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The Gateway of India

Places to Visit in Mumbai

Places to Visit in Mumbai

The Gateway of India

If you are visiting India, you should have list of tourist places in Mumbai in your itinerary. There are several memorable places to visit in Mumbai. The financial and commercial capital of India, Mumbai, is not just a thriving and vibrant city but also a metropolis that is rich in history and culture. The typical image of Mumbai is that of overcrowded trains, dabbawalas delivery food, and people rushing to and from their work. It is one of those cities in the world that never sleeps. But there is more to Mumbai than just its people. 

There are lots of diversities in places to visit in Mumbai. Mumbai has numerous historical spots, gardens, and pilgrimages, which makes the city so different. It had played a significant role in India’s struggle for freedom, and this can be seen in the massive structure, which is known as the Gateway of India. Similarly, Mumbai forms the heart of the famous Ganapati Festival, one that is celebrated with great pomp and galore not only in the city but in many other parts of India. If you want to go to Mumbai on a pilgrimage, then a visit to the Siddhivinayak Temple is a must. Then there are gardens and museums in Mumbai. For those who want to spend a tranquil evening walking down the Beach, there is Juhu, the famous Beach in Mumbai. Thus, in this unique city, there is something for everyone. So if you are planning to visit some of the most essential places in Mumbai, then you should start planning. This will help you understand how you should plan your trip so that you can do justice to the city and your visit to Mumbai. Some of the tourist places in Mumbai that you must pay a visit to are as follows:

1. The Gateway of India

The Gateway of India, Mumbai famous places

One of the top tourist places in Mumbai. If you check online for Mumbai famous places, the first place that you will probably come across is the Gateway of India. This structure has an essential place in Indian history. The structure was designed and constructed by famous architect George Wittet. When you visit the Gateway of India, you will be transported back to the era of the British period, because this Gateway was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India.

The construction of this massive structure was started in 1911 and was completed in 1934.  If you observe the structure, you find that it has the confluence of Indian, Western, and Arabic architecture. The motifs in the Gateway of India have both Hindu and Muslim influences. The sculpture and the architectural finesse of the Gateway of India are incredible.  The Gateway of India stands on the famous Apollo Bunder. This Bunder is a jetty from where numerous ferries leave every day for the Elephanta Caves.

Gateway of India is among famous places to visit in Mumbai. It is not just a magnificent structure but is also the point from where the last British ship left India marking and completing India’s journey for independence. When you pay a visit to the Gateway, you will not only be overwhelmed by the immensity of the structure but also the history surrounding it. To make your stay all the more complete statutes of famous Indians, who changed the course of history, like Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji, have been installed within the complex. Thus, your visit to Mumbai will not be complete if you do not pay a visit to the Gateway of India.

Things to do at the Gateway of India

  • Take a walk around the entire structure and complex
  • Observe the beautiful architectural finesse and the motifs that have been carved onto the structure
  • Stand on the jetty to see the beautiful Arabian Sea and the ferries leaving for the Elephanta Caves

Hence a visit to the Gateway of India will help you gain an insight into the advances that engineering had made even as early as 1911. It will also give you a chance to admire India’s rich history.

2. Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak Temple, tourist places in Mumbai

Siddhivinayak temple is one of the important religious tourist places in Mumbai. The Siddhivinayak Temple is located in the Prabhadevi area of Mumbai. This is a holy place with a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The construction of the Temple was started on 19th November in the year 1801. What began as a small Ganesha Temple soon became a considerably famous shrine that attracts thousands of devotees every year. The central deity is Lord Ganesha, and in the year 1952, a small shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman was built within the Temple complex. Legend has it that the Temple was created by a rich Agri woman named Deubai Patil.  

Being childless, she had prayed to the Lord to grant her children. Later on, the Temple complex began to be expanded, and it now houses 3.6-meter Deepamalas and separate living quarters for the caretaker of the Temple. There are many other legends connected to the Temple; for example, the idol is considered to be Svayambhu or self-manifested. It is also said that the Lord grants the wishes of other infertile women like Deubai Patil.

A visit to the Temple is a must if you want to see a historical structure that is more than two hundred years old. You will also find visiting the Temple to be spiritually uplifting. The numerous devotees thronging the Temple corridors are a sight to behold. Thus, if you are looking to visit one of the most famous places in Mumbai, then a visit to the Siddhivinayak Temple is a must.

Things to do at the Siddhivinayak Temple

  • Pay homage to Lord Ganesha during your visit to the Siddhivinayak Temple.
  • Visit the Hanuman Temple within the complex
  • Take a walk around the Temple complex.
  • Visit the site of Nardulla, a lake in the early 19th century, to counter the shortage of water in Mumbai. However, it was later filled up, and the land now forms a part of the Temple complex.

Thus, a visit to the Siddhivinayak Temple will be a spiritually uplifting experience. It is a unique experience to see thousands of devotees visiting the shrine. The best time to visit the Siddhivinayak Temple is definitely during the ten days long Ganesha Festival. However, even if you cannot make it during that time, you should make it a point to visit the Temple during your trip to Mumbai .

