Bandra Fort, Band Stand - a photo tour

The good thing about a public holiday is fewer crowds outside. Last week had two bank holidays, so I headed over to Band Stand to take a few photos of Bandra Fort and Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Point. Here's a photo tour.

The area is under a project called "Restoration and afforestation of [Bandra's] Land End." As this sign-post informs us, the area is protected, preserved and maintained by the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust (BBRT).


Welcome to Bandra Fort. [Not surprisingly, the BBRT's littering rule is not being strictly adhered to.]


Here's a brief history of Bandra Fort - a fascinating read. Click on the photo to enlarge and read the text of this plaque.


This is the arch forming the entrance to the Fort. Note vandalism at its worst. I hope the BBRT can remove all that writing around the arch.


The plaque on the arch reads something like this - "ES? BALVAR TE SEFE??? LOVOR DONO ME DEIEOVS EM Ib" (Help - can anyone translate?!)


After walking in, there's another arch inside Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Point.


Here's what the plaque on the arch reads "Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Point. The land form in this point and the path leading to it was presented to the public by Byramjee Jeejeebhoy (ESQ RE) CSI who also contributed a large portion of the expenses of constructing the sea side road and it is therefore also called after him Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Road".



This Point offers an amazing view of the sea to your right. And on your left and front you have the the Bandra Worli Sea Link. [For photos of the BWSL, you can check my post here.]



At almost all times, this area is a favourite for couples. In deference to the privacy of the two couples present when I was there, I left after taking this snap of waves lashing the point.


Coming out of the point I noticed this sign that warns us of snakes in the hills. Luckily, I didn't encounter any.


My picture of the day - This is a view of the Byram J. Point taken from above the hill. There's one of the couples I spoke about above. Also note the aloof gentleman plonked next to them - contemplating the open sea. Ah Bombay - privacy in the open. You can have your space as long as I can have mine. Also note the litter - again Bombay-style.


Here's what the Garden looks like from above. On your right hand side is Sea Rock Hotel (shut since the Bombay Bomb blasts).



And finally, before leaving, I noticed this shop that's in the area, but separated from the garden by a rope. I don't know how the BBRT expects the garden to be clean if you have an eating place inside serving "Chinese Cuisine".



On quiet mornings like this, Band Stand seems far away from the hustle and bustle of crowded Bombay. The litter all around the area depresses me. The vandalim on the arches frustrates and angers me. The BWSL construction bemuses me - a sign of progress that aims to ease daily traffic problems...or an eyesore over a beautiful view.

But then, this is Bombay. Maximum City. A city that at times makes me love to hate it....perhaps because I've dared to love it in the first place.

Links to my other photo posts -
The Bandra Worli Sealink, the view from Band Stand
Thaipusam festival in Bombay
Great gig in the sky
Small gig in the sky