Mumbai, Top 10 amazing Tourist Spots

Mumbai, Top 10 Tourist Spots

For many reasons, Mumbai is an iconic city of dreams and one of India’s major cities. The magnificent metropolis and India’s economic hub are always buzzing with people going about their daily routines. It also bears evidence of historic British architecture and culture as Maharashtra’s capital. Visit the Mayanagri to get a comprehensive picture of Mumbai’s distinct design and the significant Marathi influence. There are some fantastic sea beaches, temples, parks, hotels, and retail areas to explore in Mumbai. There are also various historical and architectural sites to see here, all of which depict a rich Maratha legacy.

The city has a long and illustrious history, owing to which it is currently a prominent financial hub. You will be able to see the costliest residence in Mumbai, as well as Dharavi slum, Asia’s largest slum. Not only that but Mumbai is also famed for being the birthplace of Bollywood, one of the world’s most successful film industries. You could get a peek at a renowned Bollywood celebrity lounging in the luxury of his house while wandering the streets of Mumbai. Visit the best tourist spots in Mumbai soon to get a closer look at the city’s attractiveness.

GATEWAY OF INDIA

Without a question, the Gateway of India is one of Mumbai’s most renowned tourist attractions. It sits atop the Apollo Bunder, proudly overlooking the Arabian Sea. It was constructed in 1924 and is one of Mumbai’s most recognizable landmarks. The building was designed by renowned architect George Wittet to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to Mumbai. The monument’s enormous construction is a stunning blend of Indian, Arabic, and Western architecture, and it has become a major tourist attraction in the city.

The foundation of this landmark, dubbed ‘Mumbai’s Taj Mahal,’ was placed in 1911, and it was opened 13 years later, in 1924. The construction is composed of yellow basalt and solid concrete, and it is decorated with a variety of Muslim and Hindu symbols. Before independence, the Gateway’s basalt arch served as the entry and exit point to India via waterways, as well as the departure point from which the final British ship left India for England. In the vicinity of the Gateway, there are other sculptures of Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji. The view of the Gateway complex from the water, especially at night, is extremely ethereal and lovely.

Timing: 12 A.M – 12 A.M

Entry Fee: NA

Address: Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001

MARINE DRIVE

Marine Drive is the most commonly recognized symbol connected with Mumbai, and it embodies the city’s glitz and gloss. It is a 3.6 km long, arc-shaped boulevard that runs along the South Mumbai coast from Nariman Point’s southern end to Girgaum Chowpatty, also known as Chowpatty Beach. The Arabian Water shoreline surrounds Mumbai and is the greatest area to see the sunset or simply enjoy a stroll by the sea at any time of day or night.

After dusk, you can go to either end of Marine Drive and see the lights shining in a beautiful arc all down the shore, which is hidden by palm palms. It’s also one of the spots where people go late at night, with vendors selling chai and cigarettes at all hours of the day and night. Marine Drive is arguably one of the most romantic sites in the city, with the sound of the waves, a glimpse of the Mumbai skyline, and a starry sky.

Timing: 12 A.M – 12 A.M

Entry Fee: NA

Address: Marine Drive, Mumbai, Maharashtra

ELEPHANTA CAVES

Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of medieval India’s rock-cut art and architecture. The caverns are located on the Elephanta or Gharapuri island, which is 11 kilometers from Mumbai. The Elephanta Caves, also known as Gharapurichi Leni, are the remnants of what were previously magnificently painted artworks. The majority of the cave temples in this collection date from the 5th to 7th century and are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

There are two groups of alcoves inside the Elephanta caves, the first of which is a huge group of five Hindu caves and the second of which is a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. Stone carvings of the Shaiva Hindu religion can be found in the Hindu caves. Artistic embrace exists within the premise of the Caverns, with several major imageries sculpted here, including ‘Trimurti’ or three-headed Shiva, ‘Gangadhar,’ which is a manifestation of the river Ganga as she falls to the earth, and ‘Ardhnareshwar,’ which is a portrayal of Shiva and Parvati in one body.

Timing: 9:30 A.M – 5:30 P.M

Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians and Neighbors | INR 600 for Foreigners

Address: Gharapuri, Maharashtra, 400094, India

JUHU BEACH

Juhu Beach is Mumbai’s longest and most popular tourist destination. It is known for its large selection of sweet and sour street cuisine with a characteristic Mumbai flavor. The surrounding region of Juhu is one of Mumbai’s most affluent areas, and it is not uncommon to see a celebrity running on the beach. It is home to many prominent Bollywood and TV celebrities, the most famous being Amitabh Bachchan’s house.

A variety of toy merchants, roasted corn vendors, and acrobats draw attention during television shootings. You may also see a theatrical performance at the famed Prithvi Cafe or visit the historic ISKCON Temple, which is just meters from the beach. A simple walk over the sand at the beach may provide an unending sense of serenity. Despite criticism that the beach was filthy, BMC’s efforts have substantially improved the landscape in recent years.

Timing: 12 A.M – 12 A.M

Entry Fee: NA

Address: Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400049, India

BANDRA WORLI SEA LINK

This eight-lane cable-stayed bridge in Mumbai, officially known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, is the first project launched by the Maharashtra government to begin the West Island Freeway System. The Bandra Worli Sea Link is a cable-stayed bridge with pre-stressed concrete-steel viaducts that keep it in place. This sea connection, which spans the arc of Mumbai’s coastline, is a civil engineering marvel that represents the city’s contemporary infrastructure. The Bandra Worli Sea Link’s beauty lies in its engineering brilliance, which complements the sea on which it is built.