 3. Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves, tourist places in Mumbai

The Elephanta Caves is one of the most famous tourist places in Mumbai. The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO heritage site because it is one of the best examples of the height Indian art and architecture reached during the early medieval period. Historically the Caves date back to the 2nd century BC. The Elephanta Caves are the best example of the ancient Buddhist and Hindu architecture. The entire island consists of rock-cut caves that are exemplary of ancient Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture. Within these caves, you will find beautiful sculptures hewn into the walls of the caves. Even the columns that hold up the ceiling of the temples in the Elephanta Caves are cut from solid rocks.

The Elephanta Caves consist of two groups of caves. The first group has an extensive collection of sculptures dedicated to ‘Trimurti’ or the three-headed Shiva and ‘Gangadhar,’ i.e., representation of Shiva with the River Ganga in his matted locks as she descends to Earth. These temples date back to 5th ad 6th century AD. The Stupa Hills in the Elephanta Caves is the region where you will find the Buddhist sculptures. The unique feature of these caves is the threshold that has figures of lions carved. Thus, a visit to the Elephanta Caves will take you back in history, and you will be amazed by the engineering skills of our ancestors. The intricacies of the sculptures and the sheer size of the structures within the caves will definitely leave you surprised because our ancestors were able to achieve such architectural heights without the availability of any modern instruments. Elephanta Caves is among mesmerizing places to visit in Mumbai. Tourists often say a visit to the Elephanta Caves are almost like an eye-opener because they realize the heights that ancient, engineering, art, architecture had reached and skill that our ancestors had achieved.

Things to do at the Elephanta Caves

  • Enjoy the ferry ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves
  • Take a long walk around the Caves and explore the entire site
  • Observe the intricate sculptures and architectural finesse of each Cave within the complex
  • Imbibe the beauty of the beautiful Elephanta Caves and its surroundings, as it is also an island in the Arabian Sea

Thus, a visit to the Elephanta Caves will be an enjoyable experience for you. One of the attractive places to visit in Mumbai. You will not only be transported back in history but also be amazed by the natural beauty of the place.

4. Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach, places to visit in Mumbai

Juhu Beach is among astonishing places to visit in Mumbai. Mumbai is a coastal city, and hence, it is bound to have more than one beach. If you are looking for one of the best places to visit in Mumbai with friends, then it must be Juhu Beach. It is the longest beach in Mumbai. Juhu Beach is one of the most up market places in Mumbai because the bungalows of most Bollywood celebrities are located overlooking the Juhu Beach. Juhu Beach is always vibrant and seems full of life. You might notice acrobats, performers, jugglers, and stilt walkers entertaining people who have come to visit the Beach. People living in Mumbai mention that no trip to Mumbai is complete without a customary visit to the Juhu Beach. Not just the vibrant life of the Beach, the place is also known for local food. There are numerous stalls on the Beach selling food, which are typical of Mumbai street food. Here you can eat bhel puri, pani puri, sev puri, pav bhaji, and other food that is commonly known as Mumbai street food. Thus, a visit to Juhu Beach is a must if you want to relax and have fun with your friends.

Things to do at the Juhu Beach

  • When you visit the Juhu Beach take time to imbibe in the vibrancy of the place
  • You must also enjoy the food sold on the Beach
  • Take a stroll down the Beach. It is said that the sunset from Juhu Beach is incredible.

Thus, Juhu Beach is the place that you must visit if you want to enjoy, relax and spend some time with friends.

5. Marine Drive

Marine Drive, places to visit in Mumbai

Marine Drive is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai for nightlife. Mumbai is a city that is also known for its vibrant nightlife. The nightlife in Mumbai just does not consist of high-end pubs and restaurants. There are other places where you can visit to see the nightlife of Mumbai. One of the best places to visit in Mumbai at night is Marine Drive. The Marine Drive, as the name suggests, is a picturesque road that stretches for three kilometers and is located at the bottom of the Malabar Hills. The road itself is ‘C’ shaped and connects Babulnath to Nariman Point. The Marine Drive is often called the Queen’s Necklace because the street lights that light up the road appear like pearls when seen from afar. The whole stretch of road lights up at night and seems to glitter when you see it from a distance. Moreover, since the road is ‘C’ shaped, it appears all the more like a necklace. The best way to enjoy the Marine Drive is to take some food and take a drive along the road. You can also stop somewhere on the street, park your car, and enjoy the nighttime beauty of this road. The roadside stalls of Marine Drive remain open for a long time. At Marine Drive too you can enjoy the famous Mumbai street food. Thus, a drive down the famous Marine Drive of Mumbai will definitely give you a chance to enjoy the unique nightlife of Mumbai.

Things to do at Marine Drive

  • You must take a drive down Marine Drive at night to see the road in all its beauty.
  • Enjoy the street food sold at the stalls at Marine Drive

Thus, to enjoy the nightlife of Mumbai, the best place to be is indeed the Marine Drive.

