MAHARASHTRA
Overview
Mumbai situated on the west coast is the capital city of Maharashtra State. Mumbai can be overwhelming, but once you get adjusted to the hectic pace, you’ll soon glide into the city’s fascinating history, eclectic culture, and cosmopolitan elegance.
It was the Portuguese colonial power that took control of today’s Mumbai first and called it ‘Bom Bahia’ and ruled it between 1534 –1661. It was then given as part of a big dowry when Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza was given marriage to King Charles II. The king then agreed to transfer ‘Bom Bahia’ to the East India Company which called it Bombay.
The city is now called Mumbai but its pre-colonial names were Kakamuchee and Galajunkja (these are sometimes still used) is the most populous city in India with an estimated city population of 12.5 million. Mumbai is a mix of iconic old-world charm architecture, strikingly modern high rises, cultural and traditional structures, and everything in between. The city is known as the commercial capital of India, but there is more to it than that. Mumbai is all about art, history, culture, food, theatre, cinema, nightlife, and a lot more, not to forget Bollywood.
Places to visit
ELEPHANTA CAVES
The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Gharapuri (Elephanta) Island. The small island is dotted with numerous ancient archaeological remains that are the sole testimonies to its rich cultural past. These archaeological remains reveal evidence of occupation from as early as the 2nd century BC. The rock-cut Caves were constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD.
The caves are the most magnificent achievement in the history of rock architecture in Western India. The Trimurti (Lord Siva) with his three faces as a creator, protector, and destroyer, and other colossal sculptures with their aesthetic setting are examples of unique artistic creations. The fifteen large sculptures surrounding the Lingam (symbol of Siva) in the main Elephanta Cave not only constitute one of the greatest examples of Indian art but also one of the most important collections for the cult of Lord Siva.
The colonial Portuguese named the island “Elefante” (which morphed into “Elephanta”) because they found elephant statues carved out of rocks. Elephanta Island is just an hour by ferry from Gateway of India Jetty. When on the island, you can walk or take a miniature train to the caves. The cave has a close resemblance to Mamallapuram Rock Temples about 900 miles away in Thamil (Tamil) Nadu, South India dedicated to Lord Siva.
THE DHARAVI SLUM
Dharavi, infamous as one of the world's largest slums, is in the heart of the financial capital of India a city within a city. It is one unending stretch of narrow dirty warrens, open sewers, and cramped huts. While the land area of 535 acres is owned by the government, the dwellings are maintained by individuals.
The Dharavi Slum came into being in 1884. It was originally inhabited by fishing communities when the area was still creeks and swamps. It became attractive to migrant workers and grew as poor rural people from all states in India migrated to urban Mumbai. About a million people are living here and it would be unimaginable how the commercial capital of India would function without them.
Taking a tour of the slum is an insight into one of the most productive and resourceful communities that live and work here with a remarkable sense of humour. Tours are run by a not-for-profit company, which donates most of its proceeds to local charities and ensures the tour respects the culture of the people, and photography is not allowed here.
The film industry has played a key role in bringing this slum to prominence. It was featured in films like the Oscar-winning “Slumdog Millionaire” and the more recent “Gully Boy”.
The sprawling Dharavi Slum became the favourite tourist experience in India in 2019 and even surpassed the Taj Mahal, according to Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Go on a Guided Tour of Mumbai
Try the Street food
The food culture of Mumbai is defined by its street food. People from all walks of life eat from the roadside food stalls in Mumbai. The most famous street food includes Bhelpuri, Panipuri, Svpuri, Bombay sandwiches, Ragda-pattice, and Vada Pav to name a few. Among the popular desserts of Mumbai are Kulfi (Ice cream) and Ice Gola.
The markets
See Mumbai early morning as it wakes up and thousands of small businesses that keep Mumbai running begin work. Stop at one of the world’s largest flower markets and watch women sewing fresh flower garlands or see large stocks of sea fish being auctioned at Sassoon Docks close by.
