Mumbai, the city where dreams are made and fulfilled! It may not have many historical monuments as some places in India, but its diversity more than compensates.You’ll find everything from beaches to picnic spots and Bollywood. Don’t miss these nine attractions and places to visit in Mumbai for a memorable trip.
1. Gateway of India
Mumbai’s most recognized monument, the Gateway of India, was constructed in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. It’s also where the last of the British troops departed, marking the end of British rule when India gained Independence in 1947. The looming Gateway is designed to be the first thing that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat. It’s a popular place to start exploring Mumbai. These days the atmosphere around the monument resembles a circus at times, with numerous vendors peddling everything from balloons to Indian tea.
2. Heritage Buildings
Mumbai has some captivating heritage buildings where you can marvel over staggering examples of intricate colonial architecture. Some of the best are the Gothic-looking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum), the Kala Ghoda art precinct, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) railway station, the Bombay High Court and the buildings of Horniman Circle in the Fort area. The feature of Horniman Circle is its huge gardens, which provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Also, have a wander past the historic 18th century homes in Khotachiwadi village.
3. Kala Ghoda Art Precinct
Kala Ghoda, meaning “Black Horse” in reference to a statue that was once located there, is Mumbai’s cultural center. This crescent-shaped stretch is home to Mumbai’s best art galleries and museums. It’s also filled with cultural spaces, including some wonderful pavement galleries. Stroll around at leisure, but be sure to visit the acclaimed Jehangir Art Gallery. Every year in February, the Kala Ghoda Association hosts a nine day Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which is interesting.
4. Haji Ali
The imposing Haji Ali is both a mosque and tomb. It was built in 1431 by wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was inspired to change the course of his life after going to Mecca. It also contains his body. Situated in the middle of the ocean, Haji Ali is only accessible during low tide from a narrow, 500 yard long walkway.
5. Elephanta Caves
Although they’re nowhere near as impressive as Maharashtra’s famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, the ancient rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island are worth visiting if you’re spending a few days in Mumbai. There are two groups — one Buddhist and one Hindu. The massive main cave, devoted to Lord Shiva, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It has some impressive sculptures and artwork. Get there by taking a ferry from the Gateway of India. If you want to venture further afield, there are more Buddhist caves inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the northern outskirts of the city.
6. Global Vipassana Pagoda
Global Vipassana Pagoda is a medication hall built to symbolise peace and harmony. The sermons here strive to educate people about Lord Buddha, his teachings and remove any misconceptions regarding Vipassana. The central dome of the building is world’s largest dome without any pillar support and the pagoda style is an expression of gratitude to Burma, for preserving the practice of Vipassana.
7. Film City
Film City can be rightly known as a synonym to the city of Mumbai. It is located in the outskirts near Sanjay Gandhi National Park and close to the Aarey colony in Goregaon (East). Film city was the dream of Dada Saheb Phalke and is thus known on his name as the Dada Saheb Phalke Chitranagari.
The area comprises world-class facilities for all departments involved in the movie making process and for both outdoor and indoor shooting. Lakes, theatres, fountains, temples, grounds for fighting sequences, etc, are spread across the entire area. Superstars of Bollywood and the Indian television industry can also be spotted inside the Film City.
Tourists can take a tour of the place and take a glimpse of the various places used for different aspects in a film. Any mode of road transport, including taxis and auto rickshaws, can be used to reach the Film City from different parts of the city. Another option is to take a train to Goregaon railway station that is located nearby.
8. Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty Beach, officially known as Girgaum Chowpatty, is one of the most famous beaches in India. The beach is not as famous for activities like sunbathing or swimming as for its street food. Every evening, the beach is crowded by people of all ages, along with food kiosks, ferries and balloon sellers. Tourists can either sit under the shade of stunted trees to relax or taste the flavours of variety of street food.
In the evening, the scene at the beach is similar to that of a carnival. Travellers can even catch a glimpse of a street play or a film shoot at the beach. Chowpatty Beach is also famous for its Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, when thousands of people from all over the city gather at the beach. The ceremony mainly involves immersion of the idols of Lord Ganapati into the Arabian Sea.
9. Bollywood
Bollywood, India’s largest film industry, has been rooted in Mumbai since the 1930s, when the Bombay Talkies movie studio was founded in the city. Bollywood now churns out as many as 1,000 movies each year, ranging from historical epics and curry westerns to courtesan films.
You can get a behind-the-scenes look at this blockbuster factory on a full-day private Bollywood tour. On this adventure, tourists will explore two Bollywood film studios, take photos with the stars (subject to schedule availability), see Bollywood dancing and learn some choreography, and take a drive through the posh community where the top Bollywood actors and actresses live.
With something for everyone, there are ample of Mumbai tourist places that will bring you the thrill you cannot find anywhere else! When are you planning for your trip to Mumbai?