This is a list of International Schools in Mumbai. IB schools in Mumbai and IGCSE schools in Mumbai are listed below. There are more International Schools in Mumbai than any other city in India.

Most International Schools in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane offer either “International Baccalaureate” (IB) (which includes “PYP”, “MYP” and “IBDP”) or “Cambridge International Examinations” (CIE) (which includes “CP”, “CS1”, “IGCSE”, “AS and A Level”) programs. Many international schools in Mumbai offer both the “IB” and “CIE” curriculum in the same school. Please go to the bottom of this article for more information on IB and CIE programmes.

List of All International Schools In Mumbai

List Of International Schools In South Mumbai

List Of International Schools In Central Mumbai

List Of International Schools In West Mumbai

International Schools In East Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai

NOTE: Some schools have “INTERNATIONAL” in their name even though they offer one of the local school curriculums (ICSE, SSC, CBSE, etc).

IB, CIE Programmes In International Schools In Mumbai

International schools in Mumbai offer mainly 2 International Education Programs/Curriculum/Syllabus/Courses. These are International Baccalaureate (IB) and  University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).

International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme

Geneva based International Baccalaureate (IB) offers four international educational programmes for children between the ages of 3 to 19. Among the four IB programs, “IBDP” is the most popular among IB schools in Mumbai.

1. Primary Years Programme (PYP): From grade/standard KG to 5, for children of ages 3 to 12.
2. Middle Years Programme (MYP): From grade/standard 6 to 10, for children of ages 11 to 16.
3. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP): From grade/standard 11 to 12, for children of ages 16 to 19.
4. Career-related Programme (CP): From grade/standard 11 to 12, for children of ages 16 to 19.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) (grade 11 and 12) is recognized by Indian colleges and universities. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma has been recognized by the Association of Indian Universities since 1983. This recognition was renewed in 2010 and it applies to all universities in India. Students intending to take up medicine may need to take up extra science courses. Indian colleges and universities require percentage marks for standard 12, which is not the grading system for IB. For Indian students International Baccalaureate has a provision of providing Indian equivalent percentage for the IB Diploma Programme.

Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grade/standard 10 is recognized by Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Association of Indian Universities, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), Council of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE) and other Indian Education boards.

Parents and students should note that results for International Baccalaureate Programmes come out later than many equivalent Indian boards.

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) Programme

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the largest provider of international education programmes in the world for children between the ages of 5 to 19. CIE is part of the University of Cambridge, UK.

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is formally known as University of Cambridge International Examinations. “IGCSE” is the most popular program among international schools in Mumbai that offer CIE.

1. Cambridge Primary (CP):  From grade/standard KG to 5, for children of ages 5 to 11. Cambridge Primary is sometimes called Cambridge Primary Programme (CPP) and Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP)
2. Cambridge Secondary 1 (CS1): From grade/standard 6 to 8, for children of ages 11 to 14.
3. Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE):  From grade/standard 9 to 10, for children of ages 14 to 16. IGCSE is sometimes called Cambridge Secondary 2 (CS2). CIE also offers Cambridge “O“ Level for this age group.
4. Cambridge International AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) Level: From grade/standard 11 to 12, for children of ages 16 to 19. CIE also offers Cambridge “Pre-U“ for this age group.

The IGCSE exam (standard 9 and 10) is recognized by Indian schools, colleges, universities and education boards. Students taking the IGCSE in a minimum of 5 subjects are considered on par with students from State Boards, ICSE, and CBSE. Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education accept IGCSE for admission to Junior Colleges (standard 11 and 12) in Maharashtra.

Cambridge International Examinations “AS” (Advanced Subsidiary) and “A” (Advanced) Level are recognized by Indian colleges and universities. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and many State Education Boards, including the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, have recognized that certificates issued by Cambridge International Examination. Students intending to pursue engineering and medicine must take Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics and English at AS Level.

Previously the results for IGCSE used to come out later than Indian board results. Now the IGCSE exams are held earlier to coincide with the Indian education system.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• List of Mumbai Colleges and Their Courses (Degrees)

The post List Of International Schools In Mumbai appeared first on Wonderful Mumbai.

This is a list of the best waterfalls near Mumbai and Pune. Most waterfalls near Mumbai and Pune are in the hilly Western Ghat (“Sahyadri”) mountain range. Most of these waterfalls are not perennial and are only formed during the Monsoon season.

Mulshi Dam Falls – Ashtdhara Waterfall and Palshe Water Fall

LOCATION: Mulshi Dam and Palase Village

Area around Mulshi Dam (on Mula River) is a beautiful green valley. Mulshi Dam is a Must-Visit place during the rainy season. There are clouds everywhere and many waterfalls dot the landscape. On the road to Palshe (or Palase) village, eight waterfalls in a row cascade down from the mountain. These are called the Ashtdhara Waterfalls. These waterfalls combine and form one large waterfall. Valne Ghat offers an amazing view of Mulsi Dam. Other attractions near Mulshi Dam include Lavasa, Pavana Lake, Tamhini Waterfall and Amby Valley.

Further from Mulshi Dam is Tamhini Ghat, which is a 15 Km mountain pass in the Sahyadri that connects Mulshi, Lavasa and Pune with the North Konkan region. There are dense forests along Tamhini Ghat and during the monsoon season many waterfalls are formed along the Tamhini Ghat road.

Malshej Ghat – Excellent Destination In The Monsoon

LOCATION: Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat is a “Must Visit” place during the Monsoon season. On the road to Malshej Ghat one leaves the plains in the west and climbs onto the hilly elevated Deccan Plateau. The scenic beauty of Malshej Ghat and the Sahyadri Hills (Western Ghats) is stunning; more so during the rainy season when there is greenery and waterfalls all around. In the monsoon, there are numerous waterfalls for visitors to get wet under. All vehicles get wet under waterfalls near the famous Malshej Ghat Tunnel. The MTDC hotel at the top of Malshej Ghat Mountain pass offers among the best views. A short distance South East of Malshej Ghat is Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, which receives flamingoes and other migratory birds between November and February. Other tourist attractions near Malshej Ghat are Shivneri Fort (birth place of Shivaji Maharaj), Lenyadri (Buddhist Caves) and Harishchandragad Fort.

NOTE: During the monsoons, be cautious of clouds of the road, mist, people bathing under waterfalls on the road, rock fall and slippery road.

Igatpuri Waterfalls

LOCATION: Igatpuri, near Ghatandevi Temple

Located at the end of Thal Ghat near Kasara, Igatpuri offers beautiful views of mountains and valleys. The magic of monsoons brings greenery and waterfalls to this hilly area. Near the Ghatandevi Temple (Goddess who protects the Ghats), are a series of 5 waterfalls which are a popular tourist attraction during the rains. Other keys attractions at Igatpuri are Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre (Pagoda that offer Vipassana meditation courses), Camel Valley, Bhatsa River Valley, Tringalwadi Fort and Tringalwadi Lake. 7 kms from the highway near Kasara town is a left that goes under a railway track; 4 Kms further on this road is the Vihigaon waterfall (13 Km before Igatpuri). Vihigaon waterfall is formed during the rains when the village pond overflows over the hill. Visitors can enjoy rappelling and rock climbing on Sundays when the waterfall is flowing. Visitors driving to Igatpuri from Pune, via Malshej Ghat, have the opportunity to visit two scenic hill stations.

Bushi Dam Waterfall, Lonavala – Popular Day Picnic Place

LOCATION: Jalvaayu Marg, Lonavala, 6.5 Km from Lonavala Railway Station, 5.5 Km from Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, 8 Km from Expressway Exit at Lonavala

This is not a natural waterfall but created during the Monsoon when water from Bushy Dam overflows on the steps on the side of the dam. It is a relatively safe place to enjoy a waterfall experience and hence it is a great place for families with young kids. During rains, expect large crowds on weekends and holidays. Short distances from Bushi Dam are small natural waterfalls which are also popular with visitors. Combine a visit to Bhushi Dam with the other attractions of Lonavala – Khandala (Tiger Point, Kune Falls, Pavana Lake, etc) and this becomes a great day trip for the family.

NOTE: Do not swim in the dam. Every year people drown in this dam. Expect large crowds, some unruly, on holidays.

Thoseghar Waterfall, Satara

LOCATION: 25 Kms South-West of Satara, near Tarali Dam

Thoseghar Waterfalls is a waterfall 25 Kms South-West of Satara and on the Eastern edge of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. Thoseghar Waterfall is among the tallest waterfalls in India. A concrete viewing platform has been constructed from where visitors can view Thoseghar Waterfall. The main attraction of Thoseghar Waterfall is the drive to the waterfall, the scenic beauty around the falls and the wind farms (Chalkewadi) near the fall. Other attractions near Thoseghar and Satara are Kas Plateau Valley, also known as Valley of Flowers, Kas Lake, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Vajrai Waterfall, Koyna Dam, Bamnoli Boat Club (boating), Tapole (boating), Ajinkyatara Fort, Sajjangad Fort (Samadhi of Chatrapati Shivaji), Nandgiri (Kalyangad) Fort,

NOTE: Visitors can not bathe under Thoseghar Waterfalls.

Vajrai Waterfall, Bhambavali, Satara

LOCATION: Near Kaas Lake, Kaas Road, 27 Kms West of Satara

Vajrai Waterfall is among the few perennial waterfalls in Maharashtra. With a height of 850+ feet, Vajraj Waterfall is also among the tallest waterfalls in Maharashtra. Vajrai Waterfalls is located 5 Km from the amazing Kas Plateau Valley (“Valley of Flowers”); it is also close to Kaas Lake and Bhambavli village. Vajrai Waterfall is 27 Kms from Satara, 140 Kms from Pune and 282 Km from Mumbai. During the rainy season, the entire region near the waterfall becomes green. Tourist interested in exploring the Vajrai Waterfalls and the area around it can hire a guide from Bhambavli village. Please see the above description of Thoseghar Waterfall for information on attractions near Vajrai Waterfall and Satara.

NOTE: The water under Vajrai Waterfall is deep, so bathing is not advisable.

Bhivpuri Waterfall – Easy To Reach From Mumbai And Pune

LOCATION: Near Bhivpuri Train Station on the CST-Karjat Suburban Line

Bhivpuri Waterfalls offers a wonderful waterfall, a nice trek, lovely hills and ample greenery. Falling for a tall height, visitors can enjoy a bath under Bhivpuri Waterfall. Bhivpuri Waterfalls is popular with Mumbai picnickers because it is relatively easy to reach; even for those without a vehicle. Bhivpuri Railway station is on the Central Railway’s CST-Karjat Suburban Local Train Line. It is located between Neral and Karjat stations. Visitors travelling by train can get off either at Karjat or Bhivpuri Railway Station and take an auto to the Bhivpuri Waterfalls, which are 3 Km from Bhivpuri Station. Tata Power has a hydro-electricity plant near Bhivpuri. 26 Kms South are the Zenith Waterfalls, near Khapoli, and 15 Kms north are the Vangani Waterfalls.

NOTE: The trek from Bhivpuri station to Bhivpuri Waterfall can be a little challenging for the elderly.

Chinchoti Waterfall, Tungareshwar Waterfall

LOCATION: In Tungareshwar National Park, 12 Kms East of Vasai Road Station

Located in the Tungareshwar National Park, Chinchoti Waterfalls are also called Tungareshwar Waterfalls. Since these waterfalls are in a National Park, the area is covered with dense trees. Chinchoti Waterfall is located at a height of 2000+ feet. It’s an adventurous trek from the base of the hill to the Chinchoti Waterfall (Tungareshwar Waterfall). There is one large waterfall and many smaller waterfalls. Tunganeshwar Waterfall is located 6 Kms from the Mumbai-Ahmadabad highway (near Sativali village) and 12 Kms from Vasai Railway Station. Auto-rickshaws are available till Sitaram Bapu Mandir, which is the starting point of the trek. Tungareshwar Temple is a famous Hindu temple in the hills, near the falls. Kamandurg Peak is another attraction near the falls.

NOTE: Every year there are reports of deaths of visitors to Tungareshwar, because of the terrain. Do be cautious.

Lingmala Waterfall – Mahableshwar’s Most Famous Fall

LOCATION: On the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road.

During the monsoon, Mahabaleshwar is a hill station of breath-taking beauty. The green hills, the cool climate, the greenery around and numerous waterfalls, make Mahableshwar a magical place in the rainy season. Lingmala Waterfall is one the most famous falls in and around Mahabalehwar. The Venna River is the source of Lingmala Falls. Lingmala Waterfall is situated 6 Kms from Mahableshwar along the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani road. A large part of the attraction of Lingmala is the route to the falls, which is via a forest and over a series of steps. Other popular waterfalls near Mahabaleshwar are Dhobi Waterfall, Bhilar Waterfall, Mandakani Waterfalls, Ale’s Waterfall, Kelghar Falls, Needle Point Falls, and Chinaman’s Waterfall.

NOTE: During the monsoon, expect large crowds on weekends and holidays.

NOTE: Visitors can not bathe in this waterfall.

Zenith Waterfalls, Khapoli

LOCATION: Near Zenith Factory, Khopoli

Zenith Waterfall is a popular destination during the rains, because of its proximity to Mumbai and Pune and the ease of reaching the falls. Zenith Waterfall is a 40 minute walk from Khopoli Railway Station. To reach Zenith Fall, one has to wade through a shallow stream and walk through a forest area. All this adds to the charm of Zenith Waterfall. Once the monsoon is over, visitors can enjoy rappelling and rock climbing here.

NOTE: Expect large crowds on holidays. Do be cautious of the waterfall that comes down with force, the slippery rocks and the pond that is formed at the base of the fall.

PLEASE NOTE: Waterfalls can be dangerous because of landslides, rock fall, slippery surface, deep waters, etc. Please be cautious.

NOTE: The above list is based on the views of the author.

Map of the Best Waterfalls Near Mumbai And Pune

This map has the location of the best waterfalls near Mumbai and Poona.

List of Waterfalls in Maharashtra

• Kune Waterfall – (Near Duke at Khandala, District Pune)
• Rajmachi Waterfall – (Near Khandala, District Pune)
• Tiger Falls – (Near Lonavala, District Pune)
• Bushi Dam – (Near Lonavala, District Pune)
• Tamhini Waterfalls – (Tamhini Ghat, District Pune)
• Gavlideo Hill Fall – (Thane – Belapur Road, District Thane)
• Bhivpuri Waterfall – (Bhivpuri, District Thane)
• Dabhosa Waterfall – (Near Jawhar, District Thane)
• Chinchoti (Tungareshwar) Waterfall – (Tungareshwar, Near Vasai, District Thane)
• Zenith Waterfall – (Khopoli, District Thane)
• Malsej Ghat Waterfalls – (Malshej Ghat, District Thane)
• Usarvardhane Waterfall – (Near Kansai Village, District Thane)
• Vihigaon Waterfall – (Vihigaon, Near Itarsi, District Thane)
• Tigher Waterfall – (Near Karjat, District Thane)
• Pandavkada Fall – (Kharghar, District Raigad)
• Peb Waterfall – (Road to Matheran, District Raigad)
• Tapalwadi Fall – (Road to Matheran, District Raigad)
• Garambi Waterfall – (Near Murud, District Raigad)
• Ramdharneshwar Waterfall – (Near Alibag, District Raigad)
• Sawatkada Waterfall – (Near Alibag, District Raigad)
• Lingamala Waterfall – (Mahabaleshwar – Panchgani Road, District Satara)
• Bhilar Waterfall – (Mahabaleshwar – Panchgani Road, District Satara)
• Needle Point Waterfall – (Mahabaleshwar – Panchgani Road, District Satara)
• Mandakini Waterfall – (Near Mahabaleshwar, District Satara)
• Ale’s Waterfall – (Near Mahabaleshwar, District Satara)
• Dhobi Falls – (Near Mahabaleshwar, District Satara)
• Kelghar Waterfall – (Near Mahabaleshwar, District Satara)
• Chinaman’s Waterfall – (Near Mahabaleshwar, District Satara)
• Thoseghar Waterfall – (Thoseghar, near Satara, District Satara)
• Vajrai Waterfall – (Near Kaas Lake, District Satara)
• Chirkehind Waterfall – (Ambenali Ghat, District Satara)
• Ozarde Waterfall – (Nawaja, Near Koynanagar, District Satara)
• Dudhsagar Waterfall – (Near Nasik, District Nashik)
• Dugarwadi Waterfall – (Near Trimbakeshwar, District Nashik)
• Marleshwar Waterfall – (Near Devrukh, District Ratnagiri)
• Nivali Falls – (Near Dhamani, District Ratnagiri)
• Dodhvne Tivre Falls – (Near Sangameshwar, District Ratnagiri)
• Sawatkada Waterfall – (Chiplun, District Ratnagiri)
• Kandhar Waterfall – (Kandhar, District Sangli)
• Randha Falls – (Near Bhandardara, District Ahmednagar)
• Umbrella Falls – (Bhandardara, District Ahmednagar)
• Bhildari Valley Waterfalls – (Kannad, District Aurangabad)
• Barki Waterfall – (Near Barki Reservior, District Kolhapur)
• Palsambe Waterfall – (Palsambe, District Kolhapur)
• Ramatirth Waterfall – (Near Ajara, District Kolhapur)
• Berki Waterfall – (Near Gaganbawda, District Kolhapur)
• Napne Falls – (District Sindhudurg)
• Amboli Ghat Falls – (Amboli Ghat, District Sindhudurg)
• Nagartas Waterfall – (Amboli Ghat, District Sindhudurg)
• Vyaghreshwar waterfall – (District Sindhudurg)
• Savdav Waterfall – (Near Kankavli, District Sindhudurg)
• Chinchghar Waterfall – (Near Nandgaon, District Sindhudurg)
• Sahastrakund Waterfall – (Near Himayatnagar, District Nanded)

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The post Best And Famous Waterfalls Near Mumbai And Pune appeared first on Wonderful Mumbai.

These are pictures of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai in 2016 and the Best Ganesh Idols in Mumbai. Article also has info on the best Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai, famous Ganpati Murti (Idol) makers and dates of Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganesh Festival) and Ganpati Visarjan (Immersion).

Dates of Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganpati Visarjan

Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganesh Festival) starts on 5 September, 2016 (Monday) and ends on 15 September, 2016 (Thursday), which is “Anant Chaturdashi”.

The key dates of Ganesh Chaturthi 2016 are as follows:

1. 5 September, 2016 (Monday): Start of Ganesh Chaturthi. Devotees bring home Ganpati Murti and pray to Lord Ganesh. Friends and relatives visit homes where there are Ganesh Idols. Ganesh Mandals install Ganesh Murti (Ganpati Idol) at their Ganesh Pandals. Around 200,000 Ganesh Idols are bought in Mumbai during Ganesh Utsav (Ganesh Festival).
2. 6 September, 2016 (Tuesday): First day of Ganpati Visarjan. Many of the small Ganesh Murtis (Ganesh Idols), belonging to families, are immersed on this day. It is estimated that 95% of the Ganpati Idols in Mumbai are placed in individual homes. This Ganesh Visarjan is also called one and half day Ganpati Visarjan.
3. 7 September, 2016 (Wednesday): This is the third day of Ganesh Chaturti and a few Ganpati Mortis are immersed on this day.
4. 9 September, 2016 (Friday): The fifth day of Ganesh Chaturthi is the day for Gauri Visarjan. Goddess Gauri (also known as Parvati and Durga) is the mother of Ganesha. It is a popular custom in Mumbai and Maharashtra to keep an idol of Goddess Gauri during Ganesh Chaturthi. Special Gauri Puja is done the day before Gauri Visarjan. Ganesh Visarjan of the world’s richest Ganpati, GSB Seva Mandal’s Ganesh Idol, is done on this day.
5. 11 September, 2016 (Sunday): This is the seventh day of Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganpati immersions of Ganesh Statues are done on this day.
6. 14 September, 2016 (Wednesday): Tenth day of Ganesh Chaturthi is also a day for Ganpati Visarjan.
7. 15 September, 2016 (Thursday): Today is Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh Visarjan of many of Mumbai’s biggest Ganesh idols is done on this day. Most of Mumbai’s biggest Ganesh Mandals immerse their Ganpati Murti on this day.

Famous Ganesh Mandals And Best Ganesh Idols In Mumbai

Listed below are the best Ganesh Murtis (Idols) in Mumbai and the Ganesh Mandals that organize these Ganpati Murtis. Address of all these Ganesh Idols can be found in the below map.

