How to enjoy a romantic Valentines Day without spending much enjoy a romantic Valentines Day without spending much Valentines is a few days away, and you have no idea what to get for your sweetheart this year. With the economy being the way it is, it's hard to spend money on his lovely day. Here are some easy tips on how you can spend this Valentines with your sweetheart without spending so much money - by using the things you already have at home!
.Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions.1. Breakfast in bed - What a great way to surprise your sweetheart in the morning! Wake up a little earlier to cook your sweetie something yummy. Maybe heart-shaped pancakes or waffles with fruit and sweet syrup, cranberry juice, some eggs and sausages. Decorate it with some red/pink flower petals from outside.
2. Write a love letter - Who doesn't like a love letter written by hand FROM the heart? Whether you are a poet or a beginner, as long as it's heartfelt and from YOU! You can write it, and stick in an old bottle with a cork.3. Home made coupons - Not like coupons from a store to save $1.00 on an item! Romantic and sweet coupons redeemable anytime - such as foot rubs, kisses, massages, etc... Just need colorful paper and pens and a stapler:)
4. Movie and cuddles at home - Rent a movie you both will enjoy, set up a nice little area in front of the TV (blankets, candles, dim lights, popcorn and sweets). It's WAY better than paying for all that and sitting on uncomfortable movie seats!
5. Romantic walk - If you are the outdoorsy type, you and your loved one can go on a romantic walk along the beach, and enjoy the sunset together. If you are not close to the beach, maybe you can enjoy a nice walk by the park and end with laying under the night sky with a blanket:)
.Read more: How to enjoy a romantic Valentines Day without spending much | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4736924_romantic-valentines-day-spending-much.html#ixzz1CDgm0QBu
Tips & Warnings
Enjoy things together. Pick things you and your sweetheart would like to do together!.You don't have to spend money to make Valentine's day romantic!.
Read more: How to enjoy a romantic Valentines Day without spending much | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4736924_romantic-valentines-day-spending-much.html#ixzz1CDhCHxH4
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
custom
How did the custom of kissing start? The custom of kissing swept from France through Europe to Russia, where Russian nobility loved to ape the French. Eventually, the kiss was incorporated into marriage ceremonies, and today lip-locks couples into sweet matrimony.
The custom of kissing today, as well as in ancient times, serves to show respect, and to pay homage to another. For example, early Romans kissed each other on the mouth or on the eyes to greet one another in a manner they deemed to be a dignified. One Roman emperor even ranked a person's importance by the body part he was allowed to kiss. He allowed important nobles to kiss his lips, less important ones to kiss his hands, and the least important ones to kiss his feet.
In Russia, the highest sign of recognition from the Crown meant a kiss from the Tsar himself. Today, natives of many African tribes pay homage to their Chief by kissing the ground over which he has walked.
The custom of kissing today, as well as in ancient times, serves to show respect, and to pay homage to another. For example, early Romans kissed each other on the mouth or on the eyes to greet one another in a manner they deemed to be a dignified. One Roman emperor even ranked a person's importance by the body part he was allowed to kiss. He allowed important nobles to kiss his lips, less important ones to kiss his hands, and the least important ones to kiss his feet.
In Russia, the highest sign of recognition from the Crown meant a kiss from the Tsar himself. Today, natives of many African tribes pay homage to their Chief by kissing the ground over which he has walked.
valentine day's cards

<em>How did Valentine's Day cards begin?
Believing that birds began to mate on February 14, people in the Middle Ages started the card tradition by sending love letters on that day.
In the 15th century, singing and spoken valentines were slowly replaced by written letters in Europe. The first written valentine is credited to Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who wrote love poems to his wife while he was in prison in 1415. By the beginning of the 16th century, valentines were almost always written.
Early valentines were hand made on colored paper. Often they were tinted with water colors and inks. Other types of valentines found during this era were:
Acrostic - the first line of the verses spelled out the recipient's name
Cutout - the paper was folded and cut into a lace-like design using small, pointed scissors.
Pinprick - using a pin or needle, tiny holes were punched in the paper to make it look like lace.
Theorem or Poonah - a stencil was used to help paint on designs that stood for words. For example, the word foot would be replaced by a picture of a foot.
Puzzle Purse - the paper was a folded puzzle with verses written in the folds. Each verse must be read in a specific order and the puzzle refolded correctly.
Fraktur - the letters were written in a decorative style to imitate the illuminated manuscripts used in the Middle Ages.
The 1800s saw valentines made by factory workers. Black and white pictures were painted by the workers in the early part of the century. By the end of the 1800s, the cards were made by machines. These cards were elaborately decorated with gold leaf, satin, lace and flowers.
In 1840, the first mass produced valentine's cards where made in America. Esther Howland, who sold $5,000 worth of the cards in her first year, created them.
Did You Know?
In the United States over 1 billion valentine cards are sent each year.
Valentine's Day is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.
Parents get 1 out of every 5 valentines.
Women buy 85% of all valentines.
flowers
<strong>How did flowers and lace join Valentine's Day?
