Mumbai Tourism: Taraporewala Aquarium, Nariman Point, Rajabhai Clock Tower

Taraporewala Aquarium, named after a Parsi philanthropist who played a vital role in setting up the aquarium in 1951, is Mumbai’s only aquarium. Located dear Marine Drive, the aquarium comprises 2 sections, housing a total of 100 species of fresh-water and marine aquatic life. Sharks, turtles, morays and 7 varieties of coral fishes collected from Lakshadweep Islands grab the spotlight in the aquarium. Taraporewala is open from 11:00am to 8:00pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 10:00am to 8:00pm on Sundays. Photography is strictly prohibited in the aquarium.

Nariman Point, located near the Southern part of Marine Drive, is dubbed as the “Manhattan of Mumbai”. Nariman Point is a commercial hub that houses the offices and headquarters of national and international companies. The skyscrapers present a beautiful skyline, making a futuristic impression. The region is named in honour of Khusheed Framji Nariman, a Parsi who wished to reclaim land from the sea in 1940. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Vidhan Bhavan, numerous consulates and high commission of foreign countries are located in Nariman Point.

Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, Rajabhai Clock Tower resembles Big Ben of London. The clock tower is a fine example of Venetian and Gothic styles, and is adorned with oriental figures. Situated in the campus of University Of Mumbai, the tower stands at 260 feet above ground level. During the time of the British, the tunes of Rule Britannia, God Save The King, Home! Sweet Home! and A Handel Symphony were among the tunes could be heard at the tower. At present, the tower chimes every quarter hour, Big Ben style.

Mumbai Tourism: Gateway Of India, Banganga and Churchgate

The Gateway Of India was built as an arch commemorating the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. The yellow basalt stone structure, that is beautifully carved with intricate designs, is also an epitaph of sorts of the British, as the last English ship sailed from this point. A flight of stairs behind the gateway descend into the waters, where motorboats take visitors on a short ride over the famed Mumbai harbour.

Banganga is a tourist attraction of religious significance. A sacred tank and four 100-year-old temples comprise Banganga. It is believed that Ram had paused in the region during his search for Sita, and complained of thirst. Lakshman responded by shooting an arrow into the ground, and a fresh water spring flowed out from the spot. This is the site of the sacred tank, where the pious take a ritualistic dip.

Located in southern Mumbai is Churchgate, an architectural beauty that serves as the terminus of the Western Railway line of Suburban Railway. Its name has been derived from the St. Thomas Church that that previously located at the site of the Flora Fountain. The building serves as the headquarters of Western Railway, and located in the neighborhood are Marine Drive, Nariman Point, and a number of educational and sports centres.