Located in the state of Maharashtra in India, Mumbai also
known as Bombay, originally consisted of seven islands,
namely Colaba, Mazagaon, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Mahim,
Parel, and Matunga-Sion. The city of Mumbai is ancient
yet modern, fabulously rich yet achingly poor. It is famously
said for the city that it never sleeps. The city offers
its travelers an amazing nightlife. Known as the Las Vegas
of India, the city houses a number of discotheques, restaurants
and nightclubs, which makes your stay in the city pleasurable
and exciting.
This city of island was part of the kingdom of Ashoka,
the Great. Later in the year 1343, the Mohammedans of
Gujarat took possession and the Kings of that province
of India ruled it for the next two centuries. The only
vestige (mark) of their dominion over these islands today
is the mosque at Mahim.
In 1534 the Portuguese, took Bombay by force of arms from
the Mohammedans. The Portuguese fortified their possession
by building churches and forts and named them "Bom
Baia" which in Portuguese means "Good Bay".
However, only one church with Portuguese-style facade
still remains is the St. Andrew's church at Bandra.
A hundred and twenty-eight years later the islands were
given to the English King Charles II in dowry on his marriage
to Portuguese Princess Catherine of Braganza in 1662.
In the year 1668 the English East India Company on lease
from the crown acquired the islands for an annual sum
of 10 pounds in gold. The British corrupted the Portuguese
name "Bom Baia" to "Bombay".
The Kolis used to call the islands "Mumba" after
Mumbadevi, the Hindu deity to whom a temple is dedicated
at Babulnath near Chowpatty's sandy beaches, thus Mumbai.
The main attraction of the city is The Gateway of India.
It is a historical gateway built in Indo-Sarcenic style
to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary
to Bombay. Gateway of India was built at Apollo Bunder,
a popular meeting place. The British architect George
Wittet designed the gateway of India. The Prince of Wales
Museum is one of the finest buildings constructed during
British rule. Prince of Wales museum was designed in the
Honor of the Prince of Wales on his first visit to India.
You can visit it through the Tour packages for Mumbai.
One of the famous temples of Mumbai, Mahalaxmi temple
is devoted to The Goddess of wealth Mahalaxmi. The Mosque
at the tomb of Haji Ali is another wonderful piece of
architecture standing on an island.
Chowpatty is the famous beach of India. It holds a
special attraction for the tourists as the real Mumbai
can be seen here. The attraction of chowpatty enhances
many folds during Maharashtar's most famous festival
of Ganesh chatturathi.
Aurangabad, the ancient city, Khandala, the best hill
station of Maharashtra, Lonavala, Pune and Matheran
are other few places near the town worth paying a visit.
Recommended Itineraries
Land of Buddha Tour
Temples and Caves Tour of India
West and South India Train Sojourn Package
Island Beach Tour of India
Cultural Tour of India
India Tours and packages offer tour packages, tour
itineraries and tours for Mumbai.
For details about the tour packages for Mumbai, please
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