Mumbai, earlier known as Bombay is the capital city of Maharashtra. Mumbai is one of the most populous cities in world and biggest metropolitan region in the country. Mumbai is located on the west coast and has a natural harbour.
Mumbai was initially a group of seven islands. It was given to King Charles II in 1661 by the Portuguese as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza. Mumbai is also famous for Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry. The city is epicentre of the country's Hindi film and television industry. Bollywood produces a record number of films every year. the city which is the hub of advertising and media activities is also home to number of financial institutions like the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India along with number of Media Houses and MNC’s. So Mumbai is also known as the Commercial capital of India.
Mumbai which is given many sobriquets like the city of dreams or the city that never sleeps attracts many migrants from different parts of the country. This cosmopolitan, bustling and pulsating city is known for its vibrant nightlife. There are many tourists’ destinations in and around the city.
Places to Visit in Mumbai
Siddhivinayak Temple
The Siddhivinayak temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh is located in the Prabhadevi area of Mumbai. This is one of the most popular temples in the city. People throng this temple in large numbers especially on Tuesdays when there is a very long queue outside the temple. People wait for several hours to get darshan of the lord. The idol of lord Ganesha is 2 feet 6 inches high and 2 feet wide. A unique feature of this idol is that the trunk turns to the right.
Marine Drive
Dubbed as the "Queen's Necklace" Marine Drive runs along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea and connects Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. This promenade is famous for watching the sun set. The official name of Marine Drive is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road.
Gateway of India
Gateway of India is the most recognized monument in Mumbai. It was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. The last of the British troops left Independent India and departed through the Gateway of India. The iconic Gateway of India lies on the southern side of the city close to the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus this great building is the Headquarters of the Central railways. Built in the Victorian Gothic Revival style this is one of the most popular monuments in the city.
Mahalaxmi Temple
This temple is one of the most famous places of worship in the city. This temple is dedicated to the Indian goddess of wealth.
Juhu Beach
Juhu is about 18 miles north of the city centre. This beach which is often crowded during weekend is frequented by both the locals as well tourists who come here to enjoy the beautiful view of sunset.
Chowpatty Beach
Officially known as Girgaum, Chowpatty is one of the most popular beaches in Mumbai. This beach is very popular for its street food with its specialties being bhelpuri and kulfi. This beach is busiest during the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival.
Hanging Gardens
Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens these terraced gardens were established way back in 1880. The main attraction in the garden is hedges that are cut in the shapes of different animals, large flower clock and a wooden shoe house slide. This park is also an ideal spot for joggers and walkers.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Earlier known as the Borivali National Park this park is spread an area over 104 sq. km. The park is rich in flora and fauna and is home to many animals and birds. The prime attraction here is the Kanheri caves to the centre that were built between 2nd and 9th centuries. These caves were used by Buddhist monks as monasteries and temples. The other attractions here include Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake, the deer park and the lion safari.
Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat at Mahalaxmi is an open air laundry. In this place several thousand dhobis wash the clothes brought from different corners of the city in the endless rows of concrete troughs.
Mani Bhawan
Mani Bhawan is a Gandhi Memorial. This museum was where Mahatma Gandhi lived on his visits to Mumbai. This museum has Gandhian literature, photographic exhibits, framed letters and exhibits recalling the Mahatma’s life. Gandhi's room and belongings including his books are also on display.
Haji Ali Shrine
Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most popular religious places in Mumbai. This mosque is situated about 500 yards from the Mumbai shoreline in the middle of the Arabian Sea. The complex houses the tomb of a Muslim Saint. Along with the tomb, there is also a Masjid at Haji Ali. The structure has white domes and minarets and can be reached only in low tide through a 500 yard long walkway.
Malabar Hill
Malabar Hill is an up-market residential area. This area has the official residences of the Governor and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Many business tycoons and film celebrities also have their bungalows here. This area is also famous for the Hanging Garden, Kamla Nehru Park and the Parsi Towers of Silence. Walkeshwar Temple which houses the Banganga Tank is also very famous here.