Most of the items linked to Valentine's Day came from old-fashioned customs that used lace handkerchiefs and floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. When the custom went out of style for everyday use, the original meaning was lost and eventually they became part of the Valentine's Day tradition. Giving flowers dates back to the 1700s when Charles II of Sweden introduced the Persian custom of "the language of flowers" to Europe. Books about the meanings of particular flowers were published, and entire conversations could be carried out using only a bouquet of flowers.
The rose has become the traditional Valentine's Day flower. As it has always been a popular flower, the meaning of the red rose is still well known as the flower of passion and love. The red rose is also the favorite flower of Venus, the goddess of love, which helped give the rose its symbolic meaning.
LaceCenturies ago, a woman would drop her handkerchief in front of the man she liked. This was a form of encouragement to him, and if he picked it up for her an introduction could be made. Lace has always been part of women's handkerchiefs, and it has since been linked to romance.
CupidHe is the winged child whose arrows are shot into the hearts of potential lovers. His victims are supposed to fall deeply in love with someone. In both Greek and Roman mythology Cupid is the son of the goddess of love and is always part of celebration of love and lovers.
The heart
The heart is linked to Valentine's Day because it was once considered the source of all human emotions. The custom of drawing a heart shape is believed to come from early attempts to draw an organ no one had ever seen. The symbol progressed to become known as a sign of love.
Why does an X mean a kiss?In the Middle Ages, a lot of people couldn't read or write. When they had to sign a document, they would make an X in place of their name. In front of witnesses the signer would kiss the X to show themselves trustworthy. The kiss has since come to be represented by an X.
It's for the birds:
Lovebirds are often part of Valentine's Day. Found in Africa, these brightly colored birds sit very close together with their mates, earning them their name. Doves are also part of the tradition. They are symbols of love and loyalty because they mate for life. A pair of doves will also share the care of all their babies.
Love knotsA love knot is a symbol of everlasting love, because its winding loops have no beginnings or ends. In times past, they were made of ribbon or drawn on paper to prove ones undying love.
Did you know? Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the biggest holidays for giving flowers.
One of the earliest Valentine's Day gifts were candies. The most common were chocolates in heart shaped boxes.
Mostly men buy the millions of boxes of candy and the millions of bouquets of flowers produced for each Valentine's Day.
Most of the items linked to Valentine's Day came from old-fashioned customs that used lace handkerchiefs and floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. When the custom went out of style for everyday use, the original meaning was lost and eventually they became part of the Valentine's Day tradition. Giving flowers dates back to the 1700s when Charles II of Sweden introduced the Persian custom of "the language of flowers" to Europe. Books about the meanings of particular flowers were published, and entire conversations could be carried out using only a bouquet of flowers.
The rose has become the traditional Valentine's Day flower. As it has always been a popular flower, the meaning of the red rose is still well known as the flower of passion and love. The red rose is also the favorite flower of Venus, the goddess of love, which helped give the rose its symbolic meaning.
LaceCenturies ago, a woman would drop her handkerchief in front of the man she liked. This was a form of encouragement to him, and if he picked it up for her an introduction could be made. Lace has always been part of women's handkerchiefs, and it has since been linked to romance.
CupidHe is the winged child whose arrows are shot into the hearts of potential lovers. His victims are supposed to fall deeply in love with someone. In both Greek and Roman mythology Cupid is the son of the goddess of love and is always part of celebration of love and lovers.
The heart
The heart is linked to Valentine's Day because it was once considered the source of all human emotions. The custom of drawing a heart shape is believed to come from early attempts to draw an organ no one had ever seen. The symbol progressed to become known as a sign of love.
Why does an X mean a kiss?In the Middle Ages, a lot of people couldn't read or write. When they had to sign a document, they would make an X in place of their name. In front of witnesses the signer would kiss the X to show themselves trustworthy. The kiss has since come to be represented by an X.
It's for the birds:
Lovebirds are often part of Valentine's Day. Found in Africa, these brightly colored birds sit very close together with their mates, earning them their name. Doves are also part of the tradition. They are symbols of love and loyalty because they mate for life. A pair of doves will also share the care of all their babies.
Love knotsA love knot is a symbol of everlasting love, because its winding loops have no beginnings or ends. In times past, they were made of ribbon or drawn on paper to prove ones undying love.
Did you know? Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the biggest holidays for giving flowers.
One of the earliest Valentine's Day gifts were candies. The most common were chocolates in heart shaped boxes.
Mostly men buy the millions of boxes of candy and the millions of bouquets of flowers produced for each Valentine's Day.
valentine day
Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day?
We celebrate Valentine's Day, because until 1969, it was one of the many Saint's Days observed by the Catholic Church. It was dedicated to the patron saint of romantic causes, St. Valentine.
Although it was removed from the Church's calendar in 1969, the religious meaning coupled with Valentine's Day's roots in Roman paganism have allowed it to continue as a holiday for everyone.
Early Christians saw Valentine's Day as a way to honor St. Valentine, of whom there were actually three. The Catholic Church recognizes three saints by that name, all who were martyred on February 14.
