Landmarks that Showcase Mumbai's Architecture

Landmarks that Showcase Mumbai's Architecture

• 01of 10

  Gateway of India

  

  Andy Jackson/Droidmedia.com/Moment Open/Getty Images

  Mumbai's most recognized monument and one of the top Mumbai attractions, the Gateway of India was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. Designed to be the first thing that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat, the looming Gateway was completed in 1924 and remains as a striking symbol of the British Raj era. After this era ended in 1947, the last of the British troops departed through the Gateway. Its architecture is Indo-Saracenic, combining Islamic and Hindu styles.

  The Gateway of India is a popular place to start exploring Mumbai. These days the atmosphere around the monument resembles a circus at times, with numerous vendors peddling everything from balloons to Indian tea.

  In 2011, Lonely Planet listed the Gateway of India as one of the world's best free attractions.

  • Where: On the waterfront in Colaba, south Mumbai. Opposite the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.
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• 02of 10

  Taj Palace and Tower Hotel

  

  Taj Palace and Tower Hotel. Dinodia/Getty Images

  Mumbai's landmark Taj Palace Hotel, built in 1903, is an unsurpassed architectural marvel that brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Its structure is striking, with many chandeliers, archways, domes, and turrets. The hotel also has a noteworthy collection of artwork and artifacts that gives it an eclectic feeling.

  Treat yourself to high tea at the renowned Sea Lounge in the Heritage wing, or a meal at Souk overlooking Mumbai harbor.

  • Where: Colaba, in south Mumbai. The hotel sits behind the Gateway of India.
  • More Information: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel: Architectural Jewel of Mumbai, Why stay at the Taj Palace Hotel.
• 03of 10

  Royal Bombay Yacht Club

  

  Royal Bombay Yacht Club exterior. Ed Norton/Getty Images

  Founded in 1846, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club is one of the oldest and most elite clubs in Mumbai. Designed by a British architect, John Adams (Executive Engineer to the Bombay Government), it has imposing Gothic style architecture. Steeped in nostalgia, Queen Victoria bestowed the title of "Royal" upon the club in 1876.

  • Where: Opposite the Gateway of India, near the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.. Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, south Mumbai.
  • More Information: Royal Bombay Yacht Club website.
• 04of 10

  Dhanraj Mahal

  

  Dhunraj Mahal. Mark Bellingham/Flickr/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

  Dhanraj Mahal is an Art Deco building, a design style that originated in Paris in the early 20th century. It has an interesting history. Built in the 1930s, it was the former palace of the Raja Dhanrajgir of Hyderabad, and once the largest and costliest building in Mumbai. The Ministry of Defense acquired it during World War II but later gave it back to the royal family.

  Now, Dhanraj Mahal is rented out to residential and commercial tenants. It has a total area of 130,000 square feet and a huge central courtyard. Its scenic location is close to the Arabian Sea.

  • Where: Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, south Mumbai.
• 05of 9

  Regal Cinema

  

  Regal Cinema. Jose Fuste Raga/Getty Images

  The first of Mumbai's Art Deco style cinemas, the Regal Cinema was built during the cinema boom of the 1930s. Other cinemas that also came up during this time were Plaza Central, New Empire, Broadway, Eros, and Metro. The first film to be shown at the Regal Cinema was Laurel and Hardy's The Devil's Brother in 1933. Movies are still being shown there today.

  • Where: Opposite Regal Circle at the end of Colaba Causeway, south Mumbai.
• 06of 09

  Maharashtra Police Headquarters (Sailors' Home)

  

  Dinodia Photo/Getty Images

  The Maharashtra Police Headquarters moved into what was known as the Royal Alfred Sailors' Home, in 1982. Construction began on the building in early 1872 and was finished four years later, in 1876. As its name suggests, it was made to accommodate 20 officers and 100 seamen. However, the building was actually conceived to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh in 1870. The Duke laid the Foundation stone during his visit.

  The Maharashtra government acquired the building in 1928 to house the Bombay Legislative Council. The Police department subsequently moved in after it was vacated.

  • Where: Opposite Regal Circle at the end of Colaba Causeway, south Mumbai.
  • More Information: Maharashtra Police website.
• 07of 09

  Elphinstone College

  

  Elphinstone College, Mumbai. Sharell Cook.

  The Elphinstone College building is among the finest Victorian structures in India. It was designed by Trubshaw and Khan Bahadur Muncherjee Murzban in the 1880s and originally meant to house the Government Central Press. However, it's been used for academic activities since April 1888.

  The building has breathtaking Gothic architecture and is classified as a Grade I heritage structure. The Kala Ghoda Association recently restored it.

  • Where: Opposite Jehangir Art Gallery, south Mumbai.
  • More Information: Elphinstone College website.
• 08of 09

  Horniman Circle

  

  Dinodia Photo/Getty Images

  Horniman Circle is made up of a strong sweep of stately building facades, laid out in a semi-circle. The Horniman Circle Gardens is at the center of it.

  The Circle was constructed in 1860, around what was know as the Mumbai Greens -- a vast ​15-acre space opposite the Town Hall where live music was played every evening after sunset. The Mumbai Greens later became the Horniman Circle Gardens, in tribute to Mr.B.G. Horniman, Editor of The Bombay Chronicle.

  There's an ancient banyan tree within the Circle, which apparently acted as the venue for India's first stock exchange. Nearby historical buildings include the stock exchange and St. Thomas Cathedral.

  • Where: Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, next to the Town Hall (Asiatic Library) in the Fort district, south Mumbai.
• 09of 09

  Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk)

  

  Hira Punjabi/Getty Images

  Hutatma Chowk, meaning "Martyrs' Square" in the local language, was renamed from Flora Fountain in 1960. The name is in memory of the members of Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti, who lost their lives when police fired upon their demonstration. It was part of a struggle with the Government of India for the creation of Maharashtra state.

  The Hutatma Chowk square is bordered by buildings constructed during the British Raj. In the middle of it, the ornate Flora Fountain was created in 1864. It represents the Roman Goddess Flora, the Goddess of Abundance.

  • Where: Veer Nariman Road, south Mumbai.
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  Bombay High Court

  

  Bombay High Court. Lonely Planet/Getty Images

  The Bombay High Court was built from 1871 to 1878. The first sitting took place in January 1879. Designed by Col. J.A. Fuller, a British engineer, the Court is a masterpiece of Gothic architectural style that was apparently modeled on a German castle. Its structure is made up of black stone, with octagonal towers. On top of the building, statues of Justice and Mercy inspire upholding the Indian law.

  It's highly recommended that you go inside and see a trial for some real entertainment. Rooms 19 and 20 have most of the action. Be there by around 10 a.m., and be aware that cameras are not allowed inside the court.

  • Where: High Court Building, Dr Kane Road, Fort.