The Name Colaba, comes from Kolabhat, this word has been taken from the language of the Kolis, the original inhabitants of the Island. The area that is now Colaba was originally a region consisting of two Islands , the Island of Colaba & Little Colaba ( or Old Woman’s Island ). The Island of Colaba was one of the seven Islands that make up Mumbai today. These Islands were ruled by the Portuguese, which they had acquired from the Sultanate of Cambay and later these group of islands were gifted by Portugal to Charles II of England as dowry when he married Catherine of Braganza.
Colaba today, is the 'Culture Square' of Mumbai. The architecture of the area is reminiscent of the old Bombay, fact highlighted by buildings & structures like the Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Regal Cinema & Cusrow Baug, a Parsi residential colony, built in 1934, covering an area of 84,000 square yards, which home to over 500 families. Colaba is also a hub for various Art Galleries, which makes this area a natural destination for artist community.
Colaba Causeway Market mumbai is a shopping experience like no other in Mumbai. Its a street shopping experience where you see how modern stores and shops co exist with street vendors selling Trinkets, Fashion Accessories, Colorful Stones in varieties and styles. You can explore and get yourself bags made of Jute, Cane & Leather or try out excellent variety of foot ware that is sold from branded stores and shops. For those seeking a bargain and on a budget, foot ware shopping in Colaba is certainly some experience, you also have a variety of street vendors selling traditional Indian slippers and sandals ( Mojris & Chappels ).
People enjoy shopping in Colaba not only for modern accessories but also for Traditional Indian Art, Craft, Antiques and Handicrafts. Its a delight for people from different nationalities to visit various shops and stores to pick up souveniers with Woodwork inlaid with Ivory, Miniature Taj Mahal, South Indian Temple Paintings, Woodword With Indian Gods & Godesses, Kashmiri Shawls and Carpets. These places are filled with a variety of traditional Indian goods that you would want to own.
Colaba Causeway excites tourist not only for shopping but also for its restaurants, cafes and roadside eateries. Tourist can experience Traditional Indian, Mughlai, Chinese & European Cuisine. For the adventures tourist wanting to experience spicy Indian Mughlai Cuisine, you have a variety of eateries selling Tandori Chicken and Kababs served hot to you straight from the Tandoors or Indian Clay Ovens. Some famous restaurants and cafes are Piccadilly Restaurant, Mings Palace, Kailash Parbat, Delhi Darbar, Cafe Churchill, Cafe Mondegar, Cafe Leopold and Cafe Basilico. |
