Attractions

Historical Monuments: Today, people from all over the globe come visiting Mumbai to catch a glimpse of its historical monuments that proudly display a range of admirable ancient architectures.

Gateway of India :- Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the ocean's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

The archway is 26 meters high and joined with four turrets and intricate lattice work carved on stones. The arch alone was built at the cost of Rs 21 lakhs. It was built in Indo-Sarcenic style, though some influence of Gujarati style is also evident in its architecture.

Elephanta Caves :- The 6th century old Elephanta Cave temples are located on an island along Mumbai's eastern shore. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves contain some great masterpieces of Indian sculptures. The Elephanta Caves have been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and can be reached by boats from the Gateway of India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus/Mumbai Railway Station)

At the site of the Koli's original temple to Mumba Devi now stands Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturallyChhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

one of the finest railway stations in the world. It is built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. It was completed in 1885. Designed by F.W. Stevens the construction of the building commenced in 1878. This Italian gothic building was once called Victoria Terminus and is still largely popular by the name. The construction has a frontage of over 1,500 feet.

The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is the figure of a woman with a torch held aloft to symbolise progress.

The Kanheri Caves :- The word Kanheri has been derived from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri. These caves date back to the period between the 1st century BC and 9th century AD.

Located at a distance of 45 kms from central Mumbai and 10 kms from the Borivali railway station, the Kanheri Caves were basically meant for the Buddhist conglomeration worship. The highest cave is situated at a height of 1500 feet above the sea level.

All the way through the journey through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a natural serenity of emerald green escorts the visitors.

Mumbai Fort :- The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai Fort, since the old British fort was once located here. Here, you can see some impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period. St. John's church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also a worth visiting place.

Mumbai High Court :- The Bombay High Court is one of the oldest High Courts in the country. Its attractive construction in early English Gothic style, situated next to the Oval Ground is well worth a visit for its impressive architecture.

General Post Office (GPO) :- This is a fine example of Indo-European architecture which was designed by John Begg and supervised by George Wittet. Its superb architecture is inspired by the Islamic domes of the Gol Gumbaj.

Flora Fountain/ Hutama Chowk :- The Flora Fountain, situated in the heart of the city, was erected in 1869 in the honour of a British Governor of Bombay, Sir Brtle Frere. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and is therefore known as the 'Picadilly Circus 'of Mumbai, which is decorated at its four corners with mythological figures. The Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top.

Juhu Beach :-Juhu is one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India. Located 18-km north of the city centre, it is not a beach for leisurely sunbathing since it is always crowded. The golden sandy coastline of Juhu attracts thousands of visitors everyday to enjoy the beauty of nature. The beach is also famous for the fact that most of the Bollywood film stars are residing nearby the beach. You can visit the place throughout the year except the monsoon season from June to September.

Chowpatty Beach :- Chowpatty Beach is situated at the end of Marine Drive with a moderate expanse of sand and is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. It is a great place to witness the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival when large images of Lord Ganesha are immersed in the sea. The statues of Lokamanya Tilak and Vallavbhai Patel have been built along the beach. The main attractions of the beach are the vendors, entertainers, children's rides and the most interesting Bhell Puri stalls.

The beach is popular for various events like the astrologers making a quick buck, monkey shows, and even the odd self-styled gymnast who demonstrate amazing yogic postures for a small fee. To experience the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi people rush to the venue to participate in the mega event

Versova Beach :- A quick glance and a quicker rendezvous with the very first and original inhabitants of ‘Aamchi Mumbai' is what you can steal when at Versova Beach. This element provides this beautiful little coastline authenticity and naturalness. The famous fishing community of the city called the Kolis can be seen hard at work here.

This rocky beach has the bubbly local fish markets as its neighbours. Fresh fish and delicious cooked seafood can be purchased here. The Versova Beach is located at Greater Mumbai, just to the north of Juhu Beach.

Marve and Manori Beach :- The Marve and Manori beaches are located approximately 19 miles from Mumbai. At Marve there is a 5-star resort hotel to spend a refreshing weekend. On the way to these lovely beaches lies the Madh Beach, another favorite picnic spot.

