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MUMBAI: CITY OF DREAMS

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The vibrant city of Mumbai is a natural first stop for visitors to Indias western
coast. One could say that Mumbai is the New York of India, says Mumbai native
Divya Abhat. Its a place of big opportunities, big contrasts, and big energies . . .
There is always something going on.
Previously known as Bombay, the city was renamed Mumbai (derived from the
goddess Mumba) in 1995 as part of a movement away from colonial names. The
traditional cultural center of India, Mumbai is today a very modern city with
world-class shopping, restaurants, and business areas. It is also home to
Bollywood, the worlds largest movie industry.
India is a complex country, culturally rich and diverse. If you visit India, be
prepared for sensory overload; you will experience a culture of amazing depth and
variety.
Here are just a few of Mumbais sights that visitors should not miss:
Five-star luxury can be enjoyed at Mumbais Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, built in 1903
by Persian -Indian businessman Jamsetji Tata. According to local legend, Tata was
not permitted to enter the finest British-managed hotel of that time, Wilsons,
because of its policy of serving only European guests. In response, he established
the Taj, with a promise that it would have the worlds best service. Ever since, the
Taj Mahal Palace has been listed among the worlds top hotels. What about
Wilsons? Its long gone.
Across the street from the Taj is the famous Gateway of India, an arch standing
about 25 meters high. The monument was built to celebrate the visit to India of
Englands King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Sellers and performers,
including snake charmers, can be found in the surrounding busy park. At night, lit
up by electric lights, the Gateway appeals to sightseersand lovers, too!
Just a one-hour ferry ride from Mumbai is the island of Elephanta. The island was
named by the Portuguese, supposedly after a huge statue of an elephant that used
to be there. It has amazing cave temples cut deeply into the rock, featuring
sculptures preserved since the seventh century A.D.
Visitors leaving Mumbai can board their train at the Victoria Terminus (renamed
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). This remarkable station is said to have been Indias
largest construction project when it was built in 1888. An impressive mixture of
British and Indian building styles, the station is preserved today as a World
Heritage Site.

Reading Comprehension
Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. One could say that Mumbai is the New York of India because __________.
a. it is home to Indias film industry.
b. it is a highly populated center for business and culture.
c. it has moved away from its colonial past.
d. it was once controlled by the British.
2. According to a local legend, why did Jamsetji Tata establish his hotel?
a. A British-managed hotel wouldnt let him stay.
b. He loved Wilsons Hotel and wanted to build something like it.
c. It had been his dream since he was a child.
d. He wanted to create a Persian-lndian style hotel.
3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned about the Gateway of India?
a. It is about 25 meters high.
b. It is lit by electric lights at night.
c. It was built by the English.
d. It has a busy park around it.
4. What language is Elephanta" probably from?
a. English
b. Portuguese
c. an Indian language d. Persian
5. What kind of reader is this passage most likely intended for?
a. foreign tourists
b. historians
c. Mumbai residents d. business people
Complete the sentences with the correct form of words from the box. One word is extra.
permitted
policy
cultural
supposedly
preserve
cave
1. The word Bollywood was______________________________ invented by a journalist, although it isnt
sure exactly who that journalist was.
2. Tourists are advised to ask before taking pictures at holy places around Mumbai, as
photography may not be____________________________.
3. Hidden under the ground in the_______________________________ at Ajanta, India are paintings and
sculptures representing some of the finest examples of religious art.
4. Mumbais Sanjay Gandhi National Park is dedicated to the ______________________________ of the
forest and animals such as leopards, deer, and monkeys.
5. Among the __________________________________ investigated to help solve Mumbais air pollution
problems are switching to cleaner-running city buses, and increasing gasoline taxes.
Complete the summary below using the correct form of words from the box. Two words
are extra.
appeal
locate
focus
modernization
convenient preserve
establish
derive
sightseer
permit
cave
surround
In contrast to the 1.___________________________ of trains occurring around the world, the Darjeeling
Himalayan Railway still runs very slowly. The railway was 2.________________________ in 1881, and
has been carefully 3.__________________________ by the local people. Some people call it the Toy
Train. Today the train 4.________________________ to both local people and
5.___________________________ who come from other places to see the railway and the
6.____________________________ mountains. It may not be the most 7.___________________________ train,
but many of the passengers seem to 8.__________________________ a lot of pleasure from its slow
speed, which 9.__________________________________ more time to see the amazing views. In fact, there
is a sign 10._______________________________
near the train line which says Slow has got four
letters, so has life . . . speed has got five letters, so has death.

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