Bombay/South Bombay

From World travel guide

The Flora Fountain lies at the centre of South Bombay. It is now known as Hutatma Chowk (Martyrs' square.)

South Bombay is a commonly used term, but the extent of this district is not commonly agreed upon. This article uses the term to denote the areas of Fort, Colaba, Malabar Hill, Nariman Point, Marine Lines, Kalbadevi, Pydhonie, Mahalaxmi and Tardeo.

This district contains some of the oldest parts of the city. For long, this was the city. One of the seven islands that were joined to form Bombay was called... Bombay. This is where the British started on their long quest to build the docks and the city. They built Fort St George, which no longer exists, but the area is still called "Fort". The Fort area contains many corporate offices and most of the administrative offices of the city and state governments.

Paradoxically, this district contains one of the newest areas of the city, Nariman Point, which was built on land reclaimed between the 1940s and the 70s. This is Bombay's downtown, where the offices of India's topmost corporate houses are located.

Malabar Hill, the most affluent residential neighbourhood in the city is also located here. Most industrialists have their bungalows here, and here is where the official residences of Maharashtra's chief minister and Governor are located. The other famous location is Colaba, which used to be an island by itself, till it was connected to Bombay by a causeway. This area contains a naval base.

Most of the city's famous landmarks, including the iconic Gateway of India and Marine Drive are located here.

Get in

See

The Gothic facade of the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus, popularly known as VT station.

• Gateway of India This was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. This arch is the most recognizable symbol of the city.
• Elephanta Caves Elephanta Island, Mumbai [1] Check out these fine examples of rock sculptures dedicated to Shiva. Even though many of them have been vandalised by Portuguese invaders, their grandeur is hardly diminished. Every year around February, the Elephanta Festival [2] of music and dance takes place on this island in the backdrop of the sculptures. Take a ferry from the Gateway of India. The round trip costs Rs. 100 and will take 45 minutes one way.
• Prince of Wales Museum 159-161, M.G. Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 023. +91 22 2284 44 84, +91 22 2284 45 19 (fax: +91 22 2204 54 30 crescent@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in) [3] Now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, the Prince of Wales museum is located near The Gateway of India next to Jehangir Art Gallery. Tue-Sun 10:15am. - 5:45pm.
• Jehangir Art Gallery M.G.Road,Mumbai 400 023 +91 22 2204 4058 Entrance Free 11am - 7pm
• Marine Drive Chowpatty is the city's most famous beach. Situated at one end of Marine Drive, Bombay's most famous promenade. This is not a place to sunbathe, however. Go here to watch the crowds enjoying themselves, and have Bhel puri, as a moderately famous Hindi song asks you to. Note that Chowpatty in Marathi means "beach". So you may hear people referring to other beaches suffixed with Chowpatty (For example "Juhu Chowpatty"). But if they say "Chowpatty" without qualification, they are referring to this place.
• Taj Mahal Hotel [4] The landmark hotel close to the Gateway of India, along with Oberoi is one of the oldest 5-star hotels in India.
• Flora Fountain. Known as Fountain area which is prominent hub for commercial activity of Bombay as all the Major banks are located here. You may cash your Traveller's Cheques here. Also country's premier stock exchange Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) is situated here. This tall building is visible from anywhere in VT/Churchgate and makes an prominent part of the skyline of Bombay.
• Victoria Terminus (V.T.). At the other end of Flora Fountain is Victoria Terminus, now known as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It is the disembarking station for Central Railway local Trains and Long-distance trains. Adjacent to V.T. station is General Post Office, a grand building which is open 24 hours. The road further goes up to Ballard Estate where a lot of Corporate Offices and Mumbai Port is situated. The V.T. station building is a fine piece of architecture.
• Nariman Point: Located at the other end of Marine Drive, Nariman Point is the business hub of Bombay. However with the change in economic conditions, many companies have shifted to other areas of Bombay like Parel, Worli, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Andheri-Kurla Road and Powai. The top end hotel The Oberoi is located here along with a number of Airlines Offices. Don't miss out the Air-India building.
• Cuffe Parade is one of the high-end areas where the famous World Trade Centre and Unit Trust of India offices are located. The President Hotel is located here. Navy Nagar/Army cantonment area is located here which is the southernmost boundary of Bombay.
• Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Hornbill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai 400 023 +91-22 2282 1811 (fax: +91 22 22837615 bnhs@bom4.vsnl.net.in) [5] This is a massive source of information for those intersted in flora and fauna.
• Crawford market, Bhuleshwar, Chor Bazaar These are dirty, stinky markets which are nevertheless fascinating.
• Khau gali - translates roughly as eater's road.

Do

Buy

Eat

Budget

• Bay of Bombay, (close to St. Xaviers College) +91 22 2205 6173. It's a favorite with oyster lovers. If you're in the mood for a quiet evening and meal, this is the place to go to.
• Swati Snacks, Tardeo. A safe way to try Indian fast food and street food.

Mid-range

• Chetana Vegetarian Restaurant, Kala Ghoda, K Dubash Marg, Mumbai. Telephone: +91 22 2288 1159 [6]. A great Gujarati and Rajasthani food restaurant. Service is OK, atmosphere decent. They also serve cocktails and beer. Rs. 450 ($10) for two.
• Oh! Calcutta, Tulsiwadi, opp.A/C Market, Tardeo, Mumbai 400 034 (Nearest landmark is Crossroads Mall, M M Malviya Road. You have to turn left at a little lane a couple of blocks down from Crossroads. ), +91 22 2496 3114 (rosewood@vsnl.com) [7]. 12pm-3pm, 7pm,-Midnight. Primarily a Bengali place which naturally means that it is big on seafood. But it also has a good vegetarian selection. Try the yellow dal, but be warned that it will be on the sweeter side. A meal for two would come to Rs. 800.
• Gallops, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai (first entrance of the Mahalaxmi Race Course while coming from Haji Ali) Continental and Indian food restaurant, Expensive, but worth it for the ambience, service and food.
• Rajdhani, near Crawford market serves excellent thalis. Unlimited food for around Rs. 250. It is strictly vegetarian. Has been rated as one of the best places to eat in Bombay.
• Bhagat Tara Chand, Kalbadevi. Great Indian Curry and 'home food'. Must visit for Indian food lovers.

Splurge

Drink

Sleep

Contact

External links