How to reach Mumbai - Getting there to Mumbai

How to Reach Mumbai
Reaching Mumbai by PlaneMumbai, the erstwhile Bombay, is the largest city and the financial hub of India. Since it a major metropolis, it has the best national and international connections. Getting to the Island City is easy because it is well-connected by means of air, road, rail as well as water. The most far-reaching network of roads and rails hook up this city with all the nook and corners of the country. Moreover, it is connected with almost all the major cities round the world. Though limited to some places, traveling to the Bollywood city by boat or cruise is another option. Read further to know how to reach Mumbai.

By Air
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the major airdrome that receives both domestic and international traffic to the city. Almost all the airlines operate flights to and from Mumbai. It is the busiest airport of the country, that handles at least 45 landings and take-offs per hour. It has two domestic and two international terminals, which are connected by shuttle services.

By Rail
Mumbai boasts of an extensive network of rail tracks, which connects the city with all parts of the nation. It houses the headquarters of Central Railways and Western Railways. Besides Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal - the major one, there are other railway stations at Bombay Central, Churchgate, Dadar and Kurla. One can board trains from here to any place across the country.

By Road
The National Highways No. 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 17 pass through the city, making it accessible from all parts of the country. Besides these National Highways, the Mumbai-Pune expressway traverses through the city. Many long distance buses leave from the State Transport Terminal, which is located opposite Mumbai's Central Railway Station. Many deluxe buses connect Mumbai with all tourist destinations within and outside the state. One can always hire car to move around the city and its suburbs.

By Boat
One amongst the best natural harbors in the world, Mumbai port handles 50% of the passenger traffic and most of the cargo of the country. Above all, it serves as an important base for the Navy. One can reach close-by islands and beaches by getting in ferries that start from Ferry Wharf. Many travel companies provide sea-cruises to Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, etc. 

Mumbai Airport
Airport Name:     Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
Location:     About 28 kms in the north of Mumbai
Airport Code:     BOM
Terminals:     1-A & 1-B (Domestic), 2A & 2C (International)
Type:     Public

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport MumbaiMumbai, the nation's Financial Hub, is visited by scores of people throughout the year. The Island city has its own airport, called Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), to keep its visitors at convenience. Being an ISO 9001: 2000 certified airport, CSIA has all the features of an intercontinental airport. Indeed, it is the busiest airport of the country, which receives most of the international traffic to India. Stretched over an area of 1450 acres, CSIA is the leading international and domestic aviation hub of India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport was earlier known as Sahar International Airport and Santacruz Domestic Airport, seeing that its terminals are sited in the bounds of Santacruz and Sahar. It has two international terminals - 2A and 2C and two domestic terminals - 1A and 1B. From the international terminals, no less than 46 airlines operate around the world, while the domestic terminals cater to the domestic flights of Indian Airlines and various private airlines. The authorities have left no stones unturned to ensure a comfortable journey to the passengers.

For connecting passengers, Airport Authorities of India (AAI) has provided shuttle services between the domestic and international terminals. Approximating any other global airport, Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) Airport is stippled with all the top-notch amenities and features. Ranging from car parking to hiring, public conveniences to ATMs, communications to duty-free shops, luggage services to medical facilities, every single facility can be availed at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

Mumbai Flights
Mumbai Flights, Mumbai is a city that virtually never sleeps. Being the major gateway to India, the city receives tremendous international traffic. Since it is the country's entertainment and financial hub, people from all parts come here for leisure as well as business purposes. Resembling any other conurbation of the world, Mumbai is well-connected to all domestic and international cities by air. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport fulfills all the needs and requirements of its air-passengers by providing innumerable flights.

It is the busiest airport of the country as well as of the South Asia. Throughout the day, the airdrome operates and handles at least 45 landings and takeoffs per hour. The air-route between Delhi to Mumbai is the busiest route with no less than 50 flights per day. All the major airlines of India, such as Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Indian Airlines, Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Lite, Air Deccan, IndiGo and GoAir, operate regular flights to Mumbai from all the major locations across the country. There are many airlines that offer cheap flights to and from Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay).

Airlines like Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Jet Lite and GoAir are some of the airlines that provide cheap flights, which seem to be a nice option for budget travelers. Apart from the domestic flights, there are numerous airlines that operate international flights to and from Mumbai. Moreover, the airport also has the facility of cargo that brings and delivers stuffs from and to different cities all over the world. Scroll down to know about the airlines, which operate from the domestic and international terminals of the International Airport of Mumbai.

Domestic Airlines

    Air India
    Go Air
    Kingfisher Airlines
    Jet Lite
    Air Deccan
    Jet Airways
    IndiGo
    SpiceJet

    Paramount Airways

   Air India Express

International Airlines

    Air Arabia (Sharjah)
    Alitalia (Milan-Malpensa)
    All Nippon Airways (Tokyo-Narita)
    Austrian Airlines (Vienna)
    British Airways (London-Heathrow)
    Cathay Pacific (Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Dubai, Hong Kong)
    Delta Air Lines (Atlanta, New York-JFK)
    El Al Israel Airlines (Tel Aviv)
    Finnair (Helsinki)
    Gulf Air (Bahrain, Muscat)
    Indian Airlines (Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Dubai, Sharjah)
    Iran Air (Teheran)
    Jazeera Airways (Dubai, Kuwait)
    Kenya Airways (Nairobi)
    Kuwait Airways (Kuwait)
    Lufthansa (Frankfurt)
    Northwest Airlines (Amsterdam, Seattle/Tacoma)
    Oman Air (Muscat)
    Pakistan International Airlines (Karachi)
    Qantas (Darwin, Sydney)
    Qatar Airways (Doha)
    Saudi Arabian Airlines (Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh)
    Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
    SriLankan Airlines (Colombo, Karachi)
    Swiss International Air Lines (Zurich)
    Virgin Atlantic (London-Heathrow)
    Aeroflot (Moscow-Sheremetyevo)
    Air France (Paris-Charles de Gaulle)
    Air Mauritius (Port Louis)
    Continental Airlines (Newark)
    Egyptair (Cairo, Kuala Lumpur)
    Emirates (Dubai)
    Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi)
    EVA Air (Taipei-Taiwan Taoyuan)
    Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa)
    Korean Air (Seoul-Incheon)
    Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur)
    Royal Jordanian Airlines (Amman)
    Thai Airways International (Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi)
    Turkish Airlines (Istanbul-Atatürk)
    South African Airways (Johannesburg)
    Yemenia (Aden, Sanaa)

Mumbai Local Transport
Mumbai BusesMumbai is the most happening city of India, where every moment is marked by one or the other event. Bearing in mind that Mumbai lacks space for horizontal expansion, skyscrapers and flat housing systems are defining the infrastructure of this bustling city. Mumbaikars prefer using local means of transport to travel around the metropolis, as insufficient parking places and traffic bottlenecks don't allow them to draw out their own vehicles. Thus, there are enough means of transportation in Mumbai (Bombay). Getting around the city just involves gaining entry in any public transport and then, you are prepared to knock the roads.

By Local Trains
Local Trains are the major means of transport in Mumbai. Most of the city-dwellers rely on Mumbai Suburban Railway to travel within the metropolis. The extensive network of Railways has three lines, called the Western Line, the Central Main Line and the Harbour Line.

By Taxi
Hiring a taxi is a convenient way of traveling in and around Mumbai. They are small sized cars which are cheap and easily available. The regular taxis are black and yellow in color, with manual meters and without air condition. There are even pre-paid taxis available, which rule out the meter and fix the fare before hand. From midnight, till 5 a.m. in the morning, 25 percent extra fare is charged. Big sized luggage items are charged at Rs 10 each. Before getting into a taxi, ensure that the meter is working properly.

By Auto Rickshaw
Auto rickshaw is yet another one of the comfortable means to travel in the city. These are not available in the downtown areas and operate only beyond Bandra and Sion in the western and central suburbs, respectively. Autos also carry meters and the initial marking is 10.00. Ensure the reading is right as soon as you board an auto. It should be preferred only for short distances, as its speed is very slow.

By Bus
Buses are the most popular means of transport in Mumbai. A major chunk of the population travels by bus. Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses provide efficient services in and around the city. There are buses connecting Mumbai to the suburban areas like Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayanadar. The buses are numbered according to the route they run on and are usually very crowded. The tickets are given by a uniformed conductor. The buses operate till midnight and have seats reserved for senior citizens, ladies and handicapped.

By Car
Cars are also provided to the tourists by the Travel Agents and Hotels. These are private cars available with a private chauffeur for the convenience of the travelers. Though they are expensive, they are the safe, trusted and comfortable way of traveling around the city.


Bombay Stock Exchange
Location:     Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers, Dalal Street, Mumbai
Established in:     1875
No. of Listed Companies:     6,000 (approx)
Index:     BSE Sensex
Website:     www.bseindia.com
Highlights:     BSE is the largest stock exchange in India and Asia as well. BSE Sensex is calculated out of 30 stocks on daily basis.

