The City of Mumbai

The establishment of the Suez Canal in 1869 played a major role in the flourishing of Mumbai as an important commercial hub. Since that date Mumbai became the major gate to the Indian Subcontinent. Afterwards,it became the most important trade, industry, and even cultural center.Many tourists who visit India would sometimes explore Mumbai.

However, the first impression tourists who travel to India tend to feel in Mumbai is that it is rather overcrowded. Over around five hundred years, the city has transformed from a simple fishing town to a huge city that hosts more than 15 million people.

It is worth mentioning that the city of Mumbai represents more than one third of the taxes citizens pay in India, the port of the city accounts for half of the century of foreign trading, and the city hosts one of thelargest film production around the world. However, the city has always suffered from the poverty and the huge number of population. This is what tourists who spend their vacations in India would usually sense.An important question that travelers who tour India would have in their mind is concerning the name of the city, is it Mumbai or Bombay? In fact, the name of the city was changed in 1996 by the Rightwing of the country who changed the names of every city, neighborhood, or place that are named after the Raj.

One of the most remarkable highlights of Mumbai that tourists who spend their holidays in India are commonly keen to explore is the Gateway of India. Constructed in the 20 th century, this impressive arch was constructed to celebrate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo to visit India.

Another interesting place to explore in Mumbai, there is the Elephanta Island. Located in the Eastern section of Mumbai, this land is famous for its caves and cave temples. With a population of less than 1500 inhabitants, tourists who visit India take a ferry for around 10 kilometers to reach the island and explore its natural beauty and historical significance.

An important monument of Mumbai is the Tomb of Haj Ali. Located in an isolated island in the Southern section of the city, the tomb was constructed in 1432 and it represents a marvelous example of Islamic architecture blended with the Indian outlines and style. The complex is in fact associated with several ancient legends. Any traveler who tours India and who is fond of history and architecture should pay the tomb of Haj Ali a visit.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station is one of the most appealing historical building in Mumbai. Formerly named as the
Victoria railway station, the construction works of the station began in1878 and the complex was completed in 1897 and it was officially opened by Queen Victoria, Queen of Great Britain. Several tourists who go for vacation in India go to explore the station.

The name was changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station after the name of the emperor at the time. Today, many tourists who spend their holidays in India would admire the architectural beauty of this magnificent historical train station.