Summer's here, and the outdoors beckon. Put on your cap, your walking shoes and bring an open mind for a walk through some of South Mumbai's most important landmarks and historic corners. This first of our two-part series by Fiona Fernandez is aided by Amit Bandre's graphic and it promises to be a fascinating discovery for children and adults alike
1} Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Built: 1923
Named after the then Prince of Wales, it was built to commemorate his visit to the city. It’s home to priceless collections. It served as a hospital during World War I.
2} Jehangir Art Gallery
Built: 1952
Developed as the city’s first full-fledged art space with funding from art collector and benefactor Second Baronet Sir Cowasji, it was designed by Vanoo Bhatia and Durga Bajpai. Till date, it maintains its position as a premier space for art lovers.
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3} Kala Ghoda
Built: June 26, 1879
Kala Ghoda earned its name from the statue of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, riding a black horse that was placed at the spot. It stood there till 1965 after which it remains housed at Byculla’s Rani Baug till date.
4} Keneseth
Eliyahoo Synagogue
Built: 1884
City father David Sassoon’s grandson Jacob Sassoon built this Jewish place of worship in memory of his father, Elias. Its stained glass windows and wooden staircase make it a must-visit.
5} Watson’s Hotel
Built: 1868
Local lore says that this one time five-star hotel inspired Jamshedji Tata to build the Taj Mahal Hotel. Formerly called Esplanade Mansion, it’s cast-iron structure reminds one of its glory days.
6} Flora Fountain
Built: 1869
Sculpted by James Forsythe using Portland stone, it was named after the Roman goddess of flowers. It stands at the spot where the original Church Gate of the Fort walls once stood.
7} St Thomas Cathedral
Built: 1718
The stunning church, one of Mumbai’s oldest, was built in Gothic style and is like a museum with memorials to British generals who died in battles across the world.
8}Bombay Samachar
first edition: July 1, 1822
Respected publisher and printer, Furdonjee Marzbanjee started the Gujarati language newspaper, which is still in circulation and is regarded as Asia’s oldest newspaper.
9}Horniman Circle
Built: 1872
Laid out in 1864, it was earlier named after Governor Elphinstone. Built as a playground for children, it’s uniform design was a first. It was renamed after freedom fighter
BG Horniman in 1947.
10}Town Hall - Asiatic Society of Bombay
Built: 1833
The Asiatic Society that is housed in the Town Hall, began in 1804. This structure, designed by Colonel Thomas Cowper, was set up to be a library and museum to store rare titles, treasures and manuscripts.
Remember to...
>>Carry a cap, bottled water, comfortable walking shoes.
>>u00a0Don’t litter along the way or inside these buildings — these form part of Mumbai’s public heritage.
>>u00a0Carry a notepad to look for interesting facts mentioned on outer walls of some buildings.
>>u00a0Don’t leave the group at any point.
>>u00a0Entry fees will be needed at the Museum and to access the library inside the Town Hall.u00a0
For more walks refer to Ten Heritage Walks of Mumbai, Fiona Fernandez(Rupa & Co)
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