Rajabai Clock Tower – It’s time to chime!

This capital city of Mumbai, also, the second largest populated metropolis in the world and the largest populated city in India, is home to many wonders and intriguing sites and attractions in South Asia. Rich and complete with history, culture and years of legends, it is a destination that you simply cannot miss out on.

This mark of great architecture will stun you more because it stands proudly amidst the busy city of Mumbai. Towering at eighty-five feet, it’s solidly placed in the grounds of the University of Mumbai. The University Library is neatly racked inside the Clock Tower. Intricate oriental designs are gently carved on the steeple of its imposing architecture.

The great spiral staircase that snakes its way through the tower is closed to visitors. The clock chimes every quarter of an hour; initially pouring out sixteen different melodies, "God Save the King" and "Rule Britannia". Now, it has settled on ringing out the tones of the Big Ben.

The foundation stone for the initiation of construction work was laid on the 1st of March, 1869. In November, 1878 it was completed and Premchand Roychand, an affluent broker who instituted the Bombay Stock Exchange settled the payments; but, only after the agreement that the tower would be named after his mother, Rajabai.

The heart-ache story behind the name of the tower is that the tower’s chimes helped Rajabai, who was blind, guide her through the day.

The model was designed by a British architect, Sir George Gilbert and its interior is detailed with delicately stained glass windows. It may be the most beautiful work of stained glass art in this region of Asia. British art conservationists took it upon themselves to treat the art and to bring them back to immaculate splendour. Its unique synthesis of Gothic and Venetian styles along with additional oriental features, shaded in off-white Kurla stone, draws in mesmerizing visitors to gaze at the perfect structural design.

Any of the Mumbai Hotels in the area would offer great accommodation options. You may even pick one from the Mumbai Luxury Hotels, such as the The Leela Kempinski Mumbai. A well-known lodging spot, it is a grand hotel with first-class service and exclusive hospitality.