Iconic Raj Bhavan opens for Public Viewing       

AERIAL VIEW OF RAJ BHAVAN (courtesy raj bhavan)

    ‘What lies to the western tip of Marine Drive?’ is the question many people visiting it often wonder. The thick dense forest with a few buildings in between is all we can see from this side. It is Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Maharashtra which is located on the southernmost tip of Mumbai on Malbar hill which is enveloped from three sides by the majestic Arabian Sea, and thus it is regarded as the QUEEN among the other Raj Bhavans of the country. Now you have the opportunity of visiting it as Governor Shri CH Vidyasagar Rao in an historic decision has opened some parts of Raj Bhavan to public as part of the Sunrise tours started from last September.

      The Sun rise tour is a two hour tour inside Raj Bhavan which can be booked through Online Registration and comes at a small price of Rs 25 per person. Every morning ( except Monday and Public Holiday) maximum ten people get to be part of this tour which includes watching sunrise from the yoga gallery, a visit to Devi temple, tea and a small history lesson about the place. You need to assemble at 6 am at the gate of Raj Bhavan and go through a multi layer security check. After completing the formality you meet a very friendly guide who is specially chosen by the Governor himself among his staff of Raj Bhavan.

    
   

Watching the sun rise may be the highlight of this tour but spending two hours inside the iconic Raj Bhavan is a mesmerizing experience.The calmness and beauty of the places just takes you by surprise and it is hard to believe you are still in Mumbai.  Spread over 47 acres, out of which three forth is forest. It includes variety of species of plant and trees along with its scientific name on it. Apart from being the home to the Governor, Raj Bhavan also houses number of peacock, snake, mongoose and monkey. Built way back in 1820 and with recent renovation it has a ideal blend of colonial and Indian style of architecture. It has it own helipad, tennis court and a private beach which makes it one of the best house to live in.

Raj Bhavan is also a place of historic and political importance. It was at this very place where The State of Maharashtra was officially formed back in 1960. It also serves as the residence of the President, Prime Minister and other constitutional functionaries during their visit to Mumbai. ‘Government House’, as the place was referred to in pre-Independence era, has also served as the residence to British Governor from 1885.

     “Sunrise tour at Raj Bhavan has become  popular among Mumbaikars as they get booked as soon as they are opened on 10^th of every month” informs Umesh Kashikar Public Relationship officer (PRO) of Raj Bhavan who interacts with visors daily. People from all parts of city are coming on these tours and witnessing a part of Mumbai that has long been inaccessible. Raj Bhavan is one of the most beautiful heritage places of Mumbai which you simply can’t afford to miss. As you leave Raj Bhavan at around 8 am after the tour you are left with an amazing calmess and energy which the premise gifts you, along with wonderful memories. DEFINITELY ‘A MORNING WORTH SPENDING’

Sanket S Subhedar

BLEND OF COLONIAL AND INDIAN ARCHITECTURE