Bombay Stock ExchangeBombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has been acclaimed to be the largest out of 22 stock exchanges in India. In 1875, BSE was established as Association of Persons (AOP). Today, it is the oldest and largest stock exchange, not only in the country, but in Asia as well. With over 6,000 stocks listed, this Stock Exchange of Mumbai enumerates for more than two-third of the total trading volume in India. It is also the first stock exchange to be recognized by the Government of India, under the Securities Contracts Act, 1956.

Since its establishment, Bombay Stock Exchange has played a vital role in the growth of capital markets in India. Another great truth about BSE is that it is the world's fifth largest stock exchange, with a market capitalization of $466 billion. It makes use of BSE SENSEX, which is an index of 30 big and developed stocks. The index provides an evaluation of the comprehensive performance of BSE and is very much tracked throughout the world.

BSE Sensex
The Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index is a value-weighted index, calculated out of 30 stocks taking April 1979 as its base. These 30 stocks depict the largest and most active trading stocks from various sectors. Around one-fifth of BSE's market capitalization is related to these companies. On 1st April 1979, the base value of the Sensex is 100 while its base year is 1978-79. The BSE authorities assess and revise composition of the Sensex at intervals, to ensure that it reveals the existing market conditions.

Other Aspects of BSE
Besides the individual stocks, Bombay Stock Market deals in derivatives, stock futures and options, index futures and options, and weekly options as well. The debt market is an additional feature of BSE, which offers investment solutions for growth and development. BSE speculates that the retail market will fetch great prospects to individual investors, by way of better diversification. Its nation-wide reach makes this market present across 417 cities and towns of the country.

Interesting facts about Bombay Stock Exchange

    It is the oldest and the largest stock exchange in Asia.
    It is the fifth largest stock market in the world.
    Approximately 6,000 Indian companies are listed with Bombay Stock Exchange.
    It is the first stock exchange that introduced Equity derivatives in India.
    Free Float Index, US$ version of BSE Sensex and Internet Trading Platform were launched initially by Bombay Stock Exchange in India.
    It is the first amongst all stock exchanges in the country to collect ISO certification for Surveillance, Clearing & Settlement.
    It is the earliest to have the special facility for financial training.
    BSE Online Trading System (BOLT) used by BSE is one of the few stock trading systems in the world that manages hybrid/mixed mode of trading.

Mumbai City Parks and Shoppings and religious places

Mumbai Amusement Parks
Essel World MumbaiLike any other metropolis, Mumbai too, has some rakish and trappy sources of entertainment. Amusement parks are gaining the contemporary trend of recreation and being the largest city of India, Bombay is not afar from the craze of theme parks. The Island City has been habitat of many amusement parks, first and largest being the Essel World. All these pleasure grounds offer complete entertainment package in the presence of rides, games, water parks, indoor games, slides, gardens, cuisines and much more to name. Moreover, amusement parks are limited not only to youngsters, but include kids and adults as well. During vacations and holidays, these amusement parks become the hot-spot where people come and enjoy to their heart's content.

Essel World
Essel World is the hottest destination for the ones who are all set to have fun. Being the first and largest amusement park of Mumbai, Essel World is a complete entertainment package in itself. It is located on Gorai Island in Borivali (West) area of Bombay.

Water Kingdom
Water Kingdom has been acclaimed to be the largest theme water park of Asia. Its unbeatable water rides and slides prove to be the best escapade for the Mumbaikars. Located very close to Essel World in Gorai region of Mumbai (Bombay), Water Kingdom has various enthralling attractions.

Fantasy Land
Fantasy Land is an outstanding amusement park, situated in the heart of Island City of India, Mumbai. Spread over an area of 30 acres, in verdant green landscape, Fantasyland is a pleasure ground, where one can nourish his sport senses and have fun.

Suraj Water Park
Suraj Water Park is one of the most popular water resorts of Mumbai (Bombay), the Bollywood city of India. Recently this modern water park has accessed the Limca Book of Records with its largest man-made cave crafted out of fiber-glass, which measure about 103 feet in length.

Shangrila Water Park
Shangrila is actually a perfect place to unwind yourself amidst nature's bounty. Located at a comfortable one and a half hour drive from Mumbai (Bombay), Shangrila Waterpark is a retreat for all those who are tired of their daily schedules.

Nishiland Water Park
Set amidst Sahayadri Mountains, Nishiland Water Park is a welcome break from the bustling life in the Mumbai city of India. We are certain that you would love to be pampered here by the gentle waves of water, which will seem more like water therapy to you.

Mumbai Shopping
Mumbai ShoppingShopping is an exhilarating activity for almost every person. As regards Mumbai, it becomes even more exciting and electrifying. For the reason that it houses Bollywood, the city always has an appeal about itself. And certainly, the appeal is not only ostentatious like a far-flung star, but is actually real. Here, one can find each and every thing, varying from trendy clothing to antique jewelry, sparkling cars to high-tech gadgets, colorful handicrafts to abstract paintings, fabulous leather ware to the most-modern furniture, and the list goes on.

Indeed, you can spend hours exploring markets, where your mind would simply boggle concerning what to buy. There are huge malls that even specialize in jewelry, sports items, interiors, furniture, electronic equipments and weddings, apart from the ones having all the basic things. After browsing the malls, you can check out the ancient and renowned markets like Chor Bazaar or Theives Market, Crawford Market, Mutton Street, Linking Road, Hill Road, Fashion Street and Zaveri Bazar.

Shop to your heart's content in these markets of Bombay. Said to be the New York of India, the Island city has almost everything that you can think of. You can find stores of designer clothes, designer jewelry, antiques and branded items as well. While shopping at the local markets, get ready to bargain a lot with the shopkeepers. Sometimes you can also get the products at throwaway prices, so don't get into the haggle if you find the price okay. Come and experience shopping in Mumbai.

Chor Bazaar
Antiques are becoming the style statement of today's drawing rooms. And a trip to Mumbai (or Bombay) could unfold some of the best antiques you might have ever seen. Chor Bazaar is the place poised on the Mutton Street, where you can grab vintage assortment of curios.

Crawford Market
Crawford Market is one of the prominent markets of Mumbai. It is located in South Mumbai, to the north of Victoria railway station and opposite the Police headquarters. The market is called so, after the City's Municipal Commissioner Arthur Crawford.

Fashion Street
Fashion Street (FS) is the name that you can hear from most of the college students in Mumbai as soon as the last bell rings. Indeed it has become the stomping ground of the students and teenagers, who make the style statement in their classrooms and the realm of fashion.

Mumbai Shopping Places
Often termed as the 'city which never sleeps', Mumbai has a host of shopping places to be explored. The most fascinating fact is that these markets offer such vide variety that shopping becomes nearly irresistible. From air conditioned malls to branded shops, from celebrity outlets to street side stalls, Mumbai has got something for everyone.

Zaveri Bazaar
Specialization is the keyword of the present times. To your surprise, our ancestors were not ignorant of this current fact when Zaveri Bazaar was established. Zaveri Bazaar is virtually a market that understands and speaks the language of gold. You are guessing right. 

Mumbai Religious Places
Siddhivinayak TempleMumbai, the lively city of Maharashtra, is most contemporary in its approach towards life, yet its roots are deeply grounded in traditions and ethnicity. Highlighting the spiritual facet, the city has many religious places to brag of. Seeing that it has a repository of many religions and sects, there are many places of worship, counting temples, churches and mosques. These holy places represent the religious sentiments of the people residing in Bombay.

Moreover, the city-dwellers are living happily under the kind shelter of the divine places. Mumbai owes its name to Mumba Devi, who is the patron deity of the Koli fisher folks. While Mahalakshmi Temple presents a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, congregation at Siddhivinayak Temple depicts the unshakeable faith of people. You look at the Haji Ali Mosque and it appears, as if the God himself is guarding the city from the violent waters of the sea. Scroll down to know more about the major religious places of Mumbai.

Mumba Devi Temple
Mumba Devi Temple is the most talked of shrine of Mumbai. It is sited at Bhuleshwar, in the southern part of the Commercial Capital of India. It is dedicated to Goddess Mumba, who is considered as the patron deity of Koli fishermen - the first inhabitants of Bombay.

Mahalaxmi Temple
A long flight of steps on the rim of the Arabian Sea takes one to the revered shrine of Mahalakshmi. Sited on the northern side of Malabar hills, at B. Desai Road in Breach Candy, Mahalaxmi is one of the most-visited shrines in Bombay. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu.

Siddhivinayak Temple
Siddhivinayak Temple is a highly revered shrine of Lord Ganesha in India. Dating back to the early nineteenth century, the temple was built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in 1801. Sited at Prabhadevi, Siddhi Vinayak Temple is definitely one of the most visited temples of Mumbai.

Mount Mary Church
Mount Mary Church is considered to be the oldest in Mumbai city of India. It is situated in the West Bandra, past Hill Road, and was built initially around 1640. There are many beliefs connected with the destruction of the church, which was finally rebuilt in 1761.

ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple of Mumbai, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is one of the forty ISKCON temples across India. Built by the ISKCON Foundation, the elevated spire of this temple dominates the skyline of Juhu in Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay).

St. Thomas Cathedral
St. Thomas' Cathedral is a beautiful structure that boasts of being the first Anglican Church in Mumbai. Indeed, the church affirms the moral roots of the budding British settlement in the Financial Hub of India. Built in 1718, St Thomas Cathedral is to be found near Flora Fountain at D.N. Road.

Haji Ali
Haji Ali is a venerated tomb (dargah) of the Muslims. Not only from Mumbai, people from all parts of India come to pay homage to this mosque. Located on an island off the shoreline of Worli, Haji Ali Mosque looks stunning amidst the blue waters of the sea.

St. Michael's Church
St. Michael's Church is amongst the oldest Catholic Churches in Mumbai. Seeing the sway of two major colonial powers - the British and the Portuguese, churches were constructed throughout the country. Sited in the Upper Mahim area of Mumbai, Saint Michael Church heralds the foundation of Christianity in India.

Mumbai and Around Places - Tourist Attraction near Mumbai

Places of Tourist Interests Near Mumbai
Ajanta Ellora CavesThere are several places of tourist interests near Mumbai where one can take a break and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. After visiting these places, it is certain that you would comprehend that the economic hub of India is not untouched by the worldly charm. However, the excursions from the erstwhile Bombay are quite different, since they appear immersed in the idyllic and pastoral beauty. You can elongate this wonderful trip by adding excursions to your program, where hills stations would rejuvenate you with their cooling effect and rock-cut temples, in the form of caves, would give you an insight of ancient architecture. Scroll down to know more about tourist places near the Mumbai city of Maharashtra.

Ajanta Ellora Caves
Ajanta & Ellora Caves have the distinction of being counted amongst the World Heritage Sites in India. Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, these caves are rock-cut cave monuments that represent the Indian rock-cut architecture.

Aurangabad Caves
Situated just on the fringes of Aurangabad are the caves that were carved out during the 2nd to 6th century in Maharashtra. These caves are ten in number and have been shaped out of somewhat soft rock. Tantric Hinduism has been the inspiration of their architecture and iconography.

Alibag
Set in the lap of nature, Alibag is a coastal town of India, famous for its clean waters, sandy beaches and fresh air. It makes a great escapade for the Mumbaikars, owing to its close proximity to Mumbai, which is around 35 kms away. Alibaug is an amazingly beautiful place, where nature appears at its best.

Elephanta Caves
Earlier called Gharapuri is today's Elephanta Island, which is known for embracing the remarkable Elephanta Caves. To be found about 10 kms off the eastern coast of Mumbai, Elephanta Caves has been given the position of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Kanheri Caves
Through the meandering paths of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, you can reach the staircase that leads to Kanheri Caves of Maharashtra. Located in the picturesque surroundings of Borivali, Kanheri Caves have a distinctive aura about them.

Khandala
Khandala is an impressive hill station, cuddled up in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra. Endowed with nature's splendor, Khandala makes a quick excursion at a distance of 101 kms from the bustling city of Mumbai. This beautiful place immersed in pastoral beauty, had been known since years.

Lonavala
Lonavala is a picturesque hill station, often called the 'Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains' in India. Located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, Lonavla is much preferred hill resort to the Mumbaikars, especially since it is only 96 kms from Mumbai.

Matheran
Set in the lap of nature, Matheran is probably the smallest hill station in India. It is located about 108 kms from Mumbai city, in the Karjat Tehsil of Maharashtra, at an altitude of 803 metres. The pastoral beauty of this tiny hill station is exceptionally striking, more so because of motor transport ban in the region.

Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station, nestled in the Western Ghats Range of India. Earlier the summer resort to the British, Mahabaleshwar is today a popular holiday resort, especially for the exhausted souls. It is to be found about 285 kms from Mumbai, amidst the Satara district of Maharashtra.

Pune
Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is a striking city set amidst picturesque locales. Sited about 170 kms from Mumbai, Pune is known to be the state's second largest city. In the earlier times, the city had been the residence of Shivaji - the Maratha leader.

Panchgani
Snuggled in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, Panchgani is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Maharashtra. It makes a nice excursion from the jostling city of Mumbai. This 6-hour journey will never let you get bored, especially when Krishna River will accompany you throughout the way.

Shirdi
Shirdi, the graceful abode of Sai Baba, is a religious town that allures devotees day and night. Sited about 300 kms from Mumbai, the town has a mystic aura about itself, which never fails to captivate even a casual sightseer. This small town is spread over an area of 2 sq kms.

 

 

Mumbai Entertainment
Jehangir Art Gallery MumbaiMumbai is a versatile city, where the rationale of entertainment lies in different means. Recreation could be different for different people, some like indulging in late night parties and gobbling the best alcohol, while others may prefer watching movies at cinema halls and splurge in shopping. Regarding nightlife, Mumbai (or Bombay) is the hottest place in the whole country, to catch the great discotheques and nightclubs.

Most of the teenagers opt for hanging out in cafes and restaurants. Called the Capital of Indian Nightlife, Mumbai always has the greatest events on its social calendar. It's for sure that its hangouts, such as cafes, restaurants, discotheques, clubs, pubs, etc, never let down the partying spirit in you. Be it cultural shows, fashion extravaganza, charity shows, product launches, movie screenings, film festivals or award functions, the 'bindaas' Mumbai has various means of entertainment.

Bowling alleys, huge shopping malls, paragliding, art shows, and many more events make this conurbation completely entertaining. Moreover, Bollywood - the centre of Hindi Film Industry, is the pride of the nation. Silver-screen stars have infused fashion and style in the younger generation. Movies and celebrities bring the latest trends to the markets of India. The groovy lifestyle of Mumbai makes it the hottest destination, where recreation is not limited to amusement parks and beaches, but quite more than that.

Art Galleries
Art Galleries often depict the aesthetic sense of the people. Mumbai, the Financial Hub of India, is not afar in portraying the talents through such art galleries. The pictorial and refined art revealed by means of Mumbai galleries is certainly creditable.

Auditoriums
Mumbai is the hub of commercial activities in India. Taking into consideration the requirements of this metropolis, auditoriums have cropped up to serve as venues for big conferences, seminars, meetings, competitions, discussions and presentations.

Bollywood
Mumbai, the City of Dreams, houses the prime centre of Hindi Film Industry, better known as Bollywood. Acclaimed as one of the biggest film industries of the world, Bollywood produces over 800 films every year. Since 1913, Indian Cinema has made a long journey from simple silent movies to sound films.

Cinema Halls
Bollywood movies have always been the greatest entertainer for the public of India. Mumbai, the centre of Hindi Film Industry, is no exception to it. Movies entertain a great deal of people, however some may like comedy, other could love thriller or suspense and some might prefer watching romantic love stories.

Discotheques
Discotheques are always synonymous with music, dance, drinks and fun. It's a place where you can spot the most happening crowd of the city. Throughout your stay in Mumbai, discos will be a great place to entertain yourself, amidst the finest tracks and dancing steps.

Hangouts
Mumbai is the coolest destination in India, where you can see couples, friends and groups hanging out. Indeed, Hangouts have become an inseparable part of city's culture. Be it college guys or girls, professionals or others, mooching is a regular feature.

Nightlife
The phrase - 'city that never sleeps', goes right with the most-happening city of India, Mumbai. The sparkling conurbation gleams all the more in the hours of darkness, when lights illuminate and music reverberates in its streets. It's for sure that its rocking nightclubs would buoy up your bashing spirits.

Paragliding
Envisage the idea of flying over the sea and mountains with wings of your own. Feeling great, yes and why not? Perhaps it is the veiled thought of almost every person. Mumbai, the Dream City, actually offers you the chance of flying and pleasing your craved thoughts.

Pubs & Bars
Unlike any other part of India, boozing is very common in Mumbai. Apart from the hours of darkness, a person having a shot in daylight is nothing exceptional. The cosmopolitan culture has very much penetrated into the Island city, where you can find top-notch pubs and bars.

Shopping Malls
Malls have become the latest trend of shopping in cities, where people don't have much time to go to different places for buying various things. The malls have changed the idea of old shopping, when people used to shop in different markets, while sweating and holding several bags at the same time.

Mumbai and Around - Places to Visit Near Mumbai and Maharashtra

Mumbai Tourist Attractions
Gateway of India Mumbai

Mumbai is one of the most glamorous and happening cites of India. Being highly influenced by the British during the colonial rule, the city has transformed drastically and is now known as the commercial capital of the country. It has an unfaltering lifestyle and never comes to a halt. Besides, Bombay has been bestowed with a host of tourist attractions which are thronged by a great influx of tourists every year. Therefore, the sightseeing tour to the city will refresh you by all means. Moreover, these tourists spots will not only make your tour exciting, but will also provide an insight into the otherwise hidden legacy of the place.

Gateway of India
Gateway of India is the landmark of Mumbai city. The monument is situated on the waterfront in the southern part of the city. The gateway is an arch with a height of 26 meters and is made up of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete.

