Yeah. So as I said in my last post, what exactly did I do in that single Sunday that came in between. I went to Gateway of India, side by side with The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, followed by the Elephanta Caves. That's the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in the backdrop of Gateway of India! Lemme tell you about the Elephanta caves in my next post.
India Gate was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Pretty new, rather very very new in terms of Indian history. The building is 26m high and was built by the then Indian Govt under the English rule. Though this is a British Indian architecture, this is essentially a mix of Hindu and Islamic (Mughal) architectures. Its one of the typical examples of Colonial buildings in India, an example of British monuments in India. No Mumbai itinerary would be complete without visiting the Gateway of India!
Overlooking the Gateway of India is this sculpture of Chhatrapathi Shivaji. Originally there was a sculpture of Prince of Wales, Edward VII here, also unveiled during British Colonial India era. That sculpture was made of bronze, which turned black due to weather, which is why the locality 'Kala Ghoda' is called so. It literally means 'Black Horse'. Today, that sculpture is in Byculla Zoo aka Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan aka Victoria Garden. It is the same place where Elephanta's original Elephant statue is also placed (yes, Elephanta had a huge stone statue of Elephant which the Portuguese saw and called the island Elephanta, not before damaging the statue and every other statue there, when they were here to colonize India)!
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai is located just beside Gateway of India. This has 2 wings. The heritage and the new one. The heritage one was built in 1903. This building is a perfect blend of European, Indian and Mughal architectures. Being next to the Gateway of India, this provides the perfect views of the sea from within the hotel. Wish I could go inside atleast once and get myself lost in the architectural beauty and charm of the hotel. Let's see if that dream comes true in future.
From here ferries are available to go to Elephanta Caves. More about that coming soon in my next post.
Nearest station: Churchgate and CST
Can take a cab from the station. Mumbai taxis run in metre charges.
Dedicated to Rathish.
P.S. May God hold the ones who were killed by this blast close to him and may God take care of the survivors and the friends and relatives of the deceased ones to heal their scars physically and mentally.
Beautiful Photos Dear :) :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Mitr.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I come to your blog, I am itching to travel to India. Hopefully very soon. Nice post as always..
ReplyDeletefabulous pics...looks a wonderfous place...i echoe your closing prayer as well...
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for posting one of the most carismatic places in the world! I was there many years ago, the gateway is just magnificent, unique and the entry for a really wonderful world! The Hotel is an ICON, unique in the whole world of luxury..I do hope God will lead me there one day again....
ReplyDeleteHELENA
I haven't been to Mumbai and would love to see these with my own eyes, but until then, thank you for the great shots!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent snaps. I love this place very much and had been here few years back.
ReplyDeleteMaharaja Madhav Rao Scindia Chattri, Shivpuri
Hey i just came back from a trip to Valparai & Athirappilly ,can i post about the trip here if you dont mind ??????
ReplyDeletePictures and text are just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pics.. and as usual crispy and interesting narration.. i love the last pic so much ...
ReplyDelete@Creativity,
ReplyDeleteThanks dear.. :)
@Roy,
Thanks sweetheart. How come you found it was my birthday!!!?????
@Aysegul,
Then what stops u... Pack your bags and come here now itself...!!!!
@Brian,
It was magnificant in its own way. :)
@Helena,
Come here dear.. Once again. You'll fall inlove with India all over again!!!
@Jose,
ReplyDeleteYou globe trotter!!! How come you've never visited Mumbai!!!?????
@Rajesh,
Thanks dear...
@Sathish,
Wow.. That must have been a great trip... But sorry sweety. As of now, I have no plans of guest posts in my blog. Would let you know if I start... :)
Why dont you post in your blog?
@Phivos,
Thanks dear.. :)
@Sow,
ReplyDeleteThanks da... I'll convey your compliments to the photographer... :)