Showing posts with label colaba mumbai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label colaba mumbai. Show all posts

Friday, October 17, 2008

A T-shirt in Cloaba....


One of the T-shirts on Colaba causeway, wonder what he was on when he thought of that....

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Auto Rickshaws in Mumbai




Auto rickshaws are one of the most popular means of public transportation in surburban Mumbai. Little black and yellow bugs that zip through the traffic like busy beetles. The ride can be hair-raising, but the drivers are pretty skilled. Rickshaws are cheap and cost about half the taxi fare; however they don't ply beyond the nearest suburb, which is Bandra. If you're new to the city its best to check both taxi and rickshaw rates on the driver's Tariff Card.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai.

The Palace.





The Tower

The Taj Mahal Palace hotel resort was commissioned by Jamsetji Tata and first opened its doors to guests on December 16, 1903. Tata allegedly decided to build the luxurious hotel after he was refused entry to one of the city's grand hotels of the time, Watson's Hotel, as it was restricted to 'whites only'.
The side of the hotel seen from the harbor is actually its rear. The front faces away to the west. There is a widespread misconception that the architects' building plans were confused by the builder so that he built it facing away from the harbor. This is not true, as the hotel was deliberately built facing inland rather than to the harbor. This was probably a deliberate snub to the British king by Jamsedji Tata due to nationalist feelings. Some people believe that the front of the hotel had to face inland because the horse carriages, in which guests came to the hotel, could easily approach the hotel from the city. The carriages were then taken to Wellington Mews. Five decades ago, the old front was closed off, and access is since then through the seaside (former rear)

Since it opened in 1903, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai has created its own unique history. From Maharajas and Princes to various Kings, Presidents, CEOs and entertainers, the Taj has played the perfect host, supportive of their every need.

Built in 1903, the hotel is an architectural marvel and brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary Indian influences along with beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, a magnificent art collection, an eclectic collection of furniture, and a dramatic cantilever stairway.

Over the past century, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai has amassed a diverse collection of paintings and works of art and is a veritable showcase of artifacts and art of the era. From Belgian chandeliers to Goan Christian artifacts, the hotel incorporates a myriad of artistic styles and tastes.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Cafe Mondegar, Colaba!!



The Jukebox..






Cafe Mondegar is a convert of an Iranian restaurant. It is situated about 200 yards from Gateway of India, in South Mumbai. Cafe Mondegar, or Mondy’s as it is popularly known, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Colaba. You just can't ignore the wall art when you visit. The famous big lady in the polka-dotted dress is unmistakable.
Situated near Regal Cinema, it serves as the perfect afternoon hangout before, after or even as an escape from a boring movie. It is usually filled with college students, tourists and just about anyone who wants to take a trip down memory lane while enjoying a leisurely meal. Most of Mondegar’s menu comprises snacks like burgers and other continental fare, so breakfast is faboulous. Though, beer is the most popular. You can't go to Mondy's and not have beer. A trip to Mondy’s is easy on the pocket and provides a welcome relief to the foodie from the expensive upper class restaurants nearby.