Gothic and Art Deco story of Mumbai
Joined 2023
Gothic & Art Deco story of Mumbai is an architecture walk where we listen to the story of evolution of a small fishing village into a global trading metropolis. We will walk past magnificent buildings built in Gothic & Art Deco style over the lat 2 centuries which are now a world heritage site.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Entrance of McDonalds opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
After hotel pick up we commence the tour at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, known as Victoria Terminus earlier. A UNESCO heritage building, CST is arguably the best example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India. What is remarkable is that the Gothic elements are blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. With more than 6 million daily commuters, CST is one of the busiest train stations in the world.
Flora Fountain
We walk to Flora fountain passing the famous Sterling Cinema and Azad Maidan the venue for many memorable inter school cricket matches! Flora Fountain is the most famous fountain in Mumbai. Sculpted from Portland stone it has a magnificent statue of the Roman Goddess of flowers. It is dedicated to the people who died fighting for an independent state of Maharashtra.
Eros Cinema
Eros Cinema is an cinema hall built in Art Deco style. It was built in 1938 by architect Sorabji Keikhushru Bhedwar. The internal decorations were done by Fritz von Dreiberg. The building resembles a wedding cake as it rises in tiers topped by a semi-circular tower.
Empress Court
Next in the itinerary of our architecture walk in Mumbai is an impressive residential Art Deco building called Empress Court. Living in these Art Deco building used to be a symbol of status and wealth!
High court
The High court building of Mumbai is a splendid specimen of Gothic architecture. Designed by Col. JA Fuller the building is characterized by huge towers and broad staircases. Statues of Justice & Mercy on top of the building are an inspiration for law abiding citizens!
Rajabai tower
We next head to the Big Ben of Mumbai. Rajabai Tower located in the Mumbai University complex is often called the Big Ben of Mumbai. A UNESCO heritage site, Rajabai Tower is an important Revival-Gothic heritage building . This 125 years old structure is a blend of Gothic and Art Deco elements.
Sasson Library
In 1862, a Jewish banker named David Sassoon built a magnificent Gothic structure as a reading room and library. The library makes for a good afternoon jaunt, with a collection of 70,000 rare books.
Gateway of India
We finish our Architecture tour in Mumbai at Gateway of India. It was built to welcome the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. The structure of this magnificent gateway is a triumphal arch, built predominantly in an Indo-Saracenic architectural style with some Muslim elements incorporated. On February 28, 1948, the last British troops passed through the Gateway of India in a ceremony signaling the end of British rule in India.
Ending Point
Gateway of India
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee and entrance charges
pick and drop
Tour Important Information
* Note that all buildings will be seen from outside except CST and Gateway of India where we will go inside
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Pankaj G.
I am a passionate Mumbaikar and has a keen interest in the culture and heritage of Mumbai. Over the last 5 years I have been doing Buddhist cave tours and culture walks in Mumbai which tell the story of the city. My favorite walk is the Gothic and Art Deco story of Mumbai. I have hosted hundreds of guests from 15 countries on this architecture walk.
I am also a media technology veteran with multiple patents. I am the founder of sync2TV, a Mobile-alongside-TV marketing platform, with which TV content/ advertising can now become interactive via mobile phone in real time.
Prior to getting into tourism, I have worked for more than a decade in WPP owned media agencies across India. China and Philippines.
I am a master of silent meditation and a student of comparative religion. Other than architecture walks, I also hosts Buddhist cave tours around Mumbai.
I holds a Bachelors in Mass Media (advertising and marketing) from S.I.E.S College, (Mumbai University).
I also hold a Post Graduation Diploma (BRM) from Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad.
Reviews
“An excellent day in Mumbai”
My friend and I enjoyed an very informative day in Mumbai with Pankaj.Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city and we enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the spice market , the heritage buildings and even had time for a short trip on the metro. The vehicle was a spacious and air conditioned SUV.
Pankaj G.
Thanks so much for this kind feedback. It was my pleasure hosting you both!
$45/ per group
