Mumbai Tourism is what the Indians affectionately call - the 'City of Dreams'. This fabulous city is not only the financial capital of India that serves as the center of all trade and investments, but also a cultural center. Mumbai is where you can possess the most distinguished designer labels and products from various fashion houses that flood the busy malls. This is the one place where glamour is not an uncommon word and is reflected ostentatiously in the Bollywood film industry. Take a look at the beaches in Mumbai to witness some of God's amazing miracles- the magnificent sunsets over the Arabian Sea, which is a dream-like vision. In Mumbai, night is when the day truly begins, which is why Mumbai is also referred to as the 'city that never sleeps'.
Some of the well-known tourist attractions in India are found here in Mumbai. The 'Gateway of India' situated in Colaba is a renowned monument built in the Hindu-Muslim styles of architecture to honor King George V and Queen Mary. Take a peek into the world of Hindi cinema by visiting 'Film City', which is located in Goregaon. If you like water theme parks, then you must visit 'Essel World and Water Kingdom' for a day of complete adventure. Take part in the massive festivities of 'Ganesh Chathurthi,' at the 'Siddhivinayak Temple' and fulfill your dreams with the blessings of 'Lord Ganesh'. One of the finest museums in India, the 'Prince of Wales Museum' features rare artworks, sculptures, coins and lots more. Explore this extraordinary city and take home an unforgettable, typical 'Mumbai' experience. See it to believe it!
Marine Drive
One may not recognize this top Mumbai attraction if it is called by its alternate name – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. However, Marine Drive remains one of the most famous places to visit in the state capital. Located in a posh suburb of South Bombay, this renowned promenade stretches on for about 3.6 km.
Marine Drive is also fondly called Queen’s Necklace as it looks like a string of elegant pearls from the top at nightfall, when the lights come up along the C-shaped esplanade. Evenings and early mornings are the best times to stroll about this walkway that kisses a part of the Arabian Sea.
One of the favourite places to visit in Mumbai for joggers and casual walkers, Marine Drive also forms a part of the 42-mile long route for the annual Mumbai Marathon.
Gateway of India
If you ever plan to arrive in Mumbai through the sea route, the Gateway of India will be the first structure that you will be able to see clearly. This triumphal arch was built in 1924, commissioned by the British to commemorate their colonial rule in India.
One of the historical places to visit in Mumbai, presently, the monument is a protected structure under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
After its latest renovation, the Gateway of India is surrounded by a wide plaza where tourists often throng for selfies and professional photo shoots. There is a ledge towards the seaside edge of this area where one can sit or stand and watch the sunset and the glorious view of luxury yachts, ships and some boats sailing into the horizon.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, or CST, is not just a railway station. It is much more. Built in 1888, this legendary station was previously known by names such as Bori Bunder Railway Station and Victoria Terminus, often shortened to V.T.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, CST flaunts a mix of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and Indo-Saracenic styles. During the British Rule, this structure cost USD 23,000 to be completed, which would presently amount to USD 28 million.
Located in South Bombay’s Fort area, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, or CSMT, named after the courageous erstwhile Maratha ruler. Often featured in Bollywood movies, CSMT is worth a visit for its opulent central dome, arched entrances and exits, and 18 platforms that service local and long distance trains.
Elephanta Caves
Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the Elephanta Caves take explorers into another period of time altogether. These ancient caves are located on Elephanta Island, accessible via ferry from the mainland of Mumbai.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are a mix of Hindu and Buddhist cave temples, with rock cut architecture and Buddhist stupas. One of the best places to visit in Mumbai for history lovers, the layout of these basalt caves are spread across two hills – Cannon Hill and Stupa Hill.
There are 7 caves in all, each depicting a story from the Hindu mythology, centered around the deity of Shiva. Also on display are scenes that portray the wedding of Shiva with the female deity of Parvati. Apart from sculptures and murals, there are also 2 stupas which are built according to Buddhist architectural styles.
Girgaum Chowpatty
The coastal city of Mumbai is speckled with beaches. Girgaum Chowpatty is one of many public beaches where Mumbaikars and out-of-towners love to spend some leisure time, especially around sunset.
