Friday 27 April 2007

Now don’t you worry about parking your car in south Mumbai

because there is lot of parking space, just for You.

It is a 20-story technology marvel built at a cost of Rs20 crore in 1056 square meters and has 12 car parking bays and has a capacity of parking 240 cars.

The new automated robotic car parking system has been installed in Breach Candy just a month ago.

You only have to drive to the entry point of the car park where you will be given a swipe card. You leave the car at the foyer on the ground floor from where robotic lift would lift the car and park it at a vacant spot. The entire system is automated and requires no human element except giving the swipe card. There are two lifts in the car park that can move both horizontally and vertically, each of which can carry one car at a time. The computerized system detects a vacant parking spot and the lift places the car at that spot.

The entire process of parking and retrieving the car requires only 90 seconds.
The car park has a built-in safety back-up. There is a dual lift system installed in the building as a back-up which would be operational in the rare case of a lift becoming non-functional.

In April 2003, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had floated bid for an automatic car park to be built at Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy, as a potential car-parking solution. The plot initially had 40-car parking spaces and was managed by the Mahalaxmi Welfare Centre.Akruti Nirman Limited, which bagged the contract on Built-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) basis, has now completed the project and the 20-storey automatic car park would become operational next month.

Akruti Nirman Limited will operate the car park for five years and then hand it over to the BMC.

The technology and equipment for the robotic car park has been provided by German company-Wohr Parking Systems, which is one of the foremost manufacturers of mechanical

Wednesday 25 April 2007

Sanjay Gandhi National Park:


During my school days I used to look forward to school picnics. It used to be fun-filled day out with school friends and teachers. The picnic spots would be a place far away from the city in a big open space filled with gardens and swings. All day long we would, take long, long walks through the green-cool pathways, eat the cold, home-packed food, play and run till we were exhausted and tired.

We have out-grown those picnics. With many air-conditioned malls mushrooming into our city, the idea of picnicking in the hot sun and dust is alien to our kids. The culture of picnicking on open space is dying .In a city like Mumbai where fresh air and green open spaces are rapidly being obliterated by clouds of pollution and jungles of concrete; you will be delighted to find that there still exists an expanse of green that is truly precious.

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, or as commonly known, the Borivili National Park is a miraculously preserved natural oasis in the heart of an urban sprawl, this park is very much within the city limits, yet far removed from its crowds and clamor.

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is situated between the Eastern and Western Express Highways and can be accessed from Thane, Mulund, Borivili and other places, though its headquarters are on the Borivili side. Suburban trains are the most frequent and popular means of reaching the park and can be boarded from Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Central Railway) and Mumbai Central (Western Railway), the nearest rail terminuses, which are about 40 km. and 36 km. respectively from the park. The destination would be Borivili, the nearest railway station from where the park entrance is less than 2 km. away. There is a bus route no 188 which ply regularly.

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an outdoor museum that preserves and nurtures the varied flora and fauna of the area. This rich and diverse forest is home to more than 1000 species of plants, 40 species of mammals, 251 species of birds - migratory, and water birds, 38 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians besides a large variety of fish, insects and other life forms.

The many splendors of this lush green inner-city jungle will never cease to amaze you. Here, as you walk through miles of peaceful forest and commune with nature, you get a preview, up close and personal, of the remarkable bio-diversity of the region. The multi-hued panorama of colors splashed against a clear blue sky is a visual paradise that you know you can escape to whenever the heart desires.
The undulating green lands of the Borivili National Park are just the kind of surroundings to which one would love to retreat for some moments of quiet introspection or meditation. The great panoramic views of hills, valleys, lakes and open expanses can actually have a therapeutic effect on mind, body and soul. Rising from an elevation less than about 30 Mts. above mean sea level, the terrain park culminates in a series of peaks dispersed throughout the park - the highest, near the Kanheri Caves, being 468 Mts. Archeologically speaking, the Kanheri Caves is located well within the park area and it is a major point of interest, presenting an accessible and interesting glimpse of the history and the culture of Buddhist India.

Apart from the many natural marvels and sights at the Borivili National Park, you will find several other attractions as well.

You could also have a close encounter with Tigers in a ‘Tiger Safari’. Tigers, the largest of all wild cats, are known worldwide as magnificent hunters and symbols of grace and beauty within the animal kingdom. They even have cultural significance in many of the Asian lands where they are found, and are frequently a source of inspiration for art, music and poetry. However, the sad part is that they are also a critically endangered species as a result of rampant poaching and exploitation by humans. The second threat causing the majestic tiger population to dwindle is habitat loss and degradation due to enormous human population pressures.

