Stepping into the lively and bustling indoor Crawford Market (officially known as the Mahatma Phule Market) will surely give any tourist a real taste of what India has to offer. The market is one of South Mumbai’s most well-known markets and is the last outpost of British Bombay. The market got its name from the first Municipal Commissioner of the city, Arthur Crawford. It used to be the city’s wholesale produce market before it was moved to New Bombay. Today, the market has been the haven for locals and tourists shopping for fruits, vegetables, meat, as well as imported items like cosmetics, household and gift items, etc. Norman and Gothic architectural styles portray the edifice while bas reliefs and an ornate fountain inside the market were designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling’s father. Located south of the market is the J. J. School of Art where famous author and poet Rudyard Kipling was born.
The Gateway of India is a famous monument in Mumbai, India built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in 1911. The majestic yellow basalt arch measures 26 meters high and is derived from the Islamic architectural styles of 16th-century Gujarat. It was officially opened on December 4, 1924 and has become a popular emblem of the city. The gateway is also a prime gathering spot for locals and tourists in the evening and on weekends. There are several photographers, balloon sellers, vendors and even snake charmers in the vicinity and tourists can enjoy a view of the Arabian Sea while exploring the area. Statues of the religious reformer Swami Vivekananda and of the Maratha leader Shivaji astride his horse can also be found near the gateway.