6. Bandra Worli Sea Link

Bandra Worli Sea Link, best places to visit in Mumbai

If you are looking for modern but unique places to see in Mumbai, then you must visit the Bandra Worli Sea Link. This is officially known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link and is a modern engineering marvel. Thus, the Bandra Worli Sea Link has become one of the best places to visit in Mumbai. This sea link is like an arc across the coastline of Mumbai and has been built using cable-stayed made using pre-stressed concrete-steel viaducts. This sea link is an engineering marvel because it is a most sturdy sea link, with nearly 37,500 vehicle plying across it every day. The link has also reduced the travel time between Bandra and Worli significantly making it a busy pathway in Mumbai. Thus, if you want to see an engineering marvel, then you must visit the Bandra Worli Sea Link

Things to do at the Bandra Worli Sea Link

  • Roll down the windows of your car when you cross the sea link. You will be able to see the beautiful bay and the coastline of the city.
  • The unique design and location of the sea link make it the perfect place to take pictures.

Hence, if you are looking for a place in Mumbai that is modern and unique, then you must visit the Bandra Worli Sea Link.

7. Kharghar Hills

Kharghar Hills, places to visit in Mumbai

The Khargar Hills in Navi Mumbai is among best places to visit in Mumbai, if you are looking for a weekend getaway. The Khargar Hills is one of the best places to visit in Navi Mumbai. The Hills itself is located about five kilometers from the heart of Navi Mumbai. It has been specially developed to attract tourists, trekkers, and hikers. The best way to enjoy the Khargar Hills is by going for a trek there. The hills are usually closed during the monsoon because of landslides. However, you can go there during the other seasons. The hills are dotted with small waterfalls that are the favorite spots for trekkers.  The best way to enjoy the Khargar hills is by exploring it on foot. However, if you do not wish to trek, you can relax and rest in a resort near the Hills. You can explore the region around the hill on foot. The entire place is quiet, relaxing, and serene.  The green mountains and tranquil waterfalls will definitely make your weekend at Navi Mumbai memorable, especially if you are looking for a place to rest and relax

Things to do at Khargar Hills

  • You can go for a trek on the hills
  • It is the best place for a nature walk
  • You can visit the Pandavkad Waterfalls in the mountains during the monsoon season

Thus, the Khargar Hills is the best place to go us you want to relax, unwind, and rest over a weekend.

8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is foremost in the list of Mumbai best places.The primary reason for this is that this railway station is actually a heritage spot designated by UNESCO. This railway station was known as the Victoria Terminus during the British period. The terminus was built in 1878 and is one of the most excellent examples of Victorian Gothic architecture. The structure upholds the magnificence and architectural excellence of the engineers during the British period. The intricately done sculptures and the vastness of the terminus itself have made it unique.

The building currently functions as the headquarters for Central railways. The terminus itself is a unique combination of both modern and archaic architecture. The station near the terminus is always filled with people. It is these people who give the city the vibrancy and life that is commonly associated with Mumbai. However, the structure itself reminds visitors of a bygone era. The uniqueness of the structure lies in its architectural excellence and the sculptures covering the entire building. If you observe carefully, you, too, will be able to find unique architectural specimens within the structure. Thus, a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus will give you a chance to see both history and modern life coming together. It is counted among nostalgic places to visit in Mumbai. Moreover, a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a must if you want to see the architectural excellence of Indian artisans during the British period.

Things to do at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

  • Take a walk around the entire terminus
  • The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the most photographed monuments in India. So take this opportunity to take numerous pictures of the monument.
  •  Observe the architectural splendor of the structure
  • Identify the individual sculptures and admire the intricacy and finesse of the carvings. You will clearly be able to observe the confluence of Victorian and Gothic architecture in the sculptures

Thus a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus will take you back in history. Moreover, since it is located in the heart of the city, you will be able to see crowds of people milling around the terminus. This gives the terminus and the city itself its unique flavor. Hence, a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a must if you want to feel the quintessence of Mumbai

A visit to Mumbai for most tourists is the most memorable experience. The primary reason for that is the uniqueness of the city. Mumbai is a city that is vibrant, colorful, and full of life. Anyone who has visited Mumbai will say that the city has everything to tourists. It has famous historical spots that date back to the 2nd century BC. It is also a favorite city of Hindu devotees with its pilgrimages. The city also has some unique modern engineering marvels.  It also has something for people who like to take long walks down the Beach, eat local food, enjoy some time relaxing with friends. It is indeed a city that has something for everyone. Thus, to make your visit to the city worthwhile, make sure you plan the trip well and pay a visit to all the historical and religious spots in Mumbai. 

places to visit in Mumbai

To conclude, there are many tourist places in Mumbai, and visitors really enjoys the diversity of this city. Above-mentioned are eight most attractive places to visit in Mumbai, though you can find many more aesthetic places here.

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