Mumbai has constantly retained everything in her arms and made them her own. The compositional result is a strong blend of structures with innumerable impacts. The architectural deco and cutting-edge towers give the city its true cool vibe, however, it’s the mixed Victorian-period structures that have come to characterize Mumbai and make her the ostentatious magnificence that she is. Every one of those towers, curves, peaks, and onion domes make for a lovely stroll through the city’s past. Are you coming?
We have heard enough about Mumbai’s glitzy and glamorous scenes, and of course, the numerous beaches that have featured in almost every Bollywood movie. But if you are a good observer, and an art and architecture lover, then take a stroll around the streets of the Mayanagri, and you’ll come to terms with the city’s classic architectural marvels, both old and new. Here are the most noteworthy spots you must visit for the same–
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Impactful, abundant and swarmed with commuters constantly, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station is the city’s most luxurious Gothic building and an apothegm for pilgrim ear India. It’s a concoction of Victorian, Hindu and Islamic styles, added into an imposing Daliesque structure of braces, arches, turrets, towers and stained glass. Formally renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in 1998, it is still famous as VT, that is, Victoria Terminus. So check the Ratnagiri to Mumbai train timetable, and if you have some spare time on reaching, do take a dekko at its aesthetic qualities.
- Crawford Market
Built in 1865, the Crawford Market has a fairly church-like facade, with arches in a mix of Romanesque and Flemish styles. The most noteworthy are the works of the craftsman John Lockwood Kipling, that indicate country scenes of agriculturists putting up products for sale to the public. Inside this sprawling market, complex stands the Kipling’s Fountain, with animals carved on it, along with a carving of the river goddess. Transcending the rooftop is a lofty Norman clock tower, which is exactly like the ones that you may see above any ordinary English market, even today.
- University of Mumbai
Set up in 1857, the University of Mumbai, referred to as University of Bombay was one of the initial three colleges in India. Its design is an influence of Venetian Gothic. You must go out for a stroll around the grounds, and have a look inside both the University Library and Convocation Hall. The University Library has dazzling stained glass windows that have been reestablished to flawless eminence.
- The Taj Mahal Palace
Mumbai’s iconic Taj Palace Hotel was built in 1903 and is an exemplary architectural wonder that blends Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles of designing. Its structure is striking, with numerous crystal fixtures, openings, vaults, and turrets. The hotel additionally has an enormous collection of fine art and antiques that give it a distinct feeling.
- Elphinstone College
The Elphinstone College building is amongst the finest Victorian structures in India. It was planned by Trubshaw and Khan Bahadur Muncherjee Murzban in the 1880s, and initially intended to house the Government Central Press. Today, it’s utilized for scholarly exercises since April 1888. The building has amazing Gothic architectural style and is delegated a Grade I legacy structure.
These architectural marvels are not only the stupendous gems of Mumbai Tourism, but also highlight the bespoke legacy that the colonial era bestowed this city with, and today, is attracting millions from around the world. So the next time you visit Mumbai, be a bit more observant towards the aforementioned sites.