Here, at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a special area has been developed as home for India's national animal. You can take a special vehicle that drives you through the tiger's domain and experience the rare thrill of seeing the lord of the jungle in tooth and claw.

This project is situated within an area of 20 hectares in the Krishnagiri Sub-forest zone at Magathane S. No. 34. The region has a thick forest cover comprising of Teak, Bamboo, Ain, Khair, Kusum and other species of trees which constitute an ideal habitat for tigers. The area has been developed keeping in mind the natural habitats and habits of Tigers, with ample tall grasses, lakes, ponds and islands. This 20 hectare plot of land is surrounded by a 5 meter high and 2200 meter long protective fencing. Buses have been provided for tourists and roads of 2-km length have been constructed. The tigers have a special cage/shelter for having their meals and sleeping at night. Two watch towers have been provided for the safety of the tourists. In all, 6 tigers have been brought together for this project from all over India, out of which there are 2 White Indian Tigers. Just near the ticket windows, a Tiger Information Cell provides you with details about the present situation of tigers with easy reference, so that you can learn everything you want to about these fascinating beasts.

The Sanctuary timings are : 09.00 hrs to 17.30 hrs
Rates : as decided by the Government from time to time.
The Tiger Safari is closed on Mondays
Rates per trip:
Adult : Rs. 30.00 .
Child (age between 5 and 12 years of age): Rs. 15.00.
Child below 5 years: Free.

However there are certain instructions to be followed by tourist such as:
You are expected to maintain silence and discipline while touring the grounds, not to lean out from the windows of the bus nor throw leftovers, papers, and carry bags out of the bus. Smoking and drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the premises of the safari.

There is also a Lion Safari which is one of the main attractions to the National Park which has been drawing people to the park ever since it was started.

Its timings are morning session : 09.00 to 13.00 hrs and evening session: 14.20 to 17.20 hrs.
Rates (per trip)
Adult : Rs. 30.00 .
Children: Rs. 15.00
Child below 5 years: Free.
Lion Safari is closed on Monday.
Buses are available at an interval of 20 min.

Then of course, there's the Vanrani, the mini train which is such a favorite with young visitors. The fun train ride of about 15 minutes takes you along the foothills of the Gandhi Memorial, traverses a couple of bridges and tunnels and passes over the Deer Park.

Besides, you can also visit the Gandhi Smarak, indulge in some boating in the lotus filled lake, or enjoy the gardens and children's park.

Timings :
Morning session : 09.00 to 13.00 hrs.
Evening session: 14.20 to 17.20 hrs.
Trains are available at an interval of 20 min.



On the vast tracts of land around Manpada, there is ‘Nature Interpretation Centre’ which were at one time privately owned. This has been acquired in 1976 by the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Where 6 stone quarries once devastated this pristine forestland, today a Nature Interpretation Centre utilizing about 165 acres of land; involves itself in all activities concerning nature conservation and other related projects.

This Center is set up to play a supportive role and encourages better interaction with students and other like-minded people who are genuinely interested in interacting with nature, learning from it, and bringing about a systematic change in the environment around Thane. The forest department, with school and college students, social groups, and others, has already begun growing more trees and has slowly brought the entire area under tree cover.

In addition there is a medicinal plant garden, to give you an idea of how nature cures.

Each Nature Interpretation Center is complete with toilets and water facilities, viewing galleries, and nature trails. Some schools in Thane visit the centre and under the forest officer’s guidance and advice are taken for a trek in to the forest and the children are taught at an early age the importance of interacting with nature. They are taught about our dependence and our inter dependence on the forest cover that nature has provided, and the importance of preserving it. They are further taught that the forest trees, plants and all other living creatures in the forest have lives of their own which are to be respected.

The vast expanse of the Yeoor Hills is within the precincts of the National Park, on the Thane side. The raw jungle, tempered by the forest department, is a vibrant canvas displaying nature in its true colors. Here, in the very lap of nature, you'll find the Yeoor Hills Waterfall a perfect place to spend a day with family and friends. A well beaten path created out of nothing by the forest department takes you to the source of the waterfall, which on an enchanting rainy day is concealed by a blanket of mist. The loud chirping of birds and a fresh, invigorating air surround you - reminding you of a time long ago, when nature was still untainted by the hand of man.

