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Experiencing Art Deco near Oval Maidan, Mumbai
On a cloudy Saturday evening, 16 people gather around a house, just to crane their necks up and check out fine architectural details. Some point their fingers to the rounded edges while others stress on the “waves” patterns on the balcony grills. Here, braving the possibility of a heavy Mumbai-monsoon downpour, are 16 architecture and history enthusiasts standing on Maharshi Karve Road along Oval Maidan in Mumbai. This precinct is a part of UNESCO protected “The Victorian and Art-Deco Ensemble of Mumbai”. I am a part of this group and we are here with Khaki Tours for an Art Deco guided walk. The history of Bombay Bombay was an archipelago…
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A Heritage Walk Inside BMC Headquarters in Mumbai
On an exceptionally pleasant winter day in Mumbai, we go on a walking tour of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation(BMC) building at the Fort area in Mumbai. It was designed by Frederick William Stevens and is built in Venetian Gothic and Indo-Saracenic styles. The building stands bang opposite the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus(previously known as Victoria Terminus), an operational railway station in Mumbai. The front yard of the BMC building has a viewing deck where general public are permitted to visit and take photos of the exterior. However, entry inside the building has restrictions. It is accessible only by signing up for the “Urbs Prima Tour”…
