Mumbai Photos [27 Pics]

Feb 16 2013

Beautiful photos by Vitaliy Raskalov from his project called Urban Exploration. The first set looks at Mumbai, the biggest and most diverse city in India. Enjoy the trip!

Be sure to click on photos for higher resolution versions. Above photo: Gates to India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji train station, Mumbai.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजी टर्मिनस, formerly Victoria Terminus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic railway station which serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways in Mumbai, India.

According to Vitaly, exploring Mumbai "from the above" as he normally does is quite problematic. Most of apartment and office buildings have guards and getting through them is almost impossible. On the other hand it's very common to stumble upon families living on the roofs of Mumbai who are not very excited to see uninvited guests at their "homes".

Mumbai University, an amazing architectural example of India during the colonization days.

University cricket fields. Cricket is India's #1 sport.

Arabian Sea coastline, with Mumbai's business center in the background.

Patio at Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai.

Because Vitaliy didn't meet hotel's restaurant (seen above) dress code, he climbed up to the roof of the building to take some photos of it.

At over 130 meters, this building is in the top 20 tallest buildings in Mumbai.

Depending on which side your hotel room is located your views can be very different.

On one end you ca witness India's infamous slums. Pictured above, people burning garbage.

On the other, you can enjoy the views of Mumbai's business center and downtown.

Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

The Imperial towers, central Mumbai.

At 240 meters, The Imperial was once Mumbai's tallest building.

Currently the tallest structure in Mumbai's downtown is the recently built Palais Royale, which reaches 320 meters at it's tallest point.

Dharavi is a slum that covers an area of 175 hectares, or 0.67 square miles. It is the biggest slum in Asia with over 1 million residents.

In expensive Mumbai, Dharavi provides a cheap alternative where rents were as low as US$4 per month in 2006.

This slum houses numerous churches, schools, factories, bakeries, stores, hotels and other small businesses. Dharavi exports goods around the world.

A settlement near Mumbai's Mahim Junction

Having been to India myself, the contrast of life that one can experience in a single place is both shocking and exhilarating and after only your first visit you begin to realize just how magical this place truly is, making you want to go back there time after time.

Next on Vitaliy's list is Bangkok, so stay tuned!

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