol has been converted into hotel accommodation. These forts were built as protection from enemies from entering the river.

The Shahouri Mashed is the most famous and largest of the 27 mosques found in Ponda taluk, and was built by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur in 1560. There is a wonderful masonry tank housing small chambers with ‘meharab’ designs near the mosque. Lots of people attend the festivals of Id-Ul-Fitr and Id-Ul-Zuha which are celebrated in this mosque with pomp and vigor.

The Jama Masjid is found at Sanguem, and though was built in the last century, was renovated completely in 1959. Now the structure is with harmonious proportions and simplicity with four minarets and an entrance that is flanked by two turrets on pillared kiosks. There is a dome shaped kiosk in the center of the four minarets.

Goa beaches

Some of the most beautiful beaches of the world are strung on the 100 km coastline of Goa. These beaches look like dazzling stretches of golden sand that edges the huge Arabian Sea. So beautiful are these beaches that you find it difficult to decide which beach to head for.

The twin beaches of Candolin and Calangute are found north of Panjim and the Aguada headland, and are an unbroken crescent of sand stretching four miles. In fact, Calangute became a traveler’s cliché in the 60s, earning its name of the ‘Queen of Goa’s beaches’ in Goan literature.

You find a better and more relaxing beach slightly north from here, the Baga. This is a beach that boasts of innocence and freshness of mornings, despite the many hotels, resorts, beach huts, bars, restaurants and souvenir stalls found here.

On going further north from here, you find a series of secluded beaches while in South Goa; you find the Colva and Benaulim beaches which are two kilometers from each other. These are slow paced beaches, with wonderful views. The other beaches worth visiting in Goa are the Vagator, Chapora and the Dona Paula beach.

Wildlife sanctuaries found in Goa

Besides all the temples and beaches, Goa offers rich and diverse wildlife destinations which are worth a visit here. You find the Western Ghats, or the Sahyadri to be a haven for birds and animals. You find the widest stretch of forests along the Sahyadri.

The wildlife sanctuaries of Goa boasts of deer, monkeys, slithering cobras and pythons, gaurs and giant squirrels. If lucky, you may find some black panthers on their hunting rounds. Besides all this, elephants and tigers are common sights here. This Konkan belt offers wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers and nature lovers an alternative source of entertainment when holidaying in Goa.