Flora Fountain is one of Mumbai's major tourist attractions and is named after a Roman Goddess.

Flora Fountain

Fast Facts
Location: Veer Raman Road, Fort Business District, South Mumbai
Highlights/Famous For: Carved stone fountain
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Rajahbai tower, St. Thomas Cathedral and the Asiatic Society of Bombay
How to Reach: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal is the closest railway station. MTDC buses are available.

Flora Fountain Mumbai
Flora Fountain, also known as 'Hutatma Chowk' since 1960, is declared as one of India's Heritage structures. Built in 1864, this tourist spot houses India's prestigious fountain, located in the city of Mumbai. The name 'Flora' is derived from the name of the Roman Goddess of Flowers. The Flora Fountain was constructed by the Agri-Horticultural society of Western India. The total construction expense amounted to 47,000 Rupees and Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh donated Rs. 20,000 for its construction. The square wall within which the monument is erected is called as Hutatma Chowk. This place is also a major hub for commercial activities. Many institutes, such as the famous Bombay University, Bombay Stock Exchange and Gateway of India border the Flora fountain, in addition to other interesting places. Apart from sight-seeing, one can also spend time shopping for local delights in this place. The fountain is illumined at night and offers the most exquisite view to tourists.

History
The Flora Fountain was initially named after the Governor of Bombay, Sir Bartle Frere, but just before the fountain's inauguration in 1864, the name 'Flora' was bestowed on it. The Flora Fountain is erected in the same place where the original Churchgate of Bombay Fort once stood. The fountain was later known as 'Martyr's Square' of 'Hutatma Chowk' in 1960, to honor the 105 members of the 'Samyuktha Maharashtra Samiti', who lost their lives while fighting for a separate Maharashtrian state.

Architectural Layout
The structure of the fountain was designed by R. Norman Shaw. The Flora Fountain is sculpted from Portland stone and is coated with white oil paint. James Forsythe, an engineer, was the one sculpted this monument. A magnificent statue of the Roman Goddess is installed at the top of the structure, which makes the fountain edifice even more beautiful.

How To Reach
  • By Air: Sahara International Airport is only 30 km. from the city center. The Santa Cruz Domestic Airport is 25 km from the center of Mumbai.
  • By Rail/Train: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal is the main railway station. The Bombay Central, Dadar, Churchgate, and Kurla are other prominent railway stations closest to the Monument.
  • By Road: One can hire taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the destination, as the area is well-connected by road. Public buses and trains are also available. Another way to visit the Flora Fountain is to board an MTDC, which are open-air buses run by the Government.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Around the venue of the Flora Fountain, many offices, banks and shops surround the area. The whole venue is situated in the CBD (Central Business District) of Mumbai. One can also explore the Victorian buildings around the Flora Fountain. Apart from the famous Rajahbai tower, the Mumbai High Court and the Old Secretariat, many other buildings border the fountain area. Some of the well-known buildings designed in the Indo-Saracenic and Gothic style are the St. Thomas Cathedral, the Asiatic Society of Bombay etc. Churchgate is another important tourist spot.

Visiting Hours
Tourists can visit Flora Fountain at any time as the counter is open at all times. The best time to visit this place is from September to April.

The Flora Fountain is Mumbai's most important tourist landmark. Inscribed on the World Heritage List, this monument was installed by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India. Tourists who come to Mumbai always make sure to explore this beautiful monument because of its beautiful construction, lush gardens and the 'fountain light' show in the evening.