• GSB Seva Mandal is the richest Ganpati Mandal in the world. The GSB Seva Ganesh Murti is regularly wins award for being among the best in Mumbai. The GSB Seva Ganesha Idol is adorned with jewelry donated by devotees. Immersion of this murti is done on the fifth day. This Ganesh Pandal is at G.S.B. Sports Club Ground, King Circle. This is among the few Mumbai Ganesh Mandals that serve food to devotees.
• Lalbaugcha Raja is probably the most famous Ganesh Idol in the world. It estimated that 150 lakh devotees pray to Lalbaugcha Raja during Ganesh Chaturthi. Worshippers stand for hours in line to pray to Lalbaug Cha Raja. Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Pandal is managed by Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal.
• Mumbaicha Raja is the famous Ganpati Murti at Ganesh Galli, Lalbagh. Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal has been organizing the Mumbaicha Raja Ganpati since 1928. Every year Mumbai Cha Raja is housed in a beautiful Ganpati Pandal.
• Khetwadicha Ganraj is at Khetwadi Gali 12 and is managed by 12th Khetwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal. Khetwadi is famous for having the largest number of big Ganesh Idols in Mumbai. Khetwadicha Ganraj is among the most famous Ganpatis in Khetwadi. Khetwadi Land 12 Ganesh usually wins a prize for the best Ganpati Mandal and the best Ganesh Idol in Mumbai.
• Mumbaicha Maharaja is organized by Mumbai Cha Maharaja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal. It is located opposite Khetwadicha Ganraj, at Khetwadi Lane 11. Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganesh Idol is usually very creative and it is housed in a wonderful Ganesh Pandal.
• Khetwadicha Raja is located at Khetwadi’s Khambatta Lane. Khetwadi Cha Raja Ganesh Murti is organized by Khambata Road Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
• Bappa Khetwadicha is the Khetwadi Galli 10 Ganpati Idol that is organized by Om Tandav Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
• Parelcha Raja is the famous Ganesh Statue of Nare Park in Parel. Parel Cha Raja Ganpati is managed by Parel Vibhag Sarvajanik Geneshutsav Mandal. This Ganesh murti changes every year and
  it is usually a very creative idol.
• Ladka Lambodar Ganpati is the Ganesh Idol of Rangari Badak Chawl, at Kalachowki. Ladka Lambodar is organized by Rangari Badak Chawl Ganpati Mandal.
• Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani is among the oldest Ganpati’s in Mumbai. Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal has been organizing the Chinchpoklicha Chintamani Ganesh since 1920. In 2015 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati Idol was voted the best Ganesh Murti (Idol) in Mumbai.
• Raja Tejukayacha is a fierce looking Ganpati Murti from Lalbagh. It is one of the three famous Ganpati Idols from Lalbaug in Central Mumbai. Raja Tejukayacha is organized by Tejukaya Sarvajanik Ganesh Ustov Mandal Trust.
• Tulsiwadi Cha Maharaja is the Ganesh Idol from Tulsiwadi in Tardeo. Tulsiwadicha Maharaja is organized by Tulsiwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
• Kamatipuracha Chintamani Ganesh is organized by Kamathipura Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Mandal.
• Dongri Cha Raja is a famous Ganpati Idol from Dongri in Central Mumbai. Dongricha Raja is organized by Chinch Bunder Dongri Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Mandal.
• Fort Cha Raja is the Ganesh Idol from Fort, near CST Station. Fortcha Raja Ganpati is organized by Shree Balgopal Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
• The Ganesh Idol of Chandanwadi, Chira Bazaar is organized by Akhil Chandanwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshustav Mandal.
• Vile Parle Cha Peshwa is the tallest environmently friendly Ganesh Idol in Mumbai. Since 2008 Bal Gopal Mitra Mandal has been hosting an eco-friendly Ganpati Murti.
• Vile Parle Vishwacha Raja is the Ganesh Murti organized by Bal Mitra Mandal Vile Parle. This Ganpati is at Vile Parle East.
• Vile Parle Cha Samrat is another famous Ganpati Idol from Vile Parle East. It is located opposite Bhuta High School.
• Navsala Pavnara Vasaicha Maharaja is a beautiful Ganpati from the Northen Mumbai suburb of Anand Nagar in Vasai. Anand Nagar Sarvajanik Geneshutsav Mandal organizes this Ganesh Idol. Andhericha Raja is also known as Navasala Pavnara Ganpati. Managed by Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, the 8.5 feet Andheri Cha Raja Ganesh Idol has remained unchanged for over 50 years. This is the only big Ganpati whose Visarjan does not take place on the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi, but five days later.
• Currey Road Cha Kaivari Ganesh Murti is organized by Balgopal Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
• Navi Mumbai Ka Raja is organized by Shivchhaya Mitra Mandal. This Ganesh Pandal is at Ramtanumata Marg, Turbhe in Navi Mumbai.
• Sahyadri Krida Mandal’s Ganesh Idol is at Tilak Nagar in Chembur. This Ganesh Mandal regularly wins prizes for being among the best Ganpati Mandals in Mumbai.

Map of Mumbai’s Best Ganesh Idols and Ganesh Mandals

Pictures of The Best Ganesh Idols In Mumbai In 2016

Three weeks before Ganesh Chaturthi, the large Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai start getting their Ganpati Murtis to their Ganesh Pandals. Pictures of the best Ganesh Idols in Mumbai in 2016 will be added then.

Best Ganesh Idol (Murti) Makers, Sculptors in Mumbai

These are some of the best Ganpati Murti (Idol) makers in Mumbai. Many of these Ganesh Murti sculptor have their workshops at Parel. Work on Ganesh Idols usually starts 2 to 3 months before Ganesh Chaturti.

• Vijay Khatu
• Raju Shinde
• Kunal Patil
• Rajan Zad
• Krunal Patil
• Ramesh Ravle
• Rajan Khatu
• Shankar
• Digambar Manikar and Rajesh Manikar
• Kambli Family (Lalbaghcha Raja Idol maker since 1935)

Ganpati Visarjan in Mumbai – Places, Routes and Maps

• Ganesh Visarjan in South Mumbai (Girgaon Chowpatty)
• Detailed Ganpati Visarjan Map for Chowpatty
• Lalbaug Cha Raja Visarjan Route
• Map of Ganapati Visarjan at Dadar and Shivaji Park
• Route of Ganesh Visarjan (Immersion) at Juhu Beach
• Ganpati Immersion (Visarjan) at Versova Beach
• Map of Ganesh Visarjan at Bhujale Talao (Malad West)
• Ganpati Murti Visarjan at Marve Beach and Aksa Beach
• Ganpati Visarjan at Gorai Jetty, Borivali (West)
• Ganesh Murti Visarjan at Sheetal Talao in Kurla (West)
• Map for Ganpati Visarjan at Powai Lake, Pawarwadi

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The post Photos Of 2016 Mumbai Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Idols appeared first on Wonderful Mumbai.

All 2017 Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra, including Public Holidays, Bank Holidays, School Holidays and Government Holidays, are listed below.

Dates of 2017 Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra

Table has the list of 2017 Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

BMC and Maharashtra State Government offices, Banks, Mumbai Schools, Mumbai Colleges, institutions such as National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), courts, etc, have holidays on the dates listed below.
Most of the Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra in 2017 are either religious festival holidays or birthdays of important Indians.

Bank Holidays in 2017 in Mumbai, Maharashtra and India

In addition to the above table of 2017 Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra, Banks will have a holiday on 1 April to close their accounts.
Please note that this holiday is only for banks and not for the other institutions (school, colleges, government offices, etc).

2017 Holidays in Mumbai, Maharashtra That Are On Sunday

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The post List of 2017 Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra appeared first on Wonderful Mumbai.

The Top 10 Best College Festivals in Mumbai are listed below.

Top 10 Best College Festivals in Mumbai

Mood Indigo is the Largest College Festival in Asia

COLLEGE: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay

LOCATION: Powai

IIT Bombay’s “Mood Indigo” is the biggest college cultural fest in Asia. The 2015 edition of Mood Indigo had over 1.3 lakh visitors from 1650 colleges participating in 220 events. Mood Indigo competitions are based on Music (Singing with the Stars, Western Band, Mantra), Dance (Dancing with the Stars), Theatre (Street Theater, One Act Plays, Skits), Film Making (Director’s Cut), Improvisation (Impromptu Acting, JAM, Extempore), Debate, Stand-up Comedy, Quiz Contests, Poetry, Journalism and other cultural events. Mood Indigo invites celebrities to judge the competitive events. Mood Indigo also offers many non-competitive art and cultural events for visitors to enjoy. These Mood Indigo events include literature festival (LitFest), folk dance (WorldFest), workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, shows, fringe events, informal, sports, exhibition matches, interactive games, etc. Among the most popular events at Mood Indigo are the music concerts. Encompassing multiple genres and languages, the Mood Indigo music concerts feature well known Indian and international bands and musicians. Started in 1971, Mood Indigo is among the oldest college festivals in Mumbai. The 4 day Mood Indigo Festival is held in December and is organized by the students of IIT Bombay.

Malhar is the Second Largest College Fest in Asia

COLLEGE: St. Xavier’s College

LOCATION: 5, Mahapalika Marg, Near Metro Big Cinema (Dhobi Talao)

Malhar College Festival is the second largest college cultural festival in Asia. The competitive events at Malhar include Literary Events, Fine Arts, Performing Arts (Music, Concerts, Dance, Theatre, Films), Talent Contests, Quizzes and much more. As with most inter-collegiate festivals, music concerts are among the most popular events. “Conclave” is a forum where students get to interact with distinguished persons from different walks of life. Guests at the 2016 Malhar Conclave include Kumar Mangalam Birla, Naseeruddin Shah,Sharmila Tagore, Anu Aga, AS Kiran Kumar (ISRO Chairperson), Amish Tripathi,Suresh Prabhu and more. The 3 day Malhar Festival organized by the students of St Xavier’s College is held around Independence Day (15 August).

Mithibai’s Kshitij is a Popular College Fest in Mumbai West

COLLEGE: Mithibai College

LOCATION: Vaikunthlal Mehta Road, Vile Parle West, Near NM College

Kshitij is the four day college festival of Mumbai’s Mithibai College. Events at “Kshitij” include Performing Arts (Dance, Music, Bands, Theater and Fashion Show), Fine Arts, Sports, Gaming, Literary Events, Management Events, Photography, Films and Informals.Mithibhai’s college festival has around 50 events and 500 participating colleges. “Pronights” (music concerts) is the most popular event at Mithibai’s College Festival. Famous musicians have performed at Kshitij. Mithibai’s intercollegiate festival attracts many film stars, especially those promoting their new film. Kshitij college festival is usually held in end November and is one of the most popular College Festivals in Mumbai West.

Kaleidoscope Is Sophia College’s Well Known College Fest

COLLEGE: Sophia College

LOCATION: Bhulabhai Desai Road, Between Peddar Road and Breach Candy

Kaleidoscope or K-Scope is the inter-college cultural festival of Sophia College for Women. Kaleidoscope has a carnival like feel set against the impressive Sophia College building. Kaleidoscope is usually held in September. Events at Kaleidoscope include Music, Literary Events, Informals, Performing Arts, Sports, Dance, Photography, Workshops and many more. Kaleidoscope comes to end in a grand music concert by a well-known Indian band. In addition to Kaleidoscope Sophia College organizes a two day college fest called “Ananya”, which is based on social themes.

Umang (NM College) College Festival Gets Large Crowds

COLLEGE: Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics

LOCATION: Vaikunthlal Mehta Road, Vile Parle West, Near Mithibai College

Umang is the inter college cultural festival of Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics (NM College). It is estimated that around 50,000 visitors attend the NM College festival making it among the more popular college festivals in Mumbai. Events at Umang include Music (including concerts), Fashion, Fine Arts, Stand-Up Comedy, Dance, Photography, Film Making, Workshops, Panel Discussions, Sports, Gaming, Literary Events, Improvisation Events, Informal Events and Management Events. Umang 2016 has over 60 events; its dates clash with St Xavier’s Malhar College Festival.In addition to Umang, NM College holds another annual college fest called “Drishti”, where the focus is on management events.

Pratibimb is the Long Running College Festival of VJTI

COLLEGE: Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI)

LOCATION: H R Mahajani Marg, Matunga East, Near Five Garden

Pratibimb is the annual cultural festival organized by the students of Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI). Of the three day festival, one day is only for VJTI students and the other two days are open to students from other colleges. Events at Pratibimb include Music, Dance, Singing, Debate, Quiz, Fine Art Events, Literary Events, Sports, Games, Theatre, Mr. and Ms. Pratibimb, Stand-Up Comedy, Concerts, Workshops, Management Games and more. In addition to “Pratibimb”, the other college festivals at VJTI include “Technovanza” (techno-management festival), “Rangawardhan” (Marathi cultural festival) and “Enthusia” (sports festival).

Brouhaha is the Cultural Festival of Sydenham College

COLLEGE: Sydenham College

LOCATION: B Road, Churchgate

Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics’ annual cultural festival is called “Brouhaha”. Events at this five day cultural festival include Music, Singing, Dance, Literary Events, Games, Informals, Film, Photography, Fashion, Quiz and more. As with other college festivals in Mumbai, Brouhaha too is primarily organized by the students of Sydenham College. Brouhaha is held in the month of December. The first Sydenham’s cultural festival was held in 1985.

Jai Hind College has Seven College Festivals

COLLEGE: Jai Hind College

LOCATION: A Road, Churchgate

Jaihind College at Churchgate probably organizes more college fests than any other college in Mumbai. Different departments in Jai Hind College organize college festivals related to their department. Among the college festivals at Jai Hind are Entourage (Cultural, Sports and Academic Events), Talaash (Management Festival), Kani (Creative Fest), Arthanomics (Economics Festival), Detour (Mass Media Festival), Advertising Festival, SHOUTT (Dramatics).

Tatva Moksh Lakshya, SIES’ College Fest, Has Diverse Events

COLLEGE: SIES Graduate School of Technology

LOCATION: Vidyapuram, Sector 5, Nerul, Navi Mumbai

SIES Graduate School of Technology’s College Festival is a mix of three college Fests in one. There are events related to Technology (“Tatva”), Cultural Events (“Moksh”) and Sports (“Lakshya”). The finale of SIES College Festival is a Rock Show. In addition to this college fest, SIES students also organize a popular three day Technical Festival called “Cognition”.

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Images:

Mood Indigo (IIT Bombay): Image by Parth loya. Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Image taken from Wikimedia Commons. Image has been altered.

SIES College Festival: Image by Hypd09. Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Image taken from Wikimedia Commons. Image has been altered.

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Best Ganpati Idols And Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai in 2015

This is a list of the best Ganesh Idols and Ganpati Mandals in Mumbai in 2015 (source “Times Utsav Moorti Sanman”).
[Please view this link for Ganesh Photos of the Best Ganesh Idols in Mumbai in 2016.]

Winners of the Best Ganesh Idols (Murti) in Mumbai

Winners of the Best Ganpati Mandals in Mumbai

Winner of Mumbai’s Most Visited (Most Popular) Ganpati

Winner of Mumbai’s Best Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idol

Amazing “Mumbaicha Maharaja” Ganesh at Khetwadi Galli 11

(Please Click on Mumbaicha Maharaja Picture to Enlarge)

• The Khetwadi Lane 11 Ganpati is popularly known as “Mumbaicha Maharaja”.
• The 2015 “Mumbai Cha Maharaja” Ganpati is made by the famous Ganesh sculptor, Vijay Khatu.
• The shape of Khetwadi Gali 11 Ganesh Idol changes every year. In recent years “Mumbaicha Maharaja” has been among the more creative Ganesh Murtis in Mumbai.
• “Mumbai Cha Maharaja” is managed by “Mumbai Cha Maharaja Sarvajanik GaneshOtsav Mandal”, which started in 1962.

Khetwadi Galli (Lane) 11 Ganpati Photos over the years

• 2016 Khetwadi Gali 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganpati Pictures
• 2014 Khetwadi Galli 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganpati Pictures
• 2013 Khetwadi Lane 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganesh Pictures
• 2012 Khetwadi Galli 11 Mumbai Cha Maharaja Ganpati Photos

Khetwadi Lane 12 Ganesh Is Among Mumbai’s Best Idol And Mandal

(Please Click on Khetwadicha Ganraj Picture to Enlarge)

• The Khetwadi Lane (Galli) 12 Ganpati is popularly known as “Khetwadicha Ganraj”.
• The Khetwadi Lane 12 Ganesh Idol is tall and elegant. The Mandap/Pandal of the “Khetwadicha Ganraj” is beautifully decorated. An imposing Ganpati and a beautiful Mandal make the Khetwadi Gali 12 Ganesh one of the best in Mumbai. The Mandap is inspired by Moti Mahal in Bhopal.
• For the last 7 years, “Khetwadi Cha Ganraj” has been winning awards for the best Ganesh Mandal and Idol.
• The 2015 Khetwadi Cha Ganraj (Lane 12) Ganesh Idol is 14 feet tall and is made by the famous Ganesh Murti maker, Raju Shinde.
• “Khetwadicha Ganraj” is managed by Khetwadi 12th Lane Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal, which started in 1959.

Ganesh Pictures of Khetwadi Galli 12 Ganesh over the Years

• 2016 Khetwadi Cha Ganraj (Galli 12) Ganesh Photos
• 2014 Khetwadi Lane 12 (“Khetwadicha Ganraj”) Ganpati Photo
• 2013 Khetwadi Galli 12 (“Khetwadicha Ganraj”) Ganesh Photos
• 2012 Khetwadi Lane 12 (“Khetwadicha Ganraj”) Ganpati Photos

2015 Khetwadi Lane 8 Ganesh Is Mumbai’s Best And Scariest

(Please Click on Khetwadi Galli 8 Ganpati Picture to Enlarge)

• Khetwadi Lane 8 has one of the most impressive Ganpatis in Mumbai in 2015. It is a tall, white, aggressive looking Ganesh idol.
• The Khetwadi Gali 8 Mandal has cleverly used lights and set design to create an eerie atmosphere. One gets the impression that one is in a snow cave in the Himalayas. It is one of the most unusual Mumbai Ganesh Mandal in 2015.
• The 2015 Khetwadi Lane 8 Ganesh Idol is made by murtikar (sculptor) Shankar.
• For Ganesha devotees, Khetwadi is a must visit area during Ganesh Chaturthi because it has Mumbai’s largest collection of tall and amazing Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals on a single half kilometer stretch. The 2015 Khetwadi Galli 8 Ganesh is a must-visit Mandal.

Pictures Of Mumbaicha Raja (Ganesh Galli, Lalbagh)

(Please Click on Mumbai Cha Raja Ganesh Picture to Enlarge)

• The Lalbaug Ganesh Galli Ganpati idol is known as “Mumbaicha Raja”. This tall and majestic Ganpati is one of the most famous idols in Mumbai.
• “Mumbaicha Raja” is placed in a wonderful Mandal which is inspired by Gujrat’s Bajrangbali Temple.
• Given the drought situation in Maharashtra’s Marathwada and Vidarbha region, the “Mumbai Cha Raja” Mandal has decided to give all donations received in 2015 to “NAAM Foundation”, which is run by Nana Patekar and Makrand Anasapure.
• Started at Ganesh Gali (Lalbagh), in 1928, “Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal” manages the “Mumbaicha Raja” Ganesha.

Mumbai Cha Raja (Lalbaug) Ganpati Photo over the years

• 2016 Mumbai Cha Raja (Ganesh Galli) Ganpati Murti Photo
• 2014 Lalbaug Ganesh Gali “Mumbaicha Raja” Ganpati Pictures
• 2013 Lalbaug Ganesh Gali “Mumbai Cha Raja” Ganesh Pictures
• 2012 Lalbaug Ganesh Galli “Mumbai Cha Raja” Ganesh Photos

Andhericha Raja Is The Most Famous Ganpati In Mumbai’s Suburbs

(Please Click on Andheri Cha Raja Ganesh Picture to Enlarge)

• “Andheri Cha Raja”, which is also known as “Navasala Pavnara Ganpati”, is the most popular Ganpati in the Western Suburb of Mumbai.
• Reasons “Andhericha Raja” is famous is because it is considered a wish fulfilling Ganpati, the Ganesh Mandap/Mandal is beautiful and many film stars from the Hindi film industry frequent this Mandal.
• The 2015 “Andhericha Raja” Pandal is a replica of the amazing Ambaji Mata Temple in Gujarat. TOI awarded the “Andhericha Raja” the third best Ganpati Mandal in Mumbai in 2015.
• 2015 is the Golden jubilee of “Andheri Cha Raja” The design of the 8.5 ft “Andhericha Raja” has remained unchanged for the last 50 years.
• “Andhericha Raja” is the only major Ganpati that is immersed 5 days after the Visarjan of the other big Mumbai Ganpatis. So instead of on “Anant Chaturdashi”, Andhericha Raja’s Visarjan takes place on “Sankashti Chaturthi”. A small Ganpati at the “Andhericha Raja” Pandal is immersed on “Anant Chaturdashi”.

Mumbai Cha Raja (Lalbaug) Ganpati Photo over the years

• 2016 Navsara Pavnara Andheri Cha Raja Ganpati Murti Photo
• 2014 Andheri Cha Raja Ganpati Images
• 2013 Andheri Cha Raja Ganesh Idol Pictures

Pictures of 2015 Khetwadi Khambata Lane Ganpati

(Please Click on Khambata Lane Ganesh Picture to Enlarge)

• Khetwadi Khambatta Lane Ganesh is among the best Ganpati Murtis in Mumbai in 2015.
• The 2015 Khetwadi Khambata Lane Ganpati is a tall, purple, 3-headed Ganesh sitting on a large swan. “Khetwadi Cha Raja” Ganesh Idol is in the form of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The total structure is 25 feet, making it among the tallest Ganpati in Mumbai in 2015.
• Kunal Patil made this wonderful Ganesh idol.
• The Khambata Galli Ganesh is known as “Khetwadicha Raja” and is managed by “Khambata Road Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal”. This Mandal lays emphasis on harmony and unity between all communities and religions.

Khetwadi Khambatta Lane Ganpati Photos over the Years

• 2016 Khetwadi Cha Raja (Khambata Lane) Ganpati Murti
• 2014 khetwadi Khambata Galli Ganpati Idol Pictures
• 2013 Khetwadi Cha Raja (Khambata Lane) Ganesh Pictures

Parelcha Raja (Nare Park): Among Mumbai’s Best Big Ganpati

(Please Click on Parelcha Raja Picture to Enlarge)

• The Nare Park Ganpati is called “Parelcha Raja”.
• Year after year “Parelcha Raja” (Nare Park) is among the top Ganesh idols in Mumbai. 2015 is no exception. The tall, 10-hand, “Parelcha Raja” Ganesh is standing with his foot on the head of the demon “Sindura”.
• Since 1947 “Parel Vibhag Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Mandal” have been organizing “Parel Cha Raja” (Nare Park) Ganesh.

Parel Cha Raja (Nare Park) Ganesh Photos Over The Years

• 2016 Parel Cha Raja (Nare Park) Ganesh Murti Pictures
• 2014 Parelcha Raja – Nare Park Ganpati Pictures
• 2013 Parel Cha Raja (Nare Park) Ganesh Idol Pictures
• 2012 Parel Cha Raja (Nare Park) Ganesh Murti Photos

Picture Of The Awesome 2015 Grant Road Market Cha Ganesh

(Please Click on Grant Road Market Ganesh Picture to Enlarge)

• “Grant Road Market Cha Raja” is among the best Ganpati idols in Mumbai in 2015.
• Designed by famous Ganpati sculptor, Vijay Khatu, the 2015 “Grant Road Marketcha Raja” is a ten-hand, tall Ganesh modeled on Lord Shiva. The idol has a snake over its head and Ganga in his hair.
• “Grant Road Market Cha Raja” is located at the Bhaji Gali outside Grant Road station.

