A Guide To Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai

Things to do/Highlights

CST Railway Heritage Museum

Want to learn about India’s rail system? A visit to the CST Railway Heritage Museum, which lies within the station, is a must. Mumbai, was formerly Bombay, was the very first city in India to get trains. It’s that rich, well-documented history that you’ll get to experience here, and that too, in the form of unique additions like old tickets and model trains.

Guided heritage tour

There’s no way better to explore a place so rich in history than the hour-long guided tour of the terminus. Step back in time as the guide tells you all about the glass windows, the spiral staircase, the chambers, and the iconic arches and the dome. You’ll also come to know a surprising fact about the place - it’s only the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in a working condition and the only train station on the list!

Take pictures for the Gram

Nothing will prepare you for the spectacle that the place becomes at night. It’s completely lit up in stunning colours, and it’s hard not to take pictures of the building from every angle imaginable. Whether it’s the yellow glow cast on the windows or the dome that sometimes shines in the lovely blue, this one’s for your Instagram.

Where to eat

If you’re in Mumbai, then not eating street food is unacceptable! What’s more, the area around CST is famous for some of the most lip-smacking street food in South Bombay. So, what food do you get to treat your taste buds to? Read on.

Cannon Pav Bhaji & Snacks

Pav Bhaji to Mumbaikars, as the denizens are known as, is like air to the lungs. And the most famous place for delicious and buttery streetside pav bhaji around CST is Cannon Pav Bhaji & Snacks. Located hardly three minutes from the station on foot, the place is run by an all-women staff. It opens early in the morning at 7am and closes only at 1am. So, if there’s one place that’ll satisfy even your midnight hunger cravings, it’s Cannon.

Kyani & Co.

Don’t be put off by the low-keyness of this joint; for Kyani has acquired almost a legendary status when it comes to food in Mumbai. The city’s oldest Irani cafe, the place serves up delectable Parsi eats on the fly. Think hot cardamom chai, akuri on toast (traditional Parsi scrambled eggs), and bun maska, which is soft rolls of bread rolls slathered with butter. Yum!

Things to buy

Fashion Street

No trip to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is complete without a visit to Fashion Street, which is a 10-minute walk away. As the name suggests, this popular street-shopping hub is a perennially buzzing space, no matter the time of the day. Are you a fan of sneakers? You’ll find everything from printed to monochrome to even stone-studded sneakers. You might also want to pick up breezy summer dresses, statement jewellery, and denim items here.

Crawford Market

It might be a 20-minute walk, but Crawford Market is like the holy grail of unique and one-of-a-kind buys in the entire city. If you’re particularly a fan of vintage and antique curios and trinkets, then this market is like Candyland. What’s more, you’ll also find unique home decor items, cosmetics, cheap furniture, and even vintage movie posters. Oh, and you’ll even find random items like wedding cards, and vegetables and fruits here.

Travel tips

Steer away from the crowds

If you aren’t used to crowds, then it’s better you stay away. Whether it’s rush hour or not, the foot traffic in these places moves at a frenzied pace, with everyone looking to get to their destination quickly. So, if you’re sightseeing, then stick to the side, keep your bags close to your body, and stay away from the crowd.

Check the calendar

While Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is open all days, the markets and sights around are closed on specific days. For instance, Crawford market is closed on Sundays, while the heritage museum is closed on weekends and public holidays. So, make sure that you check the days that you’re going and whether the places you intend to visit are open on that day or not.

Don't miss stunning architectural details

If you’re a culture vulture, then make sure to read a guide if you’re visiting the terminus on your own. For instance, the entrance gates feature two crowned columns, one with a tiger representing India and the other with a lion representing Great Britain. Another striking feature is the Star Chamber, which lies directly above the main ticket counter. The ceiling is done up in pistachio green, complete with stunning and sparkling gold stars.

How to get there

By car or taxi

If you’re staying in South Bombay, then taking your own car or Mumbai’s iconic black-and-yellow taxi is the easiest way to get to CST, which lies in the Dhobi Talao area of Fort, Mumbai.

By Ola or Uber

If you don’t have your own car and don’t want to take a taxi, then Ola and Uber are your next best bet.

By suburban train

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, then the quickest way to get to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is to take the lifeline of the city, the suburban train. Popularly known as local trains, you need to take a ticket from wherever you are to Churchgate, which is the last stop. From there, you can either walk (20 minutes) or take a taxi (10 minutes) to get to the CST. Tickets can be purchased from the station counters on the spot. If you’re in Mumbai longer, then consider buying a season pass. Pro tip: If you’re a tourist navigating on your own, then you’re better off taking the first-class ticket rather than a second-class one.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus information

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Address: Dhobi Talao, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

Official Website: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Department of Tourism: Indian Railways

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