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