Mumbai – City that never sleeps

Mumbai Municipal Corporation

Mumbai, a city that never sleeps, its always on the move, vibrant and happening. It is often referred to as Bombay. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernization. Mumbai was once a cluster of seven islands, presented to King Charles II as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal. Over the years, Mumbai has transferred itself into an entity with thriving markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere. Capital of Maharashtra, fast-paced life in Mumbai has given rise to hordes of fast-food outlets on almost every road that offers lip-smacking choices of Mumbai’s very own pav bhaji, bhel puri and vada pav. It is the seat of the Hindi film industry, Bollywood, which produces largest number of films in the world.

Mumbai Municipal Corporation
Mumbai Municipal Corporation

As I cycled around this city understanding the terrain and life-style of the city, I came across many monuments that defines Mumbai. Let me take you to each one of it one by one.

World Heritage Monument - CST
World Heritage Monument – CST

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus:

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. It is the westernmost end point of the Central Railways in India.

CST in the background
CST in the background

A magnificent building, completed in 1888, the Victoria Terminus was named after the then Queen Empress (Queen Victoria) on Jubilee Day, 1887. When the building was first used, it held not only railway functionaries but also other municipal offices. Curiously, railway tickets were also printed in the same building.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

The number of people working here rose for almost a hundred years. The Victoria Terminus was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on 04th March, 1996. This building has long been on the urban heritage list and a protected monument. It was put on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 02nd July, 2004. It is the first functional administrative building to be put on this list.