Colaba a famous part of Mumbai. During the time when Portuguese rule over Mumbai that is in the 16th century, this was anIslandcalled as Candil. When the British captured this island at the end of 17th century, it was renamed to Colio.

History
The name Colaba, is derived from Kolabhat, it is a Kolis language word. The area which comprises of Colaba now days was previously a region consisting of 2 islands: the Colaba and the Little Colaba. Colaba is a part of 7 islands ofBombay which was ruled by the Portuguese.The Portuguese took the possession of lands from the Sultanate of Cambay according to the Treaty of Bassein in1534. 7 islands ofBombay were presented as a gift by Portuguese as dowry when to Charles II ofEngland married to Catherine of Braganza. 7 islands ofBombay were leased to British East India Company on a very nominal rent. Gerald Aungier, 2nd Governor of Bombay (1672), took possession of the land in 1675.

Old Bombay, 1909

Colaba was given to Richard Broughton in 1743 the lease was of Rs. 200 yearly, and renewal of the lease took place in 1764. Colaba had turned out as a cantonment. Many types of fish like the bombil also known as Bombay duck, halwa, rawas, prawns, crabs and turtles are found at the seas near Colaba.

The Colaba Causeway was constructed in1838; this made the other two islands connected. Colaba then converted to a commercial center, thus it started as a Cotton Exchange in 1844.In 1872 Colaba was declared as a municipality ward. The very famous building INHS Ashwini previously known as Sick Bungalows was built in 19th century. TheAfghanChurchstarted in1847. The Church was build up in 1858.

Present
The famous and wel known Gateway of India comes under Colaba, Some of the most famous cafes like Mondegar Cafe, Royal Cafe and Leopold Café are located in Colaba, the Taj Mahal Palace which was attacked by the terrorists recently comes in Colaba. On the southern part of Colaba military cantonment is located. The greatest industrialist of India Mr. Ratan Tata resides in Colaba. The Colaba Causeway gets best buys in best prices for almost all the item we can think of. We can get bracelets, perfumes, clothes, watches and many more.