Witness the newspaper sorting facility where millions of newspapers are sorted into seven different languages before being distributed throughout the city. Watch in the nearby market tons and tons of fresh produce being delivered and sold.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is one of the most easily recognizable landmarks in Mumbai. This arc-shaped bay-side boulevard lining the Arabian Sea in South Mumbai is arguably the best spot to watch beautiful sunsets and indulge in leisurely walks. A favourite hangout spot of the Mumbai residents it provides an excellent view of the Mumbai coastline especially at night when the building gets lit the drive looks really like a studded Necklace.
Kanheri Caves
Historical evidence indicates that the caves were carved out of rocks between 200 B.C. and 600 A.D. There are more than 100 Buddhist caves popularly known as the Kanheri Caves. In ancient inscriptions, it was known as Krishnagiri or Kanhagiri, which literally means black mountain (Krishna means black and Giri is a mountain) and is mostly named after its black basaltic stone. These caves are proof of the rise and fall of Buddhism in the region, and it has the largest number of cave excavations from a single hill.
Nestled among the tranquil surroundings of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park the caves comprise 109 Buddha Viharas (Stupas), specially designed for the Bhikkhus (monks). It indicates that the Kanheri was a large monastic settlement. The cells here are provided with stone beds, cisterns for storing water, and walkways. The cave’s beautiful architecture is displayed in its interior and exterior parts.
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is an arch monument designed to commemorate the visit in 1911 of King George V and Queen Mary, who had been en route to the Durbar (a historical Mughal court) being held in Delhi to celebrate their coronation as emperor and empress of India.
The Gateway was later used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to India for the Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It served to allow entry and access to India. The last soldiers of the British Raj also left this landmark in 1948.
It is located on the waterfront at the Apollo Bunder in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is the city’s top tourist attraction.
High Tea in Mumbai
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” - Henry James (English Novelist).
Afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840 and it became a fashionable event in the English tradition. High Tea a more elaborate version evolved from Afternoon Tea.
Whilst they both include tea as a beverage, Afternoon tea includes delicate pastries, little sandwiches, scones, and cakes. Whereas High Tea is typically a more wholesome meal of meat, potatoes, and vegetables served after a long hard day at work.
Mumbai’s first harbour landmark, the Taj Mahal Palace has been entertaining maharajas, dignitaries, and celebrities since 1903. One way to experience this landmark hotel and its hospitality is to visit for High Tea. There will be some Mumbai surprises for you on the traditional snack tray.
High tea is traditionally served around sunset in the sea lounge overlooking the Gateway of India, the Arabian Sea stretching out beyond. Gratifying furnishings and princely fabrics evoke a colonial air to the experience.
Bollywood – see films being created
‘The Hindi language’ motion pictures industry popularly known as Bollywood refers to the film industry based in Mumbai. It is worth noting that most of the states in India produce their own movies in their own language in their respective states. The name ‘Bollywood’ came about by combining the old name ‘Bombay’ and Hollywood. Bollywood movies are famous for their spectacular musical numbers and elaborately choreographed dancing.
They produce over 900 films a year in Bollywood, twice the production of Hollywood. The Bollywood film industry is an important part of Mumbai’s culture. The most prolific studios, Balaji and Sankraman open their doors for visitors to see the mechanics of the industry.
You might see movies being shot on set or get a peek into the glamorous make-up room, in a post-production suite, you’ll be shown how visual effects are added and the epic scores are composed and dubbed in. You can watch dancers re-create some famous dance routines and even a few stunts in the studio.
The Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves are 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the second century BCE to about 480 CE in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and universally regarded as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, the caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture and pose and form.
The Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves are a multi-religious rock-cut cave complex with inscriptions dating from the period 6th century CE onwards, located in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra State.
There are over 100 caves at the site, all excavated from the basalt cliffs in the Charanandri Hills, 34 of which are open to the public.
These consist of 17 Hindu caves 12 Buddhist caves and 5 Jain caves. Each group represents deities and mythologies prevalent in the 1st millennium CE, as well as monasteries of each respective religion. They were built close to one another and illustrate the religious harmony that existed in ancient India. Ellora Caves are UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ellora Caves are situated 29 kilometres (18 miles) north-west of Aurangabad, and about 300 kilometres (190 miles) east-northeast of Mumbai. Aurangabad Airport serves both Ajanta an Ellora Caves.