The St. Valentine the day is named for was, most likely, a priest in the 3rd century who performed secret marriages when the Roman Emperor Claudius II thought single soldiers were more likely to enlist in the army. That St. Valentine was imprisoned and executed on February 4, 270. It is believed he was responsible for giving the jailer's blind daughter back her eyesight, and before his execution, he sent herss a note saying, "From your Valentine." The phrase is still widely used on valentines today.
It wasn't until 1537 that St. Valentine's day was declared an official holiday. England's King Henry VIII, known for his ways of disposing of wives, declared February 14th a holiday. It was another century and a half before religious devotional cards became non-religious cards to reflect the change in the holiday.
In 496 A.D., February 14, was declared in the name of St. Valentine by Pope Gelasius. It remained a Church holiday until 1969, when Pope Paul VI took it from the calender.
On February 14, the ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was also the goddess of womesn and marriage so honoring her was thought to be a fertility rite.
At the feast held the next day, the women would write love letters and stick them in a large urn. The men would pick a letter from the urn and for the next year, pursue the woman who wrote the chosen letter. This custom lasted until the 1700s when people decided their beloveds should be chosen by sight, not luck.
We celebrate Valentine's Day, because until 1969, it was one of the many Saint's Days observed by the Catholic Church. It was dedicated to the patron saint of romantic causes, St. Valentine.
Although it was removed from the Church's calendar in 1969, the religious meaning coupled with Valentine's Day's roots in Roman paganism have allowed it to continue as a holiday for everyone.
Early Christians saw Valentine's Day as a way to honor St. Valentine, of whom there were actually three. The Catholic Church recognizes three saints by that name, all who were martyred on February 14.
The St. Valentine the day is named for was, most likely, a priest in the 3rd century who performed secret marriages when the Roman Emperor Claudius II thought single soldiers were more likely to enlist in the army. That St. Valentine was imprisoned and executed on February 4, 270. It is believed he was responsible for giving the jailer's blind daughter back her eyesight, and before his execution, he sent herss a note saying, "From your Valentine." The phrase is still widely used on valentines today.
It wasn't until 1537 that St. Valentine's day was declared an official holiday. England's King Henry VIII, known for his ways of disposing of wives, declared February 14th a holiday. It was another century and a half before religious devotional cards became non-religious cards to reflect the change in the holiday.
In 496 A.D., February 14, was declared in the name of St. Valentine by Pope Gelasius. It remained a Church holiday until 1969, when Pope Paul VI took it from the calender.
On February 14, the ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was also the goddess of womesn and marriage so honoring her was thought to be a fertility rite.
At the feast held the next day, the women would write love letters and stick them in a large urn. The men would pick a letter from the urn and for the next year, pursue the woman who wrote the chosen letter. This custom lasted until the 1700s when people decided their beloveds should be chosen by sight, not luck.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
mumbai







The Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai is located adjacent to the Prince of Wales Museum and facing Elphistone College. It is situated in Kala Ghoda in the Fort area of Mumbai. This comes under the Colaba area. It is the ideal venue for artists to display their work. Its history is associated with the renaissance of Indian art.
How to reach:
As the Jehangir Art Gallery is located in Mumbai, there are number of means of reaching this place. The visitors can avail the help of local trains, buses, taxis and auto rickshaws. Faraway tourists can take the help of air service to reach the Sahar or Santacruz airport.
Places of Interest:
The Jehangir Art Gallery is India's most famous art gallery and a tourist attraction. Sir Cowasji Jehangir founded it at the request of K.K.Hebbar and Homi Bhabha in the year 1952. Sir Jehangir donated the total cost of the mansion. The Bombay Art Society manages it. It has 4 exhibition halls. The Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai has a very famous café of Samovar, which refreshes the memories of the 70s socialist culture. Entry is free for all. This prime art gallery looks after the artistic taste of the viewers. This gallery is Mumbai's highly visible art galleries. Artists consider it as a great treat to be able to display their works of art in this gallery. There is a vast list of applicants who desire to put up their work up on the gallery. This is very concrete evidence that the gallery is highly important and attracts the attention of the media, like none else. It is open on all days. The timings are 11 am to 7 pm. The gallery is considered to be the uncrowned Mecca of Art in the Mumbai City. The works of art displayed in the gallery often change with time. The plaza in front of the building is often filled with artists that offer their works for sale and their talents for commission assignments.
Shopping:
From Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai the tourists can reach various places for shopping. Crawford market is popular for flowers, fruits, meat and fish. The Mereweather Road behind the Taj Mahal Hotel has a very good collection of colorful and innovative carpets. The range of products available here is extensive, exclusive and expensive.
Nehru Planetarium Mumbai
Page Title: Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai
Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai is a unique department of astronomy associated with the Nehru Science Center. Nehru Planetarium was commissioned on 3 rd March 1977. Over the time it has grown into a Center for scientific study of astronomy, as well a meeting Center for scientists, and scholars. These meetings are held often wherein, various discussions and lectures are held periodically on various stellar and Astronomical events.