Town Hall
Town Hall located in the Fort area of South Mumbai houses the Asiatic Society of Bombay. This magnificent structure has been influenced by Greek and Roman styles of architecture. The public library here has a vast collection of books.
Crawford Market
Crawford Market was built in 1871 by William Emerson. It is the largest wholesale fruit market in the country.
Jehangir Art Gallery
Jehangir Art Gallery constructed in 1952 is located at Kala Ghoda locality of Mumbai and is one of the most famous art galleries in the country. Here there are four exhibition halls and this gallery is famous among the artist, patrons and art lovers. It is managed by the Bombay Art Society.
Prince of Wales Museum
Prince of Wales Museum was named after Prince George who visited India in 1905. This structure is a finest example of Victorian architecture. Considered as one of India's finest museums this building has several sections like natural history section, Indian miniature painting, decorative art, European painting etc.
Essel World
Essel World is a leading theme park located at the coastal village of Gorai. Essel world spread over 64 acres of land is a favourite destination for both kids as well as adults. The place has several exciting rides and games. The Water Kingdom here is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia.
Places of Interest near Mumbai
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta caves are located at Gharapuri Island and they are 9 nautical miles into the sea from the Gateway of India. These beautiful rocks cut caves dating back to the period between the 9th to 13th centuries AD are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity in the temple is Ardhanarishwara. Beautiful sculptures depicting the faces of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara are also found here. Elephanta Caves have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Khandala, Lonavala and Karla
Lonavala is about 96 km from Mumbai. The hill station known for its beautiful hills, lakes, deep valleys and cascading waterfalls is spread over an area of 38 square km. and lies 622 m above sea level in the Sahyadri Ranges. Lonavala is famous for Chikki and there are many places of tourist’s interest here. The famous Amby Valley is in Lonavala.
Khandala is 101 km from Mumbai. It is an exotic hill station blessed with unbound natural beauty and splendour. There are a number of points in Khandala, which provide the panoramic view of the valley and plains.
Karla is 12 km away from Lonavala. The cave is a complex of Buddhist rock-cut grottos known as chaityas which were carved somewhere around the 2nd century BC. The main attraction here is the Chaitya Hall or the prayer hall. The hall is adorned with number of pillars and the roof of the hall has been constructed out of teakwood which consists of several intricate carvings. Many stone sculptures are seen on the walls of the caves. The stone stupa situated inside the Karla Caves is another attraction here.
Matheran
Matheran is situated at a distance of 90 km from Mumbai. Located at an average altitude of 800 m above sea level in the Western Ghats it is one among the eco-sensitive Regions in the world. Motored vehicles are banned from entering the hill station. This place is famous for its 33 lookout points.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar hill station is situated at an altitude of 1,372m in the heart of Sahyadri Hills. This hill station is 285 km south-west of Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is known for its several fascinating view points, waterfalls and lakes.
Bassein
Bassein is 77 kms from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. This place is known for the ruins of a fort that was built by Portuguese situated inside dense forests. Nalasopara village is 10 km to the north-west of the fort. This place is famous because of the many Buddhist relics that have been found here.
Mandwa and Kihim
Kihim and Mandawa is nearly 10 km away from Mumbai. Mandwa beach line with coconut groves is a popular beach in the state. Kihim is also famous for its natural beauty. The woods here consist of rare species of butterflies and birds and many wild flowers.
How to reach Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the busiest airport of the country. Domestic terminus at Santa Cruz is just 5km away from here. Many International and domestic airlines connect Mumbai with all major places in India and rest of the world. Mumbai which is the headquarters for both Western & Central Railways boasts of an extensive network of rail tracks. Enormous network of regular train services connects the city with all parts of the nation. The main railway station Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) formerly known, as Victoria terminus (VT) is located in the heart of the city. Mumbai is well connected by a good network of roads to the rest of the country by national and state highways. State owned buses and private buses connect Mumbai to all neighbouring places.
Where to stay in Mumbai
Mumbai has plenty of accommodation options that range from 5-star deluxe hotels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and budget hotels.