Flora Fountain
Inspired from Flora - the Roman Goddess of Flowers, Flora Fountain is a stone fountain in South Mumbai. Located in the Fort business district, the splendid fountain was built in 1864. It was constructed by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India.

Mahalakshmi Racecourse
Mahalakshmi Racecourse is actually an elite horse racing ground in Mumbai. This oval shaped ground is to be found in the Mahalakshmi area of India's commercial capital. Leased by the Bombay Municipal Corporation, Mahalakshmi Race Course is run by the Turf Club.

Town Hall
Town Hall is conceivably the most imperial structure amongst the heritage buildings of Mumbai. Housing the Asiatic Society of Bombay, Town Hall is located in the Fort area of South Mumbai. The pillared monument is even more significant for its exquisite edifice that has old wooden floor.

Film City
Mumbai is synonymous to the Film City of India. Perhaps this silver screen allures thousands of aspirants, who come to test their fortune in the flicker industry of movies. Bollywood, the Hindi Film Industry, is generally taken for the entire film industry of India.

Churchgate
Churchgate is a downtown business district in South Mumbai. 

Imbibing its name from Churchgate Railway Station, the city center is crammed with several offices and banks. However, the railway station is a big hit in the transportation market of Mumbai.

Banganga
Banganga, which once had been a gorge, is today present in the form of a water tank, in the Malabar Hill area of Mumbai (Bombay). To be found in the complex of Walkeshwar Temple, this tank has a mythological legend behind its emergence.

Malabar Hill
Malabar Hill is a small hill in South Mumbai that is quarters to the famous Hanging Gardens,

Walkeshwar Temple and Kamala Nehru Gardens of the Dream City of India. In fact, it is the highest point in the city center, with a height of 50 meters.

Nariman Point
Nariman Point is the leading business center in Mumbai, previously called Bombay. Located on the southern end of Marine Drive in South Mumbai, Nariman Point owes its name to Khusheed Framji Nariman - a futurist Parsi, who wished to retrieve the land from the sea in 1940.

Prithvi Theatre
Prithviraj Kapoor, a legend in himself, is the source of inspiration behind the establishment of Prithvi Theatre. A well-known theatre of Mumbai, Prithvi Theatre belongs to the Kapoors - the leading actor/director families in Bollywood. Shashi Kapoor, youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor,

Rajabai Tower
Rajabai Tower is essentially a majestic clock tower in South Mumbai. Located in the precincts of Mumbai University in Fort Campus, right next to the High Court, Rajabai Tower is a beautiful structure, ornamented with oriental figures. Its history reveals that it was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott.

Banganga
Location:     Walkeshwar Temple, Malabar Hill
Attraction:     Banganga Festival
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Banganga by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Walkeshwar Temple MumbaiBanganga, which once had been a gorge, is today present in the form of a water tank in the Malabar Hill area of Mumbai. To be found in the complex of Walkeshwar Temple, this tank has a mythological legend behind its emergence. In the 12th century, the temple is believed to have been built by the rulers of the Silhara dynasty. Banganga Tank was reconstructed in 1715 with the donation made by Rama Kamath. The tank is a rectangular pool bounded by steps on all four sides.

Every year in the month of February, the tank is cleaned up for the Banganga Music Festival of Maharashtra. According to the legend, Lord Rama - the exiled hero of the Ramayana, took halt at the point while looking for his wife - Sita, about five thousand years ago. As he felt thirsty, he asked Lakshman (Rama's brother) to get him some water. At once, Lakshman shot an arrow in the ground and fresh water gushed out.

It is believed that Banganga is the tributary of the pious river, Ganga, which flows at a distance of over thousand miles. The place was called Banganga because Ban suggests an arrow and Ganga refers to the Ganges. Whatever is the story or legend, the reverence for the holy waters of Banganga is never questioned. It is worshipped by people with great respect. At religious events, people in large numbers come to take a holy dip in the mossy waters and make offerings. 

Churchgate
Location:     South Mumbai
Attractions:     University of Mumbai, Nariman Point etc
Highlights:     Churchgate is home to Western Railway headquarters.
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Churchgate area by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from anywhere in the city.

Churchgate Station MumbaiChurchgate is a downtown business district in South Mumbai. Imbibing its name from Churchgate Railway Station, the city center is crammed with several offices and banks. However, the railway station is a big hit in the transportation market of Mumbai, being the terminus of Western Railway line of Suburban Railway. Seeing that it is the preliminary point of many trains, it is always thrived with people going to their offices.

If truth is to be told, the term Churchgate has been derived from St Thomas Church that is sited about half a kilometer from the railway station and a primeval gate, now taken over by the Flora Fountain. Dotted with number of banks and offices, Churchgate also makes the site for the Income Tax Office. Nariman Point, the class business center of Mumbai, is just about a kilometer from Church Gate. To its west lies the Marine Drive, this is a beautifully designed avenue in Mumbai (or erstwhile Bombay).

This area is also a focal point of educational institutions like University of Mumbai, Government Law College, Jain Hind College, K.C. College and Indo-German Training Center. Wankhede Cricket Stadium, Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Brabourne Stadium and Oval Maidan are some of the prestigious sport complexes in the region. In precise terms, Churchgate is a nice place to take a stroll and have a quick look of the distinguished buildings of Mumbai.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Location:     Mumbai
Significance:     It has been declared a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO.
Attraction:     Victorian Gothic Style of Architecture
How to Reach:     One can easily reach CST by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus MumbaiChhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a railway station, is a brilliant specimen of the Victorian Gothic style of architecture in India. Once called Victoria Terminus, the station is positioned on the suburban railway tracks of Mumbai. CST also serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways of India. Attributable to its wonderful structural design, CST was acknowledged as a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO in 2004.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the busiest railway stations in the country. The edifice, designed by F.W. Stevens, turned out to be the icon of Bombay as the 'Gothic City'. It also became the major mercantile port of India. It took around ten years to construct the terminus as per the classic structures of the late 19th century. The westernmost terminus of the Central Railway, CST is a railway architectural marvel because of its sophisticated structural and technical solutions.

Built in 1888, Victoria Terminus boasts of spectacular stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and unusual ground plan, unlike the traditional Indian architecture. Its fine interiors, like wood carving, tiles, ornamental iron, brass railings, etc, reflect the efforts of students at the Bombay School of Art. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus represents an excellent fusion of two cultures. During its construction, British architects worked with the Indian craftsmen, exchanging notes to give a new look and style to Bombay.

Film City
Location:     Goregaon (East), Mumbai
Known For:     It serves as the venue for the shooting of many Bollywood movies
Attraction:     Picturesque Movie Sets
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Film City by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Film City MumbaiMumbai is synonymous to the Film City of India. Perhaps this silver screen allures thousands of aspirants, who come to test their fortune in the flicker industry of movies. Bollywood, the Hindi Film Industry, is generally taken for the entire film industry of India, but there are many others pertaining to other languages. Indian Film Industry is the largest in the world, with production of thousands of films every year. Even in terms of technicalities, Bollywood is only next to Hollywood - the Film Industry based in US.

Since 1911, when the Filmcity directed its first silent movie, there has been no looking back. Located next to the precincts of Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Goregaon (East), it is the hot-spot to find the superstars of the Bollywood. Film City was the dream endeavor of Dada Saheb Phalke, the renowned cine-figure of India. It has given new grounds the notion of Hindi film making in the country. Today, the Filmcity boasts of all modern technology that can produce movies of great visuals and quality.

It is a dream world, where you cannot differentiate fake from real, as things are so perfect. Dotted with fountains, gardens, lakes, lakes, helipads and real-looking buildings, the Film City is sprawled over a large area. The well-appointed indoor and outdoor shooting facilities, editing and recording rooms, rank this studio amongst the best ones in India. A prior permission from relevant authorities and adequate contacts is required to access the place. So, come to the Filmcity and sport your favorite actors in the making of movies.

Gateway of India
Location:     South Mumbai
Inaugurated in:     1924 AD
Highlight:     It is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Gateway of India by hiring taxis or autos, or by boarding buses or trains from the city.

Gateway of IndiaGateway of India is the landmark of Mumbai city and most of the tourists commence their trip by visiting this monument. It is situated on the waterfront in the southern part of the city. The gateway is an arch with a height of 26 meters and is made up of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. Gateway of India is an architectural marvel and belongs to Indo-Saracenic architectural style, with some elements derived from the Muslim architectural styles of the 16th century Gujarat.

The central dome of the structure measures 15 m in diameter, while its peak is at an altitude of 26 m from the ground. It was constructed with an estimated cost of 21 lakh, funded mostly by the Government of India. Peeping into the history, we can say that the monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in December 1911. The foundation of Gateway of India was laid down in 1911 by the then Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke.

The final structure was at last opened to the public on December 4, 1924, by the Viceroy, the Earl of Reading. After India got independent, the last British troops passed across the gateway in 1948 to board their ship heading for England. This amazing architectural monument was very much alive in the colonized nation and still doesn't fail to capture the attention of every onlooker. Inscription imprinted on the gateway reminds the historical event of the King's arrival.

