India Profile

Recreation and Health Center

There is the Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Beauty Parlor, Hair Dressing Salon and a Barber Shop

Basic Data

City Information

Commonly known as 'Bombay' until 1996, Mumbai is the commercial capital of India. Its original name "Bombay" emerged from the Portugal term "Bom Bahai" meaning good bay or harbour. The city was formed by the reclamation of 7 islands on the central-western coast along the Arabian Sea. Mumbai lies 1400 km west of the Indian capital, New Delhi. It is also known as Manchester of India. Mumbai boomed into a textile city in the 19th Century. With the opening up of the Suez Canal in 1869 the city's future as India's primary port, was assured. Now it is the second biggest city in the world. The Glamour of a prolific film industry, cricket on the open areas on weekends, bhel puri (Indian snack) on the Chowpatty beach and red double-decker buses enhance the charm of the city.

Kala Ghoda Art District
This is a magical place, for those who are willing to look through the dust and grime, to discover a world of architectural treasures that are now, being painstakingly brought into their own. The Kala Ghoda Art District, covering roughly 2 square kilometres, drew its name from a huge statue of King Edward VIII astride a black horse (Kala Ghoda in Hindi) that once graced the centre of the main thoroughfare. Beginning from the Regal Cinema (behind the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai), this hub of culture is home to a heady mix of quaint restaurants, museums, educational institutions, cultural organisations, theatres and art galleries, making it comparable to many international art districts. It is also the venue of a two-week annual festival (February) that transforms it into a cultural wonderland -The Kala Ghoda Festival.

Victoria Terminus
One of the city's largest buildings, this terminus station of Central Railway seldom is graced with an elaborate Italian Gothic design. The first train to steam out of this station, abbreviated as VT, to Thane was in 1853.

Gateway of India
A ceremonial arch built in 1927 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary is located in the southernmost peninsula of the city. Constructed in honey-coloured basalt, the design of the gateway was inspired by 16th century Gujarati Architecture. The changing light of the rising and setting sun bathes this imposing arch with various hues of gold, russet and pink. The Gateway holds historical significance as the last of the British troops leaving Independent India by sea, marched through its portals.

Marine Drive
This sweeping Queen's Necklace, flickering with a thousand lights at night turns into the main thoroughfare linking Malabar Hill and the northern parts of the island to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point and Fort.

Flora Fountain
It stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of the commercial Fort area. The beautifully sculptured fountain was erected in the memory of the Governor, Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere, as a tribute to the contribution he made to the city.

Chowpatty Beach
This stretch of beach is well known by locals and tourists alike as a great place to indulge your taste buds in the evenings. A 'food-plaza' of stalls offering a range of snacks like 'bhel-puri', 'chaat', 'kulfi' and fresh coconut water! Chowpatty, situated at the northern end of Marine Drive, is a great place to witness the annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in August/September when large images of the elephant-headed god are immersed in the murky sea. As a part of the city's cleanliness and beautification drive, Chowpatty is also being given a face-lift.

Malabar Hill
On the northern promontory of Back Bay is the expensive residential area of Malabar Hill, favoured for its cool breezes and fine views over Back Bay. The formal Hanging Gardens, known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, on top of the hill, Kamala Nehru Park and the Banganga temple complex at Walkeshwar invite tourist attention here.

Elephanta Island
Rock-cut temples on this peaceful Island, 10 km northeast of the Gateway of India, are the Mumbai's major tourist attractions. Believed to have been carved between 450 A.D. and 750 A.D, the temples are still worth a visit. The main cave contains large sculpted panels relating to Siva, including the astonishing 6 metre high triple-headed Trimurti - in which Siva embodies the roles of creator, preserver and destroyer.

Juhu Beach
Situated 30 km from the city, Juhu is a crowded beach with residential apartments and bungalows surrounding it. It seems as if the entire population of the area descends on the beach for a breath of fresh air! The central part has food stalls again, similar to Chowpatty. And a lot more, in terms of fun-rides for children.

Kalbadevi
A visit to Mumbai is incomplete without a foray into the bazaars of Kalbadevi, north of Crawford Market. The narrow lanes of this predominantly Muslim area are hemmed in by laundry-draped tenements, and a seething mass of people that bring Mumbai's traffic to a standstill.

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