Nehru Museum

Nehru Planetarium is housed in an astounding cylindrical shaped building that also features art gallery, restaurant, library, cultural center and a 14-gallery exhibit called Discovery of India. Designed by India's finest architect J.M. Kadri, the Nehru Planetarium is located 8 kms from the city center.

Nehru Planetarium is the sole astronomical center that has concert cum movie auditorium. A favorite jaunt for all those fascinated with astronomy and cosmos Nehru Planetarium unfolds the mysteries of the outer space. You can enjoy regular movies, which are of particular interest for children.

Close to Nehru Planetarium is Nehru Science Center, venue of numerous international trade fairs and local exhibitions. The place also exhibits antique models of Railway engines, airplanes, tramcar and steam lorry. Nehru Planetarium and Nehru Science Center are housed in Nehru Science Complex that has Nehru Auditorium where classical music and dance recitals, concerts and plays are held on regular basis. You can also visit the Nehru Science Museum and be a witness to growth of science since the beginning of civilization.

Discovery of India Exposition in the Nehru Science Complex is a permanent unique exposition that covers multifarious aspects of artistic, intellectual and philosophical journey of India depicted through ages. All presented in 14 galleries the exposition has images in three-dimensional replicas of major architectural and artistic works, photographs, dioramas and audio-visuals. The place is flooded by school children almost all the time and hence don't forget to get your tickets in advance to avoid last moment rush.

Prithvi Theatre

Not far from Juhu Beach, Prithvi is one of Mumbai’s best known theatres, that belongs to the Kapoors, founding family of Bollywood. Their annual drama festival features the best plays from India and several theatre workshops teach you the ropes of acting. Outside, the charming garden café with its mellow lamplit tables is usually filled with the city’s culturati, dining on oven fresh rotis and wholesome north Indian food, washed down with goblets of Irish Coffee.

Prithvi Theatre, one of the oldest theatres in Mumbai, is situated in the posh Juhu locality. It is basically a subsidiary of the Shri Prithviraj Kapoor Memorial Trust & Research Foundation. Prithviraj Kapoor began Prithvi Theatres in 1944, when he was touching the heights in his career. Later, his son Shashi Kapoor and daughter-in-law Jennifer set up the Memorial Trust in the 1975, as a tribute to the memory of Prithviraj Kapoor. The main aims of setting up the trust were:

• Promoting professional Hindi theatre.
• Helping and promoting talented people in the Film Industry.
• Setting up a theatre of international standards.
• Providing medical and educational assistance to theatre workers and their children
• Setting up a place for rehearsals and workshops, etc.

Prithviraj Kapoor, a legend in himself, is the source of inspiration behind the establishment of Prithvi Theatre. A well-known theatre of Mumbai, Prithvi Theatre belongs to the Kapoors – the leading actor/director families in Bollywood. Shashi Kapoor, the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor, along with his wife Jennifer Kendal, worked enthusiastically towards realizing their father’s dream of  having a theater of performing arts. On 5th November 1978, Prithvi Theatre was inaugurated amidst grand cultural celebrations in Bombay. Prithvi Theatre: A charming theatre, well known and loved by every theatre goer in the city. This theatre built in 1978, can accommodate up to 200. There are no individual seats but cushioned amphitheatre style setting instead. It has a thrust stage and good acoustics. Shows in all languages play here on all days except Mondays. This venue also has a photo gallery bookshop and caf known for its Irish coffee. Annual events include the Prithvi Festival, Celebrating Poetry and Summertime for children. Tickets may be bought from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm. Go to BookMyShow for online bookings and home delivery.Prithvi Theater was inaugurated in November 1978 and since then; it has constantly striving to bright the talented individuals into limelight. A completely non-profit organization, the theatre depends on donations from individuals and companies who want to promote the performing and fine arts in India. Apart from conducting plays, Prithvi Theatre also organizes workshops, exhibitions, poetry sessions, film screenings, musical concerts, etc. There is also a book shop inside its premises.