This majestic gateway has always been the centre of attraction for one and all. Moreover, the large expanse of the Arabian Sea visible from the monument makes the entire view simply overwhelming. This makes Gateway of India, the most visited spot in Mumbai. At the back of the Gateway, there are steps leading into the sea, where motor boats rest to take the visitors on a ride to Elephanta Islands. Moreover, a short cruise through the natural harbor of Mumbai is absolutely refreshing.

Mumbai University
Location:     Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established in:     1857
Attraction:     Its buildings are excellent specimen of Gothic architecture.
Highlights:     It is among the top 500 universities across the world.
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Mumbai University by boarding trains or buses, or by hiring autos or cabs from the city.

Mumbai UniversityThe University of Mumbai, previously called University of Bombay, is amongst the top and oldest universities of India. Honored with a five-star rank by National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC), Mumbai University (MU) has its campus in the largest metropolitan city of India. The university is known, not only for its high standards of teaching, but for the Gothic architecture of the campus buildings. It has been typified as a public university, which is spreading knowledge and contributing to the development of the nation.

Established in 1857, Mumbai University initially used the building of Elphinstone College as its center of operations. The majority of colleges in Mumbai and the neighboring districts, such as Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, are affiliated to the Mumbai University. This five-star university offers Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees to the aspirers. Many distinguished institutes in the world, like Institute of Chemical Technology (earlier UDCT) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) are associated with MU.

The THES - QS world universities ranking, has graded the University of Mumbai in the top 500 universities in the world. MU is based on the lines of the universities of England that largely impart education through its affiliated colleges. Affiliated with MU in 1868, St. Xavier's College is the first and the most esteemed of all its colleges. At present, the university campuses make the administrative centers and the centers for some higher education and library services.

Throughout the city, there are affiliated colleges which are providing education par excellence. The major campuses of the university are Fort Campus and Kalina Campus. In 1857, the University of Mumbai was established at the Fort Campus, thus it is the first campus. Built in Gothic style of architecture, this campus now holds the administrative division of the university. Kalina Campus is another large campus located in Santacruz area of Mumbai. It has various departments that offer Masters and Doctoral programs in different courses.

Major Departments of Mumbai University

    Faculty of Fine Arts
    Faculty of Arts: Library Science
    Faculty of Commerce
    Faculty of Arts: Management studies
    Faculty of Science
    Faculty of Arts: Social Science Departments
    Faculty of Technology
    Faculty of Law
    Faculty of Arts: Language, Linguistics and Literature Departments
    Faculty of Arts: Education
    Faculty of Journalism

Interesting Facts about Mumbai University

    In 1857, Bombay University was established at Town Hall. It was relocated in 1874 to the new complex near Oval Maidan.
    It is one of the esteemed universities of the country and amongst the top 500 universities of the world.
    National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has honored Mumbai University with a five star ranking.
    No less than 354 colleges in and around the city, are affiliated to Mumbai University. It has 36 departments which deal in different branch of studies.
    It offers courses in various professional courses, including engineering and business management.
    Its faculty members have won at least eighteen National and International awards in the last five years.

Nariman Point
Location:     South Mumbai
Known for:     Housing the leading business headquarters of India
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Nariman Point by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Nariman Point MumbaiNariman Point is the leading business center in Mumbai, previously called Bombay. Located on the southern end of Marine Drive in South Mumbai, Nariman Point owes its name to Khusheed Framji Nariman - a futurist Parsi, who wished to retrieve the land from the sea in 1940. The area was developed by filling the shallows of the Arabian Sea by imported steel architectural frames along with debris and cement, which eventually gave rise to a solid platform.

What Nariman Point is today, is the outcome of the efforts and more essentially the vision that Khusheed had. This lively commercial hub has offices and headquarters of most of the premier business and industrial houses in the country. Dotted with many skyscrapers, Nariman Point reproduces the astonishing appearance of Manhattan and probably that's why it is also called as 'Manhattan' of Mumbai.

In 1995, Nariman Point had the highest commercial real estate rental space in the world. Bragging of an impressive skyline and high-priced residential condos, Nariman Point has the head offices of both national and international companies. Here, one can see the majority of the consulates, airline offices and high commission of foreign countries. Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Vidhan Bhavan - the political headquarters of Maharashtra, are also located here.

Prithvi Theatre
Location:     Near Juhu Beach
Attraction:     Cultural and Modern Plays
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Prithvi Theatre by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Prithvi Theatre MumbaiPrithviraj Kapoor, a legend in himself, is the source of inspiration behind the establishment of Prithvi Theatre. A well-known theatre of Mumbai, Prithvi Theatre belongs to the Kapoors - the leading actor/director families in Bollywood. Shashi Kapoor, the youngest son of Prithviraj Kapoor, along with his wife Jennifer Kendal, worked enthusiastically towards realizing their father's dream of having a theater of performing arts. On 5th November 1978, Prithvi Theatre was inaugurated amidst grand cultural celebrations in Bombay.

Shashi and Jennifer both had a great passion and high opinion about Indian theatre. After the sad demise of Prithviraj Kapoor, Shashi bought a piece of land and decided to set up a Trust in the memory of great actor that would encourage performing arts in India. Moreover, the country lacked a theatre where aspiring actors could show their talent and meet the audience. Such a theater was the need of the society and emergence of Prithvi theatre was the perfect answer to the dilemma.

In the present day, Prithvi Theatre is active and even organizes an annual drama festival that features the best plays from India. Numerous theatre workshops are organized here to promote aspirants of theater while refining their nuts and bolts of acting. Outside the theatre, there is a garden café which serve delicious food on lamp lit tables. It is famous for its North Indian food and Irish coffee. A visit to Prithvi Theatre would give you a fantastic glimpse into the cultural and modern theater in India.

Mahalaxmi Racecourse
Location:     Mahalakshmi, Mumbai
Attraction:     Horse races
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Mahalaxmi Race Course by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Mahalaxmi RacecourseMahalakshmi Racecourse is actually an elite horse racing ground in Mumbai. This oval shaped ground is to be found in the Mahalakshmi area of India's commercial capital. Leased by the Bombay Municipal Corporation, Mahalakshmi Race Course is run by the Turf Club. Here, you can see most of the upper crust enjoying the horse races in their exclusive attires. And you might even get the chance to sit besides the hottest celebrity or some industrialist with your lucky entry pass.

The season for horse racing starts in November and goes on till February. However, the Derby that is held annually on the first Sunday in February becomes the most awaited event in the presence of city's landed gentry. Amidst the glitterati, the ground develops into a condescending place where grandeur and extravaganza get the high point, along with hardcore punters making the entire occasion really exhilarating.

'Gallops' is a lavish restaurant in the precincts of the racecourse that is usually occupied by affluent people all through day and night. Its interiors have a bucolic charm about them; it also reminds one of the imperial palaces with light fixtures, curtained elegant carriages and bolts lining the wall and roof. This restaurant doles out Punjabi cuisine on top of Western Cuisine. Besides food and desserts, you can also indulge in the finest wine and beer.


Malabar Hill
Location:     South Mumbai
Attractions:     Hanging Gardens, Banganga Tank etc
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Malabar Hill by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Hanging Gardens MumbaiMalabar Hill is a small hill in South Mumbai that is quarters to the famous Hanging Gardens, Walkeshwar Temple and Kamala Nehru Gardens of the Dream City of India. In fact, it is the highest point in the city center, with a height of 50 meters, presenting an eye-catching view of the county that sprawls at the foothills. The region nearby is known as Malabar Hill and it is counted amongst the elite residential areas of Bombay.

Not only many business tycoons and film celebrities, this area also addresses the official residences of the Governor and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Real Estate value here is amongst the priciest in the world. Possibly, unobstructed sight of Back Bay along with Chowpatti beach in the forefront and Nariman Point skyline in the backdrop make the grounds for the soaring prices in this area. Jain Temple and Parsi Tower of Silence are two other religious structures in the region.

In the early days of city's growth, Mumbai was inundated by pirates from the Malabar Coast (Kerala), apart from others. With the intention of defending the city, a sentinel was built on the hill that offered the best view of the sea approaches at that time. And consequently, the hill came to be known as Malabar Hill. Amidst such great tourist attractions and hard sell popularity, Malabar Hill is certainly a place to be visited in Mumbai. 

Rajabai Tower
Location:     Next to the High Court, Fort Campus, South Mumbai
Built in:     1878
Attraction:     Beautiful stained glass windows
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Rajabai Tower by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.

Rajabai Clock Tower MumbaiRajabai Tower is essentially a majestic clock tower in South Mumbai. Located in the precincts of Mumbai University in Fort Campus, right next to the High Court, Rajabai Tower is a beautiful structure, ornamented with oriental figures. Its history reveals that it was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, who was an English architect. Rajabai Tower was built on the lines of Big Ben, the clock tower in London. Elevated to the height of 85 m (280 ft), the tower took around 9 years to get constructed (1869 -1878).