There are also cottages and camping facilities to really enjoy the wonders of the forest at close quarters. There is facility for the rest houses. There are two bamboo cottages available for the camping situated in the interiors of the forest, which can hold approximately 100 people.

A visit to Borivili Park makes you forget the tough life of Mumbai as you serenely walk through its calm woods.

Saturday 21 April 2007

A day out to.. Juhu


Want to watch a beautiful sunset. Juhu beach is the place to be. You can walk by the shore, soaking your bare feet in the warm sand and walk for an hour or two. In western countries, the beaches are visited by many tourists for a warm swim and relaxation. Unfortunately, Juhu Beach cannot be used for swimming (cannot even be used for immersing feet too) it is too polluted. It is a place where many people respond to their nature call during the early morning hours. Nevertheless, many tourists make it a point to visit the beach when they come to Mumbai, as it is a relatively uncrowded free space in the city, although it does get crowded in the evenings and weekends.

It is famous for its Mumbai 'street food', notably bhelpuri, pani puri, shevpuri, chaats, and of course pav bhaji. Due to the nature of the food stands, hygiene standards are often low. On the southern end of Juhu beach there are many luxury hotels and apartments.

At the north end of Juhu Beach there is a place called Gandhi Gram. When Mahatma Gandhi used to practice in the Bombay high court in the late 1800s and early 1900s, he used to live there. He mentions in his autobiography that he used to walk to Bandra station from far-flung Juhu to catch an empty train to south Mumbai. Even today, a lot of people do the same, but now the mode of transport is either a BEST bus or an autorickshaw.

Juhu is a suburb of Mumbai. It is surrounded by Arabian Sea in the west, Santacruz and Vile Parle in the east. Juhu is one of the more affluent areas of Mumbai. Many Bollywood stars own bungalows in Juhu, famously including Amitabh Bachchan, Amrish Puri as well as the Deols and numerous other stars and starlets.

There are three main entrances to the beach. One is from the Vile Parle side, another is from the Santacruz side and the third one is from the Andheri side.

You could also visit ‘The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)’ centre, where you can refresh its core philosophy that is based on scriptures such as the Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, both of which date back more than two millenia. The distinctive appearance of the movement and its culture come from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which has had adherents in India ever since the late 1400s.

If you are fond of theatre, you could visit Pritvi theatre, check http://mumbai-pushpa.blogspot.com/2007/02/mumbais-art-and-entertainment.html for the details.

PVR (Priya Village Roadshow) is a new multiplex and mall where you could spend your afternoons

Bus routes to Juhu Beach 182 Spl., 231, 237, 253

Thursday 12 April 2007

Navi Mumbai is a satellite twin of the city of Mumbai.


It was established in 1972, as a new planned city across the harbor of Mumbai .It is the largest planned new city in the world, with an area of 344 km². Navi Mumbai lies on the mainland on the eastern seaboard of the Thane Creek. The city limits stretch from Airoli near Thane in the north, to Uran in the south. The length of the city is almost the same as Mumbai. The Vashi and Airoli Bridges connect Navi Mumbai to Mumbai. There is now a new Railway link from Vashi to Thane via Airoli, Ghansoli, and Kopar Khairane, also between Panvel and Karjat.

Most of software companies in Maharashtra have their offices in Navi Mumbai. The government of Maharashtra has also setup software parks to cater to the growing demand. Many large institutions also have their offices here. The Reliance group of industries has a major presence (DAKC) in Kopar Khairane and Mahape. Other prominent companies include Digit Computer Magazine. As a part of long term planning, major commodity markets have begun moving from the heart of Mumbai city to Navi Mumbai. Kalamboli is home to a major steel market. Vashi has the fresh fruits and vegetables market. One of the important business landmarks is the shipping port of JNPT (stands for Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) in Nhava Sheva - Dronagiri node.

The International Infotech Park at Vashi station complex houses many international IT companies

The New Millennium City near Mahape forms a major part of the Knowledge Corridor that spans Mumbai and Pune.[9] The head office of Reliance Infocom - Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City is situated opposite to Koparkhairane station. The IT companies in Navi Mumbai include Wipro Ltd, CMC, Tata Consultancy Services, Aptech, Track Mail, ICICI Infotech and PCS which have their office on Thane Belapur Road.

To meet the growing demand of air travel CIDCO is soon going to develop a new airport at Navi Mumbai. Navi Mumbai International Airport will support the rapidly growing air travel needs of Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The airport would be one of world's few '' green field '' international state-of-art airport offering world class facilities to passengers cargo, aircrafts and airlines.

