Geography of Mumbai
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Mumbai is India's most populous city. It is located on Salsette Island off the coast of Maharashtra. Originally seven islands, they were merged in the 18th century to form one large island.
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[edit] Hills
The original seven islands of Bombay consisted of twenty-two hills. Most of them were razed to fill in the shallows to connect the islands. The hills still standing today are:
- Malabar Hill — the highest point in the city area
- Cumbala Hill
- Antop Hill
- Sewri Hill
- Gilbert Hill
- Worli Hill
- Pali Hill
There are 3 hill ranges with the city limits. The Ghatkopar Hills are present near the station of Ghatkopar. The hill range runs parallel to the Central Railway track and is inhabited by slums. During the monsoon season, landslides are common. The Trombay Hills occupy a large portion of Trombay on the eastern part of the city.The highest point of the peak is about 302m above sea level.
The Powai Hills are present north of the city. The Borivali National Park occupies most of the region. The Vihar and Tulsi Lakes are present within the hills. The highest point of the metropolis, at 450 metres, is located in this region.
[edit] Lakes
There are three lakes in the city. The Vihar Lake and the Tulsi Lake are present within the National Park and supply part of the city's drinking water. The Powai Lake is just south of these two.
[edit] Bays
Backbay is the largest bay in the city. The coastline of Backbay is an inverted C-shaped region 4 kilometres in length, and Marine Drive is located along this stretch. North of Marine Drive is Worli Bay. In the centre of the bay is the tomb of Haji Ali, a 13th century Muslim saint. The bay perimeter is about two kilometres in length.
Mahim Bay is the second largest bay in the city. The Mithi River empties into the Mahim Creek which drains into the bay. The border between the city and its suburbs bisects the bay. To the north lies Bandra and to the south, Mahim.
[edit] Creeks
Bombay has numerous creeks. The Vasai Creek to the north and Thane Creek to the east separates Salsette Island from the mainland. Within the city the Malad (or Marve) Creek and the Gorai (or Manori) Creek inundate the suburban region. The Mahim Creek forms the border between the two districts. On the eastern front, a large creek - the Thane Creek - is present.
[edit] Islands
Although the islands were merged in the 18th century, islands still dot Thane Creek. Elephanta Island, Butcher Island, Oyster Rock, Cross Island and Middle Ground are present here. The latter three are uninhabited islets owned by the Indian Navy.
