Mumbai is indeed a city unlike any other.
Mumbai is in a league of its own when compared to other important tourist sites in India, such as Kashmir, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
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Places to Visit in Mumbai
You’re immediately enveloped by the sights, sounds, and smells that Mumbai has to offer as soon as you walk off the train, bus, or plane.
Mumbai has a population of almost 18 million people, and it nearly feels like the city is about to burst!
And, despite the overwhelming number of people, buildings, and automobiles, there are still a plethora of amazing spots to see in Mumbai.
Mumbai may not have as many historical landmarks as other Indian cities, but its diversity more than makes up for it. There’s a little bit of everything here, from beaches to picnic places to Bollywood. For a memorable journey, don’t miss these 09 attractions and locations to see in Mumbai.
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India, Mumbai’s most well-known monument, was built in 1924 to honour King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to the city. It’s also where the last British troops left, signalling the end of British rule in India after the country’s independence in 1947.
When arriving by boat in Mumbai, the rising Gateway is meant to be the first thing visitors see. It’s a popular starting point for visitors visiting Mumbai. At times, the scene around the monument resembles a circus, with a variety of merchants selling anything from balloons to Indian chai (Indian Tea).
You must now pass through a security checkpoint to visit.
Terrorist attacks occurred outside the neighbouring Taj Palace Hotel in 2008, and I believe limitations have been imposed since then.
As a result, when you go, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of other tourists, all of whom are trying to grab the ideal photo. When you’re busy, this is nearly difficult!
If you’re white, you’ll be continually approached by locals who want to take pictures with you.
Hotel The Taj Palace
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is tough to miss when visiting the Gateway Of India.
It is the most elegant and inspiring hotel in Mumbai, and it is right next door.
If you wish to take some pictures, I recommend doing so while inside the Gateway Of India compound.
It’s difficult to obtain a good angle for it unless you’re here.
Since its inception in 1903, the hotel has housed many presidents and celebrities.
The structure has a unique history, having functioned as a military hospital throughout WWII.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus)
In Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) is a historic terminal train station and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The terminus was created in an extravagant Italian Gothic style by British-born architectural engineer Frederick William Stevens, based on an early design by Axel Haig. It was built between 1878 and 1887, in a location south of the ancient Bori Bunder railway station, to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 50th year in power.
The station was renamed “Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus” in March 1996, after Shivaji, a 17th-century warrior king who used guerilla tactics to defeat the Mughal Empire and found a new state on the Deccan Plateau’s western Marathi-speaking districts.
The Central Railway of India’s headquarters is located at the terminus. It is one of India’s busiest railway stations, with long-distance and suburban trains passing through.
Haji Ali Dargah
The magnificent Haji Ali serves as a mosque as well as a mausoleum. It was established in 1431 by Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint who was motivated to change his life after visiting Mecca. His body is likewise included within it. Haji Ali, which is located in the midst of the ocean, is only accessible during low tide by a 500-yard-long walkway.
Located in the heart of Mumbai, just off the shore of Worli and close to Mahalaxmi train station.
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Island, located 10 kilometres (6 miles) east of Mumbai, is a popular tourist destination. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in the suburb of Borivali, 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Mumbai city centre, contains the Kanheri Buddhist Caves.
If you’re in Mumbai for a few days, the old rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island are worth seeing. There are two types of people: Buddhists and Hindus. In 1987, the large main cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are some magnificent sculptures and artwork on display. Take a ferry from the Gateway of India to get there. If you want to go any further, there are other Buddhist caves at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is located within the city’s northern boundaries.
The Bollywood
Mumbai is India’s Bollywood centre, and it’s an industry that’s on the rise!
Bollywood performers are as well-known in India as Hollywood actors are in the United States, and Bollywood films appear to improve year after year.
There are several sites in Mumbai to visit where you may see Bollywood movies being made.
Film City is the largest and most well-known filming location.
It is possible to get a cheap tour to get the entire experience. If you plan on staying in Mumbai for more than a day, why not try your hand at acting in a Bollywood film?
Bandra Fort (Castella de Aguada)
The Portuguese erected Bandra Fort in the 1600s when they occupied the region, and it is one of India’s oldest historical sites.
The fort itself isn’t particularly huge, having been in disrepair for many years before being partially restored in the early 2000s.
This is recommended since you will get to see both Mumbai’s coastlines in one day.
Standing atop the fort should provide some beautiful views if the weather is clear and sunny.
Prince of Wales Museum
In Mumbai, there are several museums, but “The Prince of Wales Museum” is the largest.
Natural history, art, and archaeology are the three primary sections for you to explore.
There are over 50,000 artefacts on display in all, with objects from all over the world.
The museum’s interior is stunning, but it’s not the only thing.
The structure itself is well constructed, as are the grounds in front of it.
The grounds feel like a refuge away from the hectic, bustling city all around you, and it’s a nice place to stop and take some photos.
Marine Drive and Juhu Chowpaty
Juhu is located 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of the city centre, whereas Marine Drive Chowpatty is located in south Mumbai, a few minutes from the Gateway of India.
Relax with the locals on the beaches of Juhu and Marine Drive after a long day of sightseeing and watching the sunset. If you’re feeling adventurous, there will be plenty of delectable nibbles available from several food stalls and mobile food sellers.
Roasted corn on the cob, bhel puri, Pani puri, and pav bhaji are all to name just a few.
Pro Tips to make the most of your trip to Mumbai
Start Early: Begin as soon as possible to squeeze everything in.
With the one-day Mumbai itinerary, you should have enough time to get to the Marine Drive in time for sunset (which we highly suggest, so don’t miss it!)
Hire Taxi: This was our preferred mode of transportation throughout India, simply because they are ubiquitous and the most comfortable.
Taxis are available practically everywhere. Expect a lot of them to try to take advantage of you.
Instead, we suggest you download Ola or Uber and use them whenever possible.
We generally used Uber for three reasons:
- You will be getting an excellent car (with air conditioning, in some cases!)
- In most cases, the drivers are significantly safer.
- You get the best deals.
To get from the Gateway Of India in the south of Mumbai to the Mahakali Caves in the north, plan to pay roughly 550 rupees as a starting point.
Watch out for pickpockets: Pickpockets are notorious in Mumbai, especially when walking through densely populated places such as bazaars and markets. So make sure you keep your wallet, phone, and other valuables were hidden. You might take it a step further by placing a small padlock over your bag’s zip to prevent unauthorised entry.
Conclusion
If you approach Mumbai with an open mind, there’s no reason why you won’t have a fantastic experience visiting the city.
We attempted to be very honest during our entire Mumbai itinerary.
We don’t want to be harsh on the residents of the city as a whole, but it does have its drawbacks.
India is known for being a sensory overload, and Mumbai is one of the greatest destinations to visit in India because of all it has to offer.
If there are any more spots in Mumbai that you would like to recommend, please let us know in the comments section below and we would gladly include them!
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