Shashi and Jennifer both had a great passion and high opinion about Indian theatre. After the sad demise of Prithviraj Kapoor, Shashi bought a piece of land and decided to set up a Trust in the memory of great actor that would encourage performing arts in India. Moreover, the country lacked a theatre where aspiring actors could show their talent and meet the audience. Such a theater was the need of the society and emergence of Prithvi theatre was the perfect answer to the dilemma. In the present day, Prithvi Theatre is active and even organizes an annual drama festival that features the best plays from India. Numerous theatre workshops are organized here to promote aspirants of theater while refining their nuts and bolts of acting. Outside the theatre, there is a garden café which serve delicious food on lamp lit tables. It is famous for its North Indian food and Irish coffee. A visit to Prithvi Theatre would give you a fantastic glimpse into the cultural and modern theater in India.

sanjay gandhi national park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is acclaimed to be an exclusive and largest park in the world to be located within city limits. Earlier called Borivali National Park, the wildlife haven was initially intended to be a natural retreat outside Mumbai. Over the years, the park got into the periphery of the growing city. Sited on the north of Bombay, the wildlife asylum is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, a governing body of Government of India. Spread in an area of 104 sq km, the park is delimited by the Island City on its three sides.

With 2 million (approx) visitors every year, perhaps it is the most visited national park in the Asia. It also houses the ancient Kanheri Caves crafted out of rocky cliffs, which dates back to 2,400 years. Evidences reveal that the park had been present during the 4th century BC. In its close vicinity, there were two ports by the names of Sopara and Kalyan that used to trade with places like Greece and Mesopotamia. The route between these two ports traverses from this park. In the pre-independence era, it was named Krishnagiri National Park.

In 1969, the Park enclosed an area of mere 20.26 sq km and then various properties adjoining the park were acquired to obtain the present area. Later, it was named Borivali National Park after the adjoining area of Borivali. In 1981, the park was christened Sanjay Gandhi National Park, after Sanjay Gandhi, the son of Indira Gandhi. Most of the area is hilly and reaches to the maximum height of 400 metres. The park's splendor gets doubled with the presence of Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake.

Since most of the city's pollution is purified by this park, it is acclaimed to be the lungs of Mumbai. The bustling forest of the park is abode to almost 800 species of flowering plants, 284 species of birds, 5,000 species of insects, 36 types of mammals, 50 kinds of reptiles and 150 species of butterfly. It also has numerous endangered species of plants and animals. It has the distinction of comprising Atlas moth, which was discovered here and known to be the world's largest moth.

Animals and reptiles like Spotted Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Bonnet Macaque, Black Naped Hare, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Palm Civet, Mouse Deer, Hanuman Langur, Indian Flying Fox, Sambhar, Crocodiles, Pythons, Cobras, Monitor Lizards, Russell's viper, Bamboo Pit Viper, Ceylonese Cat Snake etc thrive in its forests. Toy Train, called Vanrani, makes the special attraction for both children and adults in the park. Rock climbing is another sport activity that is booming in the region.

Siddhivinayak Temple

Location:	Prabhadevi in Mumbai
Built By:	Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil
Built In:	1801
Dedicated To:	Lord Ganesha
How to Reach:	One can easily reach here by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Siddhivinayak Temple is a highly revered shrine of Lord Ganesha in India. Dating back to the early nineteenth century, the temple was built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in 1801. Sited at Prabhadevi, Siddhi Vinayak Temple is definitely one of the most visited temples of Mumbai. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the 'Lord of Beginnings' as per the Hindu Mythology. The temple has a small hall, where the image of Shri Siddhi Vinayak is placed gracefully in the shrine.

The wooden main gate of the shrine is engraved with various images of Ashtavinayak, which symbolize the eight manifestations of Lord Ganesha. In the sanctum sanctorum, the gold-plated ceiling makes the worthy crown of the Lord. Ganpati is depicted with four arms, while holding a lotus flower, an axe, platter of modakas and a garland of beads respectively in each of his hands. The image is flanked by Riddhi and Siddhi, two consorts of Lord Ganesha.

Near the main entrance of the temple complex, there is a beautiful image of Lord Hanuman. Tuesday is believed to be the ruling day of Lord Ganesha, so people come in large numbers on this day. In the year 1994, Siddhi Vinayak Temple was renovated to embrace the huge crowd. During the celebratory time of Ganesh Chaturthi, the temple is visited by inestimable number of people. It is said that Lord fulfills all the wishes of his loyal devotees.

A major landmark of Prabhadevi, Siddhi Vinayak Temple is well-known among the Hindus. 'Phool Gali' is a narrow street outside the temple that is a hub of many flower sellers. You can see a tight security within and outside the temple, to ensure safety of the people and the temple. At the time of Angaraki and Sankashti Chaturthi, the minutest space available at the temple gets occupied. Come to Mumbai, pay a visit to Shri Siddhi Vinayak and receive his blessings.