Lalbaghcha Raja Is Mumbai’s Most Famous And Popular Ganpati

(Please Click on Lalbaghcha Raja Picture to Enlarge)

• “Lalbaugcha Raja” is Mumbai’s Most Popular Ganpati during Ganesh Chaturthi. During Ganesh festival, more devotees visit “Lalbaghcha Raja” than any other Ganesha in Mumbai city.
• One reason that “Lalbaugcha Raja” is so famous is because it is considered a wish fulfilling Ganesh (“NavsachaGanpati”).
• The tall “Lalbaghcha Raja” Ganesh idol has been made by the Kambli family since 1935. The design of the Ganpati Murti remains more or less the same every, except for the ornaments, clothes and accessories.
• The wonderful 2015 Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) pandal for “Lalbaghcha Raja” was designed by famous film art director, Nitin Desai. This set was later used for the Salman Khan film “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”.
• “Lalbaugcha Raja” Ganeshutsav started in 1934 and is managed by “Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal”.

Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganesh Murti Pictures Over The Years

• 2016 Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganesh Murti Photos
• 2014 Lalbaug Cha Raja – Mumbai’s Most Popular Ganpati
• 2012 Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganpati Idol Pictures

Vile Parle Cha Peshwa Is Mumbai’s Most Eco-Friendly Big Ganpati

(Please Click on Vile Parlecha Peshwa Picture to Enlarge)

• “Vile Parle Cha Peshwa” is the most environment friendly large Ganesh idol in Mumbai in 2015.
• Stating tall at 22 feet, the “Vile Parlecha Peshwa” is made from recycled bamboos and tissue papers. Weighing 150 Kgs, the idol cost only Rs 18,000. The Ganesha idol is made by Digambar Manikar and his son Rajesh Manikar.
• Since 2008, “Bal Gopal Mitra Mandal”, the Mandal that manages “Vile Parlecha Peshwa”, has been installing an eco-friendly Ganpati Murti. In 2006, 19 year old Derek Jadhav presented a 3 feet eco-friendly Ganpati, made of tissue paper to the Mandal. He suggested that the Peshwa could also be an eco-friendly Ganpati. The Mandal rejected his idea. Tragically Derek passed away in a train accident; that’s when the “Vile Parlecha Peshwa” Mandal decided to follow Derek’s suggestion and ever since they have been installing an environment friendly Ganpati.

Eco-Friendly Vile Parle Cha Peshwa Ganpati Over The Years

• 2016 Vile Parle Cha Peshwa – Mumbai’s Eco Friendly Ganesh

Pictures of 2015 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganesh Idol

(Please Click on Chinchpokli Chintamani Picture to Enlarge)

• “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” is one of Mumbai’s most famous and oldest Ganpatis. “Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal” has been organizing the “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganesha since 1920.
• The 2015 “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganesh Idol is made by Vijay Khatu. “Chintamani” is sitting on his throne playing the sitar.
• Located near Chinchpokli Railway Station, the 2015 “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” is housed in a beautiful “Kalpanik Mahal”, which is inspired by royal palaces.

Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganesh Photos over the Years

• 2016 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati Photos
• 2014 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganesh Murti Photo
• 2013 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganesh Idol Photos
• 2012 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati Photos

Raja Tejukaya Is A Famous Ganpati From Lalbagh In Mumbai

(Please Click on Raja Tejukaya Ganesh Picture to Enlarge)

• “Raja Tejukaya” is one of the three most famous Ganpatis from Lalbagh in Central Mumbai. The other two Ganeshas are “Lalbaugcha Raja” and “Mumbaicha Raja” (Ganesh Gali).
• The impressive 2015 “Raja Tejukaya” Ganesh Idol is made by Rajan Zad. The 18 feet tall “Raja Tejukaya” Ganesh is dressed in battle armor and is standing next to an elephant.
• “Tejukaya Sarvajanik Ganeshostov Trust” is the Mandal that manages “Raja Tejukaya”.

Pictures of Raja Tejukaya, Famous Lalbaug Ganesh

• 2016 Lalbaug Raja Tejukaya Ganesh Murti Photos
• 2014 Tejukaya Raja Ganpati Photos

Pictures of 2015 Currey Road Cha Kaivari Ganpati Murti

(Please Click on Currey Roadcha Kaivari Picture to Enlarge)

• 2015 is the 50th years of “Currey Road Cha Kaivari” Ganpati.
• The 2015 “Currey Roadcha Kaivari” Ganesh Murti is a royal, aggressive looking idol. “Kaivari” means protector and avenger and the look of the “Currey Road Cha Kaivari” Ganpati lives up to his name.

Currey Road Cha Kaivari Ganesh Photos Over The Years

• 2016 Currey Road Cha Kaivari Ganpati Photos
• 2014 Currey Road Cha Kaivari Ganesh Pictures

Dharavi Cha Sukhakarta Is Among Mumbai’s Best Ganesh in 2015

(Please Click on Dharavicha Sukhakarta Picture to Enlarge)

• “Dharavi Cha Sukhakarta” is one of the most creative Ganesh Murtis in Mumbai in 2015.
• The 2015 “Dharavi Cha Sukhakarta” is a purple coloured Ganpati in a dancing pose. He is standing against a throne of snakes, which is held up by a giant snake. This innovative Ganpati Morti is made by Ganesh sculptor Krunal Patil.

Dharavi Cha Sukhkarta Ganesh Photos over the Years

• 2016 Dharavi Cha Sukhkarta Ganesh Murti Photos

Chandanwadi Cha Raja 2015 Ganesh Murti Among Mumbai’s Best

(Please Click on Chandanwadicha Raja Picture to Enlarge)

• “Chandanwadi Cha Raja” Ganesh Idol is located at Yeshwant Chawl, Chandanwadi, near Marine Lines Railway station.
• 2015 “Chandanwadi Cha Raja” Ganpati Idol is made by famous Ganesh Murtikar (sculptor) Vijay Khatu.
• Managed by “Akhil Chandanwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshustav Mandal” “Chandanwadi Cha Raja” is one the biggest Ganesh Mandals in South Mumbai.

Akhil Chandanwadi Ganesh Murti Photos over the Years

• 2016 Akhil Chandanwadi Ganpati Pictures
• 2014 Chandanwadi Ganpati Photo during Ganesh Chaturthi
• 2013 Chandanwadi Ganpati Photo during Ganesh Chaturthi

Images Of 2015 Malwanicha Raja Ganesh Idol In Mumbai

(Please Click on Malwanicha Raja Picture to Enlarge)

• 2015 is the 50th year celebration for “Malwanicha Raja” Ganpati. Located at BEST Colony in Malad (East), “Malwani Cha Raja” is among the more popular Ganesh idols in North Mumbai.
• The impressive 2015 “Malvanicha Raja” Ganesh Idol is made by Rajan Zad (Jhad).
• “Malwanicha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal” are the organizers of “Malwanicha Raja”.

Picture Of The Beautiful Mira Bhayander Cha Raja Ganesh

(Please Click on Mira Bhayander Raja Picture to Enlarge)

• The “Mira Bhayander Cha Raja” Ganesh Idol is among the nicer Ganpatis during the 2015 Mumbai Ganesh Chaturthi Festival. The 2015 “Mira-Bhayander Cha Raja” is a tall Ganpati Idol sitting on a peacock. The Ganesh isin the form of “Mayuresvara” or “Vikata”.
• “Mira-Bhayandercha Raja” Ganpati is managed by Siddhivinayak Seva Mandal, Bhayander (East). It is among the top Mandals in the northern suburbs of Mumbai.

Mira Bhayander Cha Raja Ganpati Photos over the Years

• 2016 Mira Bhayander Cha Raja Ganesh Murti Photos

Kamatipura Cha Chintamani Ganesh Is Among Mumbai’s Best Ganpati

(Please Click on Kamatipura Chintamani Picture to Enlarge)

• “Kamatipura Cha Chintamani” is among Mumbai’s famous Ganpatis. The 2015 “Kamatipura Cha Chintamani” Ganesh Idol is designed by Vijay Khatu.
• “Kamatipura Cha Chintamani” is managed by “Kamathipura Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal” and is located at Kamatipura Lane 14.

Kamatipura Cha Chintamani Ganpati Photos over the Years

• 2016 Kamatipura Cha Chintamani Ganesh Festival Pictures
• 2014 Kamatipura Cha Chintamani Ganpati Photos
• 2013 Kamatipura Cha Chintamani Ganesh Chaturthi Photos

Image of the 2015 Khetwadi Lane (Galli) 7 Ganpati Murti

(Please Click on Khetwadi Gali 7 Picture to Enlarge)

• The 2015 Khetwadi Gali 7 Ganesh is seated on a beautiful peacock.
• The Khetwadi Lane 7 Ganesh Idol is among the better idols in Khetwadi in 2015.
• For the last few years, Khetwadi Lane 7 has been producing very creative Ganesh Idols.

Ganesh Pictures of Khetwadi Galli 12 Ganesh over the Years

• 2016 Khetwadi Lane (Galli) 7 Ganpati Photo
• 2013 Khetwadi Galli 7 Ganpati Images during Ganesh Festival
• 2012 Khetwadi Lane 7 Ganesha Idol Picture

Picture of the Majestic 2015 Tardeo Cha Raja Ganesha

(Please Click on Tardeocha Raja Picture to Enlarge)

• 2015 “Tardeo Cha Raja” Ganesh is sitting on a throne that is overlooked by his father, Lord Shiva.
• 2015 “Tardeo Cha Raja” Ganpati Murti is made by Kunal Patil.

Dates of Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganpati Visarjan in 2015

1. 17 September, 2015 (Thursday): Start of Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganesh Festival) when Ganesh Idols are installed at homes and in Ganesh pandals. Ganesh Utsav starts on Shukla Chaturthi in the Hindu month of “Bhaadrapada”.
2. 18 September, 2015 (Friday): Ganesh Visarjan of Ganapati statues after 1 day. Many Ganpati idols that are brought to residential homes are immersed on this day. 95% of Ganesh murtis in Mumbai are installed in residential homes.
3. 21 September, 2015 (Monday): Gauri Visarjan when idols of Goddess Gauri (Parvati, mother of Ganesha) are immersed. The richest Ganesh Idol in the world, GSB Seva Mandal’s Ganpati, is immersed on the 5th day of Ganesh Chaturti.
4. 27 September, 2015 (Sunday): Final date of Ganesh Visarjan (Immersion), which falls on “Anant Chaturdashi” in the Hindu month of “Bhaadrapada”. Most of Mumbai’s biggest and most famous Ganesh Idols are immersed in the sea on this day.

PLEASE NOTE: Mumbai will have very high tide of around 4.6 meters on 27 September, 2015, which is the final day for Ganesh Visarjan. Be very careful while entering the sea for Ganpati Visarjan.

Famous Ganesh Idols and Ganpati Mandals in Mumbai

This is a list of the best and most famous Ganpati idols and Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai. These famous Mumbai Ganesh Idols can be located on the map below.

• GSB Seva Mandal’s Ganesh Murti located at G.S.B. Sports Club Ground, King Circle. This is Mumbai’s and the world’s richest Ganesh Mandal.
• “Lalbaugcha Raja” (Lalbaug) Ganpati managed by “Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal”
• “Mumbaicha Raja” (Ganesh Gali, Lalbaug) Ganesh Murti managed by “Lalbaug Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal”
• “Khetwadicha Ganraj” Ganpati Idol is located at Khetwadi Lane 12 and is managed by “12th Khetwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal”
• “Mumbaicha Maharaja” Ganpati Murti is located at Khetwadi Lane 11 and is managed by “Mumbai Cha Maharaja Sarvajanik GaneshOtsav Mandal”
• “Khetwadicha Raja” Ganesh Idol is located at Khetwadi Khambata Lane and is managed by “Khambata Road Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal”
• “Bappa Khetwadicha” Ganesh Murti is located at Khetwadi Lane 10 and is managed by “Om Tandav Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal”
• “Parelcha Raja” Ganesh Murti is located at Nare Park and is managed by “Parel Vibhag Sarvajanik Geneshutsav Mandal”
• “Ladka Lambodar Ganpati” Gampati Moorti is located at Rangari Badak Chawl, Kalachowki, and is managed by “Rangari Badak Chawl Ganpati Mandal”
• “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganesh Idol is located at Chinchpokli and is managed by “Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal”
• “Raja Tejukayacha” Ganapati Idol is located at Lalbagh and is managed by “Tejukaya Sarvajanik Ganesh Ustov Mandal Trust”
• “Tulsiwadi Cha Maharaja” Ganpati Murti is located at Tardeo and is managed by “Tulsiwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal”
• “Kamatipuracha Chintamani Ganesh” is located at Kamatipura and is managed by the “Kamathipura Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Mandal”
• “Dongri Cha Raja” Ganesh Idol is located at Dongri in Central Mumbai and is managed by “Chinch Bunder Dongri Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav Mandal”
• “Fort Cha Raja” Ganesha Idol is located at GPO in Fort and is managed by “Shree Balgopal Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal”
• Chandanwadi Chira Bazaar Ganesh Idol is managed by “Akhil Chandanwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshustav Mandal”
• “Vile Parle Vishwacha Raja” Ganpati Idol is located at Vile Parle (East) and is managed by “Bal Mitra Mandal Vile Parle”
• “Vile Parle Cha Samrat” Ganesh Statue is located opposite Bhuta High school at Vile Parle (East)
• “Navsala Pavnara Vasaicha Maharaja” Ganpati Statue is located at Anand Nagar, Vasai, and is managed by “Anand Nagar Sarvajanik Geneshutsav Mandal”
• “Navasala Pavnara Ganpati” or “Andhericha Raja” Ganesh is managed by “Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti”
• “Andheri Telli Galli Cha Samrat” Ganpati Idol is located at Telli Gali in Andheri and is managed by “Lokmanya Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal”
• “Currey Road Cha Kaivari” Ganesh Murti is located at Currey Road and is managed by “Balgopal Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal”
• Ganesh Murti at Bori Chawl in Chira Bazar, which is managed by “Bal Gopal Mitra Mandal Bori Chawl”
• “Navi Mumbai Ka Raja” Ganesh Idol is located at Shree Ramtanumata Marg, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai is managed by “Shivchhaya Mitra Mandal”
• Lodha Foundation’s Ganpati Idol located at Mumbai’s Gilder Tank Ground at Grant Road (East)
• Ganpati Murti of Sahyadri Krida Mandal, located at Tilak Nagar in Chembur

Map Of Famous Ganpati Idols And Ganesh Mandals In Mumbai

Famous Ganpati Idol Makers And Sculptors In Mumbai

Listed below are some of the most famous Ganesh Murti sculptors and designers from Mumbai. Also listed are 2015 Ganesh Idols Made by these famous Ganpati creators.

• Vijay Khatu: In 2015 he made “Mumbaicha Maharaja” (Khetwadi Lane 11), “Grant Road Marketcha Raja” Ganesh, “Chandanwadi Cha Raja”, “Upanagra Cha Raja”
• Rajan Zad (Rajan Jhad): In 2015 he made “Vile Parle Cha Samrat” Ganpati, “Kubharwadya Cha Ganraj”, “Malwanicha Raja”
• Kunal Patil (from J.J. School Of Arts): In 2015 he made “Prabodhankar Thackrey Nagar” Ganesh Murti, “Santacruz Cha Vignedhar”, “Charkop Cha Morya”, Khetwadi Khambatta Lane Ganesh (“Khetwadi Cha Raja”)
• Raju Shinde: In 2015 he made “Abyudh Nagar Cha Raja”, Netaji Subhas Nagar Ganesh Idol, Khetwadi Lane 12 (“Khetwadicha Ganraj”)
• Krunal Patil: In 2015 he made “Dharavi Cha Sukhakarta”, Dhanu Ganpati, Om Sai Mahesh Park Ganesh Murti, “Mumbadevi Cha Ganraj”
• Rajan Khatu: In 2015 he made “Ghatkopar Cha Ganray”, “Vasai Cha Maharaja”
• Ramesh Ravle: In 2015 he made “Parel Cha Raja” (Nare Park) Ganpati Murti
• Raju Shinde: “Khetwadicha Ganraj” (Khetwadi Galli 12 Ganesh)
• Anil Baing: In 2015 he made “Malad Cha Morreshwar”, Pancham Society Ganpati
• Shankar: Khetwadi Lane 8 Ganpati
• Digambar Manikar and Rajesh Manikar: In 2015 they made the eco-friendly “Vile Parlecha Peshwa” Ganpati Idol. They specialize in environment friendly Ganesh Idols.

Ganesh Chaturthi And Ganpati Festival In Mumbai

Nowhere in the world is Ganesh Festival (“Ganeshutsav”) celebrated with the passion and on the scale as it is in Mumbai.

It is estimated that around 200,000 Ganpati Idols are installed and worshipped during the 11 day Ganesha Festival. Around 955 of Ganesh Murtis are bought by individuals for their homes. The balance 5% Ganesh Idols are large statues that are installed in community “Pandals”.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are unique in Mumbai because it a community event, which is why it is called “Sarvajanik Ganeshutsav”. Around 10,500 Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandals are registered in Mumbai and its suburbs. These Sarvajanik Mandals are given permission to install Ganesh Murtis in Pandals on public roads and open spaces.

This form of special community Ganesh Festival celebrations was first introduced in Mumbai in 1893 by the legendary freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. He used Ganeshotsav to spread the message of freedom from the British and to unite Indians.

Mumbai Ganesh Visarjan Route, Locations and Map

Please click on the below links for route and map of the main Ganpati Visarjan (Immersion) locations in Mumbai.

• South Mumbai (Chowpatty)
• Detailed Chowpatty Map
• Lalbaug Cha Raja Route
• Dadar and Shivaji Park
• Juhu Beach
• Versova Beach
• Bhujale Talao (Malad West)
• Aksa Beach, Marve Beach
• Gorai Jetty, Borivali (West)
• Sheetal Talao, Kurla (West)
• Powai Lake, Pawarwadi

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The post Photos of 2015 Ganpati Idols, Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai appeared first on Wonderful Mumbai.

Navratri is a 9 day Hindu festival for Goddess Durga (Shakti). Navratri is one of the biggest festivals among Mumbai’s Gujarati community, which constitutes 19% of the population.

Mumbai’s Most Famous and Best Navratri (Dandiya, Garba) Locations

Listed below are some of Mumbai’s biggest and most famous venues and organizers of “Dandya Raas” and “Garba”:

• Pushpanjali Gardens Ground (Near Don Bosco School, Borivali West): Falguni Pathak is Mumbai’s most famous Dandiya and Garba musician. In 2016, Falguni Pathak, and her Dandiya group “Ta Thaiya”, will perform at Pushpanjali Gardens. Season ticket is Rs 3,999 and daily ticket range from Rs 600 to Rs 1,000. This Dandiya Raas is organized by Shriya Events. Pushpanjali Gardens Ground is a large venue where 30,000 people can indulge in Dandiya and Garba dance.
• Kutchi Ground (Near Aura Hotel, Borivali West): In 2016, sisters Preeti and Pinki will be performing at Kutchi Ground in Borivali West. Along with Preety and Pinki, Rafiq Shaikh and Vishal Kothari will be performing their Garba and Dandiya songs. Season ticket is Rs 800 and daily ticket is Rs 200. This Navratri Utsav is organized by Alive Kraft.
• Kora Kendra Grounds (Haridas Nagar, Borivali West): It is estimated that around 200,000 people attend Navrati Festival at the huge Kora Kendra Ground. In 2016, the Garba and Dandiya artist performing at Kora Kendra are Nilesh Thakkar, Jayesh Desai, Nirav Barot, Chaula Sodha and Nirupama Rege. These Dandia celebrations are organized by Naidu Club. Season tickets are Rs 3,060 and daily tickets range from Rs 360 to 810.
• Chitrakoot Ground (Shah Industrial Estate, Andheri West): Performers at this “Nav Raag” Navratri venue include Naitik Nagda and his band Rock On Beats, Manish Joshi, Arpita Thakkar, Pomal Shah, Ashita Dedhia and Umesh Barot. Musicians will play a mix of traditional and Bollywood Dandiya and Garba music. Season ticket is Rs 2,600 and daily ticket range from Rs 400 to 600.
• Sahara Star (Near Domestic Airport, Santacruz East): Manish Parekh and Drumbeats will entertain Dandiya Dancers at this air-conditioned 5 star hotel. Season ticket is Rs 6,000 and daily tickets range from Rs 700 to Rs 1,200. Known as Radiance Dandiya, this event is organized by Purple Blue Events.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Statium, NSCI (Haji Ali): In 2016 Parthiv Gohil will headline Raas Garba celebrations at NSCI. This is an air-conditioned indoor venue where there is no limit on time. Dandiya and Garba dancers use colorful LED Dandiya sticks to add to the excitement of Navratri. Season pass is Rs 1,800 and daily pass is Rs 750.
• Police Parade Ground (Ghatkopar East): This is a popular venue for Garba and Dandiya Raas in mumbai. Navratri Mahotsav Raas Garba at this venue is organized by Ghatkopar Gujrati Samaj.
• Goregaon Sports Club (Link Road, Malad West): The popular Dandia and Garba Raas at this venue is organized by Sankalp Dandiya Navratri Group.
• Chandan Kunj (Malpani Ground, Borivali):
• Somaiya College Ground (Vidyavihar East):
• Kailas Ground (Mulund West):
• JVPD Ground (Juhu):
• MHADA Ground (Malvani, Malad West):
• Jasodha Rang Mandir (Vile Parle West):
• EsselWorld (Madh Island):
• Bhavan’s College Ground (D N Nagar Road, Andheri West):
• Ekta Ground (Borivali West):
• Tulip Star Hotel (Juhu Tara Road):
• Kamgar Krida Mandal (Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagar, Dadar West):
• Cricket Club Of India (Churchgate):
• Richardson and Cruddas Mill (Opposite R Mall, Mulund West): DJ Angel and DJ Chetas will headline this two day Neon Dandiya event. The two DJs will be performing on October 8 and 9, 2016. Ticket cost Rs 250 to Rs 999.

In addition to these venues, many housing societies in Mumbai organize Navratri celebrations in their buildings.

Famous Mumbai Navratri Dandiya Rass and Garba Singers, Performers

These are some of the most famous Dandiya and Garba Singers and Musicians who perform in Mumbai during Navratri.

