Must
See in Mumbai
Gateway of India
What could be more appropriate a beginning than the 'entrance' to the port of
Mumbai? The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to Commemorate the visit of King
George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Constructed in honey-coloured
basalt, the gateway was designed by George Wittet, inspired by 16th century
Gujarat Style. The changing light of the rising and setting sun gives varied
hues of gold, russet and pink to the imposing arch. Historically, the Gateway
holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left Independent
India by sea, marched through its portals.
University Buildings
Founded by Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Ready money, after whom is named the earlier
of the two structures, was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. Flanked by the High
Court and the Old Secretariat, the buildings were completed in 1874. Resplendent
in a florid and highly decorative French Gothic style, the main building with
its turrets and gabled roof has a large circular window, with its outer border
originally made up of twelve stained glass skylights, depicting the signs of
the zodiac.
Mumbai High Court
This blue-basalt building in early English Gothic style was designed by Col.
J. A. Fuller. It has central tower standing almost 180 ft. Two octagonal towers
with their spiralets holding at their pinnacles two carved figures of Justice
and Mercy are situated to the west of the central tower.
Sir J. J. School Of Art
Built during the same period as the University, its importance is heightened
by the fact that Rudyard Kipling was born and spent his early childhood here.
His father, John Lockwood Kipling, was the Principal of the art school and under
his tutelage, many local artisans received training. Some of their works were
used to adorn the buildings being constructed in Mumbai during that period as
sculptured panels and motifs
Shivaji Terminus
One of the finest examples of high Victorian Gothic architecture, it is the
headquarters of the Central Railways and is one of the finest railway stations
in the world
Prince of Wales Museum
King George V, who as Prince of Wales, laid the foundation stone of this museum
in 1905. Situated near the gateway of India, it was designed in the Indo-Saracenic
style to commemorate the King's first visit to India. During the First World
War, it was used as a hospital. It was opened as a museum in 1923 and has three
main sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. One of the best museums
in the country, it is a treasure house of art, sculpture, China, rare coins
and old firearms. It also has a priceless collection of miniature paintings.
The glistering white marble dome crowning this building can be sighted from
a distance as it lies nestled amidst a well-laid out garden.
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