Located close to Marine Drive, this beach offers enviable views of Nariman Point, with high-rises dotting the skyline. One can also gaze at the posh neighbourhood of Malabar Hills from Girgaum Chowpatty.
While swimming is not recommended at the beach, tourists can enjoy the local street food, experiment with photography and even play a game of football.
One of the best places to visit in Mumbai with family, you can just go jogging or strolling along this stretch of the Queen’s Necklace. Corn-on-the-cob is an irresistible snack option at Girgaum Chowpatty.
Kanheri Caves
Located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Kanheri Caves are a set of caves which are monolithic in nature. Showcasing India’s ancient rock-cut architecture, these basalt monuments date back to a period between the 1st century A.D. and the 10th century A.D.
Nomenclature-wise, Kanheri means “black mountain” from the Sanskrit root “Krishnagiri”. The caves are laden with inscriptions, paintings and carvings from Buddhist ideologies. A collection of 109 caves, Kanheri Caves also has Buddhist sculptures and stupas.
To visit Kanheri caves, you might need to hike a little bit as these are situated on a hillock. One can understand the lifestyle of Buddhist monks and students by studying the arrangement inside each cave. Some have stone plinths to sleep on (beds for ascetics) while some are congregation halls (chaityas) meant for worship.
Dhobi Ghat
Mumbai’s famous laundry district, the Dhobi Ghat is a spectacular open-air laundromat. Located by the Mahalaxmi Railway Station, the place is also called the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat.
Recognized as the world’s largest outdoor laundromat, Dhobi Ghat is one of the offbeat places to visit in Mumbai. It is made of countless rows of wash pens. These concrete sections are where the dhobis (washers) do all the washing for the city of Mumbai.
The wash pens are made of concrete. The laundry that arrives here is mainly from mid-scale hotels, local laundries, clubs, garment dealers, caterers and event decorators in the city.
It is estimated that more than 100,000 clothes are washed here each day by about 7000 washers. Apart from washing, the clothes undergo scrubbing, flogging with heavy flogging stones, bleaching, dyeing, drying and ironing.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The only national park that you will ever come across inside a city in India, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park sprawls over 34 square miles. Established in 1996, this protected area is full of dense forest, hills and a couple of lakes.
Vihar Lake and Tulsi Lake are nestled deep inside this national park. In fact, Mumbai receives some of its water supply from these lakes.
One of the best places to visit in Mumbai with family, it is called ‘the lungs of Mumbai’. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is also known to many as Borivali National Park.
One can find more than a thousand species of flora and 5,000 species of insects here, apart from 251 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 150 species of butterflies, 38 species of reptiles and 9 species of amphibians. The best way to explore this part of Mumbai is by opting for Mumbai Darshan by Private Cab.
Haji Ali Dargah
An unmissable structure off the Worli coast is that of the Haji Ali Dargah. This mosque, built in 1431, also contains the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy Sufi saint merchant from Uzbekistan.
This Islamic shrine is built according to the Indo-Islamic architectural styles, with a central dome and minarets surrounding it. The entire complex is whitewashed, and there is a tall gate to enter the shrine.
The dargah is spread over 5,000 square metres, with the tallest minaret reaching a height of 85 feet. During Muslim festivals, the entire masjid complex is lit up in green to signify purity as per the religious beliefs. On most other days, the shrine glitters on the Arabian Sea, thanks to its white marble.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Also known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, this one is Mumbai’s most aspirational civil works project yet. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link sharply cuts down the time to travel from Bandra to Worli.
With a total length of 5.6 kilometres, the sea link offers a panoramic view of Mumbai’s cityscape. Straddling upscale neighbourhoods, the sea link commands a toll which can either be paid up-front via cash or card, or deducted from your FASTag account online.
The world-class Bandra Worli Sea Link is closed to pedestrians, except during the Mumbai Marathon when it opens for official participants only. This iconic bridge has four traffic lanes on each side. After a total of 10 years which the construction took, the sea link was opened in 2010.