• Falguni Pathak and her Dandiya band “Tha Thaiyaa”.
• Preeti and Pinky
• Manish Parekh and his band
• Devendra Joshi
• Bhumi Trivedi
• Tushar Sonigra and his Dandiya Band called “Beats 16”
• Parthiv Gohil
• Nilesh Thakkar
• Chetan Gadhavi
• The Beaterrz, whose lead singer is Maneesha Savla
• Umesh Barot
• Manish Joshi
• Drummer Naitik Nagda
• Viju Shah
• Kirtidan Gadhvi
• Jayesh Desai

Navratri Festival Dates and Garba Timing in Mumbai

There are two Navratri festival in a year. “Chaitra Navratri” or “Vasant Navratri” is usually in March or April and its ninth day is Ram Navami. In Maharashtra, the first day of Chaitra Navratri is “Gudi Padwa”.

The second Navratri is called “Sharad Navratri” and it is usually in September or October. The day after Sharad Navratri is Dusshera. In Mumbai it is Sharad Navratri that is celebrated with fervour and passion and this article is mainly about Sharad Navratri.

• Navratri Festival Start Date in 2016: October 1, 2016 (Saturday)
• Navratri Festival End Date in 2015: October 10, 2016 (Monday). Dusshera is on October 11, 2016 (Tuesday)..
• Idols of Goddess Durga are immersed (Visarjan) on “Vijayadashami”, October 11, 2016 (Tuesday).
• Chaitra Navratri Festival Start Date in 2017: March 28, 2017 (Tuesday) (Gudi Padwa)
• Chaitra Navratri Festival End Date in 2017: April 5, 2017 (Wednesday) (Ram Navami).
• Mumbai has a 10:00 pm deadline for Dandiya Raas and Garba. On the last 2 days of Navratri, Garba and Dandiya organizers are allowed to play music up to 12:00 midnight.
• As per Mumbai rules, 55 decibels is the maximum level of noise allowed in residential areas before 10:00 pm. After 10:00 pm, the noise level should not exceed 45 decibel.

Activities and Prayers During Navratri Festival

Navratri is celebrated with the traditional Gujarati dances of “Garba” and “Dandiya Raas”. During the festival, devotees perform the following activities:

• Worshipers invite Goddess Durga (known as “Maa Amba” to Gujaratis) to their house by performing “Devi Sthapna” puja,
• Devotees visit temples and fast for Navratri’s nine days. Nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped, one for each day. The nine forms of Goddess Durga are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri.
• Devotees light a lamp in a “Garbo” or “Ghatasthapana” (decorated earthen pot) for 9 days. The “Garbo” has holes in it and it represents the human body.
• In the evening, all family members celebrate the victory of Goddess Ambaji/Durga over Mahisasura by dancing “Raas Garba” and “Dandiya Raas”.
• “Dusshera” is celebrated on the day after the 9^th day of Navratri.
• Durga Idol Visarjan (Immersion) is done on the 10^th day.

Traditional Navratri Dances of Dandiya Raas and Raas Garba

In “Garba” the dancer moves his/her hands and feet to four beats; whereas in “Dandiya Rass”, dancers dance with sticks.

Garba Dance

• The easiest and most popular Raas Garba dances are the “Be Taali” (2 claps) and “Traan Taali” (3 claps). Please see the below video for simple instructions on these Garba steps.
• Other popular types of Garba Rass Dance are “Butterfly” (clapping and moving in a circle like a butterfly), “Trikonyu” (make a triangle movement), “Hudo” (raise hands and clap with a partner after 4 beats), “Popatiyu” (clap after 2 steps forward and 4 steps back), “Dodhiyu” (forward and backward movement to 8, 10, 12 beats), etc.

Dandiya Rass Dance

• Dandia Raas is played with 2 decorated sticks which are touched with a partner’s sticks in a choreographed pattern. Usually, dancers form an inner and outer circle; one moves in a clock-wise and the other in a counter clock-wise direction. The inner and outer circle dancers partner each other in playing Dandiya Rass.
• Different types of Dandiya Raas dance are “Five Steps” technique, “Seven Steps”, etc. “5 Step Dandiya Raas” is the most popular Dandia and the below video has easy instructions on how to play 5 Step Dandiya Raas.

The original folk dances of Garba Rass and Dandia Raas started as a depiction of the 9 day battle between Goddess Durga (“Ambaji”) and Mahisasura. With this in mind, the “Dandiya” (sticks) and the “Garba” style of dance make a lot of sense.

Mahisasura was an “Asura” (Demon) who defeated Indra, the Hindu God of the “Devas” (Gods). Mahisasur threw out the Gods from Heaven. Since Mahisasura could not be defeated by any man, the Gods created Durga an avatar of Godess Parvati or Shakti. Maa Durga defeated the “Asuras” (Demons) and fought a long 9 day battle with Mahisasura, finally killing him on the tenth day.

Famous Navrati Dandiya Raas and Garba Rass Songs

Popular Navratri Garba and Dandya Raas songs are “Dholi Taro”, “Aavo Ramva Raas”, “Nagar Nand ji Na Laal”, “Hu tau Gai ti Mele”, etc

Clothes Worn for Navratri, Garba Raas Dance and Dandia Raas

Young girls and ladies wear colourful ethnic Gujarati style “Chaniya Choli”, “Ghagra Choli”, “Lehenga Choli” and sarees. Metal jewellery is often worn and so are white bangles on the forearms and biceps.

On top, boys and men wear the traditional Gujarati Kurta, called “Zabbho” or “Kedia” (“Kediya”) and on the bottom a Pajama or Dhoti called “Dhotiyu” or “Lehanghas”. Men also wear a “Pagdee” (Turban).

Dandiya Raas and Garba Dance Schools in Mumbai

Just before Navratri, many of Mumbai’s Dance Schools/Academies/Trainers provide Dandiya and Garba Ras dance classes. This is a list of some of the Garba Raas and Dandiya dance training classes in Mumbai.

Rohit Poojary Dance Academy (Borivali)
Twins Dance Art Studios (Ghatkopar East)
Gurudev Natraj Studio (MG Road, Ghatkopar East)
Ball Balley Dance Group (Oshiwara)
Rangeela Ras Garba (D P Road, Kandivali)
S Art and Dance Academy (Parel)
Aliens Dance Club (Merwanji Road, Parel)
Verve Dance Academy (Bandra East)
Rockstar Dance Studios (SV Road, Malad West)
Shilpkar Fitness & Dance Classes (Kurar Village, Malad East)
Shree Natraj Institute of Performing Art Dance, Yoga & Fitness (Mahila Mandal Hall, Pantanagar, Ghatkopar East)
D Element (Girgaon)
Piyush Dance Academy (Kalyan)
Dee One Dance Academy (Sector 3, Sanpada, Navi Mumbai)
National Institute of Cine Excellence (Sector 30, Vashi)
Rhythm Riders Dance Academy (Dombivli East)

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Pictures of the Best Ganpati Idols in Mumbai in 2015
• Pictures of the Best Ganesh Idols in Mumbai in 2014
• Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai and Best Ganesh Idols in 2013
• Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai and Best Ganesh Idols in 2012
• Diwali Festival celebrations in Mumbai
• Famous Hindu Temples And Places Of Worship In Mumbai

IMAGES:

• Image 1: Image by FrenchKheldar. Image licensed under Creative Commons license Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
• Image 2: Garba dancers perform in Ambaji temple premises. Image by Anurag Agnihotri. Image licensed under Creative Commons license Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
• Image 3: Image by Restless mind. Image licensed under Creative Commons license Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

The post Navratri Festival and Garba in Mumbai: Venues, Performers, Photos appeared first on Wonderful Mumbai.

Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda Festival is one of the biggest free art and cultural festival in the world. With over 600 events spread over 9 days, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival attracts large crowds. All events and activities at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival are FREE.

Start and End Dates of 2017 Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

The Kala Ghoda Festival starts on the first Saturday in February. The Kala Ghoda Festival goes on for 9 days and ends on the second Sunday of February.

START DATE OF KALA GHODA FESTIVAL 2017: 4 February, 2017 (Saturday)

END DATE OF KALA GHODA FESTIVAL 2017: 12 February, 2017 (Sunday)

Events and Schedule of Kala Ghoda Festival 2017

In 2017, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF) has events in 13 categories.

1. Children Events at KGAF 2017: Museum Garden (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Gardens). Children Literature events will be held at Kitab Khana, which is on the ground floor of Somaiya Bhavan near Flora Fountain statue.
2. Theatre Plays at KGAF 2017: Horniman Circle Garden (Fort), National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), M. C. Ghia Hall (Kala Ghoda Road), Gallery Beyond.
3. Dance Events at KGAF 2017: Cross Maidan Gardens. Dance Workshops at Somaiya Centre (near Flora Fountain statue) and Artisans.
4. Movies and Films at KGAF 2017: Coomaraswamy Hall (CSMVS Museum Ground Floor), Visitor’s Centre (near entrance of Museum), Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS Ground Floor)
5. Food Programs at KGAF 2017: Westside (Army Navy Building), Wisk, Serafina, Somaiya Centre.
6. Literature Events at KGAF 2017: David Sassoon Library Garden, Seminar Room of CSMVS Museum, Artist’s Centre, Kitab Khana (ground floor of Somaiya Bhavan near Flora Fountain statue)
7. Music at KGAF 2017: Asiatic Society Library Steps, Cross Maidan Garden.
8. Heritage Walks at KGAF 2017: At different locations in South Mumbai.
9. Street Events at KGAF 2017: Rampart Row (Kala Ghoda Road, aka K. Dubash Road), Cross Maidan Ground. NGO stalls will be put up on K Dubash Road (Kala Ghoda Road).
10. Visual Arts Installations at KGAF 2017: Along Rampart Row (K Dubash Road), in the Parking Triangle outside Jehangir Art Gallery, Cross Maidan, Museum Garden, Commaraswamy Hall (Museum), Art Entrance, Gallery 7, David Sassoon Library, Artists’ Centre. Art talk will be held at Tarq.
11. Workshops at KGAF 2017: Artisans, Artists’ Centre, Somaiya Centre (Somaiya Bhavan near Flora Fountain statue), Museum Garden (CSMVS)
12. Standup Comedy at KGAF 2017: Irish House (Kala Ghoda Road)
13. Urban Design and Architecture at KGAF 2017: Max Mueller Bhavan, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Art Entrance Art Gallery, JJ School of Architecture, Army Navy Building Lobby.

The full list of activities and events along with the full schedule of the 2017 Kala Ghoda Arts Festival will be published in the last week of January.

Venue of Events at Kala Ghoda Festival 2017

Events at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival are held in and around “Kala Ghoda” which is a precinct in South Mumbai. Following a Bombay High Court order, use of loud speakers has been disallowed at K Dubash Road (Kala Ghoda Road, also called Rampert Row). Music and Dance events have been moved to Cross Maidan near Churchgate Railway Station.

The closest Local train stations to reach Kala Ghoda are Churchgate (Western Railways) and CST (Central Railway and Harbour Line).

Map of Venues of Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2017

Kala Ghoda is also known as K Dubash Marg. This map shows the location of Kala Ghoda Festival events.

Click on Map to View Kala Ghoda Arts Festival Location in a Larger Map

Organizers of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

Kala Ghoda Association (KGA) has been organizing the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival since 1999.

Kala Ghoda Association was formed in 1998 with the objective of focusing on South Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda area. Kala Ghoda is considered the Art precinct of Mumbai. Kala Ghoda is home to Art Galleries, Museums, Designer Shops, multi cuisine Restaurants, Bars and historic Heritage Buildings based on Indo-Saracenic and Art-Deco styles of architecture.

Kala Ghoda Association works towards the beautification and conservation of the Kala Ghoda area.

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Reasons for Visiting Elephanta Caves in Mumbai

• Elephants Caves is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mumbai.
• Elephanta Caves consists of 5 rock-cut Hindu Caves and 2 Buddhist Caves. There are beautiful carvings in stone in these caves.
• Enjoyable ferry boat ride to reach Elephanta Caves.
• Elephanta Caves are one of Mumbai’s Top 10 Tourist Attractions.

Things To Do and See at Elephanta Caves

• Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island, which is a small island situated 11 Kms (7 Miles) from the Eastern coast of Mumbai. There are two touching hills (Gun Hill and Stupa Hill) on this island. Elephanta Island is also known as “Gharapuri” (Island of Caves).
• In 1987 Elephanta Caves were designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO conferred this honour on Elephanta Caves based on the following two Cultural criteria – “Masterpiece of human creative genius” and “Exceptional Testimony to a Cultural Tradition”.
• Carved into the hills of Elephanta Island is a rock-cut Hindu Temple complex, consisting of five caves (Caves 1 to 5) and a Buddhist Temple Complex, consisting of two caves (Caves 6 and 7) and two unexplored Stupas. Collectively these temple caves are called Elephanta Caves. In addition there are two cannons.
• The deity of the Elephanta Hindu Temple caves is Lord Shiva.
• Cave 1 is the most impressive of all the Elephanta Caves. The centrepiece of the main Elephanta Cave is a large 7 meter (20 feet) three face idol of Lord Shiva. The fierce masculine Shiva face (“Bhairava” or “Aghora”) on the right of the Shiva idol represents Destruction. The Shiva face in the middle represents Harmony and Preservation (“Mahadev” or “Taptapurusha”) and the feminine face of the left represents Creation (“Vamadev” or “Uma”). This statue is called the “TriMurti” – “Tri” means three and “Murti” is idol.The Trimurti statue is also called “Mahesh” Murti and “Trimurti SadaShiva”. Elephanta Cave 1 is 39 meters from the front to the back of the cave.
• Although many of the idols have suffered because of the passage of time at the hands of vandals, it is still possible to appreciate the amazing craft and creativity of the sculptors who created these masterpieces. Besides the Trimurti, some of the other prominent Lord Shiva statues at the main Elephanta Cave 1 include Lord Shiva with his wife Parvati at their abode on Mount Kailash, half Shiva half Parvati idol (“Ardhanarishvara”), wedding of Lord Shiv and Parvati (“Kalyanasundara”), an angry aggressive Shiva slaying Andhaka (“ Bhairava”, “Andhakasura Vadha”), dancing eight hand Shiva (“Nataraja”), meditating Shiva (“Yogeshwara”), Shiva with Ganga in his hair (“Gangadhara”), Ravan trying to lift Mount Kailash, and a large Shiv Ling.
• After the main first cave, the third cave is the most impressive. It has large columns at its entrance and lovely carvings on its ceiling. The fourth cave has a big Shiva Linga. The second and fifth Elephanta Caves are unfinished.
• It is thought that the Hindu Elephanta Caves were carved from the middle of the 5th century to the 8th century.
• Elephanta Caves 6 and 7 are two Buddhist caves. Cave 7 is believed to have been carved in 2nd century BC. There are Buddhist Stupas in this part of Elephanta. When the Portuguese ruled over Elephanta Island and Bombay, they converted Cave 6 into a Church.
• From the jetty there is a short walk to the hills and from there it is a 1 Km upward climb to the caves. A toy train is available to take visitors to the base of the hill.
• Elephanta has a small museum, a restaurant run by Maharashtra Tourism and many small souvenir shops.
• There used to be a large statue of an elephant on the island, which why the Portuguese called this Elephanta Island.Part of this elephant statue us now at the entrance of the Mumbai Zoo.

This is a link to a website that has more Information on Elephanta Caves.

Location, Map of Elephanta Caves and How to Get There

Elephanta Caves is located on Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri Island, which is 11 Km (7 Miles) East of Mumbai’s Gateway of India.

Coordinates of Elephanta Caves is N18 58 0.012 E72 56 8.988.

View Boat Trip from Gateway Of India to Elephanta Caves in a larger map

How to Reach Elephanta Caves? Boat to Elephanta Caves

• Getting to Elephanta Island and Elephanta Caves is part of the enjoyment of visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• To get to Elephanta Caves, take a boat ferry from Gateway Of India. Ticket for the Elephanta Ferry can be booked at the booking office, which is at the entrance of the Gateway Of India complex. Adult boat ticket cost Rs 180 and Children’s (ages 3 to 7) ticket cost Rs 125.
• Ferries from Gateway of India to Elephanta start at 9:00 am and the last return boat from Elephanta Caves to Gateway is at 5:30 pm. Elephanta ferries usually leave at a frequency of 30 minutes. One way trip takes around an hour.
• NOTE: There is NO ELEPHANTA CAVES FERRY SERVICE during the Monsoon season, which is from the first week of June to mid/end September.
• Elephanta Caves are CLOSED TO VISITORS ON MONDAY.

This link has Details of Boat Trips From Gateway Of India to Elephanta Caves

Cost of Boat and Entrance Ticket to Elephanta Caves

• The luxury ferry boat to Elephanta cost Rs 180 for Adults and Rs 125 for Children between the ages of 3 to 7. Children below 3 years travel for free.
• There is an additional charge of Rs 10 to travel on the upper deck of the ferries to Elephanta Caves. This is paid on the boat itself.
• Entry ticket to Elephanta Caves is Rs 10 for Indians. Foreign tourist from SAARC countries, Thailand and Myanmar also pay only Rs 10 as entrance fee to Elephanta Caves. All other foreigners pay Rs 250 for entry ticket to Elephanta Caves. There is a nominal charge for camera.
• Ride on the small toy train at Elephanta Caves cost Rs 10.

Opening and Closing Time of Elephants Caves

NOTE: Elephanta Caves are CLOSED ON MONDAY.

First Boat Ferry from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves leaves at 9:00 am and the last boat from Gateway Of India leaves at 3:00 pm.

The first return boat from Elephanta Caves to Gateway Of India leaves at 12:00 noon and the last return boat leaves Elephanta Island at 5:30 pm.

There is no Ferry service to Elephanta Caves on Monday and during Mumbai’s Monsoon season. So Elephanta Caves are shut from the first week of June to the mid/end of September.

Tips for Tourist Visiting Elephanta Caves

• The boat ferry to Elepahanta Caves can cause sea sickness. Avoid having fluids at least 30 minutes before the boat ride. Visitors may also want to take medication that prevents sea sickness and nausea. Please consult your doctor before taking medicines.
• A return trip to Elephanta Caves can take over four hours. Do carry water and snacks or a picnic lunch.
• Mumbai can be hot and humid for most part of the year. It is advisable to wear clothes made of breathable natural fabric, such as cotton. Wear comfortable walking shoes since there is a fair amount of walking to reach the Caves Temple complex. Do take a pair of sunglasses, a hand towel and a hat. Apply sunscreen.
• Expect to perspire a lot. Do carry water and stay hydrated.
• The first boat to Elephanta Caves is less crowded than the later boats.
• The one way boat journey from Gateway Of India to Elephanta Island takes around one hour.

Mumbai Tourist Attractions Near Elephanta Caves

The area around Gateway Of India and South Mumbai is a major tourist hub.

There are many restaurants, pubs, galleries, historic buildings, shops and places of interest near Gateway of India. The Museum, NGMA, Jahangir Art Gallery, Mumbai University, Bombay High Court are some of the places of interest.

This is an article on a One Day Walking Tour of Mumbai’s Main Tourist Places. Most of these tourist attractions are in South Mumbai and within walking distance of Gateway of India.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Boat from Gateway Of India to Elephanta Caves

Mumbai Top 10 Best and Most Famous Tourist Attractions

Mumbai’s Best Tourist Places for Families

One Day Walking Tour of Mumbai’s Main Tourist Places

Best Places to See and Best Things to Do in Mumbai

Info on Boat from Gateway Of India to Alibaug

Please see the Picture attachments for picture credits and license.

All the winners of the 2017 BMC Election are listed below. The 2017 Mumbai BMC Elections were held on 21 February, 2017.

2017 BMC Election Results and Seats Won in BMC Polls

Table contains the number of seats won by political parties in the 2017 BMC Election.

Mumbai BMC Election 2017 Voter Turnout, Vote Percentage

Table has the Number of Votes polled and the Percentage of Votes for the major parties during the 2017 Mumbai BMC Elections.

• REGISTERED VOTERS FOR BMC ELECTION 2017 = 91.8 Lakhs
• VOTES CASTED DURING BMC ELECTION 2017 = 51.04 Lakhs
• VOTER TURNOUT FOR BMC ELECTION 2017 = 55.5%
• HIGHEST VOTER TURNOUT WARD IN BMC ELECTION 2017 = “R-Central” Ward (Borivali, Gorai, Magathane, Kanheri) with 61.5%
• LOWEST VOTER TURNOUT WARD IN BMC ELECTION 2017 =  “C” Ward (Dhobi Talao, Bhuleshwar, Marine Lines, Marine Drive, Mumbadevi, Crawford Market) and “D” Ward (Malabar Hill, Walkeshwar, Girgaum, Nana Chowk, Grant Road, Tardeo) with 47.27%
• EDUCATION PROFILE OF MUMBAI BMC CORPORATORS =  34% of the 2017 BMC Corporators are Graduates and 8% are Post=Graduates. One in six BMC Corporator has not completed their 10th standard. One in four Corporator is educated till the 10th standard (SSC) and one in six is educated till the 12th standard (HSC)

At 55.5%, the voter turnout during the 2017 Mumbai BMC Election was the highest in the last 25 years. Vote percentage during previous BMC Elections was 44.75% in 2012, 46.1% in 2007, 42.1% in 2002, 44.2% in 1997 and 49.1% in 1992.

All 24 BMC Wards had a higher voter turnout percentage in the 2017 BMC Polls than 2012.

List of BMC Corporators:  2017 BMC Elections Winners

Below table contains a list of all 2017 Mumbai BMC Election winners. This is the complete list of all BMC Corporators in Mumbai from 2017 to 2022.
Mumbai has 227 BMC Constituencies in 24 BMC Wards.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• 2014 Lok Sabha Winners and Candidates from Mumbai
• Winners And Candidates For 2014 Maharashtra State Election

Image by Francisco Martins. Image used under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC 2.0.

All 2017 Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra, including Public Holidays, Bank Holidays, School Holidays and Government Holidays, are listed below.

Dates of 2017 Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra

Table has the list of 2017 Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

BMC and Maharashtra State Government offices, Banks, Mumbai Schools, Mumbai Colleges, institutions such as National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), courts, etc, have holidays on the dates listed below.
Most of the Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra in 2017 are either religious festival holidays or birthdays of important Indians.

Bank Holidays in 2017 in Mumbai, Maharashtra and India

In addition to the above table of 2017 Holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra, Banks will have a holiday on 1 April to close their accounts.
Please note that this holiday is only for banks and not for the other institutions (school, colleges, government offices, etc).