Activities
Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai holds several programs aimed at inspiring students. The list programs include Science quiz contests, Astro-painting, Science elocution, Astro-poetry, and Astro-quiz competitions. The greatest attractions for students are the special arrangements made to watch study and study the Solar and Lunar eclipses. Similar arrangements are made for many other events such as meteoroids showers. Telescopes are installed outside the Planetarium for the visitors to watch these phenomena.
Young amateurs are given an opportunity to see the solar system from close. They can also find out their weight on each planet. The Dome shaped planetarium everyday reveals the amazing mysteries of the space.
Theatre Programme
Currently Nehru Planetarium is running the 31 st sky theatre programme called “Awesome Universe�. As part of the theatre program they also are also showing a 45 minutes presentation called as the “Wonders of the Universe� Further, Nehru Planetarium also has a Mini Planetarium, which, they take to rural areas. Special programs are run for rural people to make them aware of the astronomical progress.
Digistar 3 technology
The planetarium has replaced their traditional planetarium equipment Carl Zesis Universal Projector to Digistar-3 Planetarium Equipment. The latest technology has enhanced the virtual space experience for the visitors.
Visiting Nehru Planetarium
Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai is located next to the Mahalaxmi Race Course. The building can be seen as big doom shaped architecture, which can be rarely unnoticed. Reaching to Nehru Planetarium is very easy. There are numerous government buses that run on this route, or you can hire a taxi. If going by local train get down at the Mahalaxmi Station and hire a taxi. The Planetarium is open only in daytime normally from 1 to 5. Confirm the weekly holiday before you plan your trip. The theatre shows are in Hindi, English, and Marathi as well and the charges to watch them are very nominal.
Hotels in Mumbai
Sun-n-sand Hotel Marine Plaza hotel
Mirador Hotel Eastern International Hotel
Ramee Guestline Hotel Gordon House Hotel Victoria and Albert Museum Mumbai
Introduction:
Mumbai is the largest of all the populated cities in Maharashtra and is also the capital of Maharashtra too. Mumbai facilitates everything ranging from luxurious facilities to the most drastic diseases and from leading hosts for business centers to the biggest slums. Mumbai is the main business center of almost whole of India. Mumbai is one of the major cities in the world that is known for leading in anything and everything. Mumbai is too vast and many interesting sight seeing places are available in this city. Mumbai has many display museums in the city.
The old and present condition:
The Victoria and Albert Museum, some people rarely know Mumbai. Some don't even know whether it exists or no. Some of the people know it by the name of Bhau Daji Lad Museum . Victoria and Albert Museum, Mumbai is one of the oldest museums in this city. It has been named after the original museum located in India. It was named in the year 1872. This museum has been under renovation for almost one and a half year under the supervision of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Mumbai . This museum is situated in between the gardens called as the Jijamata Udyan . It was also known as the Victoria Garden/Zoo. One may rarely find such a beautiful garden, which provides as a backdrop this old museum, and bring life to it. It is just a single storeyed square building, which looks totally old and ruined, and one may not even expect it to be the actual museum. This museum has been lived so long that even the labels on the information panels have turned yellow and rusted. There are heavy glass cases and oversized pedestals present in this museum. This look has been changed with the help of INTACH.
History:
This Victoria and Albert museum, Mumbai was built due to the idea of Dr. Buist , in the year 1884 when the whole country was under the rule of East India Company. Dr. Buist was a collector. His Idea flourished and gave birth to various other museums like the Central Museum of Natural History, Economy, Geology, Industry and Arts . The then Governor of Bombay Presidency, Lord Elphistone , was among its first patrons
Hotels in Mumbai
Taj Mahal Heritage Hotel Ramada Palm Grove Hotel
Kohinoor Continental Hotel Orchid Hotel
Hilton Towers Hotel Lotus Suites Hotel
musuem






Museums in Mumbai
Mumbai the economic capital India is more known for its glamour and business. But the city also has secured some of the rarest and precious historic objects. Museums in Mumbai house few of the finest and rarest objects from different ears of the Indian culture. The diversity in the collection of the museums speaks of the Indian diversity and rich culture.
Prince of Wales Museum
Located just next to the Gateway of India, the prince of Wales Museum houses the rare paintings and objects from the Indus civilization. The Museum has the rare collection of the Ancient miniature paintings, which is the biggest in India. A special gallery has been dedicated to east culture wherein objects from the Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan, and Nepal history have been displayed. This museum is also known as the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralay
Bombay Natural History Society
Located near the Hornbill House the Bombay Natural History Society exhibits interesting specimens on natural history. BNHS is the largest non - governmental organization in India undertaking conservation of nature and natural resources, education, and research in natural history.
Best Transport Museum
Located in Wadala the Best Transport Museum features amateur mini models of Best buses and the ancient trams. One its own kind the Best transport museum is worth giving a look.
Antarang
Located in Kamathipura Antarang is only sex museum in India.
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Located in the heart of the city in the Victoria gardens Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum has articles that are related mainly to industrial and agriculture interest.