Victoria Gardens

Location:	Byculla, Mumbai
Attractions:	Zoo, Victoria & Albert Museum
How to Reach:	One can easily reach Victoria Gardens by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Rani Jijamata Udyaan is a well-laid out garden in the Byculla area of Mumbai. Formerly called Victoria Gardens, the garden was established in 1861. On its very entrance, a huge clock tower, reminiscent of Italian Renaissance architecture, will greet you. Its lush greenery brags of various plants and trees, which make the environment serene and beautiful to see. Spread over an area of 48 acres, Rani Jijamata Udyaan is centrally located in Mumbai, the erstwhile Bombay.

Jijamata Udyan is popularly called Rani Bagh and it also comprises the renowned Victoria and Albert Museum (now renamed as Bhau Daji Lad Museum), within its limits. This museum is known for its awesome collection of archeological findings. To its east, there is a colossal figure of an elephant that was actually brought from Elephanta Caves. What's more, Victoria Gardens has always been popular amongst the children, due to the fact it houses the city's own zoo.

The zoo in Victoria Gardens houses several species of animals and birds that have been declared as endangered. Here, you can enjoy a ride on the back of an elephant, while spotting different animals from a closer range. Victoria Garden also has a well-laid out botanical garden, which encompasses rare species of plants that have been preserved for studies and research. On you trip to the fun-filled city of Mumbai, make sure to take a stroll in the lush gardens of Rani Jijamata Udyaan.

Walkeshwar Temple

Location	Banganga Road, Malabar Hill, Mumbai
How to reach	Board a local that will take you here, or hire an auto or taxi
Presiding Deity	Valuka Ishwar - Lord of Sand
Special Attraction	Banganga tank, Annual Hindustani Classical Music Festival
Best Time to Visit	January and October to March

Walkeshwar temple is among the most ancient temples of Mumbai having earned a heritage status for its architecture and popularity among the pilgrims. Originally built by the Silharas around 1050 years ago on Malabar Hill, Walkeshwar temple derives its name from Valuka Ishwar meaning Lord of Sand. Destroyed by the Portuguese in 16th Century, the Walukeshwar temple was rebuilt by Rama Kamath in 1715. However, the temple in its present form came up only in 1950's.

Legends have it that Walkeshwar temple is established at the same spot where Hindu God Ram paused during the raid of the kingdom of demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife Sita. Here Lord Rama had built a lingam (Phallus, symbolic of Lord Shiva) out of sand, when his brother Lakshman got too late to bring a lingam for puja. And the name Walukeshwar is inspired from this event.

Walkeshwar is also the spot where Lord Rama got thirsty and not finding any source of water, he shot an arrow into the ground leading to a stream of sweet jet of water, which is said be the source of water for the present day Banganga tank.

History speaks that Banganga tank attached to the Walkeshwar temple was built in 1127 AD by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty kings who ruled Thane region during 810 to 1240 AD. A branch of the Shri Kashi Mutt, a famous religious seat of Saraswat Brahmins, is located on the western bank of the tank.

Walkeshwar temple is agog with pilgrims and devotees on the Full Moon and Amavasya (No Moon). Now a days Banganga tank in Walukeshwar temple is the cherished site for an annual Hindustani classical music festival when maestros and amateur singers come and participate at a grand scale. Organized early in the month of January by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), the festival is a vibrant occasion when live musical performances and concerts conjure an eclectic musical extravaganza in the whole of the atmosphere.

taj hotel

Category: 5 Star Deluxe


Address:
Apollo Bunder,
Mumbai -400 001, India.

Accessibility:
Airport: 30 km., Railway Station: 2.5 km

Description:
Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai, situated on the waterfront, is a gracious landmark facing the Gateway of India. When the hotel opened in 1903, it had no parallel in the city, and possibly in the country. Although the hotel has seen much change, including the addition of a contemporary Tower Wing in 1973, it has retained most of its original charm.
As a member of the select group of 'Leading Hotels of the World' The Taj Mahal offers guests a unique blend of warm hospitality, luxurious accommodation and contemporary amenities and services. The hotel has played host to many prominent personalities including royalty and heads of state. The Taj Mahal Hotel is 30 km from the airport and minutes away from the city's prime commercial, banking and shopping districts.