2017 Holidays in Mumbai, Maharashtra That Are On Sunday

RELATED ARTICLES:

• 2016 Public, Bank Holiday Dates In Maharashtra, Mumbai And India
• Best Places To See And Best Things To Do In Mumbai
• Mumbai’s Top 10 Best And Most Famous Tourist Attractions
• Top 10 Hill Stations Near Mumbai and Pune
• Mumbai Top 10 Attractions and Things To Do
• Best and Most Famous Ganpati Idols in Mumbai in 2012
• Best and Most Famous Ganpati Idols in Mumbai in 2014
• Best and Most Famous Ganpati Idols in Mumbai in 2013
• Navratri and Garba Celebrations in Mumbai
• Famous Hindu Temples And Places Of Worship In Mumbai
• Best And Famous Waterfalls Near Mumbai And Pune
• 2015 Dates of Public and Bank Holidays in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Road route from Mumbai to Aurangabad pass through Beautiful Hills and some of the most famous Religious Places in India. The various Road Map and Road Route from Mumbai to Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora are listed below.

Road Route From Mumbai to Aurangabad

There are multiple ways of travelling by road from Mumbai to Aurangabad and back. Each route has its pros and cons. There are places of religious and tourist interest along all the road routes from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

TIP: This writer recommends the first 2 routes (Mumbai-Pune-Ahmednagar-Aurangabad and Mumbai-Malshej-Ahmednagar-Aurangabad) as the BEST ROAD ROUTE from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

TIP: The Jan Shatabadi is a Fast, Air-conditioned train. Travel time from Mumbai to Aurangabad is around 6.5 hours. This writer recommends Jan Shatabadi Train for travel between Aurangabad and Mumbai. In addition to the Shatabdi train, there are other convenient trains that take around 7 hours.

1] Mumbai – Pune (Expressway) – Ahmednagar – Aurangabad

ROAD ROUTE FROM MUMBAI TO AURANGABAD: Mumbai to Talegaon (via Expressway), Chakan (Talegaon – Chakan Road), Shikrapur (Chakan – Shikrapur Road), Ahmednagar (State Highway 27 Pune-Ahmednagar Road), Aurangabad (SH 60)

DISTANCE: 376 Km

TIME FOR JOURNEY: 7.5 Hours to 8.5 Hours

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON THIS ROUTE: Shani Shingnapur (famous Shani Temple), Ahmednagar Fort, Pune City

• This is the FASTEST Road Route from Mumbai to Aurangabad. There are shorter routes between Mumbai and Aurangabad, but this is the Fastest because of the Mumbai Pune Expressway.
• The Expressway road from Mumbai to Pune is excellent.
• Even though Ahmednagar and Aurangabad are two important industrial centers, the State Highway (SH60) connecting them is surprisingly patchy in places.
• Comparing the condition of the road on this route versus the other routes, this is the Best Road Route from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

NOTE: Distance between Aurangabad and Shani Shingnapur is 84 Km (52 Miles), Ahmednagar and Shani Shingnapur is 35 Km (22 Miles) and between Shirdi and Shani Shinganapur is 60 Km (37 Miles).

2] Mumbai – Kalyan – Malshej – Ahmednagar – Aurangabad

ROAD ROUTE FROM MUMBAI TO AURANGABAD: Mumbai to Thane, Kalyan, Murbad (NH 61), Malshej Ghat (NH 61), Belhe (NH 61), Takli Dhokeshwar (NH 61), Ahmednagar (State Highway 27 Pune-Ahmednagar Road), Aurangabad (SH 60)

DISTANCE: 372 Km

TIME FOR JOURNEY: 7.5 Hours to 9 Hours

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON THIS ROUTE: Malshej Ghat (beautiful hill scenery), Pimpalgaon Joge Dam, Shivneri Fort (Shivaji’s Birth Place), Bhimashankar (1 of 12 Shiv Jyotirlinga in India), Shani Shingnapur, Ahmednagar Fort

• This is the MOST SCENIC ROAD from Mumbai to Aurangabad. This road passes through the beautiful Malshej Ghat in the Sahyadri Western Ghats.
• Ideal time to take this route is during the rains, when there are numerous wonderful waterfalls in Malshej Ghat. Winter is also a good time for this route. During winter Flamingoes, and other migratory birds, visit the area around Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, which is East of Malshej Ghat.
• Most part of the road leading to Malshej Ghat, and beyond to Ahmednagar, is in fairly good condition.

3] Mumbai – Ghoti – Shirdi – Vaijapur– Aurangabad

ROAD ROUTE FROM MUMBAI TO AURANGABAD: Mumbai to Thane, Igatpuri (National Highway 3, also known as NH 160), Ghoti Toll Naka (NH3/NH160), Sinnar (Mumbai-Aurangabad-Nagpur Highway), Vaijapur (bypass Shirdi near Kopargaon), Waluj (SH 30), Aurangabad.

DISTANCE: 341 Km

TIME FOR JOURNEY: 7.5 Hours to 8.5 Hours

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON THIS ROUTE: Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Igatpuri Hill Station, Dhamma Giri Vipassana International Academy at Igatpuri, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple (1 of 12 Shiv Jyotirlinga and the origin of River Godavari), Western Ghats near Ghoti, ancient Gondeshwar Temple at Sinnar.

• The road from Mumbai to Shirdi is a good road to drive on, except for some parts of the Ghoti – Sinnar highway. The area between Ghoti to Sinnar has not yet fully developed, so there are lovely wide open stretches of plains and hills. There are windmills along this road.
• The view of the majestic Western Ghat Mountains near Ghoti is awe-inspiring. This stretch of the road matches the Malshej Ghat Road for scenic beauty.
• The Shirdi to Aurangabad road is a state road and is not a good road to drive on. So even though this is the SHORTEST ROAD ROUTE from Mumbai to Aurangabad, this is NOT RECOMMENDED because of the poor condition of the road. Take this route only if you wish to visit the Shirdi Saibaba Temple.
• Travellers wishing to visit Ellora Caves first and then Aurangabad, can take a detour to Ellora from either Vaijapur or Lasur.

4] Mumbai – Nashik – Shirdi – Vaijapur – Aurangabad

ROAD ROUTE FROM MUMBAI TO AURANGABAD: Mumbai to Thane, Nasik (Mumbai – Agra National Highway, NH 3 or NH 160), Sinnar (Mumbai-Aurangabad-Nagpur Highway), Vaijapur (bypass Shirdi near Kopargaon), Waluj (SH 30), Aurangabad.

DISTANCE: 354 Km

TIME FOR JOURNEY: 7.5 Hours to 9.0 Hours

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON THIS ROUTE: Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Igatpuri Hill Station, Dhamma Giri Vipassana International Academy at Igatpuri, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple (1 of 12 Shiva Jyotirlinga and the origin of River Godavari), holy city of Nashik (places of interest include “Panchavati”, “Ramkund”, “Kalaram Temple”, “Muktidham”), ancient Gondeshwar Temple at Sinnar.

• Instead of going East from Ghoti to Sinnar, travellers can drive up to Nasik and from travel to Sinnar and then Shirdi and Aurangabad.
• The only advantage of this road as compared to the previous route is that motorist gets to drive on the excellent Mumbai – Agra National Highway until Nasik.
• Unless the traveller wishes to visit the holy places of Nashik, Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi, one can avoid this route.

5] Mumbai – Ghoti – Sangamner – Newasa – Aurangabad

ROAD ROUTE FROM MUMBAI TO AURANGABAD: Mumbai to Thane, Igatpuri (National Highway 3, also known as NH 160), Ghoti Toll Naka (NH3/NH160), Sinnar (Mumbai-Aurangabad-Nagpur Highway), Sangamner (Pune Nashik National Highway 60), Newasa (State Highway 44), Aurangabad.

DISTANCE:  375 Km

TIME FOR JOURNEY: 8 Hours to 9 Hours

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON THIS ROUTE: Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Igatpuri Hill Station, Dhamma Giri Vipassana International Academy at Igatpuri, Bhandardara, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple (1 of 12 Shiv Jyotirlinga and the origin of River Godavari), Western Ghats near Ghoti, ancient Gondeshwar Temple at Sinnar.

• The main advantage of this route is that the scenic hill station of Bhandardara is a short detour on this route.
• There is not much to recommend on this route.

TIP: As a general rule the National Highway Roads are wider and better maintained. Maharashtra State Highways are a bit of Pot Luck – sometimes they are good and sometimes they can take a toll on the vehicle and passengers.

Map of Road Route From Mumbai To Aurangabad

This map has all 5 road routes from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

Different Modes of Travel From Mumbai to Aurangabad

In addition to travelling in a private car from Mumbai to Ellora, Ajanta and Aurangabad, travelers can also travel via plane, train and bus.

Airplane Flights From Mumbai to Aurangabad

Currently Jet Airways and Air India have direct non-stop flights between the cities of Mumbai and Aurangabad.

Indian Railway Train From Mumbai to Aurangabad

Trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad are available from Mumbai CST (VT Station) and Dadar. Train travel time ranges from 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 5 minutes

The fastest train between Mumbai to Aurangabad is the Jan Shatabdi Express (Train Number 12071), whose travel time is 6 hours and 10 minutes. This train starts from Mumbai Dadar Station (Station Code “DR”) at 2:00 pm. The Aurangabad to Mumbai Dadar Jan Shatabdi Express train (Train Number 12072) leaves Aurangabad Station (Station Code “AWB”) at 6:00 am and takes 6 hours and 30 minutes to reach Dadar.

Trains from Mumbai to Aurangabad travel via Thane, Igatpuri, Nasik, Manmad and finally to Aurangabad.

There are 3 other trains between Mumbai and Aurangabad, which take around 7 hours.

Bus Service between Mumbai and Aurangabad

Maharashtra State Transport Buses and Private Operated buses ferry passengers between Aurangabad and Mumbai.

Private Operators offer air-conditioned luxury buses. Typically these buses take between 10 to 11 hours to travel between these cities.

Distance between Aurangabad and Ellora, Ajanta, Tourist Places

• Distance between Aurangabad and Ellora Caves = 30 Km (North West from Aurangabad)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Ajanta Caves = 97 Km (North East from Aurangabad)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Grishneshwar Jyotirling Temple = 31 Km (it is 1 Km from Ellora Caves)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Shani Shingnapur = 84 Km (52 Miles) (South West of Aurangabad)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Shirdi Saibaba Temple = 109 Km (East of Aurangabad)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Paitan = 52 Km (South of Aurangabad)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Aundha Nagnath Jyotiling Temple = 200 Km (East of Aurangabad)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Parli Vaijnath Jyotirling Temple = 213 Km (South East of Aurangabad)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Hazur Sahib Gurudwara (Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib) (Nanded) (Guru Gobind Singh died here) = 256 Km (South East of Aurangabad)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Ahmednagar = 115 Km (South West of Aurangabad)
• Distance between Aurangabad and Pune = 235 Km (South West of Aurangabad)

There are 12 Shiva Jyotirling Temples in India. Of these 5 are in Maharashtra. Of these 3 are around Aurangabad (Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Aundha Nagnath Jyotilinga Temple, Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple). The remaining 2 Jyoti Linga (Trimbakeshwar Jyotilinga Temple and Bhimashankar Jyotilinga Temple) on the route from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

• Distance between Ahmednagar and Shani Shingnapur = 35 Km (22 Miles)
• Distance between Shirdi and Shani Shinganapur = 60 Km (37 Miles)

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Road Route From Mumbai To Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
• Road Route and Map from Mumbai to Goa and Pune to Goa
• Road Route and Map from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani
• Top 10 Best Hill Stations Near Mumbai
• Best And Famous Waterfalls Near Mumbai And Pune
• Top 10 Attractions and Things To Do Outside Mumbai

Here are Ganesh Photos of the best Ganesh Murtis in Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi 2017. Ganpati Photos of Mumbai’s Best Ganpati Idols and the most Famous Ganesh Idols are in this article.

The oldest and most famous Ganesh Mandals are in the South-Central area of Mumbai. Mumbai’s most visited Ganesh Pandal is “Lalbaug Cha Raja”. Devotees have to stand in line for hours to get darshan of “Lalbaugcha Raja”. If one is short on time and would like to visit some of Mumbai’s best Ganesh Pandals, this writer suggest visiting the below places. These places have a large concentration of Ganesh Mandals so visitors can see the most number of Ganpati Idols in the shortest time.

• KHETWADI: From Khetwadi Lane 2 to Lane 13, practically all lanes have a large Ganesh Pandal. In a distance of half a kilometre, Khetwadi is home to some of the most creative and beautiful Ganesh Murtis (Idols) in Mumbai. Although some of the Ganesh Pandals at Khetwadi are not ornately done-up the Ganpati Idols themselves are stunning. Devotees visiting Khetwadi may also want to visit the nearby Kumbharwada Ganesh Mandals and Girgaum Ganpati Mandals.
• CENTRAL LINE FROM CHINCHPOKLI TO DADAR: The Central railway area from Chinchpokli to Lalbaug to Parel to Dadar has some of the most famous Ganesh Idols in Mumbai. In addition to “Lalbaug Cha Raja”, other famous Ganesh Murtis in this area are “Mumbai Cha Raja” (Lalbagh Ganesh Gali), “Raja Tejukaya” (Lalbaug – society is currently under reconstruction), “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani”, “Parel Cha Raja” (Nare Park), “Ladka Lambodar” (Rangari Badak Chawl) and many more.
• VILE PARLE AND ANDHERI: Vile Parle and Andheri are home to many amazing Ganpati Idols. The most famous is the Navsala Pavnara Andheri Cha Raja at Azad Nagar.

Ganesh Photos of the Best Idols in Ganesh Chaturthi 2017

GSB Seva Mandal Ganesh Photos, Mumbai’s Richest Mandal

(Please click on GSB Seva Mandal Ganesha Photo to Enlarge)

LOCATION: King Cirle, Sion GANESH MANDAL: GSB (Goud Saraswat Brahmin) Seva Mandal

• GSB Seva Mandal is the Richest Ganesh Mandal not just in Mumbai, but also the world.
• The tall and imposing 2017 GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Idol is made of clay, making it an environmentally friendly Ganpati Murti. The amazing GSB Ganesh Murti is decorated with real gold and silver jewelry, which is donated by devotees.
• The basic design of the GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Idol does not change much. Patkar Arts Avinash Patkar and Ashish Patkar are the principle designers of the GSB Seva Mandal Ganesh Idol. The GSB Ganesh Murti sits on an imposing throne.
• The GSB Seva Mandal Ganesh is installed only for five days; but this Ganesh Pandal remains open 24 hours, allowing devotees to offer their Ganesh darshan at their convenience.

GSB Seva Mandal (King Circle) Ganesh Idol Over The Years

• 2014 GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Murti Pictures
• 2014 GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Murti Photos
• 2013 GSB Seva Mandal Idol Image during Ganesh Chaturthi
• 2012 GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Photos

Lalbaug Cha Raja 2017 – Mumbai’s Most Famous Ganesh

(Please click on the 2017 Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganesh Photo to Enlarge)

LOCATION: Lalbaug (East)

GANESH MANDAL: Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal

• Lalbaug Cha Raja is Mumbai’s most famous Ganesh Idol during Ganesh Chaturthi.
• Lalbaugcha Raja is also Mumbai’s most visited Ganpati. It is estimated that 10 Lakh (1 Million) devotes visit Lalbaug Cha Raja every year. One reason why so many people visit this Ganesh is because it is believed to be a wish fulfilling (“Icchapurti”) Ganpati.
• The theme for the 2017 “Lalbaug Cha Raja” Ganesh Pandal is Gajraj Mahal. “Lalbaugcha Raja” sits on a tortoise throne.
• The main Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganesh idol (murti) remains the same every year. This is one reason why there is high recall for this famous Ganpati Idol. Lalbaug Cha Raja is made the Kambli family.
• Lalbagh Cha Raja Ganesh Mandal started in 1934 and its popularity is growing with each passing year. In 2017, there is some controversy regarding finances and a government official will be monitoring this year’s donations.

Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganesh Pictures From Previous Years

• 2016 Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati Photos and Ganesh Pandal
• 2015 Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganpati Photos and Ganesh Pandal
• 2014 Lalbagh Cha Raja Ganpati Photos
• 2012 Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Photos

Khetwadi Cha Ganraj (Lane 12)  Among Best 2017 Ganesh

(Please click on Khetwadicha Ganraj Ganesh Picture to Enlarge)

LOCATION: Khetwadi Lane 12 (Gali 12)

GANESH MANDAL: 12th Khetwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal

• The 14 Lanes of Khetwadi have the largest collection of big Ganpati Pandals during Ganesh Chaturthi. Most of the Khetwadi Ganesh Mandals have large creative Ganesh Murtis (Idols). Among these amazing Ganpatis, “Khetwadi Cha Ganraj” (Khetwadi Lane 12) Ganesh Pandal is the grandest. The Khetwadi Galli 12 (Lane 12) has been consistently winning awards for the Best Ganesh Mandal in Mumbai.
• Khetwadi Lane 12 Ganesh Pandal (enclosure) is artistically decorated. In 2017 the Khetwadi Lane 12 Ganesh Pandal is inspired by the movie “Bahubali”. “Khetwadi Cha Ganraj” organizers have beautifully used lighting, colour, chandeliers, statues and decorative cloth to create a set fit for Lord Ganesh. Music and air-conditioning add to the visitor experience.
• The Khetwadicha Ganraj Pandal has two levels and is spacious. Devotees enter from the first floor and then descent to the lower floor. This way a devotee gets a 180 degree view of “Khetwadi Cha Ganraj” from the top and from its feet.
• The “Khetwadi Cha Ganraj” Ganesh Idol is made by Raju Shinde and its design has not changed for many years.

Khetwadi Lane 12 Ganesh Photos From Earlier Years

• 2016 Khetwadi Cha Ganraj (Galli 12) Ganpati Photo
• 2015 Khetwadi Lane 12 (Khetwadi Cha Ganraj) Ganesh Photo
• 2014 Khetwadi Cha Ganraj (Galli 11) Ganpati Pictures
• 2013 Khetwadi Lane 11 (Kethwadicha Ganraj) Ganpati Image
• 2012 Khetwadi Galli 11 Ganesh Chaturthi Ganpati Photos

Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Famous Mumbai Ganesh

(Please click on Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati Pic to Enlarge)

LOCATION: Outside Chinchpokli Railway Station
GANESH MANDAL: Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal

• Started in 1920 “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” is among the oldest and most famous Ganesh Idols in Mumbai.
• 2017 Ganesh Chaturthi Festivals in Mumbai started on a sad note. Famous Mumbai Ganesh Murtikar (Sculptor) Vijay Khatu passed away on 26 July, 2017. This was just one month before the start of Ganesh Chaturthi. “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganesh is among the many famous Ganpati Murtis that Mr Vijay Khatu made over the years. Mr Khatu had made the designs of many of his statues before his death. The 2017 “Chinchpoklicha Chintamani” Ganesh idol is the last by Vijay Khatu.
• The basic shape of “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganpati Idol changes slightly from year to year. In keeping with its stature, “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganpati is house in an impressive Ganesh Pandal. The 2017 “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganesh looks like a King sitting on his impressive throne.

More Ganesh Photos of Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani

• 2016 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati Idol Pictures
• 2015 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganesh Idol Pictures
• 2014 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati Photos
• 2013 Chinchpoklicha Chintamani Ganesh Chaturthi Photos
• 2012 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganesh Pictures

2017 Mumbai Cha Maharaja Khetwadi Lane 11 Ganesh Photos

(Please click on the Ganesh Picture of Mumbai Cha Maharaja to Enlarge)

LOCATION: Khetwadi Galli 11 (Lane 11)

GANESH MANDAL: Khetwadi 11 Galli Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal

• The Khetwadi Lane 11 Ganpati is popularly known as “Mumbai Cha Maharaja”.
• Year after year the Khetwadi Lane 11 Mandal presents a different and very creative Ganesh Murti. In 2017 too, the Mandal produced a tall and artistic Ganesh. The top half of the 2017 “Mumbai Cha Maharaja” Ganesh Idol is a conventional eight hand Purple Ganpati, but the bottom half is a fish.
• The 2017 Khetwadi Lane 11 Ganesh Idol seems to be modelled on “Matsya” (or “Malsya”), which is the fish form of Lord Vishnu. This also explains why the top part of the Ganesh is Purple in colour.
• The 2017 “Mumbai Cha Maharaja” Ganesh Idol is kept in a nice Pandal which is decorated with hanging lanterns.
• “Mumbai Cha Maharaja” (Khetwadi Lane 11) Ganesh Murti is made by the famous late Vijay Khatu.
• “Mumbaicha Maharaja” has been at Khetwadi Galli 11 since 1962. It’s among the most famous Ganpati Murtis in Mumbai.

More Ganesh Pics of Mumbaicha Maharaja (Khetwadi Lane 11)

• 2016 Khetwadi Gali 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganesh Images
• 2015 Khetwadi Gali 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganesh Pictures
• 2014 Khetwadi Galli 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganpati Photos
• 2013 Khetwadi Lane 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganpati Photos
• 2012 Khetwadi Galli 11 Mumbai Cha Maharaja Ganesh Photos

Ganesh Visarjan in Mumbai – Routes, Places and Maps

These are links to the main Ganpati Visarjan Points in Mumbai. Route Map and direction for Ganesh Visarjan are shown in these links.

• Ganesh Visarjan in South Mumbai (Girgaon Chowpatty)
• Detailed Ganpati Visarjan Map for Chowpatty
• Lalbaug Cha Raja Visarjan Route
• Map of Ganapati Visarjan at Dadar and Shivaji Park
• Route of Ganesh Visarjan (Immersion) at Juhu Beach
• Ganpati Immersion (Visarjan) at Versova Beach
• Map of Ganesh Visarjan at Bhujale Talao (Malad West)
• Ganpati Murti Visarjan at Marve Beach and Aksa Beach
• Ganpati Visarjan at Gorai Jetty, Borivali (West)
• Ganesh Murti Visarjan at Sheetal Talao in Kurla (West)
• Map for Ganpati Visarjan at Powai Lake, Pawarwadi

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• Photos Of 2016 Mumbai Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Idols
• Photos of 2015 Ganpati Idols, Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
• Pictures of 2014 Ganpati Idols and Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
• Pictures of 2013 Ganpati Idols and Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
• Pictures of 2012 Ganesh Idols in Mumbai
• Ganpati Visarjan in Mumbai: Location and Route Map
• Navratri Festival and Garba in Mumbai
• Famous Hindu Temples and Places of Worship in Mumbai
• Mumbai Religion, Mumbai Festivals, Temples, Mosques, Churches

Listed below are 2018 Mumbai Holidays. Also listed are Bank Holidays in Maharashtra and Mumbai Public Holidays in 2018.