Premchand Roychand, a successful broker who founded the Bombay Stock Exchange, financed the entire cost of construction that was Rs 200,000 - a substantial amount in those days. The clock tower owes its name to Rajabai - mother of the generous broker who was blind and a staunch follower of Jainism. Thanks to the bell of this tower, she didn't require anyone's help to know the time and she could herself take her dinner before evening, on the word of her religion.

Presenting a fusion of Venetian and Gothic styles of architecture, Rajabai Tower is constructed out of Kurla stone - the locally available buff colored stone. In the earlier times, it played the tunes of 'Rule Britannia', 'God Save the King' and 'A Handel Symphony', amongst the sixteen tunes that changed four times a day. However, the glockenspiel repertoire currently plays only 'Big Ben', after every fifteen minutes.

The tower has a spiral staircase, but is closed to the visitors due to some sad incidents. Rajabai Tower houses the library of the University, which has some of the brilliant stained glass windows in Asia. Recently treated by the British conservationists, these exquisite windows have been reinstated with their grandeur. In a nutshell, Rajabai Tower is a spectacular structure that is a standing testimony to the transformation of the Mumbai as well as India, and is worth visiting.

Town Hall
Location:     Fort area of South Mumbai
Attractions:     Asiatic Library, Museum
How to Reach:     One can easily reach Town Hall by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.
Significance:     Its library has got over 800000 antique volumes.

Asiatic Library Town Hall MumbaiTown Hall is conceivably the most imperial structure amongst the heritage buildings of Mumbai. Housing the Asiatic Society of Bombay, Town Hall is located in the Fort area of South Mumbai. The pillared monument is even more significant for its exquisite edifice that has old wooden floor, spiral staircases, wrought iron loggias and superb marble statues of late benefactors of the Island City of India. The Asiatic Society consists of city's largest library with a collection of 8,00,000 antique volumes.

Amongst the anthology, Dante's first edition copy of "Inferno" is one of the inestimable reserves. The Society's museum has a remarkable numismatic compilation of above 1,000 ancient coins and a rare gold coin belonging to Akbar - the Mughal Emperor. Permission is required to take a glance of these treasures. However, the public library is open to everyone and generally attracts scores of senior citizens, who come to read the local newspapers.

Constructed somewhere near 1830, Town Hall has been profoundly influenced by Greek and Roman styles of architecture. Comprising a portico with eight Doric pillars, the building can be reached by taking a flight of 30 steps. In praise of this grand structure, Sir John Malcolm - the Governor of Bombay said "It is the most magnificent structure that taste and munificence combined have as yet erected in India". Thus, Town Hall is a place worth visiting in Mumbai.

Manali Place to Visit - Getting Around

Manali is blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travellers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time. May it be for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing, para-gliding, skiing, ice skating and golf.

The valley of gods, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, is perhaps the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. The ancient Hindus regarded it as the furthest limit of human habitation - Kulantapitha, and its original name finds mention in the epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata as well as Vishnu Purana.

Like a slender delicate-hued fern glistening in the morning dew, the valley spreads out its charm on either side of the upper reaches of the river Beas. Running north to south, the main river valley is only 80 km long and 2 km at its broadest, yet a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to enjoy the spectacle of variegated mountain scenery.

In the spring Kullu is at its most colourful with pink blossoms and white flowers while the higher slopes are aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons. With utumn, clear blue skies return and fields and forests alike show wonderful tints of crimson and ochre. By December, there is no greenery except the majestic pines and cedars in the forests. In winter the hillsides are flanked in white.

Situated on the banks of the Beas, Kullu, the headquarters of the district, serves as a nerve centre of the valley and is the starting place for a number of treks. The deodar-fringed grassy maidan, Dhalpur, is a stage for many colourful fairs.

Places to see in Manali

Kothi
12 km. A quiet but picturesque spot. The Rest House overlooks the narrow valley and commands views of the mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a kilometre the river Beas flows through a deep gorge, almost a subterranean passage, 30 metres or more in depth, and the cliffs which flank both sides of the canyon are a favourite haunt for rock pigeons. The site of the bridge provides an interesting historical episode in the early annals of Kullu.

Solang Valley
13 km. A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi which offers views of the glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. The plateau is frequently used for holding camps by the trekking parties. Good skiing slopes of the Mountaineering Institute. Venue of annual winter carnival from February 10-14. Bus service upto Palchan village (10 km) and then by jeep or on foot.

Rahla Falls
2 km from Kothi. Here the river Beas hurtles down from a height of about 50 metres. Charming spot for picnics.

Manali Sanctuary
A bridle path from the Manali log huts goes past the Dhoongri Temple and wanders into the dense deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut and maple forest which is a part of this sanctuary. Camping overnight in tents at Lambadug or Galiani Thatch is possible.

Lush green alpine pastures and glaciers lie beyond Galiani Thatch. Musk deer, monal and brown bear are often spotted. For those who venture still further into the glacier zone in summer, there are herds of ibex.

Around Manali

Rohtang Pass
51 km. At an altitude of 4,112 metres on the highway to Keylong, the pass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. In place of the pinnacled hills, sheltered valleys and cultivated tracts, the eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled Moraine, and deep ravines. Almost directly opposite is the well defined Sonepani glacier, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypang, jagged pyramids of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

The Beas river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist. The pass normally opens for traffic after mid-June and officially closes in November. To its left, 200 metres higher, is the little lake of Sarkund (Dashair) visited by a number of people, the general belief being that a bath in these waters effects a cure of all bodily ailments-real or imaginary. 10 km before Rohtang is the barren-landscape of Marhi which hums with activity during summer and autumn months because almost everyone stops here for refreshments.

Keylong
117 km. A fair sized village amidst green fields of barley and buckwheat, Keylong is the headquarters of the Lahaul and Spiti district, surrounded with brown hills and snowy heights. Karding Monastery overlooks Keylong and is 3.5 km across the Chandra river while Shashur Monastery is about 1 km. HPTDC Tourist Bungalow.

Triloknath and Udeypur
These are two important places of pilgrimage in Pattan Valley. At Triloknath is a six armed image in white marble of Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattava. Visitors will enjoy crossing the Chandra-Bhaga river and the trek of 3 km to reach the destination. The temple of Marikula at Udeypur is highly remarkable for its wood carvings. Udeypur is 166 km from Manali.

Places to see in Kullu

Raghunathji Temple
1 km. In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord Raghunathji, which he brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his penance he placed the idol on his throne and it became the presidind deity of the valley.

Vaishno Devi
4 km. A small cave enshrine an image of goddess Vaishno.Other temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rama and Krishna.

Jagannathi Temple
3 km. A stiff climb leads one to the shrine from where one gets a panoramic view of Kullu town.

Bijli Mahadev Temple
11 km. The Bijli Mahadev temple one of the most striking temple is set on a spur, and is famous for its 60 ft high staff which periodically attracts lightning that shatters the Shivalinga. Each time this happens, it is pieced together by the temple priest.

The Great Himalayan National Park
Located in the beautiful district of Kullu, the 620 sq. km. area has temperate forests - some of the virgin coniferous forests of the state. Vast areas of alpine pasture and glaciers cap this park. Among the animals found in this part of the western Himalayas are musk deer, ghoral, thar, bharal, sewor, brown bear, leopard and snow leopard. Bird life includes a variety of colourful pheasants - monal, khalij, cheer and tragopan. A trek through the park to Rekte-Sar, the origin of the Sainj River and camping amid alpine pastures is a memorable experience.

Kanawar Sanctuary
This sasnctuary located in the Parvati Valley of the Kullu District is the habitat of the Himalayan thar. This big goat is often seen on high mountainous precipices.

A splendid trek is possible along the Garahan Nalla from Kasol through dense deodar and fir forests. The rest house at Kasol is convernient and the Range Officer, Wildlife, Kasol, can offer information and assistance.

Around Kullu

Kaishdhar
16 km. A delightful spot (2,300 metres) for a quiet holiday where one can commune with nature. Many walks in the neighbourhood. Forest Rest House provides accommodation.

Bajeshwar Mahadev Temple (Bajaura)
15 km. The pyramidical temple (9th century AD) is embellished with wonderful carvings in stone and sculptural decorations. The three large image slabs on the exterior are all of a high order of sculpture in the Indian classical (Shikara) style.

Kasol
42 km. Situated on the banks of Parvati river, Kasol in the Parvati valley makes a good holiday destination. Charmingly located in an open space which slopes down to a broad expanse of clear white sand at the edge of the river. The place is known for trout fishing.

Manikaran
45 km. On the trekking route to Pulga and Pin Parvati pass, Manikaran is famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a dip in its hot waters. The water is so hot that dal (pulses), rice etc. can be boiled in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage centre and there is an ancient Hindu temple and a gurdwara here. According to a legend, Manikaran is also associated with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost and recovered her ear-ring here.