The location of the proposed airport at Navi Mumbai has been considered on several parameters. Prominent among these is the fact that Navi Mumbai is expected to absorb the future growth in population, business and commercial activity of the region. The availability of physical and commercial activity of the region, The availability of physical and social infrastructure coupled with environmental friendly size with least resettlement and rehabilitation makes the Navi Mumbai airport project technically and financially viable.

The site of airport is located in an area of 950 hectares accommodating two parallel runways for simultaneous and segregated parallel operation with provision of full length taxi ways on either side of the runways. The airfield has been designed to accommodate the new large aircrafts compatible to aerodrome code 4-E.



At present CIDCO's proposal for second International Airport, Navi Mumbai is awaiting clearance from Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India.

Monday 9 April 2007

Dharavi-a place where hard working people live in lazy environment……


Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, covering an area of 174 hectares of land and houses 6 lakh people, lies on prime property right in the middle of India's financial capital, Mumbai (Bombay).

Dharavi forces you to look at what is holding India back: the attitudes, the miseries that we ourselves tolerate but want to hide from visitors. But it is also in that sense that you understand, in Dharavi, what India could be. If you like, you can take that to mean the dirt and flies. But this is a place where every free square meter is an opportunity to start a business, where the children of destitute migrants from dusty Bihar backwaters study software.

Dharavi also has a large number of thriving small-scale industries that produce embroidered garments, export quality leather goods, pottery and plastic.
Most of these products are made in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum and are sold in domestic as well as international markets.

The annual turnover of business here is estimated to be more than $650m (£350m) a year.

Dharavi encapsulates much of what is wrong in India today. Open drains, piles of unclear garbage, filth and pitiful shacks are everywhere. Why do so many people have to live like this? That's partly answered by the housing crisis India's cities are buckling under. Foolish laws, misguided policies and venal leaders combine to produce an artificial, but severe, scarcity of land for affordable housing, forcing middle- and lower-class Indians into tiny tenements in impossibly crowded slums like Dharavi. If that's not hard enough, their lack of tenure over the land they live on keeps their lives in a sort of permanent insecurity. All over this country, slum-dwellers are frequent targets of municipal drives to "clear" them.

The state government has plans to redevelop Dharavi and transform it into a modern township, complete with proper housing and shopping complexes, hospitals and schools.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is experimenting with a new way of dealing with slums, where an entire slum is redeveloped as an independent self-sufficient `township.' Thus the five segments of the 535 acres of Dharavi will be developed so that each has housing, health care, civic amenities, and industries.

The developer will have to provide not just the buildings to resettle the slum dwellers living in the particular area but also all the infrastructure including roads, drainage, water supply, municipal office, hospital, school, industrial estate, open spaces for recreation, etc. In other words, the developer will be expected to deliver a complete `township' to the SRA.

More recently, under the SRA, 72 seven-storey buildings have either been constructed or are in the process of being built. They are scattered across the 535 acres. In addition, scores of new toilet blocks have been built as also other permanent structures. When officials were asked what happens to all these structures, the answers varied, indicating a level of confusion. If the developer wanted to pull down any of these structures, or modify them, he or she will have to negotiate with the people who have been resettled in the buildings.

The project has estimated that there are 4,500 `industries' — basically small to medium industrial units producing leather, readymade garments, jewellery, foodstuffs, soap, and pottery. Under the scheme, people with such enterprises are entitled to 225 sq ft free and can purchase additional space at market rates. Some of the bigger units would be able to afford this but thousands of smaller units that work out of lofts will be forced to shut shop. Also, all polluting industries like soap making or leather tanneries will have to close. Kumbharwada, the large potters' colony that is a landmark in Dharavi, is being treated as a special case.

At a cost of Rs.9,300 crore, the Government hopes this will be done by 2013

Sunday 8 April 2007

Nilambari - Open Deck Bus

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has introduced of its own kind a tour by OPEN DECK BUS in the heart of City of Mumbai. Their timings are 7.00pm to 8.00pm and 8.15pm to 9.15 pm on Saturdays and on Sundays.

The Guide of this tour is specially trained by M.T.D.C. to make your tour entertaining, informative and enjoyable.

The route that the bus takes is Gateway of India – Vidhan Bhavan - Oberoi Hotel – Marine Drive – Churchgate Railway Station –Eros Theatre – Oval Maidan – Maharshi Karve Road – Rajabai Tower – CST Railway Station Building – D.N. Road – Hutatma Chowk –Homi Modi Street – Horniman Circle –Asiatic Library – Gateway of India.