This beautiful structure, which overlooks the lovely blue seas of Mahim Bay, is a magnificent sight to see. The Bandra Worli Sea Link is undeniably a combination of natural beauty and man-made wonder. As you speed by the bridge, open your windows and let the sea breeze caress your hair. The view of Mumbai from the bridge is very enticing, making it an ideal location for capturing a few candid images of the city in all its splendor. The attractiveness of this site is accentuated at night when the bridge is illuminated with glittering lights.

Timing: 12 A.M – 12 A.M

Entry Fee: NA

Address: Western Suburbs-South Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400028, India

SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE

The Siddhivinayak Temple, located in the Prabhadevi neighborhood, is a venerated shrine devoted to Lord Ganesha and one of Mumbai’s most important and visited temples. Because the couple had no children of their own, they chose to create the Siddhivinayak temple to help other infertile women. The statue of Lord Ganesha here, interestingly, is said to be self-manifested and fulfills desires.

The Shri Ganesha statue, which is roughly two and a half feet broad and constructed of a single block of black stone, is housed in a tiny shrine inside the Temple. The temple has a cult following not just because it is said that the Ganesha at the temple is exceptionally respected, but also because it is frequented by movie stars and industry bigwigs. It is also Mumbai’s wealthiest temple, receiving INR 100 million in contributions each year from followers all around the world.

Timing: 5:30 A.M – 9:30 P.M

Entry Fee: NA

Address: SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028

HAJI ALI DARGAH

The shrine of Haji Ali, dedicated to the wealthy merchant who gave up his worldly possessions and became a Muslim Sufi saint following a journey to Mecca, is set against a stunning vista of the Arabian Sea. People of various faiths and walks of life gather here to seek blessings. The Dargah can only be reached during low tides by a causeway encircled on all sides by the sea. The vista of the temple lights up in the distance at night, with nothing around it except the sea, is a wonderful sight.

The mausoleum, which is made of glass, is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The principal shrine is housed in a marble courtyard. A brocaded red and green fabric covers the tomb within the mosque, which is supported by an excellent silver frame and marble columns. Marble pillars with inventive mirror work, glass chips grouped in various forms, and Arabic patterns spelling Allah’s ninety-nine names adorn the main hall.

Timing: 5:30 A.M – 9:45 P.M

Entry Fee: NA

Address: Dargah Rd, Haji Ali, Mumbai, Maharashtra

ESSEL WORLD

Essel World, one of the country’s most well-known and popular amusement parks, is located in Gorai, near Maharashtra’s capital, Mumbai. Together, Essel World and the Water Kingdom form one of Asia’s largest theme parks. They cover 64 acres and are popular with both locals and visitors of all ages, particularly children. Essel World and the Water Kingdom are popular summer destinations for many families thanks to their fascinating attractions and entertainment.

To visit both amusement parks, one can organize a day-long picnic or stay overnight at one of the neighboring hotels. Essel World is a must-see attraction for visitors to the state capital. For many adults, visiting Essel World conjures up feelings of adolescent wonder and nostalgia. Amusement parks are known for their beautifully manicured interiors. The amusement parks have also appeared in several TV shows and Bollywood films.

Timing: 10 A.M – 6:30 P.M

Entry Fee:  INR 290 per person for Basic | INR 885 per person for Silver | INR 1170 per person for Fast Track | INR 1405 per person for Combine | INR 1640 per person for Annual Pass

Address: Global Pagoda Road, Goral Island, Borivali West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400092

MARY’S CHURCH

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, also locally referred to as the Mount Mary Church by locals, is a Roman Catholic church that sits on a hilltop 262 feet above sea level and is considered one of the best examples of its sort in the world. The church, which is located in the outskirts of Mumbai’s busy metropolis, has a spectacular perspective of the delightfully teeming Arabian Sea, which elegantly reflects many colors of blue.

The Mount Mary Church, which has stood for centuries, is frequented by people of all religions seeking calm and tranquility. The path leading to the church is lined with tiny businesses selling flowers, candles, and other religious items. The wax sculptures sold outside the chapel, however, are the oddest offerings. The basilica is a magnificent, yet humble, structure composed entirely of stone.

Timing: 6:30 A.M – 8:30 P.M

Entry Fee: NA

Address: Mt Mary Rd, near Shanti Avedna Sadan, Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, nestled between the Mumbai and Thane suburbs, is great for picnics and weekend vacations, providing a welcome relief from the city’s stress and bustle. Known as one of the most popular national parks, travelers come in droves to see Leopards, Macaques, Bears, Lions, Flying Foxes, Kingfishers, Sunbirds, and a large variety of butterflies. The more than two-thousand-year-old Kanheri caverns are also a prominent tourist attraction inside the park’s grounds.

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, formerly known as the Borivali National Park, is home to a stunning thirteen hundred species of flora and more than five hundred species of wildlife, covering almost 20% of Mumbai’s geographical area. Within the forest, two manmade lakes are home to crocodiles and migratory birds every year. The city gets its drinking water from the lakes.

Timing: 9 A.M – 6 P.M (Monday Closed)

Entry Fee: NA

Address: Western Express Hwy, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066

edited and proofread by nikita sharma