In Camera’s New Heritage Walk Explores ‘Fort’

The dynamic In Camera committee presents Rotarians with its next exciting Heritage Walk targeting the famous Fort area of South Mumbai, on Saturday, 19th March, 2016. The Committee looks forward to spending Saturday morning learning a little bit more about our beloved city! The Heritage Walk exploring the Fort area will traces the transition of Bombay as a marshy swampland, dotted with fishing villages – to Mumbai, the Urbs prima (foremost city) in India. After the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, Bombay moved out from under the East India Company to the British Crown which led to a sudden spurt of growth in the city pushing up the population from 10,000 in the 1700’s to 900,000 in 1900!

The riches from the cotton trade, as also the generosity of citizens, led to the constructing of grand monuments and buildings in and around the Fort Precinct. A multitude of architectural styles ranging from Neo Gothic, Art Deco and Indo Sarcarnic can be seen and admired during the course of the walk. Little tidbits of history will be shared to familiarise you with this gem of a district and ensure that you look at it with a renewed perspective.

The walk will be conducted by R/anne Sandhya Merchant, an ASI monument guide license holder by India Tourism, Govt. Of India. After two decades of sharing her expertise she continues sharing interesting nuggets to explore in our fascinating metropolis! The Heritage Walk will commence at 7:30 am from the Asiatic Library, Horniman Circle and move into the heritage Kala Ghoda area, covering landmarks including St. Thomas Cathedral, High Court and Mumbai University. It will culminate at Regal Circle, with breakfast at the Yacht Club. Those interested in signing up for the Walk are requested to wear walking shoes, carry a hat and a water bottle. The walk will take approximately two hours, with no stops for resting mid-way. Please note that the group will be limited to 15 participants, with registrations accepted on a first come first served basis. Those interested should register at the earliest with Ritu Prakash Desai by email on galleria. bombay@gmail.com or message on 9820049520