You'll find everything from beaches to Bollywood. Don't
miss these top Mumbai attractions for a memorable visit.
If these attractions aren't enough for you, check out these
If these attractions aren't enough for you, check out these
Mumbai,
formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of the Indian state of
Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most
populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of
approximately 20.5 million.
Population: 18.41 million (2011)
Weather: 26°C, Wind SW at 10 km/h, 89% Humidity
Gateway of India
Mumbai's
most recognized monument, the Gateway of India, was constructed to
commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. It
was completed in 1920 and remains as a striking symbol of the British
Raj era. After this era ended in 1947, the last of the British troops
departed through the Gateway of India. The looming Gateway is designed
to be the first thing that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat.
It's also 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.
- Location: On the waterfront in Colaba, south Mumbai. Opposite the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.
Aksa Beach
This beach was one of the most silent and least visited beaches. It was very clean you could find a large variety of snails and shells. It is a popular weekend destination with youngsters. It is dotted with many private cottages and hotels, some of which are rented out to tourists and visitors.
This beach has INS Hamla (a base of the Indian Navy) at one end and a small beach called "Dana Paani".
Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
This
massive open air laundry provides an unforgettable glimpse into the
inside of the city. Dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought here
and painstakingly hand washed by the dhobis (washermen) in the
seemingly endless rows of concrete troughs. The profession, handed down
from generation to generation, requires incredible strength and
determination. The thousands of dhobis spend hours every day
standing up to their knees in water filled with chemicals, manually
scrubbing and beating the dirt out of each item of laundry. This earns
them 100 rupees ($2.40) per day each.
- Location: Next to Mahalaxmi railway station (the 6th station on the Western Line from Churchgate), central Mumbai. Walk out of the station and turn left on the bridge.
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.
On Thursdays and Fridays tens of thousands of pilgrims flock there to
receive blessings from the dead saint. If find you need to pass some
time until the tide lowers enough, there's a shopping center on the
opposite side of the road. Unfortunately, women are no longer permitted to enter the shrine's inner sanctum. However, they can still visit its large open area.
- Location: Central Mumbai, just off the coast of Worli, not far from Mahalaxmi railway station.
Bollywood
Mumbai
is the center of India's booming "Bollywood" film industry. The
architecturally resplendent Eros Cinema, adjacent to the Churchgate
railway station, is a great place to take in a Bollywood movie.
Alternatively, it's possible to go on a tour to the heart of the action
in Film City. Or if you'd rather be in a Bollywood movie than simply see
the set of one, that's possible too!
- Location: Film City is in Goregaon, in the western suburbs of Mumbai.
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.
- Location: Between the Fort and Colaba, in south Mumbai.
Photo Tour of Kala Ghoda Art Precinct
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 Prince of Wales Museum in the Kala Ghoda art precinct, Victoria Terminus railway station, the Bombay High Court
(wander inside and be entertained by a trial) 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.
- Location: In and around south Mumbai.
Caves and National Park
In
contrast to its millions of inhabitants and sprawling development,
Mumbai surprisingly also has a national park located within its limits.
It's worth a visit just to see the many ancient Buddhist caves, which
have been hand carved into volcanic rock there. More caves, dedicated to
the Hindu Lord Shiva, can also be found on Elephanta Island.
- Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in the suburb of Borivali, is 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Mumbai city center. Elephanta Island is 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Mumbai.
Mumbai Dabbawalas
Dabbawala,
meaning a person who carries a container, is the term given to the
thousands of men responsible for transporting and delivering around
200,000 lunch boxes of freshly cooked food to the city's office workers
every day. This unique concept was started to meet the needs of British
rulers. However, it's now continued on to service Indian businessmen who
can't get home for lunch. Witness this incredible system in operation
at Churchgate station from around 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., as the dabbawalas unload the lunch boxes from the trains and prepare to head to their customers' offices.
- Location: Railway stations around Mumbai, particularly at Churchgate terminus in south Mumbai.
Markets and Bazaars
From the multitude of colorful pavement vendors that line Colaba Causeway, to the fascinating Chor Bazaar Thieves Market,
Mumbai is full of interesting places to go street shopping. Stock up on
attractive souvenirs at Colaba Causeway, delight in cheap shoes and
clothes at Linking Road, scour the narrow alleyways of Chor Bazaar for antiques, and sample the fresh food while marveling at the architecture of Crawford Market.
- Location: Colaba Causeway, Linking Road in Bandra, Crawford Market near Churchgate, and Chor Bazaar on Mutton street (opposite Shafi Masjid).
- See Mumbai Markets photo gallery.
Juhu and Marine Drive Chowpatty Beaches
At
the end of a tiring day of sightseeing, relax with the locals on the
beaches of Juhu and Marine Drive, and watch the sunset. If you're
feeling adventurous, you'll also be able to feast on tasty snacks
offered by the multitude of food stalls and mobile food vendors.
Favorites include roasted corn on the cob, bhel puri, pani puri and pav
bhaji.
- Location: Exclusive Juhu is around 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of the city centre, while Marine Drive Chowpatty is in central Mumbai, a short drive from the Gateway of India.
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