Bombay's local color derives from the mixed nature of its population. Apart from the local inhabitants (Maharshtrians, Gujaratis, Parsis, Goans, Kannadis, and Tamils), there are thousands from other parts of India who come here to make a living. The different customs, languages, and even the food eaten can be quite fascinating.

ATTRACTIONS

Malabar Hill and Marine Drive
The best place to start your visit is a view of Bombay from Malabar Hill which, together with Cumballa Hills, comprises the most fashionable residential area. There are many large houses with lovely gardens.

Going up Marine Drive, a modern promenade by the sea, also known as Netaji Subhash Road, the jostling crowds in the cool of the evening can be so great that you may well think that an important festival is going on.

The Hanging Gardens
From the top of Sir Pherozshah Mehta Gardens and the adjoining Kamala Nehru Park (popularly known as the "the Hanging Gardens") the visitor has a panoramic view of Bombay - the bay, the imposing buildings standing out against the skyline, the colorful Chaupati Beach immediately below, and the faint hills in the distance. At night, the twinkling lights of Marine Drive have been aptly described as "the Queen's Necklace." Near these gardens are the Parsi Towers of Silence.

Priyadarshini Park
To the west of Napean Sea Road lies the Priyadarshini Park. Once a rocky wasteland near the sea, now transformed into a feast for the eyes, amidst the concrete jungle of Malabar Hill. Beside the fact that produces oxygen for the city, it has a jogging track, tennis courts, a fully equipped gym and a health club.

Mahalaksmi
Around Mahalakhmi Temple, there are always crowds and the sound of gongs as devotees offer prayers to the Goddess of Wealth and Plenty - Mahalaksmi. Nearby is the Mahalaksmi Race-course, where race meetings are held on weekends and public holidays. Some of India's most important races are run. To the left, is a 500-year old Muslim shrine, the Hajji Ali's Tomb, built on a rocky prominence surrounded by the sea. The pathway leading to it is under water at high tide.

Nehru Planetarium and Science Center
Situated at Worli, the planetarium offers the sky observations and astronomical shows and the science centre is an inter-active museum, where children can get exposure to the world of science. It was in 1972 that the Nehru Centre was conceived by the late Shri Rajni Patel and others as a living memorial to the maker of modern India, who symbolized the ideals of enlightened curiosity, scientific temper, secular values, a world view and above all, a faith in the people of India.

Crawford Market
Also known as Jyotiba Phule Market, is at the junction of Dadabhoy Naoroji Road and Carnac Road. It was built in 1871. The main section is a covered market where vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, and poultry, flowers, and provisions are sold.

Chor Bazaar
Literally means "Thieve's Market". It is located near Bhendi Bazaar. The adventurus buyer may come across curios and quaint collector's items and may even chance upon a genuine antique.

Victoria Terminus now renamed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Moving down Dadabhoy Naoroji Road towards Flora Fountain one passes two imposing buildings. On the right is the Municipal Building and on the left is Victoria Terminus, headquarters of the Central Railway. It was designed in Italian Gothic style by F.W. Stevens. The 1st train to steam out of Bombay was from here to Thane in 1853.

Flora Fountain
Also known as Hutatma Chowk, the very hub of Bombay's busy life. Within a radius of two miles of the Fountain are some of the most interesting institutions and buildings of Bombay - the University, the old Secretariat, and the famous Gateway of India. Near the fountain is the building of the High Court, the highest court of law in the State, which was completed in 1879 and is in the Venetian Gothic style characteristic of all Bombay's public buildings put up in the 19th century.

Rajabai Tower
Its architecture a mixture of Gothic and 15th century French style. The Rajabai Tower gives a fine view of the city. A gujarati businessman Premchand Roychand constructed this in the honour of his mother.

Prince of Wales Museum
One of the greatest attractions of Bombay, built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and having an imposing dome modelled on the architectural styles of Western India of the 15th and 16th centuries. The museum has important Art, Natural History, and Archaeological Sections besides smaller sections devoted to other specialized subjects.

Gateway of India
Erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. It consists of a central hall with great archways, and side halls which can accomodate 600 people. The design, by the English architect Wittet, is based on the 16th century Gujarat style.

Chowpati Beach
Located between Marine Drive and Malabar Hill. It occupies a special place in the life of Bombay, being the venue of mass political meetings during the freedom struggle. Spectacular immersion of Ganesh idols take the place here on the 10th day of Ganesh Festival (around first week of September).