Mumbai: City Where Dreams Come True

Mumbai is India's financial capital, but this doesn't even begin to describe it. It is the city where dreams come true - it is a city of opportunities. It doesn't matter what your dream is, Mumbai will have something to offer towards its realization. If you want to be a famous actor, Mumbai is the home of Bollywood, if you want to be an entrepreneur, Mumbai has a wonderful business atmosphere, and if your dream is simply to enjoy life at a pace you like - slow or fast, Mumbai is still the way to go. There are countless stories of people rising up from its slums to become some of the most influential people in their fields. From being home to Asia's largest slum to being world's fastest growing cities, Mumbai can show you every colour. Welcome to my India's beloved city - the city where dreams come true. 

Gateway of India(above): Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. It was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway. Today this symbol of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing droves of local tourists and citizens. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbour.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Shown above is the Historical train station in Mumbai, and also the largest in the city. 

The city's architecture was largely influenced by the British and to an extent, by the Portuguese during the 18th and early 19th centuries and much of it has been preserved even till date. Its not very uncommon to find a beautiful cream coloured building with English architecture amidst a contemporary urban setting. 

The city's skyline is changing fast. Shown here is the Arabian sea coastline of Mumbai with upcoming skyscrapers in the background. Many super tall structures like the Palais Royale and World One are in advanced phases of construction. Many of these buildings when complete, will set new records.

Four Seasons Hotel with under construction 'Palais Royale' in the background.

Something unique to Mumbai is the co-existence of slums and skyscrapers together. On one hand it amazes me to think how two economically opposite sections of society exist in such proximity to each other with no egos hurt, and on the other hand its equally tragic to see how uneven the distribution of wealth here is. 

      

  

Promising downtown and business center of Mumbai.

Mahalaxmi Race Course



The Imperial Towers (above) which were until recently India's tallest buildings with 240 meters from ground to antennae. 

Palais Royale (above): Currently the tallest building in Mumbai and in India running 320 meters vertically.

Ah! A view from India's...oops, Asia's largest slum - Dharavi. I take pride in introducing it because people here might be poor, but they are a hard working class. They are not beggars, they are people running small businesses many of which have become crucial to this city's growth. Goods made here are exported all over the world with the total turn over expected at 500 million dollars.

   

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Hotels You Ought To Be At: The Top 5 List

Here's a list of hotels which you ought to be at. Not that these are the most luxurious hotels, or unique either, but each one of them has something different to offer. If you were to visit all five of these hotels, they'll leave on your mind very pleasant, and yet very different memories. Each of these hotels have different view, hospitality and  culture to offer. A picture is worth a thousand words, have a look. 

   The Ladera Resort in St. Lucia, West Indies

    

An intensely blue Caribbean Sea dashing against the volcanic Piton Mountains and faintly scented tropical breeze cooling your skin is what you can expect here. The makers have tried their best to leave the nature undisturbed so you can enjoy a panoramic view sitting on a comfortable chair in your room. By the way, that is a 1200 feet above the mean sea level. 

    

Conrad Rangali Island Resort, Maldives

   

 The beauty and awe of  this underwater bedroom is self evident. There is absolutely nothing that I need to write to describe how  amazing this hotel  it. You have slept under the stars plenty, now try sleeping under the fish. This 12-seat restaurant - hotel, which sits 16 feet below mean sea level of the Indian Ocean, was converted into a private bedroom suite for two, complete with  a private champagne dinner and breakfast     in bed.

The Samling Hotel, Windermere, England

    

This one is my personal favourite  If you think this hotel is too mainstream to be getting into the top ten list, trust me you are underestimating the value of a good English morning. The hotel does everything to make you feel you're in England. There's something very classy about  this  place, and solitude, if you're looking      for it. Set in 67 acres of land, the Samling Hotel in Lake District, UK, looks onto Lake Windermere.

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India

    

Wake up to a quiet Indian morning, and enjoy your tea with the view of Taj Mahal. I belong to India, so I know that quiet mornings are not something you would like to take for granted. The Oberois' are famous for their traditional Indian hospitality, so that's one more thing you should be looking forward to if you are planning to stay here. 

   

 The Chalet Zermatt Peak, Switzerland

    

                         

   Of course there are many resorts amid snow capped mountains in the world. But this one stands apart. For    one thing, it is in Switzerland, which has some of the most awe inspiring white peaks, and for the other, this hotel offers you an uninterrupted view of the mountains all around you, no matter which room you choose.    Imagine lying on that bed in the picture and looking at the glimmering peaks. O yeah. 

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