In 2018, there are 9 long weekend holidays in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Of these Mahavir Jayanti and Good Friday is a 4 day holiday.

Dates of 2018 Mumbai Holidays and Maharashtra Holidays

Dates of Bank Holidays in Maharashtra in 2018

In addition to the above holiday list the following are also Bank holidays in Maharashtra and Mumbai.

2018 Maharashtra and Mumbai Holidays that are on Sunday

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• Best Places To See And Best Things To Do In Mumbai
• Mumbai’s Top 10 Best And Most Famous Tourist Attractions
• Top 10 Hill Stations Near Mumbai and Pune
• Mumbai Top 10 Attractions and Things To Do
• Mumbai’s Tourist Places and Things to do for Families with Kids
• One Day Walking Tour And Map of Mumbai’s Main Tourist Places
• Mumbai Theme Parks
• Ganesh Photos Of Ganesh Chaturthi 2017 In Mumbai
• Photos Of 2016 Mumbai Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Idols
• Navratri and Garba Celebrations in Mumbai
• Famous Hindu Temples And Places Of Worship In Mumbai
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Main Reason For Visiting Hanging Garden Mumbai

Main reason for visiting Hanging Garden Mumbai and Kamla Nehru Park is the Beautiful, Panoramic view of South Mumbai. Chowpatty, Marine Drive and Mumbai Harbour look amazing from these gardens on top of Malabar Hill.

Things To Do And See at Hanging Garden, Kamla Nehru Park

Hanging Garden Mumbai and Kamla Nehru Park are two gardens on the top of Malabar Hill in South Mumbai. These two gardens are on the opposite side of the road.

These gardens/parks are like many other gardens; but the main reason for visiting Hanging Gardens and Kamla Nehru Park are the beautiful view from the top of the hill and the chance to spend relaxing time among Tropical Trees and green vegetation.

Kamala Nehru Park Mumbai: Things to Do and Information

Kamala Nehru Park has a viewing deck that has a spectacular view of South Mumbai. Chowpatty and Marine Drive look stunning. Looking down from this height it makes sense why the “U” shaped Marine Drive is called “Queen’s Necklace”.

Kamla Nehru Park has an iconic two storied Boot House. Children under 10 can climb up the spiral staircase to the top.

There is a play area for kids to enjoy themselves.

Kamla Nehru Park has a small amphitheater, unfortunately not many events are held here.

Kamala Nehru Park has many species of Indian and exotic trees such as Banyan, Pepal, Cannonball tree, Palms, etc. Near the amphitheater is a massive tree whose trunk is around 20 feet in circumference. There is also a section for Bonsai trees.

Hanging Garden Mumbai: Things to Do and Information

Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens in South Mumbai is better known as “Hanging Gardens”.

Hanging Gardens Mumbai is built on a water reservoir; hence the name “Hanging Gardens”. This water reservoir supplies water to South Mumbai. It used to be an open reservoir on which the British built a garden in 1881.

Hanging Garden Mumbai is popular with the locals because of the walking/jogging track along its periphery.

Mumbai Hanging Garden Gardeners have created animal figures from hedges around the park. Kids will have fun identifying these animals.

Sadly there are not many public toilets in Mumbai, especially for women. Hanging Garden has toilets for women.

Tourist Attractions Near Hanging Garden Mumbai

BABULNATH TEMPLE AND ISKCON TEMPLE: There are two walking paths from outside Kamla Nehru Park that go downhill to the bottom of Malabar Hill. The north path ends at the entrance to Babulnath Temple. Across the main road is the Girgaon Chowpatty ISKCON Temple.

Babulnath Mandir (Temple) is a charming Lord Shiva Temple located on a hill.

ISKCON Mandir (Temple) Girgaon is a beautiful Hindu Temple with exquisite stone carvings. There is also a Jain temple in the next lane.

CHOWPATTY BEACH: The walking path South of Kamla Nehru Park leads to the Golden Sand beach of Chowpatty. Enjoy the beautiful view and the cool breeze of the Arabian Sea. This link has more information on the Golden Sands At Chowpatty Beach, Girgaum, Mumbai.

MALABAR HILL, LITTLE GIBBS ROAD: Malabar Hill is one of the poshest localities in Mumbai. Old wealth lives in this mainly residential area. Little Gibbs road is near Hanging Garden. It has a quaint Anglican Church called “All Saints Church”.

PRIYADARSHANI PARK (PDP): Priyadarshani Park is a garden-cum-sports complex on the edge of the Arabian Sea. It has an Astroturf running track, sports facilities (tennis, gym, football, etc) and a walking track. There is a walking path on the west of Hanging Garden that leads to PDP.

BABU AMICHAND PANALAL JAIN TEMPLE: Located a kilometer south of Hanging Garden is an exquisite Jain Temple. Babu Amichand Panalal Jain Temple has beautiful carvings, statues and paintings, especially the zodiac painted on the ceiling. Entry to this Jain Temple is open to all people of all faiths.

FOREST OF DOONGERWADI TOWER OF SILENCE: To the north of Hanging Garden Mumbai is the forest of Doongerwadi Tower of Silence. This is the final resting place of Parsees, who are Indian followers of the Zoroastrian faith. There are three towers of silence where the cleaned dead body is exposed to the sun and scavenger birds. This Parsi practice is called “Dokhma” or “Dakhma”. Tourists are not allowed here and entry to non-Parsees is restricted.

Tips for Visitors to Hanging Garden and Kamla Nehru Park

• Although both gardens have a lot of shade, it can get hot. Avoid going between 11:00 am to 3:30 pm.
• The day weather in Mumbai is usually hot and humid. Expect to sweat a lot.
• Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water.
• Wear comfortable clothes, preferably made of natural fabric like cotton or linen. Expect to walk around, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Wear a hat to protect against the sun. Apply sun block. Wear shades/goggles.
• Since Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Garden are part of the Mumbai tourist circuit, expect to see many tourists on holidays.
• There are two paths that lead down to the lovely Chowpatty Beach. Do visit Chowpatty Beach with its lovely golden sand.

Hanging Garden and Kamla Nehru Park Timing, Entry Fee

Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Garden Mumbai open at 5:00 am and close at 9:00 pm.

Entry to both parks is free.

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• Best Places To See And Best Things To Do In Mumbai
• Mumbai’s Top 10 Best And Most Famous Tourist Attractions
• Mumbai Top 10 Attractions and Things To Do
• Mumbai’s Tourist Places and Things to do for Families with Kids
• One Day Walking Tour And Map of Mumbai’s Main Tourist Places
• Mumbai Theme Parks
• Famous Hindu Temples And Places Of Worship In Mumbai
• Top 10 Hill Stations Near Mumbai and Pune
• Best And Famous Waterfalls Near Mumbai And Pune

Here are Ganesh Photos of the best Ganesh Murtis in Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi 2017. Ganpati Photos of Mumbai’s Best Ganpati Idols and the most Famous Ganesh Idols are in this article.

The oldest and most famous Ganesh Mandals are in the South-Central area of Mumbai. Mumbai’s most visited Ganesh Pandal is “Lalbaug Cha Raja”. Devotees have to stand in line for hours to get darshan of “Lalbaugcha Raja”. If one is short on time and would like to visit some of Mumbai’s best Ganesh Pandals, this writer suggest visiting the below places. These places have a large concentration of Ganesh Mandals so visitors can see the most number of Ganpati Idols in the shortest time.

• KHETWADI: From Khetwadi Lane 2 to Lane 13, practically all lanes have a large Ganesh Pandal. In a distance of half a kilometre, Khetwadi is home to some of the most creative and beautiful Ganesh Murtis (Idols) in Mumbai. Although some of the Ganesh Pandals at Khetwadi are not ornately done-up the Ganpati Idols themselves are stunning. Devotees visiting Khetwadi may also want to visit the nearby Kumbharwada Ganesh Mandals and Girgaum Ganpati Mandals.
• CENTRAL LINE FROM CHINCHPOKLI TO DADAR: The Central railway area from Chinchpokli to Lalbaug to Parel to Dadar has some of the most famous Ganesh Idols in Mumbai. In addition to “Lalbaug Cha Raja”, other famous Ganesh Murtis in this area are “Mumbai Cha Raja” (Lalbagh Ganesh Gali), “Raja Tejukaya” (Lalbaug – society is currently under reconstruction), “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani”, “Parel Cha Raja” (Nare Park), “Ladka Lambodar” (Rangari Badak Chawl) and many more.
• VILE PARLE AND ANDHERI: Vile Parle and Andheri are home to many amazing Ganpati Idols. The most famous is the Navsala Pavnara Andheri Cha Raja at Azad Nagar.

Ganesh Photos of the Best Idols in Ganesh Chaturthi 2017

GSB Seva Mandal Ganesh Photos, Mumbai’s Richest Mandal

(Please click on GSB Seva Mandal Ganesha Photo to Enlarge)

LOCATION: King Cirle, Sion GANESH MANDAL: GSB (Goud Saraswat Brahmin) Seva Mandal

• GSB Seva Mandal is the Richest Ganesh Mandal not just in Mumbai, but also the world.
• The tall and imposing 2017 GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Idol is made of clay, making it an environmentally friendly Ganpati Murti. The amazing GSB Ganesh Murti is decorated with real gold and silver jewelry, which is donated by devotees.
• The basic design of the GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Idol does not change much. Patkar Arts Avinash Patkar and Ashish Patkar are the principle designers of the GSB Seva Mandal Ganesh Idol. The GSB Ganesh Murti sits on an imposing throne.
• The GSB Seva Mandal Ganesh is installed only for five days; but this Ganesh Pandal remains open 24 hours, allowing devotees to offer their Ganesh darshan at their convenience.

GSB Seva Mandal (King Circle) Ganesh Idol Over The Years

• 2014 GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Murti Pictures
• 2014 GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Murti Photos
• 2013 GSB Seva Mandal Idol Image during Ganesh Chaturthi
• 2012 GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati Photos

Lalbaug Cha Raja 2017 – Mumbai’s Most Famous Ganesh

(Please click on the 2017 Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganesh Photo to Enlarge)

LOCATION: Lalbaug (East)

GANESH MANDAL: Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal

• Lalbaug Cha Raja is Mumbai’s most famous Ganesh Idol during Ganesh Chaturthi.
• Lalbaugcha Raja is also Mumbai’s most visited Ganpati. It is estimated that 10 Lakh (1 Million) devotes visit Lalbaug Cha Raja every year. One reason why so many people visit this Ganesh is because it is believed to be a wish fulfilling (“Icchapurti”) Ganpati.
• The theme for the 2017 “Lalbaug Cha Raja” Ganesh Pandal is Gajraj Mahal. “Lalbaugcha Raja” sits on a tortoise throne.
• The main Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganesh idol (murti) remains the same every year. This is one reason why there is high recall for this famous Ganpati Idol. Lalbaug Cha Raja is made the Kambli family.
• Lalbagh Cha Raja Ganesh Mandal started in 1934 and its popularity is growing with each passing year. In 2017, there is some controversy regarding finances and a government official will be monitoring this year’s donations.

Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganesh Pictures From Previous Years

• 2016 Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati Photos and Ganesh Pandal
• 2015 Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganpati Photos and Ganesh Pandal
• 2014 Lalbagh Cha Raja Ganpati Photos
• 2012 Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh Photos

Khetwadi Cha Ganraj (Lane 12)  Among Best 2017 Ganesh

(Please click on Khetwadicha Ganraj Ganesh Picture to Enlarge)

LOCATION: Khetwadi Lane 12 (Gali 12)

GANESH MANDAL: 12th Khetwadi Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal

• The 14 Lanes of Khetwadi have the largest collection of big Ganpati Pandals during Ganesh Chaturthi. Most of the Khetwadi Ganesh Mandals have large creative Ganesh Murtis (Idols). Among these amazing Ganpatis, “Khetwadi Cha Ganraj” (Khetwadi Lane 12) Ganesh Pandal is the grandest. The Khetwadi Galli 12 (Lane 12) has been consistently winning awards for the Best Ganesh Mandal in Mumbai.
• Khetwadi Lane 12 Ganesh Pandal (enclosure) is artistically decorated. In 2017 the Khetwadi Lane 12 Ganesh Pandal is inspired by the movie “Bahubali”. “Khetwadi Cha Ganraj” organizers have beautifully used lighting, colour, chandeliers, statues and decorative cloth to create a set fit for Lord Ganesh. Music and air-conditioning add to the visitor experience.
• The Khetwadicha Ganraj Pandal has two levels and is spacious. Devotees enter from the first floor and then descent to the lower floor. This way a devotee gets a 180 degree view of “Khetwadi Cha Ganraj” from the top and from its feet.
• The “Khetwadi Cha Ganraj” Ganesh Idol is made by Raju Shinde and its design has not changed for many years.

Khetwadi Lane 12 Ganesh Photos From Earlier Years

• 2016 Khetwadi Cha Ganraj (Galli 12) Ganpati Photo
• 2015 Khetwadi Lane 12 (Khetwadi Cha Ganraj) Ganesh Photo
• 2014 Khetwadi Cha Ganraj (Galli 11) Ganpati Pictures
• 2013 Khetwadi Lane 11 (Kethwadicha Ganraj) Ganpati Image
• 2012 Khetwadi Galli 11 Ganesh Chaturthi Ganpati Photos

Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Famous Mumbai Ganesh

(Please click on Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati Pic to Enlarge)

LOCATION: Outside Chinchpokli Railway Station
GANESH MANDAL: Chinchpokli Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal

• Started in 1920 “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” is among the oldest and most famous Ganesh Idols in Mumbai.
• 2017 Ganesh Chaturthi Festivals in Mumbai started on a sad note. Famous Mumbai Ganesh Murtikar (Sculptor) Vijay Khatu passed away on 26 July, 2017. This was just one month before the start of Ganesh Chaturthi. “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganesh is among the many famous Ganpati Murtis that Mr Vijay Khatu made over the years. Mr Khatu had made the designs of many of his statues before his death. The 2017 “Chinchpoklicha Chintamani” Ganesh idol is the last by Vijay Khatu.
• The basic shape of “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganpati Idol changes slightly from year to year. In keeping with its stature, “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganpati is house in an impressive Ganesh Pandal. The 2017 “Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani” Ganesh looks like a King sitting on his impressive throne.

More Ganesh Photos of Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani

• 2016 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati Idol Pictures
• 2015 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganesh Idol Pictures
• 2014 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganpati Photos
• 2013 Chinchpoklicha Chintamani Ganesh Chaturthi Photos
• 2012 Chinchpokli Cha Chintamani Ganesh Pictures

2017 Mumbai Cha Maharaja Khetwadi Lane 11 Ganesh Photos

(Please click on the Ganesh Picture of Mumbai Cha Maharaja to Enlarge)

LOCATION: Khetwadi Galli 11 (Lane 11)

GANESH MANDAL: Khetwadi 11 Galli Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal

• The Khetwadi Lane 11 Ganpati is popularly known as “Mumbai Cha Maharaja”.
• Year after year the Khetwadi Lane 11 Mandal presents a different and very creative Ganesh Murti. In 2017 too, the Mandal produced a tall and artistic Ganesh. The top half of the 2017 “Mumbai Cha Maharaja” Ganesh Idol is a conventional eight hand Purple Ganpati, but the bottom half is a fish.
• The 2017 Khetwadi Lane 11 Ganesh Idol seems to be modelled on “Matsya” (or “Malsya”), which is the fish form of Lord Vishnu. This also explains why the top part of the Ganesh is Purple in colour.
• The 2017 “Mumbai Cha Maharaja” Ganesh Idol is kept in a nice Pandal which is decorated with hanging lanterns.
• “Mumbai Cha Maharaja” (Khetwadi Lane 11) Ganesh Murti is made by the famous late Vijay Khatu.
• “Mumbaicha Maharaja” has been at Khetwadi Galli 11 since 1962. It’s among the most famous Ganpati Murtis in Mumbai.

More Ganesh Pics of Mumbaicha Maharaja (Khetwadi Lane 11)

• 2016 Khetwadi Gali 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganesh Images
• 2015 Khetwadi Gali 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganesh Pictures
• 2014 Khetwadi Galli 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganpati Photos
• 2013 Khetwadi Lane 11 Mumbaicha Maharaja Ganpati Photos
• 2012 Khetwadi Galli 11 Mumbai Cha Maharaja Ganesh Photos

Ganesh Visarjan in Mumbai – Routes, Places and Maps

These are links to the main Ganpati Visarjan Points in Mumbai. Route Map and direction for Ganesh Visarjan are shown in these links.

• Ganesh Visarjan in South Mumbai (Girgaon Chowpatty)
• Detailed Ganpati Visarjan Map for Chowpatty
• Lalbaug Cha Raja Visarjan Route
• Map of Ganapati Visarjan at Dadar and Shivaji Park
• Route of Ganesh Visarjan (Immersion) at Juhu Beach
• Ganpati Immersion (Visarjan) at Versova Beach
• Map of Ganesh Visarjan at Bhujale Talao (Malad West)
• Ganpati Murti Visarjan at Marve Beach and Aksa Beach
• Ganpati Visarjan at Gorai Jetty, Borivali (West)
• Ganesh Murti Visarjan at Sheetal Talao in Kurla (West)
• Map for Ganpati Visarjan at Powai Lake, Pawarwadi

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Photos Of 2016 Mumbai Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Idols
• Photos of 2015 Ganpati Idols, Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
• Pictures of 2014 Ganpati Idols and Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
• Pictures of 2013 Ganpati Idols and Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
• Pictures of 2012 Ganesh Idols in Mumbai
• Ganpati Visarjan in Mumbai: Location and Route Map
• Navratri Festival and Garba in Mumbai
• Famous Hindu Temples and Places of Worship in Mumbai
• Mumbai Religion, Mumbai Festivals, Temples, Mosques, Churches

Pictures of Aaradhya Bachchan at Home on Her 1st Birthday

Family picture of Aaradhya Bachchan with father Abhishek and mother Aishwarya Rai on her First Birthday on 16 November, 2012. Aradhya has started resembling her mother Aishwarya.

Photos of Aradhya (age 1 to 2), Indira Bhaduri, Aishwarya, Abhishek

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In these pictures of Aaradhya Bachchan with her mother, Aishwarya Rai, she is between 16 and 17 months old.  Images taken in March and April, 2013.

Amitabh Bachchan’s grand daughter and Abhishek and Aishwarya’s daughter’s, “Aaradhya Bachchan“, was born on November 16, 2011. The meaning of “Aaradhya” is “Worth Worshiping“.

In Hinduism, Aradhya is a Brahman community or caste which has followers mainly from Karnataka. Aradhya’s belong to the Panchacharyas sect which worships Lord Shiva.

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These pictures of Aaradhya Bachchan were taken when she was 15 months old. These photos of Aaradhya and her parents were taken on Valentine’s Day (Feb 14, 2013) in Bhopal, where her grandfather, Amitabh, was shooting for Prakash Jha’s “Satyagraha”.

The below photos are of Amitabh Bachchan’s mother-in-law, Indira Bhaduri, who lives in Bhopal. She is Jaya Bachchan’s mother, Abhishek’s grandmother and Aaradhya’s great grandmother. Jaya Bachchan is from Bhopal. She studied at St. Joseph’s Convent School, Bhopal.

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Photos of Aaradhya on Aishwarya Bachchan’s 39th Birthday and French Award Ceremony 

These are pictures of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan with their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan. On 1 November, 2012, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was awarded France’s second highest civilian award, “Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters“, for her contribution to cinema. Nov 1 was also Aishwarya’s 39th birthday. These photos of Aradhya were taken at the award function.

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Pictures of Aradhya Bachchan at Amitabh’s 70th Birthday Party

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Picture of Aaradhya Bachchan and Mother Aiswarya

In this picture, Aaradhya  Bachchan is 10 months old  and she is at the stage of development where she is able to crawl. Great to see that Aiswarya has lost most of the weight she had gained post delivery and she is back to looking her glamorous best. Below are more pictures of Aishwarya, Abhishek with daughter Aradhya.

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Photos of the Bachchan and Rai Families

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The above pictures are of the Bachchan and Rai families.

Aishwarya Rai’s elder brother Aditya Rai is an engineer in the Merchant navy. He co-produced the movie, “Dil Ka Rishta”. Aditya’s wife and Aiswarya Rai’s sister-in-law, Shrima Rai, was first runner-up at the 2009 Gladrags Mrs India pageant. Aishwarya Rai’s father, Krishnaraj Rai, is a marine biologist; he is a cancer survivor. Aishwarya’s mother is Vrinda Rai.

Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan’s Houses

Amitabh Bachchan and family (Aaradhya Bachchan, Jaya, Abhishek, Aishwarya) have five bungalows (Jalsa, Prateeksha, Janak, Vatsa and a bungalow behind Jalsa), within walking distance of each other, at Juhu (JVPD), Mumbai.

1. Jalsa: Located opposite Tulip Star Hotel (Juhu), “Jalsa” bungalow is where the Bachan family currently lives.
2. New Bungalow behind Jalsa: In mid-2013, Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan bought the 8,000 sq ft bungalow behind Jalsa. This is their 5^th bungalow in Juhu. Along with “Jalsa”, this will be an extended residence for the Bachchan family.
3. Prateeksha: Is the first bungalow that Amitabh Bachchan bought in Juhu. Previously the Bachchan family, including Amitabh’s parents, lived at “Pratiksha”. The Metro railway line will pass near Prateeksha and this may be one reason for shifting to “Jalsa”. Amitabh Bachchan visits “Prateeksha” regularly to pray at the family temple which was hand built by his father, Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan. Amitabh has preserved both his father’s (Harivansh Rai Bachchan) and mother’s (Teji Bachchan) rooms just the way it was when they were alive.
4. Janak: Located near “Jalsa”, “Janak” bungalow is the Bachchan’s office. The Bachchans regularly use the gym at “Janak”
5. Vatsa: Located in Juhu, this Bachchan bungalow has been leased out to Citibank India.

