Ahead of the official programme at Routes Asia, delegates that had arrived early in the Indian city of Mumbai were given the opportunity to view some of the sights of India’s ‘City of Dreams’, organised by our event host, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, a joint venture between the GVK led consortium and the Airports Authority of India. Sometimes known as the ‘Maximum City’, Mumbai is one of the world's top ten centers of commerce and ranks highly in global city analysis of the world’s biggest financial hubs, expensive streets, office rents and world’s largest billionaire cities. It is home to important financial institutions as the Reserve Bank of India, the Stock Exchanges and the corporate headquarters of many Indian companies and numerous multinational corporations and is home to India’s famous ‘Bollywood’ Hindi film and television industry.
Yesterday afternoon (March 16, 2013) around 100 delegates took the opportunity to view some of the city’s prominent monuments and sights. Initially visiting Mani Bhavan, a museum in what was the residence of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi when he stayed in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934, a trip to the Hanging Gardens followed for a photo opportunity. This spot is located in Kamala Neharu Park on Malabar Hill and offers spectacular views of the city, Chowpatty Beach and the Queen's Necklace, the famous 'C'-shaped six-lane concrete Marine Drive coastal road in South Mumbai.
The itinerary then took the delegates to Iskcon Juhu Temple, a 1970s constructed complex that is now one of the most visited sights of the city. Located in what was once a remote and obscure part of the city, it now provides a spiritual oasis away from the demands of the hectic financial and commercial capital of India. Opened in 1978, the complex includes a spacious marble temple, a recently renovated auditorium, a huge restaurant and a twin towered seven-storey guest house where visitors can stay and participate in the daily spiritual programs of the temple.
The journey back north took delegates through the business districts of South Mumbai passing by monuments built during the British era; the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Victoria Terminus), Mumbai University and the High Court when not stuck in Mumbai’s famous traffic jams, with a stop at the Gateway of India for another photo opportunity before returning to the event hotel.
The Gateway to India monument was built during the British Raj and is located on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area of South Mumbai overlooking the Arabian Sea. The structure is a basalt arch that stands 26 metres high and was erected to commemorate the landing of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder, when they visited India in 1911.
Later in the day a second tour enabled delegates to witness why Mumbai has the title: ‘The city that never sleeps’. Although darkness had fallen across the city when the coaches departed, Mumbai was still alive. People are out and about at all hours, and as the lights come on the city sparkles as if bedecked in jewels. This evening itinerary showcased the transformation of the city and the tour was attended by many delegates who had witnessed aspects of the city by daylight earlier in the day.
The first stop was the iconic Gateway to India. Originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England; today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure. Next stop was the seaside promenade of Marine Drive which spreads from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. The whole stretch is popular for strolling and after the sun sets and the city is illuminated, it becomes a glittering necklace of a million lights. On reaching Marine Drive, delegates boarded a Horse carriage ‘Buggy’ to enjoy the ride to the Chowpatty Beach before boarding the coach and returning to hotel.
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