HERITAGE CYCLE RIDE, MUMBAI

18th April was declared by UNESCO as the ‘International Day for Monuments and Sites’ in 1983. Also know as the ‘World Heritage Day’, the aim of UNESCO is to create public awareness about the monuments and sites and the necessity to conserve, protect and restore them. It is not limited to the sites listed by UNESCO but concerns all cultural heritage monuments, places and landscapes of international, national and local significance.

UNESCO believes that Heritage Sites belongs to all people in the world irrespective on the territory on which they are located. This universal application of the concept of ‘World Heritage’ makes it so exceptional and powerful.

 


 

Notre Dame Fire Incident’

I was disheartened after seeing Notre dame cathedral burning. The flames may have destroyed a part of it but it certainly can’t destroy the soul of this amazing monument. Notre dame has risen in the past and am sure it will be restored back to its full glory.

I have some glorious memories of visiting Notre dame cathedral during my visit to Paris in 2017.

It’s the ‘Architecture’ that reminds us of the genius minds of those who were behind designing and erecting such magnificent monuments. Decades and centuries of dedicated hard work by Artist and Craftsmen who could not survive to witness its completion.

We are the fortunate ones to live in an era where we easily get to see so many splendid monuments around the globe gifted to us by our ancestors.

‘Notre Dame Will Rise Again’

 

IMG_20170526_144640847.jpg

IMG_20170526_144035560.jpg

IMG_20170526_144303667.jpg

IMG_20170526_153435288_HDR-4151017489-1555529491192.jpg

 


 

To mark this historic event of World Heritage Day I did a cycle ride around the famous heritage sites in south Mumbai.

IMG_20190414_091909.jpg
CSMT railway station. The top dome is under restoration and covered with scaffolding. (Due to early morning low light some of my pictures didn’t come well making the structures look average).

My first location was CSMT Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) as i took a train from the nearest station from my house to CSMT. Formerly known as ‘Victoria Terminus’ this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1887 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria’s accession. It is one of the busiest stations in India serving as a terminal for both long distance trains and commuter trains.

IMG_20190414_072348.jpg
Many young boys and girls come with their professional photographers for a photo shoot. Some do it for individual portfolio and some come for pre-wedding shoots.

Next i rode towards Asiatic Society of Mumbai, a library founded in 1804 by Sir James Mackintosh. This library was formed with an intent to promote knowledge, encourage arts, science, literature and research studies. Classified as a Heritage Structure, the building is inspired by Greek and Roman architecture with eight columns and a flight of 30 steps that leads up to the Town hall.

IMG_20190414_072754.jpg
View from the south end

After taking few pictures of Asiatic Library, i used the round about at Horniman circle garden and pedaled for 500 meters to arrive at St.Thomas Cathedral. This is the first Anglican church of Mumbai and was opened in 1718 for Divine Service. It is one of the oldest churches in India and completed 300 years of its existence on 25th December 2018. (You can read more about this place in my previous blog – ST. THOMAS CATHEDRAL: 300 YEARS OF CHRISTMAS)

IMG_20190414_073630.jpg
St. Thomas Cathedral
IMG_20190414_074059.jpg
Church Entrance

My next stop was Rajabai Clock Tower – yet another beautiful structure that stands tall at a height of 85 meters in Fort area Mumbai. Inspired by the Big Ben in London, it was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott an English Architect.

IMG_20190414_070101.jpg
Rajabai Tower

According to history, Premchand Roychand a prosperous broker funded a portion of the total cost on a condition that it should be named after his mother Rajabai. His mother was a follower of Jain Religion and she was supposed to consume dinner before evening. Being a blind lady, the evening bell of the tower helped her to know the time without anyone’s help. The clock tower received a tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.

IMG_20190414_070345.jpg
View from the west end

From there, I moved towards the famous David Sassoon Library and Reading Room. Founded in 1847, this building was planned by Albert Sassoon in memory of his father David Sassoon – a business trader who arrived in India from Baghdad and became the leader of the Jewish community in Bombay.

