Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra in India and is one of the most famous and recognisable places of the country. It is also a very important city as it is the commercial and financial capital of India. Mumbai has garnered much popularity across the globe largely because of the presence of the Hindi language film industry or Bollywood, the largest film industry in India. Mumbai has gradually become a synonym for Bollywood and vice versa but it is not the only notable aspect of the city. Mumbai is home to many other attractions to occupy visitors and the locals alike. So, come and experience Mumbai like never before. Here are 10 of the most popular must-visit places in Mumbai, India.
1. Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is the second most famous icon of India just after the Taj Mahal. In fact, this monument is also known as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai.
The building’s foundation was laid in the year 1911 but it was inaugurated in 1924. This monument’s magnificent architecture was designed by George Wittet and it was erected to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. This edifice has a unique design with its structure embodying an unparalleled confluence of Western, Arabic and Indian architecture. It is resplendent with both Hindu and Muslim motifs thus it is a true representative of the secular social fabric of the country.
This monument overlooks the Arabian Sea as it is situated in the Apollo Bunder waterfront and thus it affords the visitor picturesque views along with a piece of history.
Gateway of India
Address: Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: No entry fee
Traveler's tips
The Gateway of India is a must-visit historical monument in Mumbai, and your trip to the city won't be complete without admiring its grandeur. Because of its seaside location, it's best to visit the place during sunset and savor the stunning views. Even if you can't get close to the monument because of the crowd, simply enjoy the area as it's ideal for lazy strolls and taking lots of pictures.
2. Siddhivinayak Temple
The Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the holiest and revered places in the country. It is a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and was built in the year 1801. Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil, a childless couple, erected this temple so that infertile women could pray here and have their wishes of having a child fulfilled. Besides being one of the most famous, it is also one of the richest temples in India.
The temple contains a Ganesha statue that was carved out of a single piece of black stone. The idol is flanked by Goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi who are deities of wealth and prosperity respectively. A temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is also present within the premises.
Siddhivinnayak Temple
Address: SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028
Opening hours: 5:30 AM- 10 PM
Price: No entry fee
3. Girgaum Chowpatty
The Girgaum Chowpatty or popularly known as Chowpatty is a beach located in southern Mumbai. This stretch of sandy beach has an atmosphere that is in stark contrast to that of Mumbai. While Mumbai is a hectic and chaotic city, Chowpatty is calm and serene. It is a place to unwind and relax, a much-needed respite for the Mumbaikars.
The cool breeze and the white sands beside the sea creates a beautiful environment. The beach turns into a fair at night with children happily playing about and enjoying various rides while the adults walk the seashore while snacking on the famous street food of Mumbai. This beach is never deserted; at the least, you will always find someone lazing on the beach or children building sand castles.
Girgaum Chowpatty
Address: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Opening hours: After sunset
Price: No entry fee
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4. Victoria Terminus
The Victoria Terminus, now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, is the busiest and largest railway station in India. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site what with it being one of the standing structures of pre-independence India. It was built in 1887 and currently is the Central Railway Headquarter of the country. The station is a magnificent structure embodying the Victorian Gothic style of architecture. This bustling and busy station is the symbol of the commercial capital, Mumbai. The noise, the crowd and the lively colours and music in between them is the representative of the varied and massive commercial activity that happens in the country. It is also the location of the famous “Jai Ho” song of the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”.
Victoria Terminus
Address: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: No entry fee
Traveler's tips
If you're feeling hungry after a day spent exploring Mumbai and want a unique meal, head to Sassanian, a restaurant run by members of the Parsi community of the city. The eatery is about 2 km (1.24 mi) from Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) and specializes in Indo-Iranian cuisine, a tradition the Parsi community cherishes.
Beyond just a meal, you should also try out the unique Pallonji Soda served here, which is a nostalgic element of the city's food history. Make sure to carry cash as they may not accept UPI or card payments!
Mumbai Tour Guide
Sukanya Roy Choudhury
I am a licensed guide but Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. I am also a visiting faculty teaching travel and tourism in the University of Mumbai and Patkar Varde College. Have alot of fun facts and stories about the city which I would be happy to share.
Tours by Sukanya
5. Prince of Wales Musuem
The Prince of Wales Museum, now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay, is one of the heritage buildings in Mumbai. The Prince of Wales himself laid the foundation stone of the building in 1905 and it became a museum in 1922. This monument is known for its intricate and beautiful architecture which is a blend of British, Mughal and Indian styles. The facade of the museum is a sight to behold and the expansive garden in front of it adds to its magnificence. The museum showcases ancient artefacts and artworks that gives us a glimpse into India’s rich and glorious past.
Prince of Wales Museum
Address: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400023
Opening hours: 10:15 AM - 5 PM
Price: 0.42 USD
6. Film City
The Film City is the birthplace of Bollywood or the Hindi film industry. It is located in Aarey Colony, in a secluded spot that allowed enough open space to build gigantic sets for larger than life movies for which Bollywood is famous.
The Film City boasts of an area where as many as a thousand sets can be built simultaneously and is a place as many as 900 films are shot. Now it has been converted into a high tech studio that has all the modern equipment to meet the technological demands of present-day films. If you are a movie buff then a visit to this place is a must as you can see how films are made.