Larji
34 km. South of Kullu at an elevation of 957 metres, this is a small hamlet providing excellent trout fishing. A Rest House is located in a stunning position, at an angle between the foaming torrents of the rivers Sainj and Tirthan, before they join the Beas a few hundred anglers.

Pulga and Khirganga
16 km. A stiff march takes one to the restful solitude of the Forest Rest House whose immediate environment affords a sylvan and peaceful retreat for body and mind. The Tos nullah, which branches off from the main Paravati valley is well worth exploration by those who favour the wilder aspects of natural scenery and are prepared to camp out. 10 km from Pulga lies Khirganga which is well-known for its hot springs.

Banjar
58 km. an excellent spot (1,534 metres) for trout fishing in Tirthan river. the famous temple of Shringa Rishi is located here in whose honour a fair is held every year in May.
Accommodation is available at a PWD Rest House.

Shoja
13 km from the Banjar PWD Rest House (2,650 metres) on the Kullu side of the Jalori pass, it is located in a setting of marvellous scenic surroundings.

Raison
16 km. On the way to Manali, it is an ideal site at an elevation 1,433 metres for spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendour and for holding youth camps and rallies. On the gurgling banks of the Beas there are 14 wooden huts of HPTDC.

Katrain
20 km. The central and the widest part of the valley on the way to Manali and at a height of 1,463 metres. Apple orchards, a Fruit Research Station and a trout hatchery lend prominence to the place. HPTDC's Hotel Apple Blossom and Tourist Cottage.

Naggar
28 km. On the left bank of the Beas and about three hundred metres above the river, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view, especially of the north west of the valley. It is an excellent place for a longer stay. Naggar was the capital of the Kullu Rajas for about 1,400 years. There are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar. Artist Nicholas Roerich's art gallery is also worth a visit. Cars and jeeps can easily go up to the Naggar Castle which is now Himachal Tourism's well furnished Hotel Castle.

Malana
28 km. up to Naggar by bus and then 20 km. on foot. A little ahead off the beautiful Chandrakhani pass lies the tiny village of Malana, famous for the temple of Jamlu and its distinct social and cultural life. Reputed to be the oldest democracy in the world in existence where all the inhabitants of the village take part in managing its affairs. An exciting place for trekking.

Simla and around

Simla

Shimla(also known as Simla) is a tourist destination par excellence. It is a beautiful hill town in the lap of nature, surrounded by pine and deodar forests. Temperature is ideal in summers and tourists flock it in great numbers and it is highly advisable to get hotel reservations done well in advance despite the fact that there are over 1000 hotels in Shimla. It is well connected by road to the plains. Facilities and amenities are good. People are friendly. It is also comparatively safer than other tourist destinations. All this makes it the favorite travel destination of tourists from India and across the world. A amazingly high percentage of tourists come back here again.

It is situated in the north-west Himalayas and is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India. It is a 18 sq km mountainous region lying at an altitude of 2,213 meters. British coined the term “Queen of the hills” for Shimla. It has been blessed with all the natural bounties, one can think of. The biggest industry in Shimla is hotel, travel and tourism. Bulging at its seams with unprecedented expansion, the town retains a colonial aura, with its grand old buildings. If you happen to visit Shimla without hotel reservations, you can take the services of one of the numerous porters who double up as travel guides and touts for hotels in Shimla.

A hotel in Shimla Besides being the ultimate summer retreat it remains an ideal spot for adventure sports. Tourists can go in for the various treks to the Kullu valley or indulge in trout fishing at the Pabbar River. The more adventurous may ski at the Narkanda and Kufri from January to mid-March. The nine-hole golf course at Naldehra is also a major draw for the tourists.

This beautiful hill resort also offers a lot for those who would like to indulge in a shopping spree. The Mall is the place to check out for the best in garment and textile industry. Here the State emporium offers the himachali (local) handicrafts and handloom items. The hats that are available in a wide range of charges and colors make the perfect souvenirs. For the dry fruits and natural herbs carrying medicinal properties you may check out any of the local shops whereas the Lakkar Bazaar is the one stop market for the wooden items of all shapes and sizes.


History of SHIMLA

Shimla came into existence in 1819, after the Gurkha War, when a thickly wooded spot, then known for the temple of goddess `Shyamala' was discovered by the British. Its climate commanded itself to British officers on leave and remained a summer village of tents for about three years. It was only in the year 1822 that Captain Kennedy constructed the first double storey building here known as the Kennedy House. Lord Amherst, the first Governor General who visited Shimla, in 1827 stayed at the Kennedy House. It was during Lord William Bentinck's time that Shimla was truly acquired by the Government of India. The old Dak Bungalow of Shimla was demolished to provide a site for the Bentinck Castle, which is today the famous Grand Hotel. Soon Shimla became the summer capital of the British Indian Government. Lord Bentinck's successor Lord Auckland, chose a residence on the northern eastern spur of the Shimla range which was known as the Auckland House. The Auckland House, one of the oldest houses of Shimla, was a scenario of brilliant balls and theatricals.

The British made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it remained so until 1939. The summer exodus of the officials from the plains, however, ended after 1947. Shimla continued to serve as a temporary capital of the east Punjab until the new city of Chandigarh was completed. It has remained the capital of Himachal Pradesh ever since 1966.

Getting There <<<<<<<<

(1) Air »»»
Nearest airport to Shimla is at Jubberhatti, 26 km from Shimla. It has connecting flights to Delhi and Kullu. The nearby Chandigarh airport is, however, more handy as it is connected to all the major airports in India. Following is the schedule of flights from and to Shimla:

  Jagsun Airlines
  Flight No.       From       To       Departure       Arrival       Days of Week
  JA221       Delhi       Shimla       8.40 AM       9.40 AM       Tue, Thu, Sat
  JA221       Shimla       Kullu       10.00 AM       10.20 AM       Tue, Thu, Sat
  JA222       Kullu       Shimla       10.50 AM       11.20 AM       Tue, Thu, Sat
  JA222       Shimla       Kullu       11.40 AM       12.40 PM       Tue, Thu, Sat


(2) Road »»»

Shimla is well connected by road with Kalka, Chandigarh, Ambala, Delhi, Dehradun, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Jammu and other towns of Punjab and Haryana. Following are the road distances from Shimla to major cities of India:

  Place       Distance (Km.)
  Kalka       90
  Chandigarh       117
  Delhi       370
  Ludhiana       220
  Dehradun       240
  Kullu       240
  Manali       280
  Kalpa       260
  Narkanda       64
  Mandi       156
  Dharamshala       280
  Nahan       140


Taxi services are available on a seat- basis between Shimla, and Kalka. There is deluxe bus service between Shimla and Delhi. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation also runs deluxe buses between Shimla and Delhi.

(3) Train »»»

Shimla is connected by a broad gauge line up to Kalka. From Kalka to Shimla, a narrow gauge line covers 96 kilometers, of track. The journey by train, which takes about six hours, crossing 103 tunnels is one of the finest ways of enjoying the scenic beauty. There is another option for a fast train Shiwalik Express or a delightful ride in the Rail Car.

The Rail Car takes about 4 hours. Kalka has direct rail connections with Delhi, Calcutta and Amritsar. For more information on Kalka-Shimla Railway click here

 

Places to see in Shimla

The Mall:
The Mall, like most hill stations in North India, is the main shopping centre of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.

Christ Church:
Situated on the Ridge is Christ Church, which is the second oldest church in Northern India. It has a very majestic appearance and inside there are stained glass windows which represent faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humility. Christ Church is a place all visitors should spend some time in.

Jakhu Hill:
2 kms. from Shimla, at a height of 8000 ft, Jakhu Hill is the highest peak and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas. At the top of the Hill, is an old temple of Hanuman, which is also the home of countless playful monkeys waiting to be fed by all visitors.

Shimla State Museum:
The Museum, which was opened in 1974, has tried to project hill-out and the cultural wealth of the state. Art objects in the Museum collection are mostly related to art, archaeology and cultural anthropology of Himachal and other states of India. At present Museum, has about 9000 objects in its collection. At the outset, museum started with four galleries. Since then more galleries have been added. These galleries pertain to Pre- historic, Indian Archaeology, Woodcarvings, Himachal Archaeology, Pahari Miniature Paintings Monuments, Photographs, Rajasthan paintings, Bronzes, Numismatic, Arms Gallery, Gandhi Gallery, Philatelic, Anthropological, Contemporary Art & Wall Paintings gallery. In addition to these galleries museum has one exhibition hall for arranging the exhibition and other museum activities.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies:
This institute is housed in the Viceregal Lodge, which was built in 1884-88 during the British times. It has spacious gardens and is ringed by beautiful pine trees. All is calm and serene just the right atmosphere for a student of literature or politics.

Summer Hill:
Situated at a distance of 5 kms. from the Ridge is the lovely township of Summer Hill at a height of 6,500 ft. on the Shimla-Kalka railway line. Mahatma Gandhi lived in these quiet surroundings during his visits to Shimla. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.