FD Alapaiwalla Museum
Located near the Kemps Corner FD Alapaiwalla Museum has a interesting collection of artifacts which also includes a silver clock belonging to Sir Jamshedjee Jejeebhoy.
Mani Bhavan
Located near the Gamdevi Mani Bhavan is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. He stayed in the house between 1917 and 1934 every time he visited Mumbai. The building contains a picture gallery a library and film and recording archive.
- Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai
- National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai
- Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai
- Mani Bhawan, Mumbai
- Town Hall - Asiatic Library, Mumbai
- Bombay Natural History Museum, Mumbai
- Archaeological Survey of India Museum, Mumbai
- Indian Museum Ship (Vikrant), Mumbai
- Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
- Victoria and Albert Museum, Mumbai
culture
Culture and population of Mumbai
The Culture and population of Mumbai , is diverse. At present the population of Mumbai is around 18 millions and the density of population in the city is around 45, 662 persons per square kilometers. A survey conducted on the population of Mumbai's population suggests that more than 50% of the city's total population is of non Maharashtrian identity. Throughout India nowhere one can see such varied and diverse population. Among the major groups that has made Bombay their home away from home are the Gujratis, the South Indians, the Parsis and Sindhis and a large number of people from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar that are scattered all over the city. It is also worthy to note that almost half of the total population dwells in the slums.
Culture of Mumbai:
Mumbai is regarded as one of the most liberal and cosmopolitan cities of India. The residents of Mumbai are called as Mumbaikar . Life in Mumbai is very fast paced. Mumbai has one of the largest networks of local trains in the world. Most of the folks here prefer to stay in proximity to a railway station for an easy access to the metropolis. Many people particularly the city dwellers are left with very little time for leisurely activities due to a significant amount of their time spent in commuting. The city embraces many concepts that are a taboo in many other prominent Indian cities. There is a carefree attitude in the air of Mumbai. Undoubtedly the city can be stated as a melting pot of numerous cultures from different parts of India.
Cultural aspects of Mumbai: I
It won't be wrong to state Mumbai as a microcosm of India. Even though the city is overcrowded in every available space there is a uniqueness that reflects in every aspect of the culture of city such as the food, festivals, architecture, and art. When it comes to food Mumbai is really a junction of multi cuisine foods and fast foods. There is a lot culinary variety like South Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, Thai, Mexican, and Lebanese apart from Mumbai's own popular items like Vada Pavs and Bhel Puri . Mumbai is one of the few cities of India that celebrates almost each and every festival of the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis and the numerous other communities that dwell in the city. Among the most famous celebrations are the Ganesha festivals, diwali, holi, Christmas, Id, and Moharram. Due to the culture and population of Mumbai , the city remains the most popular city in India.
Hotels in Mumbai
Sun-n-sand Hotel Marine Plaza hotel
Mirador Hotel Eastern International Hotel
Ramee Guestline Hotel Gordon House Hotel
The Culture and population of Mumbai , is diverse. At present the population of Mumbai is around 18 millions and the density of population in the city is around 45, 662 persons per square kilometers. A survey conducted on the population of Mumbai's population suggests that more than 50% of the city's total population is of non Maharashtrian identity. Throughout India nowhere one can see such varied and diverse population. Among the major groups that has made Bombay their home away from home are the Gujratis, the South Indians, the Parsis and Sindhis and a large number of people from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar that are scattered all over the city. It is also worthy to note that almost half of the total population dwells in the slums.
Culture of Mumbai:
Mumbai is regarded as one of the most liberal and cosmopolitan cities of India. The residents of Mumbai are called as Mumbaikar . Life in Mumbai is very fast paced. Mumbai has one of the largest networks of local trains in the world. Most of the folks here prefer to stay in proximity to a railway station for an easy access to the metropolis. Many people particularly the city dwellers are left with very little time for leisurely activities due to a significant amount of their time spent in commuting. The city embraces many concepts that are a taboo in many other prominent Indian cities. There is a carefree attitude in the air of Mumbai. Undoubtedly the city can be stated as a melting pot of numerous cultures from different parts of India.
Cultural aspects of Mumbai: I
It won't be wrong to state Mumbai as a microcosm of India. Even though the city is overcrowded in every available space there is a uniqueness that reflects in every aspect of the culture of city such as the food, festivals, architecture, and art. When it comes to food Mumbai is really a junction of multi cuisine foods and fast foods. There is a lot culinary variety like South Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, Thai, Mexican, and Lebanese apart from Mumbai's own popular items like Vada Pavs and Bhel Puri . Mumbai is one of the few cities of India that celebrates almost each and every festival of the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis and the numerous other communities that dwell in the city. Among the most famous celebrations are the Ganesha festivals, diwali, holi, Christmas, Id, and Moharram. Due to the culture and population of Mumbai , the city remains the most popular city in India.
