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20 Landmarks That Showcase Mumbai's Architecture: BY Updated 08/27/18
20 Landmarks That Showcase Mumbai's Architecture: BY Updated 08/27/18
Sharell Cook
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Gateway of India
In 2011, Lonely Planet listed the Gateway of India as one of the world's best
free attractions.
Dinodia/Getty Images
Mumbai's landmark Taj Palace Hotel, built in 1903, is an unsurpassed
architectural marvel that brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine
styles. Its structure is striking, with many chandeliers, archways, domes,
and turrets. The hotel also has a noteworthy collection of artwork and
artifacts that gives it an eclectic feeling.
Treat yourself to high tea at the renowned Sea Lounge in the Heritage wing,
or a meal at Souk overlooking Mumbai harbor.
o Where: Colaba, in south Mumbai. The hotel sits behind the Gateway of
India.
o More Information: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: Architectural Jewel of
Mumbai, Why stay at the Taj Palace Hotel.
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Ed Norton/Getty Images
Founded in 1846, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club is one of the oldest and
most elite clubs in Mumbai. Designed by a British architect, John Adams
(Executive Engineer to the Bombay Government), it has imposing Gothic
style architecture. Steeped in nostalgia, Queen Victoria bestowed the title of
"Royal" upon the club in 1876.
o Where: Opposite the Gateway of India, near the Taj Palace and Tower
Hotel.. Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, south
Mumbai.
o More Information: Royal Bombay Yacht Club website.
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Dhanraj Mahal
Regal Cinema
The first of Mumbai's Art Deco style cinemas, the Regal Cinema was built
during the cinema boom of the 1930s. Other cinemas that also came up
during this time were Plaza Central, New Empire, Broadway, Eros, and
Metro. The first film to be shown at the Regal Cinema was Laurel and
Hardy's The Devil's Brother in 1933. Movies are still being shown there
today.
The Maharashtra Police Headquarters moved into what was known as the
Royal Alfred Sailors' Home, in 1982. Construction began on the building in
early 1872 and was finished four years later, in 1876. As its name suggests,
it was made to accommodate 20 officers and 100 seamen. However, the
building was actually conceived to commemorate the visit of the Duke of
Edinburgh in 1870. The Duke laid the Foundation stone during his visit.
Sharell Cook.
The Circle was constructed in 1860, around what was know as the Mumbai
Greens -- a vast 15-acre space opposite the Town Hall where live music was
played every evening after sunset. The Mumbai Greens later became the
Horniman Circle Gardens, in tribute to Mr.B.G. Horniman, Editor of The
Bombay Chronicle.
There's an ancient banyan tree within the Circle, which apparently acted as
the venue for India's first stock exchange. Nearby historical buildings
include the stock exchange and St. Thomas Cathedral.
The Bombay High Court was built from 1871 to 1878. The first sitting took
place in January 1879. Designed by Col. J.A. Fuller, a British engineer, the
Court is a masterpiece of Gothic architectural style that was apparently
modeled on a German castle. Its structure is made up of black stone, with
octagonal towers. On top of the building, statues of Justice and Mercy
inspire upholding the Indian law.
It's highly recommended that you go inside and see a trial for some real
entertainment. Rooms 19 and 20 have most of the action. Be there by
around 10 a.m., and be aware that cameras are not allowed inside the court.
University of Mumbai
Located within the University of Mumbai, the 260-foot high Rajabai Clock
Tower is modeled on Big Ben in London. The clock tower was designed by
Sir George Gilbert Scott, an English architect. Completed in November
1878, it took nearly 10 years to build. It was named after the mother of a
wealthy 19th-century stockbroker who funded its construction.
The clock tower's interior is magnificently ornate, and its stone exterior is
flanked by 24 statues depicting the various castes and communities of
western India. The sculptures were made by Indian artisans and the
students of JJ School of Art, under the guidance of art teacher Sir
Lockwood Kipling.
Mumbai Mint
The Mumbai Mint is one of four mints in India. It was built in the 1920s,
along with the Town Hall, and has similar architecture with pillars and
Grecian porticoes. An inscription on the building states that it was designed
by Major John Hopkins of Bombay Engineers. The East India Company
sanctioned its construction in 1923.
The Mint mainly produces commemorative and development-oriented
coins, which are available for sale. It also makes medals of various types,
including for the Ministry of Defense.
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Those unfamiliar with Mumbai's history may wonder why the Fort district
is referred to as such. It got its name from a fort that used to exist there.
Fort St. George was built by the British East India Company around
Bombay Castle (one of the oldest defensive structures in Mumbai). Named
after King George III, it was 1.6 kilometers (one mile) long and 500 meters
wide.
The fort was demolished around 1865. However, remains of it still exist in
some areas.
EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/Getty Images
There's a Heritage Museum inside the building with guides that conduct
tours. However, it's only open from 3-5 p.m. on weekdays. Tickets cost 200
rupees.
The oldest museum in Mumbai, the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City
Museum (formerly the Victoria and Albert Museum) is an extraordinary
example of Palladian design (derived from Andreas Palladio, an Italian
architect of the 16th century). Originally established in 1855 as a treasure
house of the decorative and industrial arts, it was rebuilt in 1862 in the
Renaissance Revival style of Palladian. The Museum was painstakingly and
comprehensively restored between 2003 and 2007. A new wing is also in
the process of being built. It's expected to be open by 2018.
Khotachiwadi
Sadly, the village is gradually giving way to development though. Less than
half of the original 65 bungalows are left.
What kind of home does one of the richest men in India have? Take a look
at Antilia, the towering residence of businessman Mukesh Ambani,
chairman of Reliance Industries. It was named after the mythical Atlantic
island of Antillia. The house is reportedly one of the world's most
expensive, costing between $1-2 billion to build. Over 20 stories high,
hundreds of staff are also employed to maintain and run it.
Reactions to Antillia have been wide and varied. Some Indians are proud of
the overt display of wealth, while others view it as shameful while the poor
continue to go hungry.
Banganga Tank
Sharell Cook
Banganga Tank is an ancient water tank that's one of the oldest surviving
structures in Mumbai. It dates back to 1127 AD, to the time of the Hindu
Silhara dynasty, when it was built over a freshwater spring by one of the
minister in the dynasty's court.
Over the years, Banganga Tank has provided inspiration to many artists, on
film and on canvas. It's also a wonderful place to go to get some respite
from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.