1.GILBERT HILL
The Mesozoic Era, which can be translated to ‘middle life’ was 252-66 million years ago, and
was the time of the dinosaurs. Towards the end of this era, molten lava was squeezed out of
Earth’s clefts, openings in the ground, forming large rocks. Today, we know one of these
large rocks by the name of Gilbert Hill in Andheri. This means that this hill is much older
than humans, who only came into existence 13 million years ago.
DANGER: It is in danger of collapsing due to buildings being erected over it.
WHAT ELSE TO DO?
Visit the Gaondevi Mandir.
2.CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ TERMINUS
Did you know that the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus was not always named so?
It went from being called Boree Bunder, to Victoria Terminus (VT station) to CST before it was
decided that Shivaji must be referred to as Maharaj, a great king or emperor, thus the addition
of the ‘M’ in CSMT. This monument is the epitome of Victorian Gothic architecture, the
characteristics of this genre standing out; arches, stained glass, flower shaped windows,
pillars and even gargoyles. Built in the late 1800s, this was the biggest and finest functional
railway station, and is used by more than 2 million commuters daily. There are so many
things that even these commuters won’t know of, regardless of their frequent presence here.
To an outsider, it would just seem like an average railway station, but the history behind this
monument is astounding. You can only appreciate the true beauty of this place after looking
around the Star Chamber and the unsupported spiral staircases in the domes, after analysing
every stone structure adorning the facade of this building. Look around and you will see
marble and stone portraits of the 10 founders of this station, peacocks and birds etched into
the stone, a 14 feet statue of the Lady of Progress and much more. Find out about the story of
the missing statue of Queen Victoria by making a trip to the Chhtrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Terminus.
DANGER: We are slowly forgetting to inquire, be curious about the history of such monuments, instead only revelling in the functionality of it.