Annandale:
Developed as the playground of Shimla, Annandale is 2-4 kms. from the Ridge at a height of 6,117 ft. It is a favourite spot for cricket, picnics and the princely game of polo.


Around Shimla

Tara Devi:
11kms. from the Shimla bus-stand. Tara Devi has a temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill. There is a military Dairy Town here as well as the headquarters of Bharat Scouts and Guides. At a height of 6,070 ft. Tara Devi is an ideal place for a person wanting peace and some rest.

Sankat Mochan:
A popular Hanuman temple is located here. We get an excellent view of Shimla from the temple. It can be reached by car or on foot.

Mashobra:
13 kms. away from Shimla, Mashobra has several excellent picnic spots. Mashobra offers ideal walks amidst oak and pine trees. Mashobra is the site of the annual Sipi fair in June. The nearest rest house is at Craignano which is 3 kms. from Mashobra, and is a beautiful holiday resort.

Naldehra:
23 kms. Under a skyline etched with conifers, Naldehra offers a well groomed nine-hole Golf course; undulating hills and giant deodars, make it a unique spot for picnics. Regular bus and taxi service. HPTDC Restaurant, Hotel Golf Glade and Golf Club.

Tattapani:
43 kms. Situated on the bank of river Sutlej it is well known of its hot springs. Regular bus and taxi service.

Wildflower Hall:
13 kms. Nestling among sylvan surroundings, the stately Hotel Wildflower Hall of the HPTDC affords a magnificent view of the mighty Himalayas and perennial snows. Charming in summer and fascinating in autumn, when winter casts its mantle of snow Wildflower Hall assumes an ethereal look.

Fruit Research Station:
18 km. The biggest fruit research station in northern India.

Kufri:
16 kms. Well known for its ski slopes. Commands good views. It also has a Potato Research Station. Shimla has an added attraction of Mini zoo amidst dense forest to the tourists where a rare breed of wild animals and pheasants species commonly found in Himalayan forest region have been kept in natural habitat. Spread over an area of twenty hectares of land with rich flora and fauna about 140 wild animals including pheasants of different verities 'Monal' the State bird of Himachal Pradesh and one of the endangered species of Himalayan region has been the other attractions of this zoo also been placed safely in this mini zoo. The other attraction of this zoo are Tibetan wolf, Brown Bear and Barking Deer. There are other popular wild animals species in the Mini zoo such as leopard, Ghoral, Samber, Himalayan Thar, Yak, black bear and number of pheasants varieties. Himalayan Nature Park has been set up at Kufri in 1992 which is spread in 90 hectare area and mini zoo has been set up in this Park.

Indira Holiday Home:
18 kms. Deodar forests at an altitude of 2,623 metres. Mini zoo, and yak and pony riding.

Chail:
43 kms. (via Kufri) and 62 km. (via Kandaghat). Chail, at a height of 2,250 metres, combines the charm and beauty of a remote and peaceful mountain resort with the splendor and elegance of a princely reserve. Chail was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before Independence. The verdant forests around Chail are alive with many species of birds and deer.

Barog:
55 kms. A verdant place of considerable scenic charm and beauty affording extensive views of high mountains stretching range after range and valleys swooping down the Haryana and Punjab plains.

Kasauli:
61 kms. from Chandigarh, 77 kms. from Shimla, Kasauli (1,927 metres) is charming and quiet; an ideal place for those in search of peace and relaxation.

Solan:
48 kms. A popular place, named after Shoolini Devi is a Mushroom City of India. The Dr. Y S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, one of its kind in Asia, is situated here.
 

Sports and Adventures in Simla

Shimla has the only natural ice-skating rink in India. An Ice-skating Carnival is arranged every year by the Ice-skating Club during January. During this festival, members display their skill on ice and participate in a fancy dress competition.

The summer festival in Shimla offers the best entertainment of the year. Artists are invited from all parts of Himachal Pradesh and from other parts of the country to entertain visitors with song, dance and music both Indian and Western.

Besides the summer festival, regular cultural programmes are organised in Shimla during the tourist season.

Kufri is a popular ski resort and is at a distance of 16-kms rom Shimla. With thick woods around, Kufri offers a panoramic view of 2,000 miles of the great Himalayan ranges. Naldhera is another adventure area that is situated at a distance of 23-kms from the hill station. Naldhera is blessed with a thick cedar forest, attractive picnic spot and a 16-hole golf course. Fagu is another spot from where one can check out very fine views and has a lot of snow in winters for the delight of snow lovers and skiers.

Chabba is located on the road to Tattapani and is 53-kms away from Shimla. There is the one of the oldest hydroelectric power project, which is nowadays famous for river rafting. Situated 64-kms north of Shimla is Narkanda, at an altitude of 2,700m, a ski resort and also a popular spot for viewing the Himalayas particularly from the 3,300m high Hatu Peak.

Shimla to Kullu over the Jalori Pass (3300m) and Bashleo Pass (3250m)and Sarahan to Sangla are some popular treks.

Skiing slopes are at Narkanda (65 km. from Shimla) and Kufri (16 km from Shimla). (from Jan - mid March)

Naldehra offers a well groomed nine hole golf course.

At Rohru (100 km. from Shimla) & at Seema (9 km. from Rohru).
 

Treks and Walks in Shimla
 

Leisure Walks In Shimla

Among the adventure travel activities that you can indulge at a leisurely pace include heritage walks and hiking tours in and outside Shimla. First major walk area is the Prospect Hill and to reach the temple dedicated to Kamna Devi that?s situated on this hill you have to take up a 15-minute walk from Boileauganj on Shimla-Bilaspur road. The hill is at an altitude of 2,155m and offers some spectacular views of the Shimla valley.

You can also enjoy walks from the Mall in Shimla, which is enhanced by some of the oldest architectural building structures that were made by the British. Some of the buildings worth checking out over here include Dalziel House, one of the oldest structures of town; Fingask Estate, the birthplace Lord Chelmsford and the Chelmsford Club; adjoining Fingask Estate is the Catholic Club in Ensham Estate's old building; the one-time residence of the famous write Rudyard Kipling, and the Sacred Art Convent Tat Tara Hall.

A sharp climb takes you to the Shimla estate Museum and a rich display of Himachal's heritage. Some other independent walks include The Glen, which is a Reserve Forest and is one of Shimla's oldest and most popular picnic spots. The area also has several narrow forest inspection paths including one that lies about the Glen and circles Summer Hill, but these paths should be done with a guide. Annandale is another green walking paradise that's surrounded by Deodar trees. The Old Carriage track also makes a good walk through the woods and was used by the Viceroy?s to go to Annandale.

Climbing & Hiking Around Shimla

At 2455m, Jakhoo Hill towers over Shimla. Filled with history and architectural charm, there are several houses along its steep.1.5km climb that starts from the Ridge and a temple dedicated to Lord Hanauman crowns the forested hill. Enjoy the most spectacular sunrises and sunset sights from this spot, especially during the monsoons.

Another beautiful trail takes you to Sanjuali and between Holly Lodge and Sanjauli, the distance is about 3-km. From Sanjauli, you can walk back via the Government College to the Ridge - 2-km, or via St.Bede's College and Ramchandra Chowka, 3-km. Alternatively, you can bus back from Sanjauli to Shimla.

The Southern Tracks from Shimla

Climb down to pine covered area of Tutikandi. Turn off towards the exquisite little temple of a local deity, Dhanu Defta at Bihargaon. Climb back under pine and cedar braches through the old cemetery, which dates back to the middle of the 19th century. The ascent continues past Kanlog, the Potato Research Centre and Bemloe to the Mall. You can reverse the route by starting from the Potato Research Institute and cemetery, to which point you can also opt to drive. The whole trip covers a distance 6 to 7-km.

The Northern Tracks from Shimla

A relatively unexplored area full of good walks along wide roads or narrow paths is the Bharari Spur. Step from Local Bazaar, go past Auckland House School and reach the long wood rise. Enclosing Stirling Castle, two roads branch from here and just before Kelston, meet again. Continue your walk down past the Police Lines Tobharari Bazaar. Return along the lower road to Goodwood, which will bring you just below Lakkar Bazaar again. A round trip from Lakkar Bazaar covers some 4-km.

Extended Treks from Shimla

From Bharari you can walk to the villages that lie to right of the Seismic Recording Centre, or to the villages of Pabo and Kamiana. Longer treks can be made to Kiar Koti and Tattapani, but for taking-up these treks you better take a guide along.

There are quite a good number of trails that can be done in the suburbs. Some are - a walk between the Catering Institute at Kufri and Wildflower Hall; a walk to Mahasu Peak from Kufri through the Himalayan Nature Park and a walk along the Bekhalty road from Mashobra and treks from Mashobra to Sipur.

There are many soft to medium treks that can use Shimla as the trek base. Some treks are to Shali Peak, to the Kullu Valley over the Jalori Pass or the Bashleo Pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Tattapani. Anglers can indulge in angling for Trout on the river Pabbar, near Rohru.