Discription about Mumbai/Bombay can not be complete without the mention of Bollywood, the biggest Indian film industry which churns out hundreds of Hindi block-busters every year.
Mumbai (Bombay) lies on the western coast of India. It is a group of seven islands in the Arabian Sea which lies off the northern Konkan coast on the west of Maharashtra state in India. These seven islands which were once seperated by creeks and channels were filled and bridged over the years by the inhabitants.
In 1661, King Charles II of England, married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal, and as part of the dowry he received "Bombay" which is today known as Mumbai. Later in 1668 it was handed over to the East India Company.
In 1858 the administration of the country was taken over by the Queen of England, Queen Victoria, from the East India Company. A viceroy was appointed to rule India in the name of the Queen.
Bombay came under the direct rule of the British in 1861.
The first railway line in India was started between Bombay (VT) and Thane in 1861.
In 1864, modern water supply was started in Bombay (Mumbai) and in 1885, Bombay was lit with gas.
Mahatma Gandhi joining Indian Politics in 1920, was a turning point in the political destiny of India which led to the Independence of India from the British rule. Bombay (Mumbai) had an important role to play in this event.
The total population of Mumbai is about 10 millions. It is still growing. Mumbai provides umpteen opportunities to realize one's dreams. Hence, people from all over India, belonging to different cultures come here to realize their dreams. Mumbai has become the melting pot of all Indian cultures. This is the reason Mumbai has a truly cosmopolitan population bustling with activity. It's film industry "Bollywood" also draws a number of youths with tinsel dreams to Mumbai. Being a major financial center, People from all over the world come here for business opportunities. This has made Mumbai a major International city.
Bombay is one of the famous tourists spots of India. Adorned by historical monuments, Bombay is a scenic splendor to explore. Viewing the city from Bird's eye view, one can easily observe that the city is dotted with number of architectural extravaganza
Raja Bai Clock Tower , Flora Fountain , Film City , High Court , Kanheri Caves , University Building , Worli Fort , Elephanta Caves , Mahalaxmi Temple , Siddhivinayak Temple , Jama Masjid , Walukeshwar Mandir , Nehru Planterium Museums , Prince Of Wales Museum , Hanging Gardens , Sanjay Gandhi National Park , Tulsi Lake , Vihar And Powai Lakes , Chowpatty Beach , Marine Drive , Juhu Beach , Amusement Parks , Essel World , Fantasy Land , Water Kingdom , Aurangabad Getaways , Khandala Getaway
Tulsi Lake
Mumbai's second largest lake is Tulsi Lake. It is one of the lake which supplies Drinking water to the Mumbai City. Its overflow level is measured at 139.17 metres. The Powai-Kanheri hill ranges serve as the catchment area for rain water which feeds the lake. It meets part of the city's water requirement, especially to the South Mumbai region.
Tulsi lake is situated 32 km. from Mumbai, near Borivali National Park in northern Mumbai. It is the northern most lake in Mumbai.
Vihar And Powai Lakes
Within easy reach of Bombay by car are several picturesque lakes. Powai Lake, 25 miles from Bombay, is a quiet stretch of water by the side of a motor road. It can be approached via King's Circle, Sion, and Kurla. or through Santa Cruz and Andheri. Lake Powai is smaller lake of the two, and is situated a little west of the campus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), one of the premier institutions of science and technology in India.
Chowpatty
The famous beach of Chowpatty is the only beach that adorns central part of Mumbai. Situated at the end of Marine drive, at the foot of Malabar, this vast expanse of sand and sea is the hub of human activity. The beach is sought after by political, religious and other social groups to perform functions. The beach is equally popular with youth and those who are seeking fun and relaxation irrespective of their age.
During the day, the place gives a deserted look. There is not much action to catch during daytime. During daytime it is flocked by idle groups who come to have a sleep under its stunted trees. But as the sun starts backward journey, the place starts getting filled with people from all walks of life. It virtually turns into a fair ground in the evening.
In the evening one can see kids screaming on Ferris wheels or taking pony rides, wayside astrologers making a quick buck, monkey shows, self -styled gymnast demonstrating amazing yogic postures etc. The place gets lined with kiosks selling ice-cream and Bhelpuri-signature dish of Mumbai. The sight of selling meals on wheels makes one remember scenes from Hindi movies, which have depicted these scenes beautifully.
Who knows that you may catch a live film shoot or any bollywood personality as the place is haunted by film crews.
