Asides

Fiona Fernandez Recommends 5 Iconic Mumbai Monuments to Visit

Author of the delightful book H for Heritage, Fiona Fernandez recommends her five favourite places in Mumbai.

Check out her recommendations below and visit them on your next trip to the city of dreams!

Victoria Terminus [today’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Railway Terminus]

My first memory of a heritage building was that of alighting from the local train to be wowed by the grand sight of a towering railway terminus. My family would make annual trips via train to Crawford Market for Christmas shopping, and thus, VT station became a favourite.

Basilica of Mount Mary

Every September, we would visit this church during the famous Bandra Fair to celebrate the birthday of Mother Mary. I was always fascinated by its stone architecture, its sea-facing location on a hillside, and how devotees of different faiths would visit this place of worship.

Kala Ghoda

I was always curious about “Kala Ghoda”, after hearing about the location from older cousins. During a school visit to the museum nearby, we realised there was no black horse. Later, I learnt that the statue was shifted decades before to Rani Baug. A new statue without a rider now stands in the same spot.

Flora Fountain

As a child, I would hear relatives say “Fountain” in their conversations. I realised they meant Flora Fountain. One day while heading to the Gateway of India, my parents halted there to show me this statue. She looked calm and unaffected despite being in the middle of a traffic signal.

Gateway of India

I have had the most fun here, watching waves lash the boundary walls of this giant stone structure. I also had my first history lesson outside school here, thanks to an informed guide. We loved to hop on a boat for a better view of this landmark from the sea. 

Oval Maidan

Once, as a child after visiting Marine Drive, my aunt showed me Oval Maidan, where I saw the High Court and Rajabai Tower, as the clock began to chime. I was thrilled to also watch nearly 15 cricket matches being played on the largest ground I had ever seen. 

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