Accommodation:
582 centrally air-conditioned rooms including 49 suites.
Tower Wing Rooms:
With easy access to the Business Centre, these contemporary rooms offer guest amenities like Internet connectivity, 2-line speaker phones with international direct dial facility and voice mail. Mini bar, personal safe, channel music and television with satellite programmes. A complimentary in-room fax can be provided on request. Guests have a choice of rooms that overlook the city or face the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea.
Heritage Wing Rooms:
These rooms are renowned for their architecture and exude an aura of old-world elegance. Each corridor in this Wing resembles an art gallery, and the design, décor and furnishing ensure that no two rooms are alike. Guests have a choice of rooms that overlook the city or pool or face the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea.
Taj Club:
Located on the top floors of the Heritage Wing, Taj Club is designed for the discerning business traveler. Guest amenities and services include complimentary airport limousine transfers, private check-in at the Club desk, in-room fax, personal safe, a complimentary bottle of wine, valet service and complimentary deluxe Continental breakfast. Taj Club guests can also enjoy complimentary tea/coffee throughout the day and cocktails during the Cocktail Hour at the Club Lounge. Taj Club also offers guests exclusive Meeting Rooms and a Business Service Unit on the Club Floor.
Suites:
Choose from elegantly appointed Junior Suites, Executive Suites, tastefully decorated Large Suites, newly renovated Luxury Suites or spacious, plush Grand Luxe Suites. The finest suites at The Taj Mahal are the luxuriously appointed Presidential Suites. Each of these suites is decorated with original paintings and antiques that transport guests into a world of regal luxury and grandeur. Grand Luxe and Presidential Suite guests can also avail of a personal Valet Service.

Amenities at Hotel The Taj Mahal, Mumbai:
Front Desk, Free Newspaper, Parking, Bar, Banquet, Restaurant, Safe Deposit Box, Room Service, Conference Facilities, Business Centre, Swimming pool, Fitness centre, Spa, Beauty Parlour, Barber Shop, Travel Desk, Car Rental, Pastry Shop, Book Shop, Shopping Arcade

Services at Hotel The Taj Mahal, Mumbai:
Baby Sitting, Dry Cleaning, Laundry, Currency Exchange, Newsstand, Safety Deposit Box, Secretarial Services, Wake Up Calls, Courier, Doctor-on-call

Mahalaxmi Temple

Located at the seashore on the northern side of Malabar hills, Mahalakshmi temple is one of the most sacred temples in Mumbai. The temple enshrines three dieties namely Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. However, the principal diety is goddess lakshmi and hence the name Mahalakshmi temple.

History
Built around 1785, the history of this temple is supposedly connected with the building of the Hornby Vellard. It is said that when Britishers failed in their repeated attempts to connect Mahalakshmi area to Worli by building Breach Candy on account of ferocious tides, they had almost surrendered. The problem was fixed only by divine intervention when the goddess Lakshmi appeared in the dream of chief engineer and asked him to remove the three statues from the sea bed and establish them in a proper shrine. A search operation was launched to recover the statues and a temple was built. After this, the work on the vellard could be completed without a hitch. .

Inside 
The Temple contains images of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswathi. All three images are adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. The image of Mahalakshmi is shown riding a tiger and a demon (Mahishasur) in a tandem. Beyond the ornate gate is the shrine wherein resides the buxom goddess of Lucre -- Laxmi. The compound of this temple is abuzz with stalls selling flower garlands and pious paraphernalia.

Navaratri Festival
During Navarathri celebrations, the temple gets special looks. Devotees from distant places throng to temple to pay their obeisance. They have to stand for hours in long queues holding coconuts, flowers and sweets which they offer to the goddess. 

Madh Island

Madh Island Beach in Northwest coast of Mumbai has for a change a peculiar rural backdrop and to the forefront of it are some eye-popping galleries of exquisite bungalows that dot the beach. Madh Island Beach is popular for the kind of rave parties that are thrown discreetly, when gentries from upper strata of the city converge and shake a leg amidst peppy music, unleashing absolute fun and frolic.

The best thing about Madh Island Beach is the number of unspoilt sandy beaches where you can revel in utmost peace and calm. However, the beaches are not exactly picturesque, strong and wild Sea current make the beach treacherous and susceptible to the changing of its area and hence it is advisable not to venture out into the Sea.

Whatever be the mood of the sea here, you can be rest assured that Madh island Beach provides you a complete escape from the heat and dust of the city and it is a perfect destination to chill out and reflect alone or your dear ones. You can stroll along the seashore and explore the fishing community that populates the area.

