Mumbai: Popular Tourist Attractions You Need To Visit In
Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India and the ninth most populous agglomeration in the world, with a population of over 21 million as of 2020. Mumbai is also known as Bombay and is one of the most populous urban regions in the world. The city is known for its natural harbour, and it is the financial, commercial, and entertainment capital of India. It is also home to India’s Hindi and Marathi film industries.
Mumbai’s economy is driven by a mix of traditional and modern industries. The city is a major centre for finance, with the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, and the National Stock Exchange all located in the city. The service sector, particularly finance and business services, is the largest contributor to the city’s economy.
In addition, Mumbai is a major centre for trade and industry, with a large port and several industrial areas such as the MIDC and SEEPZ. The city is also home to a growing start-up ecosystem and a burgeoning technology industry.
Mumbai also has a significant informal economy, with a large number of street vendors and small-scale industries. The city is also known for its textile and diamond-cutting industries, which employ a large number of workers.
Overall, Mumbai’s economy is one of the largest and most diverse in India and plays a significant role in driving the country’s economic growth.
GATEWAY OF INDIA
The Gateway of India is an essential stop for any tourist visiting Mumbai. As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Gateway was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The 26-meter-high grand archway, made of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete, overlooks the Arabian Sea and is located in the Apollo Bunder area. Visitors can take a boat ride from the Gateway to the nearby Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-cut temples.
The Gateway is surrounded by other attractions such as the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, and the Mumbai Harbour. The best time to visit is in the evening when the monument is lit up and the area comes alive with street performers and vendors. The Gateway is open daily except for certain national holidays, making it a perfect addition to any itinerary for a trip to Mumbai.
Timing: Always open
MARINE DRIVE
Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s Necklace, is a must-visit destination for anyone touring Mumbai. The 3.6-km long promenade stretches along the Arabian Sea and offers breathtaking views of the sea, the sunset and the city skyline. The promenade is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, to take a stroll, jog, cycle or sit and enjoy the sea breeze.
Marine Drive is also home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the iconic Art Deco buildings and Chowpatty Beach. The promenade is lined with street vendors selling street food and local snacks, making it a great place to experience the city’s vibrant culture. Visitors can also take a boat ride from the Gateway of India to Marine Drive, which is just a few minutes away.
The best time to visit Marine Drive is in the evening when the promenade is lit up and the surrounding area comes alive with street performers and vendors. The promenade is open all days of the week and is easily accessible by car, bus or train.
Marine Drive is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mumbai, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture, and providing visitors with breathtaking views of the sea and the city skyline.
Timing: Always open
ELEPHANTA CAVES
The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see destination that should not be missed by anyone travelling around Mumbai. The caves are located on an island located 10 km off the coast of Mumbai in the Arabian Sea and are a group of ancient rock-cut temples dating back to the 6th century. Visitors can take a boat ride from the Gateway of India to the island, which is a short and scenic journey.
The Elephanta Caves are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and depict various aspects of his life and mythology. The main cave, also known as the “Shiva Cave,” features a 20-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva as the three-headed Trimurti, which is a must-see for visitors.
The caves offer a unique glimpse into ancient Indian history and culture and provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the region. The island also offers visitors a chance to explore the surrounding area, which is home to several other temples and shrines.
The best time to visit the Elephanta Caves is during the weekdays as weekends tend to be crowded. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and to bring water as the walk to the caves is uphill.
The Elephanta Caves are a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mumbai, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Indian history and culture, and providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the region.
Timing: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ VASTU SANGRAHALAYA
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mumbai. It is a premier cultural institution that showcases the rich history and heritage of India, with a particular focus on the art and culture of Western India.
The museum is home to a wide range of artefacts, including ancient sculptures, miniature paintings, textiles, and decorative arts, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The museum’s collection is divided into several galleries, including the Art Galleries, the Archaeology Galleries, and the Natural History Galleries.
The museum is also home to a beautiful collection of Indian and Western paintings, including works by famous Indian artists such as Raja Ravi Varma and Amrita Sher-Gil. Visitors can also explore the museum’s temporary exhibitions, which are held throughout the year and showcase different aspects of Indian culture and history.
The best time to visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is during the weekdays as weekends tend to be crowded. Visitors are also encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a bottle of water.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mumbai, offering a window into the rich history and heritage of India and showcasing a diverse collection of artefacts and artworks.
Timing: 10:15 am to 6:00 pm
HAJI ALI DARGAH
A visit to the Haji Ali Dargah is a must-see for anyone touring Mumbai. Haji Ali Dargah is a tomb and mosque located on an islet off the coast of Mumbai and is dedicated to the Muslim saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The Dargah is considered one of the most important shrines in Mumbai and attracts thousands of visitors of all religions every year.
The Dargah is known for its intricate architectural design and beautiful marble domes, which are adorned with intricate carvings and calligraphy. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which is home to several other tombs and shrines.
One of the unique aspects of Haji Ali Dargah is that it is accessible only during low tide via a narrow causeway, visitors should check the timings of the low tide before planning their visit. Visitors are also encouraged to dress modestly and to remove their shoes before entering the Dargah.