Film City
Address: Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri ,Goregaon (East), Mumbai - 400065.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 5 PM
Price: 8.36-23.72 USD
7. Mumbai Zoo
The Mumbai Zoo, also known as the Veermata Jeejabai Bhonsle Uddyan and Zoo, is the only zoo in the city. It was built in 1861 by the British and then was known as Victoria Gardens. It is located in the centre of the city or Byculla and is easily accessible to the residents living in any part of the city.
In the zoo, one can see wild animals like lions, tigers, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants and more. The aviary section is filled with colourful and noisy birds. Recently a penguin section was inaugurated where visitors can see the antics of eight cheerful penguins.
Mumbai Zoo
Address: 91A, Lalbaug Flyover, Near Railway Station, Byculla East, Mazgaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400027
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6 PM
Price: 0.35-1.40 USD
8. Global Pagoda
Global Pagoda is a meditation hall built along the lines of ancient Buddhist architecture. It specialises in Aanapana Meditation, a type of meditation that teaches the mind to release itself from the cycles of life and death, temptation and sorrow. In fact, visitors can experience a 10-minute free meditation session before deciding to enrol for the full course.
The Pagoda was built as a tribute to a Burmese Vipassana monk named Sayagyi U Ba Khin. He was responsible for reigniting the practice of this meditation in India, the original birthplace of Buddhism after it had almost ceased to exist in the country. The purpose of this structure is to garner and spread spirituality among the masses through meditation and following the teachings of Gautama Buddha.
Global Pagoda
Address: Global Pagoda Road, Near Esselworld, Gorai, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400091
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Price: No entry fee
9. Kanheri Caves
The Kanheri Caves are alcoves and rock-cut monuments that stand as proof of ancient Buddhist architecture and religious practices in India. It is located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and is a site of both religious and historic significance. The Caves are famous for its 109 special entrances and its water system which is a proof of the brilliance of ancient Indian engineering. The water system is such that it harvests and utilises rainwater. The Caves were built over some years and the older caves are simple in design but the newer caves have much more intricate architecture. The walls of the caves are resplendent with carvings, inscriptions and paintings dating back to the 1st century. There is also a congregation hall decorated with carved pillars and traditional Buddhist stupas. A cave has been segregated and turned into a Buddhist monastery that holds special importance to this religious community.
Kanheri Caves
Address: Global Pagoda Road, Near Esselworld, Gorai, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400091
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Price: 0.07 USD
Experience the city of dreams, Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the most important as well as attractive places in India. The city has a deep history and is vibrant with the energetic culture of the Marathis, the ethnic group native to the place. These 10 places in Mumbai will give you a true experience of what Mumbai is all about. So, check out our article answering the top Mumbai FAQs from travellers and get yourself ready to experience the city of dreams.
Fort
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain
If you wish to experience the colonial past of Mumbai, I highly recommend visiting the Fort area. This place buzzes with Victorian-style buildings housing everything, from high-end clothing stores to stalls selling trinkets or books. It also has several commercial offices along with popular tourist attractions, such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Jehangir Art Gallery, and more. What’s more, it’s the venue of the famous Kala Ghoda Art Festival, which is organised annually in February.
There are several restaurants and café as well. I visited 145 Kala Ghoda for brunch and loved their cookie dough pizza with Nutella and ice cream. The best part is that they even have a separate Jain menu.
Shree Mahalakshmi Temple
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain
I have been visiting Shree Mahalakshmi Temple since childhood and recommend adding this place to your itinerary when you visit Mumbai. It’s located on Bhulabhai Desai Marg and is close to Haji Ali Dargah, Breach Candy Hospital Trust and Mukesh Ambani’s luxurious abode, Antilia.
This temple is quite famous and crowded during Navratri and Diwali when devotees pour in large numbers to seek the blessings of Devi Mahatmyam, the main deity. Earlier, there was a small path in the backside of the temple, which led directly to the waters of the Arabian Sea. However, entry to this area is restricted now due to security concerns. However, you will still find small eateries and shacks selling sodas and snacks here.
Band Stand
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain
Band Stand is a hub for the young crowd and college students in Bandra. This waterfront promenade has a jogging path, and you’ll find it buzzing with sports enthusiasts during early morning and evening hours. Nearby attractions which you can explore are Bandra Fort and Bandra Beach, both offering beautiful views of Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link.
If you’re a Bollywood fan, you can click a picture outside Shahrukh Khan’s residence, Mannat, a two-minute walk from here. Band Stand is my favourite spot because it’s clean, has an amphitheatre, and there are several parks around it where you can spend a relaxing evening.
Mumba Devi Temple
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain
Located in the bustling Bhuleshwar Market of Mumbai, the 18th-century Mumba Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mumbadevi. It is said that Mumbai is named after her, and she is the chief deity of the city, who protects it from evil and natural disasters.
Although it’s in a busy market, you’ll find immense peace once you enter the temple. After offering my prayers, I head to Zaveri Bazaar Khau Galli to enjoy its irresistible chats, masala khichiya and other street food.
History
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