Hotels in Mumbai
Sun-n-sand Hotel Marine Plaza hotel
Mirador Hotel Eastern International Hotel
Ramee Guestline Hotel Gordon House Hotel
travel





























India Travel Photography and Pictures of Mumbai and Sahyadri Nature Hikes, Treks, Forts in Maharashtra and India
This site section contains India Travel photography done by me during my travel to different locations in india. While some photos simply exist to share some great memories with my friends. All images are standard wallpaper size (800X600)
Adjust your monitor: For optimal photographic experience, adjust the contast
& brightness of your monitor to view all the numbers in the image below
300+ !! Download Forts and Treks in India: Mumbai Nasik Drive
Drive to dams and waterfalls around mumbai nasik highway
Diwali Pictures
Pictures of Festival of Diwali(Deepavali), Rangolis, Kandil (lantern) and Fireworks.
Diwali Lantern/Kandil Pictures
Pictures of Lanterns, the Symbol of Festival of Lights: Diwali(Deepavali).
Exotic Lakshadweep Islands, India
Konkan Darshan
Pictures from Konkan coast and villages,
beaches of Ganpatipule, Velneshwar, Hedvi.
Ganesha Visarjan, 2010
Durga Puja Festival
Pictures of Durga Puja Festival, a big indian festival celebrated bigtime in kolkota/West Bengal
Garba Pictures
Colorful Pictures of Garba/Dandiya during Navratri Festival
India Road Trip: Mumbai to Konkan
Tikona Fort, Pawna Region, Lonavala
Picnic and Trekking around Pune, Mumbai
Matheran Trek
Lonavala: Kune Falls & Korigad
Raigad fort pictures
Pictures from Shivaji's Capital fort
Naneghat Trek
Naneghat which has the famous Angtha (Thumb) formation
Lohagad the Iron Fort
Rajgad Fort
Pictures of the Grand fort, once a capital of Shivaji Maharaj.
Purandar Fort Trek, Pune
India Waterfalls Image Gallery
Sunsets and Sunrises from various travel destinations
Beautiful Greenery Pictures
Colletion of greenery pictures in rainy season
Party at Mumbai on SuperStar Libra
More Birds Pictures from Singapore bird park
Amritsar, Punjab
Silonda Nature Trail in Mumbai National Park
Duke's Nose Trek
Train Pictures between Mumbai and Pune
Scenic train routes as it traverses the green valleys of bhor ghat near khandala and lonavala
Ganpati Visarjan 2009
Torna Fort
Ratangad Trek & Bhandardara
Luxury/SuperCar Show: Mumbai: April 2009
Golconda Fort Pictures
Golconda (Golkonda) is a 500 year old grand and huge fort at Hyderabad, India.
Ganpati Pune
Ganesh Visarjan: Girgaum: Mumbai
Ganesha Pictures
Ganesh Pictures
Nakhind
Karnala Trek
Hampi, India: The Glorious Ancient Kingdom
Mumbai Air Show
Kumbh Mela: Nashik
Mumbai Pune Expressway Travel
Rajmachi Fort
Prabalgad Trek
Gorakhgad Trek
Mountaineering Basics Camp
National Park Trek, Mumbai
Makar Sankranti
Harishchandragad
Flamingos at sewri, Mumbai
Bhimashankar Trek
Peth (Kothligad) Fort
Kanheri Caves & National Park
(Aug 2002)
geography
The exact geographical location of Mumbai lies in the west coast of the state of Maharashtra facing the Arabian Sea. It is an interesting fact that one fourth of the city o Mumbai lies below the sea level. Mumbai is spread across a total area of 440 sq. kms. There are two ridges o flow hills that covers the city on the East side and west side that forms a sort of barrier from the vast and open expanses of the Arabian Sea. The highest point of Mumbai is the Malabar hills having a height of 180 feets above the sea level.
Geographical account of Mumbai:
Originally Mumbai is made from a cluster of seven Islands. These are Colaba, Mahim, Parel, Mazagaon, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Matunga and Sion. The city derived its name from Mumba Devi the goddess of the Koli Fisher Folks the oldest inhabitants of Mumbai. The centre core of Mumbai is concentrated within the Southern claw shaped end of the Island. Colaba is the southern most peninsulas and houses two of the cities most remarkable landmark the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Hotel. Moving further in the west is the Marine Drive sweeping around the Back Bay and in the north are the suburbs of Greater Mumbai. Hence, the geography of Mumbai is very interesting.
Climate of Mumbai:
The weather of Mumbai remains hot and humid through out the year. This is mainly because of the cities proximity to the Arabian Sea. However the weather turns out top be pleasant during the months of November to March the winter in Mumbai. During this period the Mumbai sky remain clear without clouds and the temperature also cools down. The temperature starts rising from the months of March and it continues until mid June when the Monsoon breaks out. The monsoon season in Mumbai follows till September and it brings a relief from the heat and the humidity. That is why the best time to visit Mumbai is between the months of October and March. The temperature in the summer months usually varies from 35 to 23 degree Celsius. On the other has winter brings a respite from the sweltering heat as the temperature goes down from 29 to 19 degree Celsius.
