Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This stunning hotel is a fairy-tale blend of Islamic and Renaissance styles jostling for
prime position among Mumbai's famous landmarks. Facing the harbour, it was built in
1903 by the Parsi industrialist JN Tata, supposedly after he was refused entry to one of the
European hotels on account of being 'a native'. The image of smoke rising from the hotel
became an iconic image of the 2008 terrorist attacks, when dozens were killed and much
of the hotel was damaged. The hotel partly reopened less than a month later, dedicating
the hotel to the victims; the fully restored hotel reopened on Independence Day 2010.
Gateway of India
This bold basalt arch of colonial triumph faces out to Mumbai Harbour from the tip of
Apollo Bunder. Incorporating Islamic styles of 16th-century Gujarat, it was built to com-
memorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V, but not completed until 1924. Ironically,
the British builders of the gateway used it just 24 years later to parade the last British regi-
ment as India marched towards Independence.
These days, the gateway is a favourite gathering spot for locals and a top spot for
people-watching. Giant-balloon sellers, photographers, vendors making
bhelpuri
and touts
rub shoulders with locals and tourists, creating all the hubbub of a bazaar. In March,
they're joined by classical dancers and musicians who perform during the
Elephanta Festival
Boats depart from the gateway's wharfs for Elephanta Island.
MONUMENT
Sassoon Dock
Sassoon Dock is a scene of intense and pungent activity at dawn (around 5am) when col-
ourfully clad Koli fisher-folk sort the catch unloaded from fishing boats at the quay. The
fish drying in the sun are
bombil
, the fish used in the dish Bombay duck. Photography at
the dock is forbidden.
WATERFRONT
