The city of contrasts is Mumbai. Possibly the most international city in India, it is teeming with recognised attractions, five-star hotels, and opulent residences of Bollywood megastars. However, keep in mind that this bustling metropolis is home to an estimated 20 million people, giving India’s largest city a particularly hectic, energi
The city of contrasts is Mumbai. Possibly the most international city in India, it is teeming with recognised attractions, five-star hotels, and opulent residences of Bollywood megastars. But keep in mind: This busy metropolis is home to an estimated 20 million people, giving India’s largest city a very hectic, energising air.
In Mumbai, it’s simple to see India as it truly is. You’ll see “dabbawalas” (translation: people who carry containers) bringing tens of thousands of freshly prepared lunches to the city’s office workers from Churchgate railway station, Hindu devotees collecting garlands from the sizable flower market close to Dadar railway station, the swirling colours of the bustling “Thieves Market,” and people from all walks of life taking in the sunset from the sugary sand at Marine Drive Chowpatty. You won’t forget your first visit to Mumbai, which is both daunting and inspirational.
Mumbai offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to choose from. With this guide to Mumbai’s top tourist attractions, you can prepare for your vacation in this amazing city.
1. the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Tower is a renowned tourist destination that is conveniently located close to the Gateway of India. India’s first luxury hotel, which is more than a century old, is renowned for the splendour of its brownstone frontage. The windowed facade incorporates Islamic design elements into its Renaissance architecture, such as corner turrets with onion domes, pointed archways, and covered balconies.
Fun fact: One of India’s most photographed locations is the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai. Take your own photo as you pass by on the sidewalk. Better yet, have a lavish high tea at the hotel’s colonial-style restaurant Sea Lounge in the afternoon.
Address: Apollo Bunder, Mumbai
2. Marine Drive
A stroll down Marine Drive is a must-do on any vacation to Mumbai. Epic views of the seaside may be seen along the 3.6-kilometer-long, C-shaped promenade. The sightseeing prospects on the opposite side of Marine Drive, meanwhile, are as excellent. Beautiful Art Deco structures flank the Boulevard, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After your little vehicle ride, set out on foot to take in more of the attractions along Marine Drive. At sunset is when you should visit. At that time, locals and visitors from Mumbai congregate on the Girgaum Chowpatty dunes to enjoy the city’s renowned street cuisine while watching the cotton candy sky become black.
Wondering why Marine Drive is sometimes called “Queen’s Necklace”? Here’s a hot tip. Just look up at the street lights; they were placed so that, from above, the road appeared to be strung with pearls.
3. Bandra-Worli Sea Link
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, a cable-stayed bridge, is one of Mumbai’s most recognisable landmarks. The eight-lane bridge, which was completed in 2009 and connects the CBD with the western suburbs across the ocean, provides much-needed respite from traffic on the Mahim Causeway. It has evolved into the Sydney Opera House or the Brooklyn Bridge of Mumbai.
A historical watchtower constructed by the Portuguese in 1640, the Bandra Fort offers the best views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Driving across the bridge is worthwhile as well. On both sides of the bridge throughout the day, you can see the pounding waves. Watch the bridge take on a stunning display of colour at night.
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4. Gateway of India
One of Mumbai’s most well-known and beloved attractions is the Gateway of India, which stands erect on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the Apollo Bunder waterfront region. The 26-meter basalt archway was constructed as a welcome for King George V and Queen Mary when they visited British India in 1911. It mixes the architectural styles of Roman triumphal arches with conventional Hindu and Muslim patterns. Ironically, after India proclaimed its independence from Great Britain in 1948, the last British forces left the nation through this particular archway.
The Gateway of India is currently one of Mumbai’s most well-liked meeting places for both visitors and residents. From the five jetties that flank the arch, see the yachts and ferries set off. Take advantage of the street food vendors’ famed bhelpuri, a crispy, savoury delicacy composed of puffed rice and covered in tamarind sauce. Or simply spend an hour or two at this busy attraction people-watching.
After that, go 10 minutes southwest to the Colaba Causeway Market, a bustling marketplace offering anything and everything. It’s one of the top locations in Mumbai to go for inexpensive shopping.
Address: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai
5. Kanheri Caves
Mumbai boasts several historic sites that will astound you, despite its initial appearance as a gleaming, contemporary metropolis. At Sanjay Gandhi National Park, spend the day exploring the Kanheri Caves, a collection of structures that were fashioned from basalt stones some 2,000 years ago. Large stupas, gathering spaces, and prayer halls can be seen inside each of the 109 cave openings, providing evidence that this location originally served as a Buddhist holy site. On the roof of cave 34, keep an eye out for the unfinished Buddha murals.
Address: Borivali East, Mumbai
6. Global Vipassana Pagoda
At the Global Vipassana Pagoda, see Mumbai’s serene, tranquil side. The enormous, 96-meter-tall stupa, which draws inspiration from Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda, is coated in genuine gold that shimmers in the sunlight. There is a huge chamber in the hollow pagoda where 8,000 people may meditate peacefully together.
Having trouble meditating? Attend one of the daylong, free 10-minute Anapana meditation sessions that are provided at the pagoda. Additionally, there is a sizable vegetarian food court there with some pretty wonderful dosas.
