The Travel Trip

Exotic festivals bring many tourists to the city of Mumbai/Bombay.  Hotel accommodations are plentiful and offer visitors many options of the larger resorts or the smaller more quaint hotels.  In the city of Mumbai, and all throughout the country of India, elephants are celebrated.  Throughout history these animals have literally helped to build many of the buildings, and have been a major form of transportation.  Two festivals are steeped in the imagery of the elephant.  The one festival honors the Lord Ganesh, occurring throughout the months of August and September.  Ganesh is the Lord of prosperity, wisdom and fortune.  It is no wonder that in the images of Ganesh, he is seen as a sort of half man with the belly of a Buddha, and half elephant.  Elephants are known to be wise beasts, and this species has certainly provided the opportunities for the expansion of the city, in hopes that one day Mumbai will become prosperous and filled with fortune.

Another festival occurs very close to the harbor of Mumbai, just under ten miles away on the small island of Elephanta.  This is a hot spot for tourists as the island has an incredible set of caves, that contain unique and amazing architecture.  And as is true throughout the country, the festivals are exotic and thrilling, real visual treats.  During the month of February, the festival of Elephanta takes place.  This draws not only an abundance of tourists, but artists from around the country of India.  This is a festival that honors and celebrates the classical forms of Indian Music and Dance.  The island sets the perfect backdrop for the mesmerizing shows the artists perform.  This is the perfect time for those not familiar with the customs of India, to experience the rich traditions of culture of the country.  The fishermen on the island, provide incredible dishes that are sure to satisfy.  Throughout history, the island was once a powerful location.  When the Portuguese conquered the island, they discovered a large statue of an elephant, and therefore named it Elephanta.  The caves have become shrines, steeped in legend and filled with artistic engravings.  Any time of year is a good time to visit, however, should one choose to travel during February, the time of the festival, is a great time to visit.

Posted on June 12th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Travel