THINGS TO DO IN MUMBAI
Mumbai Beach Tours
You can’t visit Mumbai and not have fun on its beaches. Of these, the two most popular are the Juhu Beach and the Chowpatty Beach. The former has metamorphosed from being a narrow sand bar off the coast of Salcette Island in the 19th century to one that has at its edge the most elite suburb of the city. Most Mumbai residents take a break from everyday city life and visit these beaches to spend quiet time with friends & family.
Elephanta Caves
At a 10-km radius from Gateway of India is one of the major tourist places in Mumbai, the Elephanta Caves. The caves are said to be one of the oldest rock cut structures in the country and is a perfect example of archaic Indian art associated to the cult of Lord Shiva. It is said that the caves were adorned with sculptures between the 6th or the 8th century. It is considered as a major attraction in Mumbai.
Banganga Tank
Banganga Tank is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Mumbai. It forms a part of Walkeshwar temple complex in Malabar Hill. As the water in the tank is regarded as the subsidiary of Holy Ganges, it is considered sacred and is believed to have healing powers. The tank is visited by thousands who wish to take a dip in the holy water and offer flowers at the Banganga Temple.
Walk in the Past
Museums in Mumbai have always been a big draw, offering great glimpses into not only the rich past of the city but the country as well. The city has over 15 museums catering to varied subjects such as archaeology, ancient art, natural history, science and technology, contemporary art, flora and fauna, and so on.
Colaba Causeway Market
An ideal place for street shopping in Mumbai, Colaba Causeway Market has ion offer cheap clothes, fashionable boutiques, British era buildings and of course good food. Everything that you can name can be found in this old market in Mumbai.
Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
This 140-year-old Dhobhi Ghat (laundromat) is one of the popular places to see in Mumbai. Travellers make sure that they visit Dhobi Ghat on their Mumbai trip. It is Mumbai’s biggest human-powered washing machine, where every day hundreds of people beat the dirt out of soiled Mumbai clothes and linen.
Bollywood Tour
For anyone who comes to Mumbai, Bollywood is always high on the sightseeing itinerary. But while you may not be allowed to enter the gates of any film studio on your own, there is now a wonderful way of going about it. Take the ‘Bollywood Tour’. The tour lets you understand filmmaking while you visit the various movie and TV show sets. You can also get a chance to see the shooting and some famous celebrities.
Victoria Terminus
Also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), this Victorian Gothic style edifice is situated in the heart of Mumbai City. Just like the Gateway of India, CST is an important landmark of Mumbai. Declared a ‘World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004, Victoria Terminus was built in 1888 and till today stand as one of the best examples of Gothic style architecture in India.
Marine Drive - Queens Necklace
Known as Marine Drive, this tourist spot has also been called Sonapur by the locals of the city. Marine Drive is a 3km long stretch that links Nariman Point to Babulnath, and is situated at the foot of Malabar Hill. Large crowds of people come to this place to stride along the walkway and to view the setting sun at dusk. Marine Drive is also referred to as ‘Queen’s necklace’.
Gateway of India
Gateway of India is the major landmark of Mumbai City. Built in the 20th Century to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbour that is bordered by Arabian Sea in the Colaba district.
Haji Ali
Haji Ali Dargah is truly a must-visit. The whitewashed structure is spread in an area of 4,500 meters and is flanked by marble pillars. It is said to have miraculous powers and that whoever prays here gets his wish fulfilled. Hence, throughout the year the place can be seen crowded by the believers.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum
Also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, the museum is one of the most popular places to see in Mumbai. Prince of Wales Museum was built in the early 20th century and showcases several collections of ancient artworks, sculptures and artifacts in its galleries.
Siddhivinayak Temple
Probably one of the most beautiful temples situated in Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak temple is definitely a must see in the city. Every day, more than 20000 devotees throng the temple to offer their prayers at the temple and on Tuesday special ‘puja’ and ‘darshan’ takes place. Bollywood celebrities too, visit Siddhivinayak to seek blessings.
Essel World
Reckoned to be one of the first amusement parks in India, Essel world in Mumbai is a place for everyone. Situated in the Gorai Island, it is one of the biggest amusement parks with its colossal infrastructure and several exciting dry and wet rides, fun activities, ice skating, dancing and bowling. The park remains open all year round.
Chor Bazaar
One of the oldest markets in Mumbai, Chor Bazaar (Thieves’ Market) has a fascinating history that dates back to over 150 years. Located in South Mumbai, Chor Bazaar is a place to find stolen goods, just as the name suggests. You will usually find shopaholics thronging here as the goods can be bought here at throwaway prices.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Situated within Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has the distinction of being a wildlife reserve in a metropolitan. The national park is spread over an area of 104 sq km, and is popular among wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It is also the most visited places and get about two million people annually. The park was earlier known as Borivali National Park and was renamed after Congress leader and late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s son Sanjay.
Mount Mary Church
Roman Catholic Church, dedicated to 'Virgin Mary', situated in Mumbai. It’s an ancient church, built in 1640 and then rebuilt in 1761, The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is also an important religious place in Mumbai. What adds to the charm of this church even more is that it is sited on top of a hill known as ‘Sunderban Bandra’, which overlooks the mighty Arabian Sea. It is believed that the church has healing powers and for this reason, the church is often flocked by devotees.
Crawford Market
Crawford Market is another popular spot in Mumbai. It is said to be one of the best places to buy household items. The market was the main wholesale market till 1966 and was spread in 72000 sq. Yards. What catches the eyes the most here is the splendid architecture of Norman and Flemish styles. On some parts of the building, tourists will also be able to view Gothic styles of architecture. The stone fountains in the center of the market are also worth a visit.
Powai Lake
Powai is an artificial lake situated in the Powai Valley in the northern suburbs of Mumbai which was named after Framaji Kavasji Powai Estate. This lake is one the beautiful places in the city and should not be on your visit to Mumbai. Located on the Salsette Island, next to the Powai village, Powai Lake is a calm and soothing spot where one can enjoy nature at its best.
Global Vipassana Pagoda
Global Vipassana Pagoda is a large meditation complex and memorial in Mumbai. It was built to honour Lord Buddha. Completed in 2008, this sacred edifice is counted amongst the biggest stone monuments across the Asiatic continent and houses the sacred bone relics of Gautam Buddha in the main dome.
The Bandra–Worli Sea Link
The Bandra–Worli Sea Link (officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link is a 5.6 km long, 8-lane wide bridge that links Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai with Worli in South Mumbai. It is a cable-stayed bridge with pre-stressed concrete-steel viaducts on either side. It is the 4th longest bridge in India.