Another attraction on Madh Island Beach is the Madh Fort also called Versova fort. It is believed that this fort was built by the Portuguese as a watchtower and later used as a training camp for cadets. You could come over here for a fresh bout of breeze and fort's picturesque locale that is sure to enthrall you.

How to Reach Madh Island Beach

By Air
Mumbai is easily accessible by air to all the corners of the country and abroad. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and domestic airport carry the services of almost all the major flights. These airports are well connected to all the major points of the city by road and suburban railways.

By Train/Rain
Mumbai has an efficient network of local trains that you can board to reach each and every nook and cranny of the city. The nearest railway station to the Madh Island is Malad, about 12kms from the Churchgate Virar suburban section of Western Railway.

By Road
Mumbai is well connected to all the major cities of Maharashtra state and other states neighboring to it. City bus services are run by BEST connecting Marve-Erangal-Aksa-Madh.

Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach is a beautiful beach, which gets strokes of turquoise waves day and night. Located in the central suburb of Mumbai, this coastline acts as a coolant to your worries and tensions. One can access this unruffled beach from Vile Parle, Santa Cruz and Andheri as well. It's the pre-eminent place to view spectacular sunsets, when the ceaseless horizon appears splendidly tinted in shades of red and orange. This lovely sight of the sun descending into the vast Arabian Sea, presents an amazing vista that is hard to forget.

As the Sun goes down, Juhu Beach cloaks in the feel of fun-fair, where local food stalls and ferry riders' horde the area. Like Chowpatty Beach, it is a popular place to spend time in the evenings and enjoy the appetizing local snacks of Mumbai. You can nibble the spicy Bhel Puri or gobble the appetizing Pani Puri at the local kiosks out here. Pav Bhaji could be another delicacy that you would love to eat again and again. On weekends, it become an extravaganza in presence of vendors, toy sellers, horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, acrobats and cricket matches.

Juhu Beach is frequently visited by score of people round the year. It has been picturized in many movies of the Bollywood, but it seems actors have liked this place so much that they have chosen it as their abode. Many a hotels and lavish restaurants have cropped up on its southern side. To its north, there lies the Versova Beach, renowned for its fishing community. Not advisable for swimming and sun-bathing, Juhu Beach is a perfect place to enjoy the tasty local food and admire the mesmerizing sunsets.

Gateway of India

Gateway of India is the landmark of Mumbai city and most of the tourists commence their trip by visiting this monument. It is situated on the waterfront in the southern part of the city. The gateway is an arch with a height of 26 meters and is made up of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. Gateway of India is an architectural marvel and belongs to Indo-Saracenic architectural style, with some elements derived from the Muslim architectural styles of the 16th century Gujarat.

The central dome of the structure measures 15 m in diameter, while its peak is at an altitude of 26 m from the ground. It was constructed with an estimated cost of 21 lakh, funded mostly by the Government of India. Peeping into the history, we can say that the monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in December 1911. The foundation of Gateway of India was laid down in 1911 by the then Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke.

The final structure was at last opened to the public on December 4, 1924, by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading. After India got independent, the last British troops passed across the gateway in 1948 to board their ship heading for England. This amazing architectural monument was very much alive in the colonized nation and still doesn't fail to capture the attention of every onlooker. Inscription imprinted on the gateway reminds the historical event of the King's arrival.

This majestic gateway has always been the centre of attraction for one and all. Moreover, the large expanse of the Arabian Sea visible from the monument makes the entire view simply overwhelming. This makes Gateway of India, the most visited spot in Mumbai. At the back of the Gateway, there are steps leading into the sea, where motor boats rest to take the visitors on a ride to Elephanta Islands. Moreover, a short cruise through the natural harbor of Mumbai is absolutely refreshing.

Flora Fountain

Flora Fountain in Mumbai lies in the midst of one of the busiest parts of the city. This is an aesthetically architectured white marble statue with a jutting fountain presenting a hypnotic aura untouched by the chaos that surrounds this piece of art.

Built in 1869 in the honor of the Governor of Mumbai, Sir Bartle Frère, the Flora Fountain is an epitome of the Roman Goddess Flora, the deity of abundance and prosperity. The timeless beauty and splendor of the statue has earned it a heritage status.

The Flora Fountain was erected by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India when Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh donated Rs. 20,000 for its construction. The complete built up incurred a cost of Rs. 47,000, then a princely figure. Designed by R. Norman Shaw, Flora Fountain was sculpted in imported Portland stone by James Forsythe. It now wears a white coat of oil paint.

