Landmarks in Maharashtra


Apart from the beautiful landscapes, misty mountains, a roaring sea and the mysterious wildlife parks there are many more to be explored in Maharashtra. Several landmarks in Maharashtra like Afghan Church, Gateway of India, Rajabai Clock Tower, Hutatma Chowk, Marine Drive makes it a desirable holiday destination.

Hidden behind the greenery the Church of St John the Evangelist, or, Afghan Church as it is better known as, is located in South Mumbai. This small chapel was built by the British in 1865 in the honor of those died in the disastrous Afghan War.

Gateway of India is Mumbai's most famous monument. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The Gateway of India is considered to the starting point for most of the visitors.

Named after a 19th century stock broker, who contributed in its construction, the Rajabai Clock Tower is 260 ft high and is decorated with oriental figures. During the British reign the clock used to play Rule Britannia, God Save the King and a Handel Symphony among sixteen tunes that changed four times a day.

Afghan Church


The Afghan Church is located in Navy Nagar in the Colaba area of Mumbai. It is declared as a Heritage building. The Afghan Church was built in 1847 to commemorate the Afghan Wars. The church looks elegant peering from the thick bushes and shady trees.

Half a mile from the Afghan Church laid a chapel known to be Sick Bungalows, which is now an INS Ashvini Naval Hospital. This was replaced by the Afghan Church or St. John the Evangelist. The church was built by Henry Conbeare and William Butterfield in 1847. This magnificent construction was built with basalt rock and lime stones.

The Gateway of India


The Gateway of India was built in honor of King George V and Queen Mary's visit to Mumbai. It is also a celebrated point from where the last troops of British lest India. The Gateway of India was built by a British architect George Wittet with yellow stone in an indo-sarcenic style of architecture. Now a major spot of Mumbai the Gateway of India had cost Rs. 21 lakhs to construct.

The Gateway of India is the most important harbor of Mumbai and the starting point for most of the tourists. Short cruise trips are available from here. It is 26 m high and is probably the first place to be visited by all the tourists who come to Mumbai. Adjacent to Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, the Gateway of India has ferry services that will take you to several places around Mumbai.

Rajabai Clock


The construction of the brilliant Rajabai Clock Tower was completed in 1878. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the Rajabai Clock Tower resembles the architecture of the famous clock tower of London, The Big Ben. The entire cost of Rs. 2 lakh, which was required to build the Rajabai Clock Tower, was funded by Premchand Roychand, who also founded the Bombay Stock Exchange. The Rajabai Clock Tower is named after his mother.

The Rajabai Clock Tower's architecture is a blend of Venetian and Gothic styles. The 260 ft high tower has the best stained glass windows of the city. The ground floor of the Rajabai Clock Tower has two large rooms. The tower is decorated by oriental figures. During the British reign the clock used to play 16 tunes that changed four times a day. Some of these tunes were Rule Britannia, God Save the King and a Handel Symphony. These days it's only limited to one single tune which is played in every 15 minutes.


Last Updated on 21 May 2013

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