Location of Amitabh Bachchan’s Houses on the Map

Click here to view Amitabh Bachchan’s Houses in Mumbai in a larger map

1] Photos of Amitabh Bachchan House – Jalsa

Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow, “Jalsa“, is a large 10,125 sq ft, two storied house in Juhu, Mumbai. Jalsa is registered in the name of Jaya Bachchan.

Jalsa was given to Amitabh Bachchan by director Ramesh Sippy as payment for starring in “Satte Pe Satta” (1982). It is reported that due to tax reasons, ownership of Jalsa was in the name of Amitabh’s brother Ajitabh’s wife, Ramola Bachchan. So although the Bachchan’s lived at Jalsa it was in Ramola’s name. In 1993, Ramola Bachchan gifted Jalsa to Jaya Bachchan via a Gift Deed. The Bachchan’s delayed registering Jalsa in their name until January 2006. In 2006, Jalsa was finally registered in the name of Jaya Bachchan.

Jalsa has an imposing spiral staircase with pictures of the Bachchans on the wall.

Address of Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa:

“Jalsa”, Opposite Hotel Tulip Star (earlier called “Juhu Centaur Hotel”),

Vaikunthlal Mehta Road, Juhu-Vile Parle Development Scheme (JVPD),

Mumbai – 400049.

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Every Sunday Evening Amitabh Bachchan Meets His Fans At Jalsa

Do you want to meet Amitabh Bachchan? If yes, visit Jalsa on a Sunday evening (around 7:00 pm) and you could meet Amitabh and maybe even Abhishek and Aishwarya. Every Sunday, for the last 30 years, Amitabh Bachchan comes out of his house and greets the many fans who come there to meet him. Sometimes Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan join Amitabh to meet their fans.

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2] Amitabh and Abhishek’s New 5^th House is Behind “Jalsa”

• Amitabh Bachchan’s newest house is an 8,000 sq ft bungalow, which is behind “Jalsa”. This new bungalow, which is spread over 750 sq yards, has a common wall with Jalsa. At 8,000 sq ft, this new Bachan bungalow is slightly smaller than the 10,125 sq ft “Jalsa” home.
• It is reported that Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan bought this new residence for Rs 50 crore (USD $10 Million) in early 2013. The bungalow is part of Kapole Cooperative Housing Society.
• Whereas Jalsa opens onto the main road on Vaikunthlal Mehta Road, the new bungalow opens onto a narrow lane at the back.
• Landmark for this new bungalow is “Jalsa” and “Tulip Star” Hotel at Juhu-Vile Parle Development Scheme (JVPD).

3] Photos of Amitabh Bachchan Home – Prateeksha (Pratiksha)

“Prateeksha” was the original bungalow where Amitabh Bachan lived with his parents and family. Even after her moved to Jalsa, his parents continued to live at Pratiksha. All members of the Bachchan family (Harivansh Rai, Teji, Amitabh, Ajitabh, Shweta, Abhishek, Nilima, Namrata, Naina, Bhim, Aaradhya, Jaya, Ramola, Aishwarya) have spent time at Prateeksha.

Address of Bachchan’s Bungalow Prateeksha,

10th Rd,

Juhu Ville Parle Development (J.V.P.D.) Scheme,

Mumbai – 400049.

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Photo of Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan Wedding at Prateeksha

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan were married at Prateeksha in 2007.

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Bombay Talkies Filmed at Bachchan Home Prateeksha

“Bombay Talkies” is a Hindi movie that celebrates 100 years of the Hindi Film Industry, popularly known as Bollywood. Bombay Talkies  is a collection of 4 short films by famous Indian directors Anurag Kashyap (“Murabba“), Dibakar Banerjee (“Star“), Zoya Akhtar (“Sheila Ki Jawaani“) and Karan Johar (“Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh“).

Anurag Kashyap’s “Murabba” is about an Amitabh Bachchan fan (Vineet Kumar) from Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh (Amitabh Bachchan’s birthplace. Vineet Kumar’s mother’s dying wish is that her son should feed Amitabh Bachchan “Muraba” (sweet jam or preserve) made by her. Vineet comes to Amitabh Bachchan’s residence of Pratiksha in the hope of meeting him.

Amitabh Bachchan’s “Prateeksha” bungalow is the main location for this film. Most parts of director Anurag Kashyap’s section of Bombay Talkies was filmed outside and inside Prateeksha. Anurag Kashyup was allowed to film in the driveway and reception area of Pratiksha. Amitabh Bachchan also stars in Bombay Talkies.

These are pictures of Anurag Kashyap and Amitabh Bachchan filming “Bombay Talkies”.

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4] Photos of Amitabh Bachchan’s Office – Janak

“Janak” is just 50 meters away from Jalsa. Bought in 2004, “Janak” is the Bachchan office. It also has a gym where the family works out. The Bachchans prefer to meet guests at Janak.

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Amitabh Bachan With Shanouk at Pratiksha and Jalsa

Amitabh Bachchan had a large Piranha Dane dog called “Shanouk“. When Shanouk stood on his hind legs he was as tall as 6.2 feet. Shanouk was very possessive about Amitabh and got jealous if Amitabh showered his love on anyone else. Click here for more pictures of Shanouk, the Bachchan family Piranha Dane Dog.

Bachchan’s pet dog, Shanouk, died on 6 June, 2013 of stomach and heart related illness.

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Bachchan Family Cars

The Bachchan’s have over 10 cars ranging from Rolls Royce Phantom, Bentley Continental GT, Audi A8, Mercedes Benz, Range Rover, BMW, etc. As one enters Jalsa, there is a covered parking space for these cars. Most Bachchan cars have VIP numbers.

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The car number (2882) of Amitabh Bachchan’s Red BMW Mini Cooper is special. 2882 stands for 2nd of August (8th month), 1982. This is the date that Amitabh Bachchan had temporarily died and had been brought back to life by doctors. This happened due to the accident on the sets of the movie, “Coolie“.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Signature

Amitabh Bachchan Rocks

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RELATED TOPICS ABOUT MUMBAI CELEBRITIES:

• Photos of Amitabh Bachchan’s Pet Piranha Dane Dog, Shanouk
• Salman Khan’s Houses, Family, Festival Celebrations, Dogs and Cars
• Photos of Shahrukh Khan’s House, “Mannat”, at Bandstand, Bandra(W)
• Picture of homes of Indian Movie Stars and Hindi Film Actors
• Amitabh Bachchan’s landmark Juhu bungalows, Jalsa and Prateeksha
• Address of Hindi Film Stars Who Live in Bandra, Khar, Pali Hill
• Address and Map of Bollywood Stars who live in Juhu, Mumbai

Listed below are the best tourist attractions, best places to see and things to do in Mumbai. Mumbai’s best tourist places are listed by region (South + Centre and West + North) and by type of attraction.

SOUTH & CENTRAL MUMBAI: Places to Visit and Things to Do

1. BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE: South Mumbai is home to beautiful buildings built in the late 19th century and first half of the 20th century. Many of these buildings are in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, which is a mix of Gothic, Victorian, Hindu and Muslim architecture, and Art Deco style. Among the most impressive buildings in South Mumbai are the CST Station (previously called Victoria Terminus), BMC Headquarters, Museum, Elphinstone College, St Xavier’s College, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai University, Bombay High Court, Rajabhai Tower, Gateway Of India, Taj Mahal Hotel, Police Headquarters, Western Railways Headquarters, Maharashtra Legislature Building, David Sassoon Library, curved buildings around Horniman Circle Garden,Town Hall (Asiatic Library), Reserve Bank of India, St Thomas Cathedral and Holy Name Cathedral. Please visit this link for a One Day Walking Tour of Mumbai’s Main Tourist Places.

2. CST (or VT) STATION: Victoria Terminus (VT), or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) as it is now called, is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mumbai. This is a beautiful building built in 1887, in the “Indo-Saracenic” style of architect.

3. BMC HEADQUARTERS: Both this building and VT/CST Station are designed by architect Frederick William Stevens. Located opposite VT Station, the BMC Headquarter is one of the most beautiful buildings in Mumbai.

4. FORT, D N ROAD, CHURCHGATE AND OVAL MAIDAN: This bustling area is a mix of offices, residential buildings and tourist landmarks. On one side of the long Oval Maidan (Park) are the Bombay High Court, Rajabhai Tower and Mumbai University, which are built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and on its opposite side are building in the Art-Deco style. Mumbai is home to the second largest collection of Art-Deco buildings in the world.

5. MUMBAI’S HERITAGE MILE: Route of Mumbai’s “Heritage Mile” covers Fort (Flora Fountain), D N (Dadabhai Naoroji) Road, VT/CST Station and Crawford market. The highlight of this stretch is the gorgeous British era buildings.

6. MARINE DRIVE, NARIMAN POINT AND CHOWPATTY: Marine Drive is a beautiful 4.3 Km long sea facing promenade. Also called “Queen’s Necklace” because of its shape, it has Nariman Point at its Southern tip and the golden sand beach of Chowpatty at its Northern end. In the center of Marine Drive are 5 cricket grounds and the Tarapore Aquarium. Marine Drive is home to the second largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. Please visit this link for Tourist Information on Marine Drive.

CHOWPATTY BEACH: The best golden sand beach in Southern Mumbai. In addition to sun, sand and scenic beauty, visitors can also enjoy Mumbai street food. Chowpatty Beach is a must visit on immersion day during the popular Ganesh Festival. At Chowpatty visitors can take short pleasure boat trips and enjoy water sports. Please visit this link for more tourist information on Chowpatty Beach.

7. GATEWAY OF INDIA: This lovely arched structure was built during the British Raj to celebrate the visit of King George V. Gateway of India is one of Mumbai’s most popular tourist destination. It is also the location for boat rides to Elephanta Caves, Mandwa (and Alibag) and short pleasure trips on the Arabian Sea. Opposite the Gateway of India is the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel. This link has information on Boat Trips From Gateway Of India To Elephanta Caves.

8. ELEPHANTA CAVES: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on an island off the eastern coast of Mumbai. Elephanta Caves consists of 2 Buddhist and 5 Hindu Caves, which have exquisite carvings. This link has more information on Elephanta Caves Info, Boat Details, Pictures, Idols. Elephanta Caves can be reached by ferries from Gateway of India. The boat trip adds to the sense of fun and adventure of visiting this tourist destination. Please visit this link for information on Boat Trip from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves.

9. BOAT RIDE AT GATEWAY OF INDIA: A popular tourist activity at Gateway of India is to take a short 30 minutes boat ride in the Arabian Sea.Gateway of India also has regular boat ferries to Elephants Caves and Mandwa. There are buses from Mandwa to Alibag.

10. MUMBAI MUSEUM: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is Mumbai’s main museum with over 50,000 artifacts. It was previously called the Prince of Wales Museum.

11. COLABA CAUSEWAY: Colaba is a popular shopping and dining area. Colaba has many hotels catering from budget to high-end tourist.Colaba has many shops catering to tourists, such as shops selling ethnic jewelry, Indian handicrafts and clothes. Colaba also has restaurants that offer Middle-East, Chinese and Continental cuisine.

12. HANGING GARDEN, KAMLA NEHRU PARK, PRIYADARSHANI PARK: Hanging Garden and Kamla Nehru Park are located on Malabar Hill, which is at the Southern End of Marine Drive. Kamla Nehru Park offers a new view of Marine Drive and its surrounding areas. Hanging Garden offer nice view of the Arabian Sea. There are walking pathways that lead from the Kamla Nehru Park to Chowpatty. Priyadarshani Park is located 1 Km downhill from these two gardens. Its chief attraction is that is built along the seashore and offers a nice place to walk and jog.

13. GANPATI FESTIVAL (GANESH CHATURTHI): 10 day Ganesh Festival celebrations are unique in Mumbai. No other city in the world celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with as much gusto and splendor as Mumbai. Many of the best and most famous Ganesh Idols can be found in South and Central Mumbai.

14. MANI BHAVAN: Mahatma Gandhi used to live and operate from Mani Bhavan when he was in Bombay. It has now been converted into a museum for Mahatma Gandhi.

15. CRAWFORD WHOLESALE MARKET: Crawford Market is the wholesale market. It consists of many lanes selling wholesale products such as textiles, toys, hardware, household goods, novelty items, accessories, jewelry, stationary, plastics, etc. It’s a great place for bargain shopping.

16. MUMBA DEVI TEMPLE: Mambadevi is the patron Goddess of Mumbai. The name Mumbai is derived from Mumba Devi. Aesthetically Mumbadevi Temple is okay; but it is very popular among devotees. This link has information on Famous Hindu Temples And Places Of Worship In Mumbai.

17. SAINT THOMAS CATHEDRAL: Key highlights of this beautiful Anglican Church are the wonderful carved memorials in the Church. St Thomas Cathedral Church is located in Fort, between Horniman Circle and Flora Fountain. Churchgate Station and the famous Cathedral and John Connon School get their names from St Thomas Cathedral.

18. HAJI ALI MOSQUE AND DARGAH: Haji Ali is a famous Mosque and Tomb (“Dargah”). It is situated in the sea and can be reached by a pathway in the sea. Haji Ali Mosque’s location in the sea makes it an interesting tourist attraction. Located nearby are the Mahalaxmi Temple and Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

19. MUMBAI’S ART DISTRICT: Kala Ghoda and Colaba are the major art precincts of Mumbai. The main art galleries to visit in this area are Jehangir Art Gallery, NGMA (National Gallery for Modern Art), Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation (in the Museum), Max Mueller Bhavan Gallery, Volte, Sakshi Art Gallery, Chemould Prescott Road Gallery, The Contemporary Art Gallery, Project 88, Gallery Maskara, Galerie Mirchandani + Steinruecke. In the first week of February, Kala Ghoda hosts the “Kala Ghoda Arts Festival”, which is the largest free art and culture festival in the world. Please visit this link for more information on Mumbai’s Art Galleries and Museums.

20. NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART (NGMA): NGMA is an amazingly beautiful building both from the outside and the inside. NGMA is home to painting and artwork from some of modern India’s most famous painters and artists.

21. STREET SHOPPING IN SOUTH MUMBAI: One can get great bargains at street shops in Mumbai. “Fashion Street”, between Azad and Cross Maidans is a place for cheap textiles. Colaba has shops that offer handicrafts and ethnic goods. Fort has many street shops that offer electronic goods, which the author cautions readers from buying. The wholesale market at Crawford market offers good deals in many product categories.

22. NEHRU PLANETARIUM, NEHRU SCIENCE CENTRE, NEHRU CENTER: Catch a short movie on space at the domed theatre in Nehru Planetarium. Nehru Science Centre is an interactive science park and center with over 500 interactive science exhibits. Nehru Center has a wonderful section called “Discovery of India” which shows India through the ages. In addition the Nehru Centre also has an Art Gallery, Library, Exhibition Hall and a hall for cultural events.

23. MAHALAXMI RACE COURSE: There are regular horse races at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The highlights of not just the Mumbai horse racing calendar, but the entire Indian horse racing year, are the five Indian Classics.

24. MAHALAKSHMI TEMPLE: Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of wealth, Goddess Mahalakshmi. Devotees in the thousands visit Mahalaxmi Mandir (Temple) during Navratri and Dusherra festivals. Mahalaxmi Temple is built on a small hill next to sea. It has a nice view of the Arabian Sea and the nearby Haji Ali Mosque. Please visit this link for info on the Best Hindu Temples in Mumbai.

25. BABULNATH TEMPLE: Babulnath Mandir (Temple) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a charming temple built on a hill. Babulnath Temple receives thousands of devotees during Mahashivratri and Shravan.Babulnath is located near the Northern end of Chowpatty beach and close to the ISKCON temple. This link has information on Famous Hindu Temples And Places Of Worship In Mumbai.

26. ISKCON TEMPLE AT GIRGAON CHOWPATTY: The ISKCON religious group has a beautiful temple at Girgaun Chowpatty. The intricate carvings at this temple are a work of art. This ISKCON temple is called “Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir”.

27. AZAD MAIDAN AND CROSS MAIDAN: Located between CST (VT) station and Churchgate Stations, these two Maidans (fields) have many cricket pitches. Catch a game of cricket at these Maidans. The road between these streets is popularly called Fashion Street because it is lined with street shops selling clothes.

28. BABU AMICHAND PANALAL ADISHWARJI JAIN TEMPLE: This beautiful Jain Temple at Malabar Hill was once voted by a local publication as one of the seven best sights in Mumbai. Hanging Garden is a couple of kilometers from this temple. Most Jain temples in Mumbai have exquisite temple carvings.

29. BANGANGA HOLY POND: Located at the end of Napean Sea Road and Walkeshwar, this holy pond has old Hindu temples around it. On all four sides of Banganga steps lead down into the pond. Take some bread to feed the geese, ducks and fish in Banganga.

30.JAMA MASJID MOSQUE: This Sunni Mosque is located inMumbai’s wholesale market precinct. Jama Masjid is situated near Crawford Market and Zaveri Market (Mumbai’s main jewelry market). There is a small pond inside this over 200 year Mosque.

31. RBI MONETARY MUSEUM: Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Museum has related to Indian money. This museum is located at Ballard Pier.

32. TARAPORE AQUARIUM: A small aquarium located along Marine Drive.

33. NIPPONZAN MYOHOJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE: Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple at Worli is a modest temple in the shape of a “Stupa”. The initial temple was built by a Japanese monk in 1931.

34. MUMBAI ZOO (JIJAMATA UDYAN): Mumbai Zoo is also known as Jijamata Udyan or Byculla Zoo. It is located in the heart of Central Mumbai, close to the Byculla Railway Station. Mumbai zoo has a fairly good collection of animals that are found in Indian jungles. Animals at Mumbai Zoo include lions, tigers, crocodiles, many species of deer, bears, elephants, monkeys, snakes, hippopotamus, hyenas and Indian birds (flamingoes, peacocks, peahens, pelican, etc). Located at the entrance of the zoo is the lovely Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum.

35. DR BHAU DAJI LAD MUSEUM: Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum is Mumbai’s oldest museum. It is located just outside Mumbai Zoo. Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum is housed in a beautiful Palladian style building. UNESCO has bestowed this museum with its “Award of Excellence”.

36. SHREE SIDDHIVINAYAK GANAPATI TEMPLE: Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple is Mumbai’s most famous Ganesh Temple. Temple receives large crowds of devotees on Tuesdays. This link has information on Famous Hindu Temples And Places Of Worship In Mumbai.

37. GLORIA CHURCH: Gloria Church at Byculla is one of Bombay’s oldest Roman Catholic Church. It is am impressive Ghotic style church.

38. FLAMINGOES AT SEWRI: Large flocks of flamingoes visit Sewri (Eastern Mumbai), Thane Creek and Uran from November to February. It’s a sight to behold these large pink birds feeding on algae near the shore. During winter, these birds come from the cold northern regions to the relatively warmer shores of Mumbai.

39. DHARAVI SLUMS: Usually tourists avoid slums, but the success of the movie “Slumdog Millionaire” has made Dharavi a popular tourist destination. Dharavi is reported to be the second largest slum in the world. Tourist companies offer guided tours of Dharavi.

WEST AND NORTH MUMBAI: Best Places to See, Things to Do

1. SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK (SGNP): It is one of the largest National Parks in the world within city limits. Visitors to this wonderful park can enjoy lion and tiger safaris, boating, mini train ride in the park, nature walks, Kanheri Caves (ancient Buddhist Caves) and much more. Be one with nature in this magnificent National Park. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is also known as Borivali National Park. Please visit this link for more information on Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Mumbai’s Nature Based Attractions.

2. KANHERI CAVES – BUDDHIST CAVES: These are over 100 Buddhist caves deep inside Borivali National Park. The Kanheri Caves were built from 1st Century BCE to 10th Century BCE. These caves were Buddhist monasteries used for living, studying, prayer and meditation. This is a Buddhist Stupa (prayer hall) among the caves. Do visit the top of the hill that house Kanheri Caves for a lovely view of Borivali National Park and Mumbai city.

3. JUHU BEACH: Juhu Beach is a popular 6 Km long sandy beach along the western shore of Mumbai. Visitors can enjoy horse rides, camel rides and popular Mumbai street food at Juhu Beach. Juhu is home to many artists from the Hindi film industry. Juhu and the area around it have nice restaurants. Weekends tend to get very crowded. Please visit this link for more info on Mumbai’s Best Beaches and Sea Based Tourist Attractions.

4. ART GALLERY AT MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 2: The Terminal 2 (T2) of the Mumbai International Airport is a piece of art. It has a 3.2 Km Art Wall which has artwork from all over India. T2 is the largest public art program in India.

5. AMITABH BACHCHAN AND FILM STAR HOUSES: Amitabh Bachchan has been an icon of the Hindi film industry since the 1970s. His bunglow, “Jalsa”, is a landmark in the JVPD/Juhu area. Most Sunday evenings, Mr Bachchan stands at the gate of his home to greet his fans. Juhu area is also home to many Indian film makers and stars. This link has the Address and Map of the houses of Mumbai Film Stars in Juhu. This link has Pictures of Film Star Bachchan’s Houses in Mumbai.

6. FILM CITY AND HINDI FILM INDUSTRY TOUR: Mumbai is famous all over the world for the Hindi Film industry. Film City has many studios and post-production facilities for the film and TV industry. Many popular Hindi movies and TV serials are shot here. Tourists come to Film City to watch film stars and film/TV shooting. A sure-shot way of watching s shooting session is to book with a tour group.

7. ISKCON JUHU TEMPLE: This is a beautiful ISKCON temple in Juhu. The colourful idols in the temple are the center point of this temple. This link has information on Famous Hindu Temples And Places Of Worship In Mumbai.

8. MOUNT MARY BASILICA AT HILL ROAD: Mount Mary Church is located on a hill near Bandra Bandstand. Mount Mary Basilica is famous for the annual 8 days Mount Mary Fair (also known as “Bandra Fair”), which celebrates the birth of Mother Mary.

9. GOLDEN VIPASSANA PAGODA: Global Vipassana Pagoda at Gorai Beach is the biggest pillar-less stone dome in the world. The large meditation room at the center of the Pagoda is 280 meters in diameter. The Pagoda was built to spread the teachings of Lord Buddha and to spread peace. Global Vipasana Pagoda has relics of Buddha.