In your journey through the City’s past and present, you can look out for historical and archaeological buildings on the way. Look for Churchgate Head Office, Old Secretariat,Rajabai Tower, Convocation Hall, High Court, CST Railway Station, Thomas Cook,Asiatic Library – Gateway of India.

Tickets are available at Reservation Division, MTDC, Mumbai-400 020 and Gateway of India Counter

Booking can be done on phone Nos. 2202 6713 / 2202 7762 / 2202 4627.
Gateway of India Counter Tel.No.2284 1877.

Fare Upper Deck : Rs.90/- per head
Lower Deck : Rs.40/- per head
(Above 3 years full fare)
.

Also note that:
1. Cancellation is not allowed.
2. Ticket is not transferable.
3. Reporting Place : MTDC Information & Booking Counter at Gateway of India.

Friday 6 April 2007

Mumbai zoo to be revamped after 150 years


The inmates of Veermata Jijabai Udyan, Byculla, used to live like they were meant to: like animals. Various specimens of the animal and bird kingdom in Mumbai's lone zoo were neglected, watering holes were often empty, elephants were chained almost all day long and animals inbred in contravention of zoo regulations. Some of the pools and troughs, the animals' watering holes, stayed empty, or dotted with solidified algae mass.

In the absence of trees to swing from, the monkeys were forced to use wired fences, tiers and metal swings. The cramped enclosures would also trigger off fights between animals, as in the case of the hippo Guru, who either slipped or was thrown into the moat after a slugfest with his neighbor.

But, things are likely to be changed. All the animals and birds ensconced at historic Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (VJBU) are to be shaken up soon, in the first-ever major overall revamp of their surroundings.


Byculla Zoo (also known as Rani baugh) is likely to undertake its first-ever major revamp and most comprehensive since its inception in 1862. Two workshops have been conducted, and the plans have been cleared in concept by the Central Zoo Authority. They want to enhance the zoo's habitants with more animals from Australia, New Zealand and Africa and Asia. VJBU, the almost 150-year old institution is being transformed into a 'global entity in keeping with trends in the country'. Ambitious 'imports' include zebras and giraffes.


The 52-acre plot handed over to BMC in 1873, will be re-graphed continent-wise with efforts to locate the animals in surroundings close to their natural habitats. Also the zoo's topography which at present resembles a game reserve will receive a 'beautification treatment' with the placement of a water body in the centre, better cages, educative mapping and varied flora.


Over the past two weeks, representatives of Bangkok-based HKS Designers and Consultants International Co Ltd and US-based landscape designers Portico Group had been sending proposals to the BMC for their approval.

VJBU is also a botanical park, with trees almost 200 years old and is a good two degrees cooler than outside its gates-(which has the crowded vegetable market) a welcome relief for those wishing to stroll through.

The Bhau Daji Lad Museum, inside the Zoo gardens was renovated recently as part of the educative efforts, is awaiting inauguration...

Another unique feature of the new plan will be the two-tiered system of ticketing... with those willing to pay more being allowed to enter 'zone two' which will have more exotic breeds

The zoo now has 208 animals including deer, reptiles, and six emus. The magnificent 400-strong bird fraternity includes peacocks, black swans, pelicans, egrets, military macaus and Japanese stalks.

If you happen to go by the Byculla Zoo, do stretch your ears and hear the animals say 'We are ready.... brings on the works!

Thursday 5 April 2007

One more reason to make a visit to the mall in Mumbai.

I love making creative stuff toys. I have made many stuff toys that included Indian dolls too. I would draw a figure and cut the shape, stitch and stuff. Now I will be able to do that with my friends who are too lazy to do it themselves.

The global Build-A-Bear Workshop’ global retail chain. is all set to roll into this country, with its first store coming up in Mumbai at the PVR Complex, Juhu, followed by an outlet at In Orbit Mall, Malad in association with Shopper’s Stop, Currently, the format will be a Build-A-Bear section on the kids' floor of Shopper's Stop stores, which plans to expand Build-A-Bear across India in phases. Industry sources reveal Build-A-Bear boutique stores will come up at a later stage.

Now I will have one more reason to make a visit to the mall in Mumbai.

It is learnt that Murjani Group is planning to launch 50 to 100 Build-A-Bear stores in India in the next couple of years. The Murjani Group, which has brought in other international icons like Gloria Vanderbilt, Tommy Hilfiger FCUK, is helping launch this US-based retail chain here. The Group’s brands account for retail sales over $5 billion.

