The Flora Fountain in Mumbai: An Aesthetic Marvel

                                                         

In the middle of the mega city, amidst the modern skyscrapers of Mumbai lies an architectural masterpiece. The Flora Fountain, with an aesthetically sculpted monument on the top, is situated on the Dadabhai Naoroji Road at the Fort business district in South Mumbai.

The iconic fountain has the Roman goddess of spring and beauty, Flora as the central figure. There are four other figures adding to the charm of this royal masterwork. It has been erected in white Portland stone following the neo-Classical and the neo-Gothic styles of architecture. The Agri-Horticultural society of Western India constructed it using the funds given by the Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh.

The fountain, also called the Hutatma Chowk, was designed by Richard Norman Shaw at the cost of 47,000 rupees. Although the fountain is under the maintenance of the Government of Maharashtra, the authorities seem to have failed in maintaining the distinctive identity of the structure. The marble is losing its lustre with the passage of time.

The sight of the fountain that stands in the middle of a busy junction can be enjoyed the best during evening time, when the lights are turned on. In close proximity, the visitors can find a good shopping zone to buy artifacts and other products. As one walks along the lanes surrounding the monument, one finds historic colonial buildings in the area. One may visit the nearby tourist attractions like St. Thomas Cathedral, Rajabai Clock Tower, etc.

The Flora Fountain is regarded as one of the ‘zero miles of Mumbai’. The site is just a little distance away from the Shivaji Terminus and the Church Gate Railway Station. Those interested in having a look at the aesthetic site can hire a taxi, auto rickshaw or a local train. Moreover, tourists can have an aerial view from the open-air buses arranged by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).