Hotels in Mumbai
Le Royal Meridien Hotel Leela Kempinski Hotel
Sea Princess Hotel Sahara Star Hotel
Taj Lands End Hotel Taj President Hotel
Geographical account of Mumbai:
Originally Mumbai is made from a cluster of seven Islands. These are Colaba, Mahim, Parel, Mazagaon, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Matunga and Sion. The city derived its name from Mumba Devi the goddess of the Koli Fisher Folks the oldest inhabitants of Mumbai. The centre core of Mumbai is concentrated within the Southern claw shaped end of the Island. Colaba is the southern most peninsulas and houses two of the cities most remarkable landmark the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Hotel. Moving further in the west is the Marine Drive sweeping around the Back Bay and in the north are the suburbs of Greater Mumbai. Hence, the geography of Mumbai is very interesting.
Climate of Mumbai:
The weather of Mumbai remains hot and humid through out the year. This is mainly because of the cities proximity to the Arabian Sea. However the weather turns out top be pleasant during the months of November to March the winter in Mumbai. During this period the Mumbai sky remain clear without clouds and the temperature also cools down. The temperature starts rising from the months of March and it continues until mid June when the Monsoon breaks out. The monsoon season in Mumbai follows till September and it brings a relief from the heat and the humidity. That is why the best time to visit Mumbai is between the months of October and March. The temperature in the summer months usually varies from 35 to 23 degree Celsius. On the other has winter brings a respite from the sweltering heat as the temperature goes down from 29 to 19 degree Celsius.
Hotels in Mumbai
Le Royal Meridien Hotel Leela Kempinski Hotel
Sea Princess Hotel Sahara Star Hotel
Taj Lands End Hotel Taj President Hotel
mumbai vi
Economy and Politics in Mumbai
One of the most vibrant and bustling cities in the world, Mumbai is the lifeline of India. Since its inception, Mumbai has always been a commercial center and over the years the city has emerged as the financial capital of the country. The city is the headquarters for almost all major industrial powerhouses and financial corporations in India. The city is the most crucial contributory factor in India's rise to the status of a global economic super power. Hence, it is not surprising that the economy and politics in Mumbai has a larger effect on the overall affairs of the nation.
Economy in Mumbai
Mumbai emerged as a major trading and commercial center in India since the British established their rule in the country. The most important factor that led to the financial growth of Mumbai was its port. The port of Mumbai is still the largest port in India. Apart from it, Mumbai also has a thriving cotton textile industry and consists of a large number of textile mills and has earned the title of “the Manchester of the East�. Apart from these factors, the Mumbai Stock Exchange (BSE), which has now become the identity of the city and is the hub of some of the largest financial deals and bids in the country. Yet another factor that contributes to the economy of Mumbai is the Hindi film industry (Bollywood), which has made the city its base since several decades. Some of the largest industrial giants of India like the Tatas, Reliance, ICICI and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) have made Mumbai their home. These factors make Mumbai not just an economic hub but also a political cornerstone of India.
Politics in Mumbai
The economy and politics in Mumbai has its own script and position in the overall political framework of India. Mumbai is a metropolitan city and people of all religions, castes, races, languages, sects and nationalities have been living in this city for generations together. Till the 1970s the Congress party mainly controlled Mumbai. However, in 1966, the Shiv Sena came into existence mainly with the aim of safeguarding the rights of the ‘locals' against the ‘outsiders'. Since then this party, led by the dynamic Bal Thackeray , holds the reigns of the city. In 1995, Shiv Sena decided to go in for a coalition with Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP – a national level political party) and has been consistently governed the city for several years.
This represents the overall picture of the economy and politics in Mumbai , which has a great influence on the politics and economics at the national level.
One of the most vibrant and bustling cities in the world, Mumbai is the lifeline of India. Since its inception, Mumbai has always been a commercial center and over the years the city has emerged as the financial capital of the country. The city is the headquarters for almost all major industrial powerhouses and financial corporations in India. The city is the most crucial contributory factor in India's rise to the status of a global economic super power. Hence, it is not surprising that the economy and politics in Mumbai has a larger effect on the overall affairs of the nation.
Economy in Mumbai
Mumbai emerged as a major trading and commercial center in India since the British established their rule in the country. The most important factor that led to the financial growth of Mumbai was its port. The port of Mumbai is still the largest port in India. Apart from it, Mumbai also has a thriving cotton textile industry and consists of a large number of textile mills and has earned the title of “the Manchester of the East�. Apart from these factors, the Mumbai Stock Exchange (BSE), which has now become the identity of the city and is the hub of some of the largest financial deals and bids in the country. Yet another factor that contributes to the economy of Mumbai is the Hindi film industry (Bollywood), which has made the city its base since several decades. Some of the largest industrial giants of India like the Tatas, Reliance, ICICI and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) have made Mumbai their home. These factors make Mumbai not just an economic hub but also a political cornerstone of India.