Murjani Group officials could not be reached for comment.

India is the 14th country to join the Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) international franchisee program.

Tuesday 3 April 2007

And Finally...On the last day at Lakme Fashion show


Vikram Phadnis’s show opened with fellow designer, Manish Malhotra walking the ramp in a sharply tailored velvet jacket followed by a one-button vent less jacket for evening wear. Vikram’s collection titled 'Vivid Resurrection' went back to the Victorian era and drew from it touches for his fabulous contemporary black and printed jersey line of western wear. Vikram presented his show stopper on actor Amrita Arora, who glided in wearing a black taffeta gown with panels of zardosi embroidery on the bodice. Once again Vikram Phadnis proved that when it comes to stunning garments he has few equals in that genre.

Deepti Toor's creative designs for her fabrics were inspired from Warli painting; they were balanced with the most elegant basic silhouettes that added class and style to the garments. She created special weaves for her classic mini and knee length dresses. Deepti Toor proved that simple shapes, a unique fabric choice and controlled embellishments are all that is necessary to present a collection that is not only eye catching on the ramp but it is also highly saleable.

It was a collection that wove the spirit of 1947 in a glamorous and patriotic manner. Shahzad Kalim, winner of the Lakme Fashion House award and trained at Versace's fashion studio, worked on a color spectrum that was soft and muted with ivory, beige, rusty orange, green and brown in the fabric of freedom. He is known to be a designer who pushes his creativity to its limits, Shahzad showed Indian wear in the most contemporary silhouettes, layering and embellishing them to give the garments a very futuristic look yet drawing from traditional Indian silhouettes. Shahzad gave his collection the very edgy trendy look that he is famous for.

Payal Singhal scored very well with her Lizard Queen collection, offering to her customers the dresses that float around the wearer as she moves through life in a magical trance. Payal added detachable gleaming collars to keep her creations appealing to modern women, who want to have maximum style with minimum of effort. These can be carried without much tension on long cross-Atlantic flights. Like the lizard known for its many shades and moods, the smock took on umpteen hues in fabrics and patterns and often turned into a blouson jumpsuit, a blouson layered strap gown, a pinafore, briefly strayed as a shift with zigzag embroidery, a multi colored fabric dress with sash or a will power black smock with removable ornate collar.

Nida Mahmood's collection for her label 'Skin' was aimed at dressing the modern Indian women. The garments had shades of light and dark tones with detailing like quilting and textured machine hand embroidery. Keeping to the hand crafted pattern, Nida even had hand made buttons. From shades of red to chocolate, fuchsia, old rose and then to cream, Nida took the colour story from one end of the spectrum to the other. Nida Mahmood presented a pleasant blend of not only different garments, but also colors and silhouettes that will appeal to women who rush through life from work to pleasure.

From the land of beauty tucked away in the Himalayas comes a heavenly collection titled 'Notes from Bhutan' by Agnimitra Paul. Creating a regal line replete with the most luxurious fabrics and colors, the silhouettes were inspired by the traditional Bhutanese dresses; yet Agnimitra managed to adapt them to contemporary times. The garments could either be worn as striking separates or combined to form the dramatic ensembles. The finale was reserved for TV host Kelly Dorji from the noble family of Bhutan who wore a magnificent robe complete with head gear and boots.

Soumitra Mondal's debut collection titled ‘Restless Spirit’ was a well-tailored extremely stylish and wearable line. There was relaxed comfortable feel about her collection. The silhouettes inspired by the European immigrants of the 1930s and 40s with the wide shapes, lots of body and volume by way of pleated skirts, long coats, dresses and blouses, the overall impact was of a stylish easy on the eye range of garments. To add to the very natural feel of the garments the designer had hand woven scarves, bags and canvas shoes.

Allen Solly Autumn/Winter 2007 is one of the most sensational ever from the ready-to-wear label of the Madura Garments Group. It's stylish, it's practical and it's got loads of attitude, making it one of the most glamorous lines in women's wear. Allen Solly's collection will cater to the modern Indian woman who will be thrilled with the very international styling and excellent finish that the brand offers for the coming season.

The name "Bombay" was derived from 'Bom Bahia' (The Good Bay),

.... a name given by Portuguese sailor Francis Almeida, in 1508 ....“Bounce back Mumbai” .....as it is called by the locals, it is a city that has been through a lot in the recent past – floods, bomb blasts, riots – and come out stronger each time.

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