Mumbai (Bombay): 9 Apr 2008 to 12 Apr 2008

Formerly Bombay (from the Portuguese Bom Bahia, fair bay), Mumbai (named for Hindu goddess Mumba), is India’s most diverse metropolis. It is the bustling birthplace of famous writer and Nobel laureate Rudyard Kipling and India’s movie-making capital known as “Bollywood”.

The opulence of the Gateway of India, the Venetian Gothic style of the Presidency Secretariat, animal festooned Victoria (Chatrapati Shivaji) Terminus, the Hanging Gardens’ romanticism—deliriously populated Mumbai sends the imagination humming. The Fort recalls British Empire days. Tightly clustered shelters in Parel and Dâdra stand in stark contrast to Malabar Hill’s elegant residences. The palatial splendour of the Taj Mahal Hotel offsets the ant-hill atmosphere of Kalbadevi’s bazaars.

See Mumbai from Kamala Nehru Park and study Haji Ali Mosque’s fairytale design. It’s peaceful on Elephanta Island, captivating in the halls of The Prince of Wales Museum, playful on popular Marine Drive. If it’s diverse, colourful and intriguing, it’s Mumbai.

Excursions:
CITY SIGHTS

VICTORIA SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

ELEPHANTA CAVES- UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

ELLORA & AJANTA – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

ANANDA SPA HIMALAYAN SOJOURN