Mumbai: attractions, description, photo

This stunning imagination of even the most sophisticated traveler can rightly be named the city of "the city of contrasts". This is how, in a nutshell, you can characterize Mumbai, whose sights will not leave anyone indifferent. They open the visitors to different pages of the history of the city and the amazing country. Let's get acquainted with the most famous of them.

India: Mumbai

The sights of this ancient and at the same time very modern city attract many tourists. The city itself has a long history, the beginning of which was lost somewhere in the Stone Age. But Mumbai acquired its official status in the sixteenth century.

The current name of the city appeared recently - in 1995, and before that it was called Bombay. The name of Mumbai (or Mumbai) is derived from the name of one of the local goddesses.

The city, which is located in the west of the country, leads by population: it is the first in India and the sixth in the world. This is explained by the fact that Mumbai is a large administrative center with a high standard of living within the country and great opportunities for employment.

Mumbai, whose attractions are known all over the world, can surprise with its ultra-modern and luxurious buildings adjacent to beggars and dilapidated neighborhoods. For tourists, it is interesting for its organic eclecticism - the fact that here there are monuments of different cultures, religions, traditions. There is a Triumphal Arch, museums, Catholic and Hindu temples, gardens and parks, fashionable residences and caves and many, many unforgettable ones, which can be called simply - the attractions of Mumbai.

Hanging Gardens

Just note that these are not the gardens that are a miracle of the world. And the word "hanging" also does not quite reflect what you can see here. This name was given to the gardens of the name of one of the national heroes of India - Ferozshah Mehta - due to its location. They are in the heart of Malabar Hill, on the roof of a huge reservoir of water that provides the population of the southern half of the city. From here you can admire the most beautiful landscapes of the largest Indian metropolis - Mumbai.

The sights, photos of which are shown here, demonstrate that another interesting detail that attracts visitors and townspeople is the beautiful landscape and amazing design of the greenery located here.

Indian gardeners have created an incredible world of plant characters. Here there are various animals, houses, pieces of furniture and even human figures. In the shade of the crowns of trees and shrubs, you can find cozy gazebos. Everywhere beautiful flowers and unusual butterflies - there are a lot of them.

The Indian Gate

This monument of architecture is quite young. "Gateway to India", this is translated from English by its name, were erected in 1924 in connection with the visit of British monarchs: George V and Maria.

The name itself is quite symbolic, since it is this architectural structure that meets those arriving to the city from the side of the Arabian Sea. At one time, this monument marked the strength and power of the British Empire. After 1948, when the British military left the city through these gates, they became a symbol of the independence of the country, changing their status just as they change their color. The latter is due to the basalt, from which the construction is made, marking the arrival in Mumbai. Attractions allow you to learn more about the history of this amazing city.

"Taj Mahal Palace and Tower"

Another amazing beauty and luxury building is located near the Indian gates - this is the hotel "Taj Mahal and Tower." It was built in 1903 by one of the richest people in the country, who was offended in one of the European hotels, denying the settlement either because of citizenship, or because of the color of the skin. Industrial magnate Djamsetji Nusservangji Tata decided to create such a hotel, which by its luxury, beauty and level of service would surpass all existing ones. It should be noted that he achieved his goal. The hotel has become one of the best in the world, and its architecture surprises with its luxury and unusual style.

In the fall of 2008, the hotel was attacked by terrorists, but was quickly restored and already in the summer of 2010 hosted guests. For more than a century of history, the cult hotel was visited by world pop stars, famous actors, imperial persons, politicians.

Chhatrapati-Shivaji Train Station

This name was given to the station in 1996 in honor of the hero - the national pride of India, and before that bore the name of the British Queen Victoria.

The station building is recognized as a heritage of UNESCO and, undoubtedly, it adorns Mumbai, whose sights open new pages of its history to visitors of the city. It is known that the construction of the building began in 1878 and lasted almost a decade. The author of the project was the English engineer Frederick William Stevens, who created his architectural creation, focusing on the London samples.

It seems that the author wanted to translate in this structure all the best that was at that time in English architecture. Perhaps, that is why the building looks so monumental and pompous. A lot of different details, a mixture of architectural traditions, various materials and styles have done their job. The railway station symbolizes the power of rail communication within the country and abroad.

Haji Ali Mosque

Another great place that guests discover the stunning city of Mumbai. The sights, the photos of which are given below, characterize it from a slightly different angle. The mosque, which will be discussed, was built in 1431. She immortalized the memory of one incredibly rich Muslim who, after giving away all his possessions, went to travel the world. During this time he performed many miracles, was known to the saints and gained followers. His dream was to get to the famous Mecca, where he went. But to see her Hajdi Ali never happened. Along the way, he was mortally ill. Dying, he ordered to put his body in a coffin and throw it into the sea.

Miraculously repaired Muslim waves were brought to the shores of Mumbai. Here it was decided to bury the body and build a mosque at this place. Every day a continuous stream of pilgrims, among whom there are representatives of various religions.

The mosque is located on a tiny island, which is located half a kilometer from the coast of Mumbai. At low tide, it is possible to get to this place through a bulk land section that connects the coast with the island, in the event of a tide - on a boat.

Museum of Chhatrapati Shivaji (originally the Prince of Wales Museum)

This museum is also included in the attractions of Mumbai. Photo and description of it can be found on almost every tourist site. And this is not surprising, because it is one of the largest in the world because of its historical value (here it is collected more than 50 thousand exhibits) and the sizes (the area is more than one hectare).

The reason for the creation of the museum was the visit of the royal prince, the Prince of Wales, in honor of which he was named. The construction was completed in 1915. During the First World War, the museum premises were used as a hospital, later a children's center was located here. Since the 1920s, the museum has returned to its true destiny.

The Caves of Mandapeshwar

One of the oldest monuments of the city, which was created in the eighth century AD. It's amazing that caves are nothing but a temple. According to scientists, he is dedicated to the god Shiva. This cave temple complex was created by the forces of Buddhist monks, who invited for the decoration of the caves of Persian masters.

These ancient caves had time to see much in their time. Refugees were hidden here, soldiers lived, there were fires and floods, and later they were generally forgotten. All this had an extremely negative impact on the appearance of the cave halls, many of which were destroyed, the most beautiful painting of the walls was practically lost. Today, caves are protected by the state.

All these museums, temples, parks and caves with their stories and riddles make this Indian city incredibly popular. Therefore, you must certainly get here in order to see for yourself the attractions in Mumbai. How to get here? There are no direct flights from Russia to this city yet. Therefore, you must fly first to the capital of India. From Delhi to Mumbai you can get either by plane or by bus.