IMG_20190414_075311.jpg

Just opposite to the David Sassoon Library is Keneseth Eliyahoo Synangogue  a Jewish place of worship built by Jacob Elias Sassoon grandson of David Sassoon. Established in 1884 the structure falls under the management of David Sassoon Trust. (You can read more about this place in my previous blog – KENESETH ELIYAHOO SYNAGOGUE)

IMG_20190418_153959_883.jpg
Jewish Temple

Moving half a kilometer further I reached another World Heritage site CSMVS Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya – formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum). Established in 1922, this Museum was built to commemorate and welcome Edward VIII who was Prince of Wales at that time. The Museum building is surrounded by a garden and at the centre of the garden is the statue of Prince of Wales.

IMG_20190414_081815.jpg
The Museum

My next destination was a kilometer away and I pedaled towards Gate Way of India and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Both of these are iconic structures standing opposite to each other next to the Arabian Sea. On weekends, this place records high footfalls with tourist who come here to get a closer view of these historic sites.

IMG_20190414_083012.jpg
Gate Way of India

The Gate Way of India – an arch shaped monument was built to commemorate the landing of King Emperor George V and Queen Empress Mary in 1911 on their visit to India.

IMG_20190414_083139.jpg
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. A part of it is under renovation.

Erected in 1903 – entry to The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is restricted for a person like me who can’t afford a stay in such a premium destination. Most of the clients visiting here are elites and high net-worth individuals from business families. Presidents and the Prime Ministers and several eminent personalities have stayed here.

IMG_20190414_084600.jpg
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel – view from the back road.

It was time for a return loop and I cycled to my last stop for this trip which is Flora Fountain. The fountain was neglected and defunct for several years and many of its original carvings were in bad shape. But it was recently renovated and open for public view late last year.

IMG_20190414_071024.jpg
Flora Fountain

The beautification work of surrounding area is still to get completed and some media reports say that it is being designed to look like Trafalgar Square in London. At the top of the fountain stands the Roman Goddess Flora.  

In total, I covered ten heritage sites on my cycle. All of these places of interest are located within the radius of 8 kms. These sites can be covered on foot but only if you plan to see from outside.

Some more pictures…

IMG_20190414_084743.jpg
This one was resting under a tree shade.
IMG_20190414_092954.jpg
A kitten….may be waiting for her mom to arrive and feed her.
IMG_20190414_085528.jpg
Another one sitting on the car roof
IMG_20190414_070728.jpg
There are no cycle tracks in Mumbai so don’t be surprised if you see cyclist and motor vehicles battling for space on working days. Sunday mornings are a treat for cycling community as they get to ride with freedom because of less cars.
IMG_20190414_084122.jpg
Since its summer and Gateway is a tourist spot, you will come across many small time sellers around this area. A vendor was selling fancy sunshades. They look attractive and come at a cheap price but don’t expect them to last long or give you UV protection. To be optimistic, these glasses can be a good bargain for Instagramers who like to have a new look in every post.
IMG_20190414_084912.jpg
Boats at Gateway of India
IMG_20190414_085331.jpg
Boats as seen from a drainage pipe kept for installation. I just got a little creative here.
IMG_20190414_092033.jpg
War Memorial – opposite to CSMT Station
IMG_20190414_075323.jpg
Elphinstone College Building, established in 1856. The architect of the Indian Constitution ‘Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’ and many more prominent personalities have studied in this college.
IMG_20190414_081242.jpg
National Gallery of Modern Art
IMG_20190414_074408.jpg
Zara – a Spanish fashion brand opened a retail store spread over 50,000 Sq. ft area in 2016. This four storey heritage building is one of the highest paid rented structure.
IMG_20190414_092435.jpg
Municipal Headquarters built during the British rule in India.
IMG_20190414_091314.jpg
Closer view of Municipal Headquarters. In front of the building, an upper deck is created known as the ‘Selfie Point’. Tourist normally take photos of  CSMT station in the front and the municipal building on the side. Opposite to the municipal building is the War Memorial. so three significant sites with an upper deck which also serves as a round about for vehicles.

 

IMG_20190414_080535.jpg
Jehangir Art Gallery – established in 1952 near the Kala Ghoda art district, this gallery has hosted exhibits of India’s prominent artists and continuous to serve as a platform for budding artist.

 


 

Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai

One thought on “HERITAGE CYCLE RIDE, MUMBAI

I will appreciate your comments