The best time to visit Haji Ali Dargah is during the evening when the Dargah is lit up and the surrounding area comes alive with street performers and vendors. The Dargah is open all days of the week and is easily accessible by car, bus or train.
Haji Ali Dargah is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mumbai, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history, culture and religious diversity, and providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the intricate architectural design and beautiful marble domes.
Timing: 05:30 am to 10:00 pm
SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE
Visiting Siddhivinayak Temple is an essential part of any trip to Mumbai for anyone interested in the city’s rich religious culture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and is one of the wealthiest and most visited temples in the city. The temple is located in Prabhadevi, a neighbourhood in South Mumbai.
The temple’s architecture is a blend of traditional and modern styles and features a beautiful gold-plated dome and intricate carvings. The temple is known for its sacred atmosphere and is considered a place of great power and blessings. Many people visit the temple to seek blessings, perform puja or offer prayers.
The best time to visit Siddhivinayak Temple is during the morning hours when the temple is less crowded, and the atmosphere is more peaceful. Visitors are also encouraged to dress modestly and to remove their shoes before entering the temple.
The temple is open all days of the week and is easily accessible by car, bus or train. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which is home to several other temples and shrines.
Siddhivinayak Temple is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mumbai, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich religious culture and providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the sacred atmosphere of the temple, seek blessings and perform puja.
Timing: 05:30 am to 10:00 pm
SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK
Visiting Sanjay Gandhi National Park would be a wonderful picnic spot for anyone touring Mumbai. It is one of the largest national parks in the world and is located in the northern part of the city, covering an area of over 104 sq. km. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 1,300 species of plants, over 40 species of mammals, and over 250 species of birds.
The park offers visitors a chance to explore the great outdoors, whether it be by taking a nature walk, going for a bird-watching tour or taking a safari ride. The park is also home to the Kanheri Caves, a group of ancient rock-cut caves dating back to the 1st century BCE, that are a must-see for visitors.
The best time to visit the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is during the monsoon season from June to September, as the park is lush and green and the animals are more active. Visitors are also encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a water bottle, as the park can get quite hot during the day.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mumbai, offering visitors a chance to explore the great outdoors, witness the rich biodiversity and learn about the city’s history with Kanheri Caves, and providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the park.
Timing: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
KANHERI CAVES
The Kanheri Caves are a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mumbai, offering a unique glimpse into ancient Indian history and culture, and providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the rich heritage of the region and the natural beauty of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
The caves are located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and are a group of ancient rock-cut Buddhist shrines and monasteries dating back to the 1st century BCE. Visitors can take a train or bus to reach the national park and then a short walk to the caves.
The Kanheri Caves are known for their intricate rock-cut architecture, beautiful sculptures and inscriptions, which offer a unique glimpse into ancient Indian history and culture. The caves were a major centre for Buddhist learning and were home to a large community of monks during the 1st-9th century.
The best time to visit the Kanheri Caves is during the weekdays as weekends tend to be crowded. Visitors are also encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a bottle of water as the walk to the caves can be a bit uphill.
The national park surrounding the caves is also a great place to explore, with a variety of flora and fauna, and several trekking trails. Visitors can also explore the nearby Kanheri Dam which is a popular spot for picnics and bird watching.
Timing: 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
ESSEL WORLD AND WATER KINGDOM
Essel World and Water Kingdom are must-see destinations for anyone visiting Mumbai. They are two of the most popular theme parks in the city, located in Gorai, a suburb in the northwest of Mumbai. Essel World is India’s largest amusement park, while Water Kingdom is the country’s largest water park.
Essel World offers a wide range of rides and attractions for all ages, including roller coasters, water rides, and a large ice-skating rink. The park also features a variety of live shows and entertainment options. The Water Kingdom, on the other hand, is a tropical paradise featuring a wide range of water rides, wave pools, and a large lazy river.
The best time to visit Essel World and Water Kingdom is during the weekdays as weekends tend to be crowded. Visitors are also encouraged to bring sunscreen and to wear comfortable shoes as the parks are quite extensive.
Both parks are open all days of the week and are easily accessible by car, bus or train. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which is home to several other leisure and entertainment options.
Essel World and Water Kingdom are fun spot destinations for anyone visiting Mumbai, offering a joy-filled day out for visitors of all ages and providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of thrilling rides, attractions and entertainment options.
Timing: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
NEHRU PLANETARIUM
The Nehru Planetarium is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mumbai. It is an astronomical observatory and planetarium located in Worli, a neighbourhood in South Mumbai. The Planetarium was established in 1977, and it is named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Planetarium offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of space and astronomy through its various exhibits, shows, and interactive displays. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art digital projector, which allows visitors to experience the beauty of the night sky and the cosmos. The planetarium also organizes regular sky shows, lectures, and workshops for visitors of all ages.
The best time to visit the Nehru Planetarium is during the weekdays as weekends tend to be crowded. Visitors are also encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a bottle of water.
The planetarium is open all days of the week and is easily accessible by car, bus or train. Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which is home to several other science and technology institutions.
The Nehru Planetarium is a perfect destination for any science lovers visiting Mumbai, offering a window into the world of space and astronomy, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the wonders of the cosmos through its exhibits, shows and interactive displays, and to participate in regular sky-shows, lectures, and workshops.
Timing: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
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