Maximum City, Mumbai - C.S.T.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (C.S.T.) is India's premier & busiest railway station where trains on the suburban Central line terminate. It is a UNESCO world heritage structure and also serves as the Central Railways' headquarters. It is named after the famous 17th century Maratha King and warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (depicted below).

In fact I remember spending a night at the station (sleeping on the platform on newspaper sheets) having missed the last train to Mulund while returning from a college function.

Located opposite C.S.T. is another heritage building which serves as the headquarters of Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). It is currently being given a face-lift and hence its façade was covered .

Maximum City, Mumbai - Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel

View from the sea

Here one can see both the old heritage structure and the new tower along side the Gateway of India. I took this picture from the upper deck of a ferry and the atmosphere was quite foggy at that time. I promise to go back again and get a better picture on a nice bright sunny day!

Close up

The Taj Hotel, located opposite the Gateway of India, is an architectural wonder and one of the most recognisable structures in Mumbai. Currently it is undergoing restoration and would be soon back to its original grandeur.

Postcards for my dear 2

Some more...

A journey to remember

Igatpuri, which is about 130 odd Kms from Mumbai and 40 Kms from Nasik, is largely known as an industrial hub and home to the famous Buddhist Vipassana center. It, however, is also a scenic location surrounded by rugged mountains and deep valleys (Bhatsa valley, Camel valley). During monsoons the place is verdant and replete with waterfalls (small and big). The best way to enjoy the delightful sights is to travel by train as it passes numerous tunnels and bridges (such as this one).

The morning train

Early morning (6 AM) shot of the Vikram Garh Alot station in Madhya Pradesh.

Barge in

A barge floating in the Savitri river that separates the district of Raigad (where I stand) from Ratnagiri (hills). Barges are a popular mode of transportation over there - people, vehicles, goods, animals, et al.