The fountain today stands exactly at the point where once the original Church Gate of Bombay Fort stood.

Also known as Hutatma Chowk, Flora Fountain is near to several interesting places where you could explore and spend time. You could make rounds to the famous Bombay University, admire the Old Secretariat and who could miss out the famous Gateway of India.

A major hub of commercial activities, Fountain area houses all the major banks along with the country's premier stock exchange, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

How to Reach Flora Fountain

As a prominent landmark in South Mumbai, Flora Fountain is easily accessible from across the city. You may reach the spot by air, train and road. Once in the city you can get in local train, Buses, or taxis to reach the fountain area.

By Air
The Sahar International Airport is 30km north of the city's center. The domestic terminal at Santa Cruz is at the distance of 25km from downtown Mumbai. These terminals are well connected with a taxis and shuttle services.

By Rail/Train
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal is the main railway station along with Bombay Central, Churchgate, Dadar and Kurla, which are the other prominent railway stations.

By Road
Most of the long distance buses leave from the State Transport Terminal situated opposite Mumbai's Central Railway Station. The city is easily connected with all the major parts of Maharashtra.

Elephanta Caves

Earlier called Gharapuri is today's Elephanta Island, which is known for embracing the remarkable Elephanta Caves. To be found about 10 kms off the eastern coast of Mumbai, Elephanta Caves has been given the position of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The exquisite architecture of these caves makes them a popular attraction for the tourists coming to Mumbai. The caves are believed to have been carved during the 9th to 13th century, in the ruling period of Silhara kings. The Portuguese vandalized majority of their sculptures in the 17th century. Take a flight of over 100 steps and reach the hill, where you will get the heavenly glimpse of the entire island and nearby caves.

There are seven caves in total and the significant amongst them is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. On its very entrance, you will be welcomed by huge figures of doorkeepers which would really impress you at the moment. Within the temple, there is a huge hall with rows of pillars which appear to clutch the cave's roof. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Elephanta Cave Temples boast of excellent sculptural content, which also symbolize Lord Shiva in his both forms - 'lingam' as well as His life-sized statue. In the main chamber, you can see the mysterious image of Trimurthi Sadasiva that is about 20 feet tall.

It represents the three-headed Lord Shiva, and renders Him as the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer of the universe. The incredible sense of creativity of the architects and sculptors is noticeable in the serried of sculpted panels, set like tableaux on the walls. Each panel depicts Lord Shiva's unpredictable nature, and miraculous interplay of light and shade, adds to the overall effect. Another colossal idol stands forPanchamukha Shiva and here the Lord is represented as the savior and bestower of blessings. This image is estimated to have been stood at the same place for possibly a thousand years and is regarded as the masterwork of Indian art.

Spread over an area of 60,000 sq ft, the cave temple comprises a main chamber, two lateral ones, courtyards and additional shrines. Hewn from solid rock, Elephanta caves are adorned from inch to inch with beautiful reliefs and sculptures. The carved walls of the temple portray the scenes from the Indian mythology. Infact, the entire temple is said to have been erected by removing a rock itself. Majority of the rock surfaces have been over and done with, yet many are left untreated. Every year in February, this heritage site makes the venue for the much-awaited musical event called Elephanta Festival. To put succinctly, Elephanta Caves is a lovely place to get an insight of religious and cultural aspects of India.

Chowpatty Beach

Chowpatty

The famous beach of Chowpatty is the only beach that adorns central part of Mumbai. Situated at the end of Marine drive, at the foot of Malabar, this vast expanse of sand and sea is the hub of human activity. The beach is sought after by political, religious and other social groups to perform functions. The beach is equally popular with youth and those who are seeking fun and relaxation irrespective of their age.

During the day, the place gives a deserted look. There is not much action to catch during daytime. During daytime it is flocked by idle groups who come to have a sleep under its stunted trees. But as the sun starts backward journey, the place starts getting filled with people from all walks of life. It virtually turns into a fair ground in the evening.

In the evening one can see kids screaming on Ferris wheels or taking pony rides, wayside astrologers making a quick buck, monkey shows, self -styled gymnast demonstrating amazing yogic postures etc. The place gets lined with kiosks selling ice-cream and Bhelpuri-signature dish of Mumbai. The sight of selling meals on wheels makes one remember scenes from Hindi movies, which have depicted these scenes beautifully.