Address: Gorai Village, Borivali (West), Mumbai
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7. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Of the 33 million gods in the Hindu religion, many people have a personal preference. Visitors to the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple are devotees of Ganesha, the potbellied god with the elephant head recognised as the “remover of barriers.”
Take off your shoes and enter to see the deity’s idol, which is covered in marigold garlands and offerings, along with hundreds of other curious onlookers (and perhaps a granted wish). It’s an unparalleled cultural experience. You should also visit the Vazira Naka Ganpati temple and the Garodia Nagar Ganpati temple if you’re interested in additional holy sites dedicated to Ganesha.
Address: S.K. Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai
8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
One of the best activities for travellers to do in Mumbai is to visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum. One of India’s most significant museums of art and history was once known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India.
To see everything in the museum’s 70,000-item permanent collection, which includes Indian miniature paintings, Himalayan art, vintage Asian currencies, jewelled swords, and much more, you’ll need at least a full day. After that, explore the Fort neighborhood’s streets near the museum; they are lined with beautiful Gothic structures.
Address: 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai
9. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
Gandhi is one of India’s most respected historical personalities, and the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum in Mumbai is the best site to learn about him. The structure dates back to Gandhi, an anti-colonial patriot, who used it as his local headquarters for for two decades, starting in 1917.
The museum’s Gandhi monument allows visitors to pay their respects to the Indian hero, and the stairway is lined with old images of him and two of his renowned spinning wheels. The museum’s second level also has a chamber with paintings illustrating significant events in Gandhi’s life.
Address: Laburnum Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai
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10. Ancient Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai Harbor, is a well-liked day excursion from the major metropolis of Mumbai. The site is home to Hindu god Shiva-honoring rock-cut cave temples. The archaeological masterpiece, which dates back to 1,600 years, is composed of a number of temples arranged in a mandala-like design.
You’ll find sculptures within that tell the tales of Hindu mythologies. The main temple’s six-meter-tall, three-faced Shiva statue is its crown treasure. Every 30 minutes or so, ferries leave from the Gateway of India towards Elephanta Island, and the trip takes about an hour.
11. Nariman Point
Nariman Point, sometimes known as the “Manhattan of Mumbai,” sparkles with some of the most expensive office space in the whole world. However, its luxurious location on the southern tip of Mumbai’s peninsula was not always so. This area, which was formerly submerged beneath the Arabian Sea, was reclaimed throughout the middle of the 20th century, and tower development saw an immediate surge.
Nariman Point is popular with visitors as well as office employees who come to watch the sunset, attend performances at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, take in the spectacular view of Marine Drive, and indulge in luxury shopping. (And don’t worry if you’re on a limited budget—the Colaba Causeway Market is only two kilometres away and has inexpensive goods.)
12. Wankhede Stadium
Spend all of your time playing cricket at Wankhede Stadium. India became the first nation in history to win the championship on home soil in 2011 at this well-known sporting venue, which was built in 1975.
This international cricket stadium can accommodate more than 33,000 people, and there is always a buzz in the air while a match is taking place there. Attempt to obtain tickets to a game to experience India’s national sport. The stadium was built without beam support for the roof to ensure there were no visual barriers to the pitch, so you’ll have a terrific view from wherever you sit.
Address: Wankhede Stadium, D Road, Churchgate, Mumbai
13. Dhobi Ghat
Visitors visiting India are mesmerised by the sight of Dhobi Ghat. It is referred to be the “biggest outdoor laundry in the world,” where dhobis (or laundrymen) from about 200 families transport filthy clothes from families and visitors throughout the city and hand-wash it in exposed concrete troughs.
In the early afternoons, thousands of brightly coloured clothing drying on lines in the breeze provide a very unique photo opportunity. After that, the dhobis neatly fold and press the clothing into heaps that may be given to the owners.
While visitors frequently visit this labor-intensive laundry, Dhobi Ghat is just as much a part of Mumbai locals’ daily lives as it is for tourists, so be sure to be polite of the employees while you are there and get their permission before taking any pictures. You’ll undoubtedly get a greater respect for the contemporary washing machines you likely use at home as a result.
Address: 1 Anandilal P Marg, Dhobi Ghat, Shanti Nagar, Lower Parel, Mumbai
14. Mahalakshmi Temple
One of Mumbai’s oldest and most well-known temples is the Mahalakshmi Temple. This temple, which honours Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of riches, draws large crowds past its elaborate entrance and into the shrine where the statue is located. Other gods with gold decorations that may be seen by visitors include Kali, the goddess of destruction, and Tridevi, the patron goddess of music and education. Visit the Haji Ali Dargah, a floating Muslim shrine, which is only a 15-minute walk from the Mahalakshmi Temple, for another spiritual destination.
Address: Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai
Which is the most visited place in Mumbai?
places such as marine drive, gateway of India, chatrapati shivaji maharaj terminal and most of the places in south Mumbai.
Which is the most beautiful area in Mumbai?
south mumbai is the most beautiful area and it is the heart of Mumbai
What are the top attractions to visit in Mumbai?
marine drive, csmt, fort area, gateway of india and elephanta caves
Which festivals in Mumbai are worth attending?
ganesh chathurthi, dahihandi, navratri, kalaghoda festival and holi