10. AAREY MILK COLONY AND CHOTA KASHMIR: Aarey is a large 1,287 hectare green area just south of Borivali National Park. It is a popular picnic spot. It also has nature trails. Chota Kashmir, in Aarey, has a small lake where visitors can enjoy boating.

11. BANDRA BANDSTAND AND BANDRA FORT: “Castella de Aguada”, popularly known as “Bandra Fort”, is a minor fort at the edge of the sea in Bandra. It’s main charm is that it offers a beautiful view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Arabian Sea. Bandra Bandstand is a large, rocky, sea-facing stretch of land popular with tourist and couples.

12. SHAHRUKH KHAN’S BUNGALOW “MANNAT” AND SALMAN KHAN’S HOME: Many film stars live near Bandra Bandstand, including Shahrukh Khan (at “Mannat”), Salman Khan (“Galaxy Apartments”), John Abraham (“Sea Glimpse”) and more. This link has pictures of Shahrukh Khan’s House in Mumbai. This link has pictures of Salman Khan’s House in Mumbai.

13. CARTER ROAD: North of Bandra Bandstand is Carter Road. It has a nice promenade along the Arabian Sea. Many top Film and TV personalities live in this area. Carter Road ends in a nice little park – “Jogger’s Park”.

14. BOMBAY ART SOCIETY: Founded in 1888 the Bombay Art Society is now housed in a funky new building opposite Rangsharda in Bandra West.

15. BANDRA LINKING ROAD: Bandra’s Linking Road is famous for shopping. In addition to branded stores, it also has many small street shops that sell a variety of personal items such as clothes, shoes, belts, purses, etc. This section of Bandra also has nice restaurants offering a wide variety of global cuisine.

16. MADH ISLAND BEACHES: Marve is located on the North-West of Mumbai. This area has not yet been urbanized to the extent of Mumbai city. One of the charms of this semi-rural setting is the beaches of Marve, such as Aksa Beach, Hamla Beach, Dana Pani Beach, Erangal Beach, Silver Beach and Marve Beach. Marve is a nice place for a day-out tour, especially if one visits the nearby Global Vipassana Pagoda and Esselworld Theme Park and Water Park. NOTE OF CAUTION: Marve and Gorai Beaches can be treacherous. It is best to avoid swimming in these waters.

17. ESSELWORLD AMUSEMENT PARK AND WATER KINGDON: Essel World Amusement Park is a theme park with rides. Water Kingdom is a water park. Both these Parks are located at Gorai in North-West Mumbai and are popular with tourist. The Global Vipassana Pagoda is nearby and so are the Gorai and Marve Beaches. This link has information on Theme Parks and Amusement Parks in and around Mumbai.

18. MAHAKALI CAVES: These are a series of 19 caves used by Buddhist monks from 1st BCE to 5th CE. This is a “Chaitya” which is a Buddhist prayer/meditation hall with a “Stupa”.

MUMBAI’S BEST BY TYPE OF ATTRACTIONS IN MUMBAI

HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND GREAT ARCHITECTURE IN MUMBAI

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), or Victoria Terminus (VT) as it was previously known.
2. Mumbai Municipality (BMC) Headquarter.
3. Bombay High Court
4. Rajabhai Tower
5. Mumbai University
6. Gateway of India
7. Taj Mahal Hotel
8. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
9. Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya)
10. Elphinstone College
11. Western Railway Headquarters
12. Maharashtra Legislature Building (Vidhan Sabha),
13. David Sassoon Library
14. Horniman Circle Buildings
15. Asiatic Library (Town Hall)
16. St Thomas Cathedral
17. Holy Name Cathedral
18. Art Deco buildings of Churchgate and Marine Drive
19. Heritage Buildings along D.N. Road and Fort

PLACES OF SCENIC BEAUTY IN MUMBAI

1. Marine Drive, including Nariman Point to its South and Chowpatty Beach to its North
2. Mumbai’s Heritage Mile
3. Gateway of India
4. Elphanta Island and Elephanta Caves
5. Borivali National Park and view from Kanheri Caves
6. Kamla Nehru Park and Hanging Garden
7. Juhu Beach
8. Flamingo watching at Sewri Mudflats
9. Haji Ali in the sea
10. Bandra-Worli Sea Link with Worli Sea Face Promenade to the South and Bandra Bandstand to the North
11. Banganga
12. Azad and Cross Maidan
13. Madh Island Beaches and Gorai Beach

BEST FUN ACTIVITIES AND THINGS TO DO IN MUMBAI

1. Boat rides at Gateway of India; these include boat trips to Elephanta Caves, Mandwa/Alibagh and short pleasure ferry trips.
2. Celebrate in festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussherra, Krishna Janmashtami, Makar Sankranti (Kite Flying) etc
3. Visit Theme/Amusement Parks such as Esselworld, Water Kingdom, Kidzania, Smaaash, Go Karting range, etc. Adlabs Imagica and Adlabs Waterpark are located 70 Km from Mumbai. This link has more information on Adlabs Imagica Theme Park Information, Rides, Road Route.
4. See Film/TV shooting at Film City
5. Watch Horse racing at Mahalaxmi Race Course.
6. Nehru Planetarium and interactive Nehru Science Centre
7. Visit the Byculla Zoo (Jijamata Udyan)
8. Lion and tiger Safari at Borivali National Park
9. Nature treks in Borivali National Park
10. Mini Train Ride in Borivali National Park
11. Boating at Borivali National Park and Chota Kashmir (Aarey)

BEST SHOPPING IN MUMBAI

1. Crawford Market for wholesale shopping
2. Colaba Causeway
3. Fashion Street
4. Dadar Market
5. Bandra Linking Road
6. Premium luxury goods are available at Malls all over the city.

HISTORIC PRECINCTS/DISTRICTS OF MUMBAI

1. Mumbai’s Heritage Mile, which stretches along Fort (Flora Fountain), D.N. Road, CST/VT Station and Crawford Market
2. Kala Ghoda, famous for its architecture and art galleries
3. Colaba Causeway
4. Marine Drive

BEST GARDENS AND PARKS IN MUMBAI

1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali National Park)
2. Oval Maidan
3. Azad Maidan
4. Cross Maidan
5. Hanging Garden
6. Kamla Nehru Park
7. Priyadarshini Park
8. Shivaji Maidan
9. Aarey

BEST MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES IN MUMBAI

1. Mumbai International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) has a 3.2 Km long Art Wall.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Kala Ghoda)
3. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
4. Jehangir Art Gallery
5. Art Galleries of Kala Ghoda and Colaba
6. Nehru Centre
7. Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum (outside Byculla Zoo)
8. RBI Monetary Museum
9. Bombay Art Society

BEST HINDU TEMPLES IN MUMBAI

1. Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple
2. Mahalaxmi Mandir (Temple)
3. Babulnath Mandir
4. ISKCON Temple at Juhu
5. ISKCON Temple at Girgaon, Chowpatty
6. Mambadevi Temple
7. Elephanta Caves

 
This link has information on Famous Hindu Temples And Places Of Worship In Mumbai.

BEST CHURCHES IN MUMBAI

1. St Thomas Cathedral
2. Gloria Church
3. Mount Mary Church
4. Holy Name Cathedral

BEST BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND CAVES IN MUMBAI

1. Global Vipassana Pagoda
2. Elephanta Caves
3. Kanheri Caves
4. Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple
5. Mahakali Caves

BEST JAIN TEMPLE IN MUMBAI

1. Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple

BEAT BEACHES OF MUMBAI

1. Chowpatty Beach
2. Juhu Beach
3. Versova Beach
4. Madh Island Beaches
5. Gorai Beaches

RELATED ARTICLES:

• One Day Walking Tour of Mumbai’s Main Tourist Attractions
• Mumbai’s Top 10 Best And Most Famous Tourist Attractions
• Mumbai Top 10 Attractions and Things To Do
• Mumbai’s Tourist Places and Things to do for Families with Kids
• Tips for Tourist Visiting Mumbai – Dos and Don’ts
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Houses of Hindi Film Actors and Indian Movie Stars

Pictures of Aamir Khan’s House in Mumbai

 (Please click on Images of Aamir Khan’s Home to Enlarge)

• Aamir Khan and his family, wife Kiran Rao and son Azad, live at “Freeda Apartments”, which is off Carter Road in Bandra West. Amir Khan’s has a spacious 5,000 sq ft house.
• For a long time Aamir Khan lived at 11, Bella Vista Apartments, Pali Hill. He initially owned a 1000 sq ft 2 bedroom apartment. Later he bought another 2 bedroom flat and combined it to make one big flat.
• Aamir’s brother, Faisal, and his mother Zeenat Hussain, live at Bela Vista Apartments. Amir Khan’s Bella Vista Apartments home also houses his office.
• Aamir Khan has a 100 year old bungalow in Panchgani, which he bought from writer-director Homi Adjania.

Photos of Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna’s Home in Juhu, Mumbai

 (Please click on Images of Akshay Kumar’s House to Enlarge)

• Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna live in a beautiful sea facing duplex in “Prime Beach” in Juhu, Mumbai.
• Akshay Kumar’s home is on the ground floor and his mother, Aruna Bhatia, lives on the first floor and his sister, Alka Bhatia, and her husband, Surendra Hiranandani, live on the sixth floor of “Prime Beach” building.
• Akshay Kumar’s house has a nice lawn and a great sea view.
• Hrithik Roshan has a house in the same building as Akshay Kumar; on the third floor of “Prime Beach”.

Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek, Aishwarya, Aaradhya’s House

 (Please click on Images of Amitabh Bachchan’s Bungalow to Enlarge)

• Amitabh Bachan and his family (Abhishek Bachchan, Aiswarya Bachchan, granddaughter Aradhya) have five bungalows in Mumbai.
• The Bachchan family lives at “Jalsa”, which is their bungalow near Tulip Star Hotel in Juhu. In 2013, the Bacchan family bought the bungalow behind “Jalsa”.
• “Prateeksha” is the iconic home of Amitabh Bachchan. It was the Bachchan’s first bungalow in Juhu. Amitabh’s children, Abhishek and Shweta Nanda, grew up at “Prateeksha”.
• Amitabh Bachchan and his family own two other properties in Mumbai’s Juhu locality – “Janak” is a bungalow that houses the Bachan Office and gym and “Vatsa”, which has been rented out to Citibank.
• Please visit this link for more pictures and info on Amitabh Bachchan’s House.

John Abraham’s Duplex Penthouse Home

 (Please click on Images of John Abraham’s House to Enlarge)

• John Abraham’s house is an elegant 4000 sq ft duplex penthouse in Bandra West.
• John Abraham’s house was designed by his father, Abraham John, and his brother, Alan Abraham. John’s house has an open architecture design with no internal walls.
• Spread over the 7^th and 8^th floor of “Sea Glimpse Apartments”, John’s house has a beautiful panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. The seamlessly joined living room, dining room and kitchen are on the 7^th floor. John Abraham and his wife, Priya Runchal’s, bedroom and entertainment room are on the top floor, which has a sky lit terrace. A cantilevered staircase joins the two floors.

Deepika Padukone’s Home in Mumbai

 (Please click on Images of Deepika Padukone’s House to Enlarge)

• Deepika Padukone lives in a three bedroom apartment at “Beau Monde” in Prabhadevi, Mumbai.
• The interior design of  Deepika Padukone’s house is a mix of Indian and Western influences. Her flat was designed by Vinita Chaitanya.
• Dipika Padukone is among the few Hindi Film Actors who stays in Central/South Mumbai. Previously she stayed at “Cozihom” in Pali Hill, Bandra.

Pictures of Shahrukh Khan’s House (“Mannat”) in Mumbai

 (Please click on Images of Shahrukh Khan’s Home to Enlarge)

• Shahrukh Khan and his family (wife Gauri, children Suhana, Aryan and AbRam and sister Shehnaz) live at “Mannat”, a bungalow in Bandstand, Mumbai.
• Shah Rukh Khan bought “Mannat” in 2001. Subsequently he also built a 6 storied building behind his bungalow, which houses his offices, gym, library, guest rooms, residential quarters, etc.
• The interiors of Shah rukh Khan’s home is designed by wife, Gauri. Dark, eartly colors have been used for the interiors.
• Many Indian Film Stars live near SRK’s home; these include Farhan Akhtar, Salman Khan, Rekha, John Abraham, Tiger Shroff, Zeenat Aman, etc.

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s House in Mumbai

 (Please click on Images of Saif and Kareena Kapoor’s Home to Enlarge)

• Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor live at Fortune Heights, which is just Off Turner Road, in Bandra West, Mumbai.
• Saif and Kareena live on the tenth floor and Saif Ali Khan also has an office on the second floor of Fortune Heights.
• After the death of his father, Saif was conferred the title of the tenth Nawab of Pataudi. His family owns “Ibrahim Kothi” (Pataudi Palace), near Gurgaon in Haryana. The palace is run as a luxury heritage hotel by Neemrana Hotels.
• The Pataudi family owns many properties in Bhopal. His grandmother was Begum Sajida Sultan, the “Begum of Bhopal”, and his great grandfather, Nawab Hamidullah Khan, was the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal. Saif’s elder sister, Saba Ali Khan, is the “Mutawalli” (Patron) of the “Aukaf-e-Shahi” Waqf Trust in Bhopal that manages mosques, orphanages, charitable institutions, etc.

Photos of Indian Actor Anil Kapoor and Sonam’s Bungalow

 (Please click on Images of Sonam and Anil Kapoor’s House to Enlarge)

• Indian film actor Anil Kapoor lives in a bungalow in Juhu with his wife Sunita, his three children (Sonam, Rhea and Harshvardhan) and their dogs.
• Address of Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor’s house is 31, Shrinagar Residency Society, North South Road No. 7, Juhu Vlle Parle Development (JVPD) Scheme, Mumbai.

Pictures of Rishi and Ranbir Kapoor’s House in Pali Hill

 (Please click on Image of Rishi and Ranbir Kapoor’s Bungalow to Enlarge)

• Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor stay in a bungalow in Pali Hill, Mumbai. Their home is called “Krishna Raj” after Rishi Kapoor’s mother “Krishna” and father “Raj Kapoor”.
• Rishi Kapoor bought this bungalow from renowned nuclear scientist, Homi Sethna.
• Rishi and Ranbir Kapoor’s Bungalow address is Krishna Raj, 27, Pali Hill, Bandra (West), Mumbai 400050.
• Ranbir Kapoor also has 3 flats in a building on Hill Road in Bandra West.

Pictures of the home of Indian Film Star, Arjun Kapoor

 (Please click on Images of Arjun Kapoor’s House to Enlarge)

• Arjun Kapoor’s late mother, Mona Kapoor and his sister, Anshula, designed his house in Juhu, Mumbai.
• Arjun Kapoor’s apartment is tastefully decorated.

Indian Movie Star Imran Khan’s Bungalow in Pali Hill

 (Please click on Images of Imran Khan’s House to Enlarge)

• Indian Film Star Imran Khan lives with his wife, Avantika Malik, and daughter, Imara Khan, in a bungalow at 24, Pali Hill, Mumbai.
• Imran Khan’s bungalow used to belong to his grandfather, filmmaker Nasir Hussain.
• Imran Khan and Avantika were married in this bungalow in 2011.

Indian Film Star, Priyanka Chopra’s House in Mumbai

 (Please click on Images of Priyanka Chopra’s Home to Enlarge)

• Priyanka Chopra lives in a building called “Raj Classic”, in Versova, Mumbai. She has five flats on the sixth floor of this building. Three of these flats have been combined to make one large flat.
• Priyanka Chopra’s mother too lives in this building.
• Priyanka Chopra also owns a flat in “Green Acres” in Mumbai’s Lokhandwala area.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Pictures of Amitabh Bachchan’s Houses and Bungalows
• Pictures of Shahrukh Khan’s Bungalow, “Mannat”
• Pictures of Salman Khan’s Home in Mumbai
• Address, Map of Indian Movie Stars living in Bandra, Pali Hill, Khar
• Address, Map of Indian Movie Stars who live in Juhu

Salman Khan’s House at Galaxy Apartments, Bandstand, Bandra

(Please click on Salman Khan’s family pictures to Enlarge)

• Salman Khan and his parents live in two flats in “Galaxy Apartments”. This building is located at the start of Bandstand (“Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Road”) at Bandra (West), Mumbai.
• Salman Khan’s parents, Salim Khan and Salma Khan (“Sushila Charak”), live on the first floor.
• Salman Khan lives in a modest 1 Bedroom-Kitchen-Hall (BHK) apartment on the ground floor of Galaxy Apartments. Salman Khan’s one BHK house has an “L” shaped living-cum-dining room. There is a small open kitchen which is partitioned from the Dining Room by a 4 feet glass wall. Salman Khan’s bedroom is a 170 to 190 sq ft room that is dominated by the bed. Salman’s apartment has one bathroom.

• Salman Khan grew up at Galaxy Apartments along with younger brothers, Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, and sister, Alvira Agnihotri. Salman Khan’s adopted step-sister, Arpita Khan, lives with her mother, Helen Richardson Khan, in South Mumbai.
• Galaxy Apartments is an unremarkable looking 8 storey building in Bandra, made famous by the Khan family.
• Salman Khan and his parents are currently staying in a rented apartment at Carter Road while their Galaxy Apartment home is under renovation.
• Salman Khan and his family also have a 150 acre farm house near Panvel, a suburb of Mumbai. It is reported that there are 3 bungalows, a gym and a swimming pool at the farm house.

Pictures taken Inside Salman Khan’s House

(Please click on Salman Khan’s pictures to Enlarge)

Address and Map of Salman Khan’s Home at Galaxy Apartments, Mumbai

(Please click on photos of  Salman Khan’s building to Enlarge in Picasa)

Salman Khan to Move Residence to a New Building In Bandra

• As per reports, Salman Khan has bought flats in “Sagar Resham” at Bandstand, Bandra. This building is very close to Shahrukh Khan’s house, “Mannat”. Salman Khan plans to finally move out of Galaxy Apartments to a bigger flat.
• In addition, Salman Khan had bought a triplex at a new luxury building called “The Address”, also at Bandra Bandstand. Salman Khan’s triplex apartment starts from 11^th floor of the building. This new building is constructed by the Dheeraj Group.
• Salman Khan got in a controversy on the purchase of his flat in “The Address”. At the time of registering the flat with local authorities, Salman and Salin Khan paid Rs 1.64 crore (16.4 million) as stamp duty for the 1,079 sq mt carpet area flat. This meant the flat cost Rs 30 crore+ and Salman has paid 5 to 6 times the prevalent market rate. Activist allege that the builder may have included the floor space index (FSI) of common amenities, such as swimming pool, car parks, lift, etc, into the flat and the actual size is over 8,000 sq ft.

(Please click on photos of  Salman Khan’s building to Enlarge in Picasa)

• Over time, the Khan family has invested in property around Mumbai (Sterling Seaface at Worli, flat at Carter Road, etc) and in Dubai (Burj Pacific).

Salman Khan Celebrating Festivals of Eid and Ganpati at Home

(Please click on photos of  the Khans celebrating festivals to Enlarge in Picasa)

• Salman Khan’s family is made up of members who follow different religions. Salman considers himself as half Muslim, half Hindu. His mother, Salma Khan, was a Hindu before marriage (maiden name, Sushila Charak). His step mother, Helen was a Christian before marriage to father, Salim Khan. His sister-in-law, Malaika Arora (Arbaaz’s wife) is a Malyali Catholic (father Punjabi, mother Catholic). Brother, Sohail Khan’s wife is Seema Sachdev, a Hindu. Salman’s sister, Alvira Khan is married to Atul Agnihotri, a Hindu Brahmin.
• Salman Khan and family celebrate all the major festivals of India. During Eid, members of the film industry come to Salim Khan’s flat at Galaxy Apartments.

• Since 2001, Salman Khan’s youngest sister, Arpita Khan, has every year kept a Ganpati idol during Ganesh Chaturthi. Salman Khan and his family members perform a daily Aarti during Ganesh Chaturthi. A Muslim organization had once issued a fatwa against Salman for performing Ganesh Puja.
• On Eid, Ganesh Chaturti and Salman’s birthday, large crowd of onlookers stand across Galaxy Apartments to catch a glimpse of Salman Khan and the celebrities who come to his house.

Photos of Salman Khan’s Entire Family

(Please click on photos of Salman Khan’s family to Enlarge in Picasa)

The above “Being Human” poster is a picture of Salman Khan’s immediate family members. Family members include father Salim Khan, mother Salma Khan, stepmother Helen, brother Arbaaz Khan with his wife Malaika Arora Khan and son Arhaan, brother Sohail Khan with his wife Seema Sachdev Khan and sons Nirvaan and Yohan, sister Alvira with husband Atul Agnihotri and son Ayaan and daughter Alizeh and Salman Khan’s youngest sister Arpita Khan.

Pictures of Salman Khan’s Dogs

• Salman Khan loves dogs. Among Salman Khan’s current pets are “Veer” (a French Mastiff dog), “Saint” (a Saint Bernanrd dog).
• Salman’s most famous pets were two French Mastiff dogs, “MyJaan” and “MySon”. Both these dogs died in 2009.

(Please click on pictures of Salman Khan’s pet dogs to Enlarge in Picasa)

Salman Khan’s Cars

• Among the cars in Salman Khan’s garage are Range Rover (Vogue), Audi R8, Audi Q7, Mercedes, BMW X6, etc.
• Salman Khan also likes motorcycles and has a blue Suzuki Intruder M1800 RZ and a black Suzuki Hayabusa.

(Please click on pictures of Salman Khan’s cars to Enlarge in Picasa)

Video Taken Inside Salman Khan’s House

RELATED ARTICLES ON MUMBAI CELEBRITIES:

• Amitabh Bachchan’s Houses in Mumbai
• Shahrukh Khan’s House, “Mannat”, at Bandstand, Bandra West
• Houses of Indian Movie Stars and Hindi Film Actors
• Address of Hindi Film Stars Who Live in Bandra, Khar, Pali Hill
• Address and Map of Bollywood Stars who live in Juhu, Mumbai
• Amitabh Bachchan’s landmark bungalows, Jalsa and Prateeksha