Politics in Mumbai
The economy and politics in Mumbai has its own script and position in the overall political framework of India. Mumbai is a metropolitan city and people of all religions, castes, races, languages, sects and nationalities have been living in this city for generations together. Till the 1970s the Congress party mainly controlled Mumbai. However, in 1966, the Shiv Sena came into existence mainly with the aim of safeguarding the rights of the ‘locals' against the ‘outsiders'. Since then this party, led by the dynamic Bal Thackeray , holds the reigns of the city. In 1995, Shiv Sena decided to go in for a coalition with Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP – a national level political party) and has been consistently governed the city for several years.
This represents the overall picture of the economy and politics in Mumbai , which has a great influence on the politics and economics at the national level.
religion

Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is home to at least eight of the world’s religions. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, Sikhs, Jews, Jains and Christians — including Catholics — coexist here.
Included in this blog post are just a few photos from some of Mumbai’s religious places of worship. They reflect the diversity of religions in India, a country that is about 80 percent Hindu. This is not an all-inclusive list. It also does not include cricket, which, as one tour guide indicated, “is almost like a religion for us in th
this country.”
The Church of North India is a Protestant denomination resulting from the merger of multiple churches. At St. Thomas the Apostle Cathedral in Mumbai, visitors can find Bibles in English and New Testaments in Hindi and Tamil. St. Thomas church has many plaques and sculptures commemorating Indians — often young — who gave service to their country or church.
India’s Catholic Church has three different rites. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has approximately 160 dioceses, including 128 Latin dioceses, six Syro-Malankara dioceses and 26 Syro-Malabar dioceses.
Of India’s approximately 24 million Christians, more than 17 million are Catholic. Christianity is India’s third-largest religion.
Minara Mosque is seen from a street in Mumbai.
At right is Minara Mosque in Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. Islam is India’s second-largest religion. The country’s nearly 161 million Muslims make up just 13.4 percent of India’s population, yet India has the world’s third-largest Muslim population, after Indonesia and Pakistan. Approximately 10-15 percent of India’s Muslim population is Shiite, according to an October study released by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.
To realize how many Muslims are in India, compare it to Iran, with a population that is 99.4 percent Muslim. India has more than twice as many Muslims as Iran’s nearly 74 million adherents to Islam. The United States has nearly 2.5 million Muslims, or less than 1 percent of the population.
According to India’s 2001 census, Sikhs make up nearly 2 percent of India’s population, and Buddhists make up 0.8 percent. Jains make up 0.4 percent of the population.
The final photo, below, is from a Jain temple in Mumbai. Almost all of the world’s 4 million Jains live in India. The religion has some similarities to Hinduism and Buddhism. However, Jains do not believe in the Hindu caste system, but believe in equality for all. Walking into a temple, a visitor might hear bells ringing — the bells are to awaken the deities.
A Jain makes an offering to a deity at a temple in Mumbai.
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train


Mumbai local train system is spread over 302 route kilometers.
Ladies Compartment in a Mumbai Train
An estimated 6.4 million commuters living in the far-flung suburbs of Mumbai use the local trains daily to travel to their workplace.
Riding in crowded Mumbai trains is not for the faint of heart.
For the timid, getting into and off a Mumbai train is close to a life altering experience. Engulfed in a sea of humanity, the hapless commuter just flows with the tide.
The above Photo (taken in 2004) illustrates how crowded and dangerous Mumbai trains can be.
In 2006, 3,404 people were killed involving Mumbai trains, according to the Wall Street Journal. Those killed were commuters on the trains, crossing the tracks or slipped off the platform while boarding or getting off extremely crowded trains.
"Accidents are so common that stations stock sheets to cover corpses," Eric Bellman wrote in the Wall Street Journal. In New York state, 127 people are estimated to have been killed in the last five years in train related incidents.
The Journal estimated that the Mumbai commuter network's rail tracks carry 20,000 passengers every day for each kilometer, or 0.62 mile, of rail, surpassing Tokyo where the comparable number is 15,000 people per kilometer.
During peak hours in Mumbai, 550 people travel in a carriage built for 200. We doubt if the cattle cars used to transport poor Jews to concentration camps in Poland and Germany were as crowded.
library
victoria terminous

Victorian Gothic revival architecture in India, Victoria Terminus was named after the then Queen Empress on Jubilee Day, 1887.
Designed by the British architect F W Stevens, Victoria Terminus terminal was built over ten years starting in 1878. The railway station was opened to the public on New Year's Day, 1882.
Victoria Terminus is the western-most end point of the central railways of India and also the southern end point of the central and harbor lines of Mumbai's metropolitan rail transport system.
The Victoria Terminus was renamed Chhatrapati Sivaji Terminus on March 4, 1996. It was put on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 2, 2004.
taj hotel

Taj Hotel
Apollo Bunder,
Mumbai 400001
Ph 91-22 66653366
A Mumbai landmark and architectural marvel, the Taj Hotel opened in 1903.
The beautiful hotel brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles of architecture and provides sweeping views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India.
The hotel has 565 rooms including 46 suites and has played host to Bollywood and Hollywood Film Stars, CEOs, Presidents and Maharajas.
Parts of the Taj were destroyed in a fire in the fierce battle between India's security forces and terrorists in the attacks of November 26, 2008.
The Taj Hotel is part of India's Tata business house.
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