Attractions in Fort - C.S.T (V.T.) (Mumbai)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum)

Formerly known as The Prince of Wales Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, besides being a mouthful, is a Mumbai landmark situated between the historic areas of Colaba and Fort. Completed in 1914-1915 to commemorate the first visit of King George V to India, the museum was however open to the public only in 1922. Designed by George Wittet and John Begg, who also have designed the G.P.O. (1913) and the Gateway of India(1924) to their credit, this Mumbai museum stands proud in the midst of a beautiful lush garden. The extensive collection includes miniature paintings, decorative arts, sculptures in various media, weaponry and rare pieces from Elephanta and the Indus Valley. Other museums in Mumbai worth visiting are Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Museum), Bhau Daji Lad Museum (Mumbai's oldest), the BEST Transport Museum and FD Alpaiwala Museum.

Flora Fountain

Flora Fountain stands in the midst of one of the busiest areas of Mumbai. Constructed in the late 1800s from the same type of limestone used in the United Nations building in New York, the fountain was original named Sir Bartle Frère, honoring the then Governor of Bombay and the man responsible for building modern Mumbai. Before the unveiling, it was rechristened Flora after the Roman Goddess of Abundance. The statue sits next to another monument that honors the soldiers who died protecting the state, leading to the square being renamed Hutatma Chowk. Incidentally, this is the same spot where the gate to the St. Thomas Cathedral stood, hence lending the name Churchgate to the area.

Horniman Circle

The only surviving part of the original Cotton Green area, Horniman circle is a series of arcaded buildings laid out as a semi-circle. Built in 1860, its best view can be seen from the neighboring Asiatic Library—known for its extensive collection of old and rare manuscripts. In the middle of this semi-circular area lies a beautiful park, which provides a quiet respite from the bustle. This place also has the historic banyan tree which acted as the venue for India's first stock exchange. Nearby historical buildings include the stock exchange and St. Thomas Cathedral.

Sir J. J. School of Art and Architecture

Founded in 1857 by Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy, the Sir J. J. School of Arts and Architecture is one of the oldest and one of the foremost art colleges in Asia. The faculty, students and craftsmen associated with this prestigious art institute played a fundamental role in Bombay's cityscape (Crawford Market and Victoria Terminus being its immediate neighbors), evident in the college's own Victorian-Gothic façade and arches. The premises are quiet and inspiring, surrounded with lush, green trees, and within its verdant campus stands the house of Lockyard Kipling (father of Rudyard Kipling), oblivious to the 21st Century. There are no tour guides, but some of the students will surely play the part.

GPO General Post Office

Constructed in under a decade, The General Post Office building was completed in 1913 and was designed in Indo-Saracenic style by John Begg (who in subsequent years went on to add the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (1915) and the iconic Gateway of India (1924) to his credit). This main Post Office of Mumbai is also the center of 'Poste Restante', where tourists can come (with their passports) to collect their mail. This has proved to be a building of extreme significance for backpackers and budget travelers. The service might not be as quick one would expect, a by-product of government bureaucracy and the sheer volume of mail that passes through understaffed hands.

St. Thomas Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of St. Thomas is the first church of its kind (Anglican) in the city, named after St. Thomas, an apostle who came to spread the word of Christ along the Malabar Coast. Work on the church started in 1676 but wasn't completed until 1718. Equipped for the Britons living in the Fort area, the place started off as a school for Protestant children and then evolved into a cathedral. There's a 142 feet clock tower placed cozily over it. The earliest landmark of the British Raj in Mumbai, it has been renovated to its earlier splendor.

Hutatma Chowk

The Hutatma Chowk is named in memory of the 105 members of the Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti who were killed here in a brutal police firing during a peaceful protest in February 1960. They were demanding the formation of a separate Marathi-speaking state of Maharashtra from the (then Gujarat-included) bi-lingual state of Bombay. The protest was eventually successful and a memorial with a statue of the 'Martyr' next to the iconic Flora Fountain is what's left behind. The statue is surrounded by Victorian British buildings housing large banks in the heart of the financial district.

Dr. D N Road

Leading up to the famous Victoria Terminus (now Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus) is Dr. DN Road. Virtually everything can be found here; at least few affordable versions. The stalls lining these avenues are a treasure trove for everything ranging from genuine aphrodisiacs to sophisticated electronic goods. A huge section of the area is also devoted to photographic goods. Cameras, films, repair shops, old vintage camera bodies; this place is famous throughout the country.

Jama Masjid

The original Jama Masjid was built in Dongri and was later moved to Esplanade before being moved again to its present location in 1775. The work on the mosque was completed in 1805. The mosque used to serve the local Kokni Muslims but now is a major landmark of the city, having spawned a railway station and market. Jama Masjid contains within it a water tank with around 10 feet of water. The mosque is lit up and bustling during Id which is a good time to visit the place.

Bhika Behram Well

When you reach the Fort area, you will be amazed at the number of historical structures in the area. One amongst them is the Bhika Behram Well. Situated at the end of Cross Maidan, is this fresh water well, said to have been dug by one Bhika Behram, who traveled from Bharuch to Mumbai in 1950s. The well has a beautiful stone canopy and is decorated with stained glass. The well is a relic for the fast growing Parsi population and is one of the few heritage with a lineage from Parsis. The well is venerated by the community and they offer their prayers to the well on regular basis.

Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue

Mumbai is home to different religious communities and the Jewish community is no exception to this. There are many synagogues in Mumbai and a casual walk through the narrow lanes of Mumbai town will bring you to the doorstep of the famous Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue. The shrine was built by Jacob Sassoon and is close to the famed Taj Mahal and Trident hotels. Come here on Sabbath or on other Jewish festivities and you will find a lot of locals as well as foreigners offering prayers. The Mogen David Synagogue is another shrine located a short drive from the town. Both the synagogues are managed by the Sir Jacob Sassoon Trust. Please call or check website for further details.

Mumbai High Court

The Mumbai High Court building is one of the few historic buildings in Mumbai. The building structure dates back to 1878, though the legal history in Mumbai began in 1661. An architectural treasure, this English-Gothic styled building was designed by Colonel Fuller. Standing 562 feet tall, the Mumbai High Court building is an important tourist attraction and a major landmark in Mumbai.