Tower of Silence

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Sight Address : Tower of Silence, Kemps Corner, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra.Edit

Detail InformationEdit

A Dakhma also known as Cheel Ghar in Hindi and Tower of Silence (not a translation) in English, is a circular, raised structure used by Zoroastrians for exposure of the dead, particularly to scavenging birds. Distant view of Tower of Silence, Malabar Hills, Mumbai. Entry to the hill is strictly prohibited for non-Parsees. The type of construction is not specified by the name. The common Dakhma or Dokhma (from Middle Persian Dakhmag) originally denoted any place for the dead. Similarly, in the medieval texts of Zoroastrian tradition, the word Astodan appears, but today denotes an ossuary. In the Iranian provinces of Yazd and Kerman, the technical term is deme or dema. In India, the term doongerwadi came into use after a tower was constructed on a hill of that name. The word Dagdah appears in the texts of both India and Iran but, in 20th-century India, signified the lowest grade of temple fire (cf. Fire temple). The term “Tower of Silence” is a neologism attributed to Robert Murphy, who, in 1832, was a translator of the British colonial Government in India. It is not the literal meaning of “Avestan (sic) Dakhma” as suggested by the Encyclopædia Britannica. While the stem Dakhma- does exist in the Avestan language, its meaning there is not conclusively established. The contexts indicate a negative connotation and that it does not signify a construction of any kind.

Tower of Silence

HistoryEdit

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Must SeeEdit

Popular

Visiting TimeEdit

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Closed OnEdit

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Best Season to VisitEdit

October to March.

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning , Afternoon , Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

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Ticket Required : No Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.

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Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.

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Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.

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Guide Required : No Edit

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Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

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Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : Metered taxis are a useful mode of transport in Mumbai. Since they are metered, they are economical and also relatively comfortable. However night fares are more expensive and charts for calculating fares are available online. It might be sensible to use one particular taxi throughout the stay, as most taxi drivers have mobile phones they can be contacted easily. While the regular tariff is Rs 14 per km, the night charges is around Rs 18 per km. Private taxi services are also available and they ply according to the government rates. Some of the main operators are – Meru Taxis- Contact No (+91 2240520100),Mumbai taxi- Contact No (+91 2244224422),International airport cabs Contact No (+91 228366767) , Domestic airport cabs-Contact No (+91 226152257),Classic taxi service- Contact No (+91 93711067115).

Bus : BEST bus services are second most extensive intra city transport system. Mumbai has an excellent road transportation system. State owned buses connect Mumbai to all neighbouring points. Many Deluxe and Super Deluxe buses are available to travel in and out of the city. Bus fare is about Rs 3 to 4 per kilometer.

Train : Mumbai is the headquarters of Indian railway system. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station is the major one which connects all most parts of Indian cities to Mumbai. Other railway stations in Mumbai are Dadar and Kurla, and Churchgate. Suburban railway is the backbone of the transport system. Three main railway lines connect most of the city. Trains are always on time and economical, however they might be crowded in peak hours. The basic fare may range from 5 INR to 100 INR. The trains run from 4 am to 1pm, and there are trains arriving at the station every five minutes. It is also advisable to take care of valuables even in the first class section. Rush hour constitutes office timings from 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 7pm. The traveller should avoid the rush hour. Women travellers can make use of the separate women compartments and they might be less crowded than the general compartments.

Air : Mumbai has its own domestic and international airport, known as Chatrapati Shivaji international airport , Located 30 km from centre of the city, Nariman Point and 4 km from the domestic terminal of Santa Cruz, this airport operates 24X7. Almost all airlines provide services to Mumbai. Mumbai is well connected to all major cities in India and also connected to many cities abroad including Singapore, New York, Bangok, Hong Kong and to many gulf cities. Taxi and Autorickshws is easily available from airport to City. Inquiry number for domestic airport – 26264145/26264000. Airlines no. GoAir- Tel.No:55420082, Jet Airways- Tel.No:22823275, Kingfisher Airlines Ltd- Tel.No:56499393 Ph No: 011-3295126. Air India -Ph: 91 22 2279 6666, Air Sahara- Ph No: (022) 22836000, (022) 56981111.

Others : Auto richshaws: The auto rickshaws of Mumbai are the most common means of transport and are cheap also. they charge Rs 9 for the first 1.6 km and Rs 5 for km covered afterwards. The night charge is 25% more of the total charge. However, one needs to be careful as these auto rickshaws use longer routes in order to increase their fare amount.

Things to CarryEdit

It is advisable to take lots of drinkable water with you from Mumbai itself. And also camera.

Safety / WarningEdit

All Travellers should be absolutely careful about their handbags and mobile phones.
For women, where available, use women’s only areas/compartments on public transportation. Never ride in the general men’s compartment.
If not taking a prepaid taxi or a metered taxi/rickshaw, negotiate the fare before taking off.