Hanging Gardens :- Also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens were built in 1880 and renovated in 1921. These gardens are popularly known as Hanging Gardens, because of their location on the slope of a hill. The terrace garden looks south from Malabar Hill towards Colaba, and affords a panoramic view of the city with a beautiful sunset. there is a huge shoe house which is a major attraction for the children.

Horniman Circle Gardens :-Located in the affluent section of the Fort District in South Mumbai, the Horniman Circle Gardens resemble an emerald in the midst of a concrete jungle. The gardens provide respite to the many office-goers of the area, lined with office complexes housing the most successful banks of India.

Kamala Nehru Park :- On top of the Malabar hills are the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park. The Park was built in 1952 and is named after the wife of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. This park covers an area of 4,000 sq. yards and from here one can enjoy the magnificent view of Marine Drive i.e. the 'Queen's Necklace'. "(vast stretch of street lights in Marine drive which is shaped like a necklace)

Jijamata Udyan Zoo :- Rani Jijamata Udyan or Victoria Gardens houses the Mumbai's Zoo. It is home to several rare and endangered species of animals and birds. The gardens are spread over 48 acres in Byculla, on the central side of Mumbai, surrounded by low income housing colonies or "Chawls". At the main entrance to the gardens is a clock tower, reminiscent of Italian renaissance.

Chhota Kashmir :- It is a colourful garden developed in the Aarey Colony area just near the Aarey Dairy. As the name suggests the beauty of this garden is reminiscent of the natural beauty of Kashmir. The garden has countless colourful flowers, which blossom in all seasons round the year. The evergreen lawns of the garden, the tall coconut trees, and the beautiful palm trees grown remind us of the natural beauty of Kashmir. As the garden being one of the very popular places in the Aarey Colony, people often come here for a trip or picnic with prior permission. It is also a popular place where sessions of outdoor film shootings are held.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park :- The Sanjay Gandhi wild life sanctuary, better known as "Borivali National Park" is situated in the hill ranges around the suburb of Borivali in Mumbai. It takes one hour from Mumbai to reach the place by train. The park is an appropriate place for picnic and excursion. Nature lovers can have panoramic views of hills, valleys and lakes that can provide purity to mind and soul. The main attractions of the park are Kanheri caves, Lion safari, Tiger safari and trekking. It is surrounded by deciduous forests, a wealth of birdlife and fauna.

Amusement parks:

Essel World :- Essel World is the hottest destination for the ones who are

all set to have fun. Being the first and largest amusement park of Mumbai, Essel World is a complete entertainment package in itself. It is located on Gorai Island in Borivali (West) area .

Water Kingdom :- Water Kingdom has been acclaimed to be the largest theme water park of Asia. Its unbeatable water rides and slides prove to be the best escapade for the Mumbaikars. Located very close to Essel World in Gorai region of Mumbai (Bombay), Water Kingdom has various enthralling attractions.

Suraj Water Park :- Suraj Water Park is one of the most popular water resorts of Mumbai (Bombay), the Bollywood city of India. Recently this modern water park has accessed the Limca Book of Records with its largest man-made cave crafted out of fiber-glass, which measure about 103 feet in length.

Shangrila Water Park :- Shangrila is actually a perfect place to unwind yourself amidst nature's bounty. Located at a comfortable one and a half hour drive from Mumbai (Bombay), Shangrila Waterpark is a retreat for all those who are tired of their daily schedules.

Nishiland Water Park :- Set amidst Sahayadri Mountains, Nishiland Water Park is a welcome break from the bustling life in the Mumbai city of India. We are certain that you would love to be pampered here by the gentle waves of water, which will seem more like water therapy to you.

Religiuos places:

Mahalaxmi Temple :- The Mahalaxmi Temple located at the northern foot of the Malabar Hill (a part of it is now called Breach Candy in Mumbai), is a popular holy site in Mumbai. It is one of Mumbai's oldest temples dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati goddesses. Many devotees throng this temple during major Hindu festivals. People believe that mumbai's prosperity is because of this deity.

Siddhivinayak Temple :- Siddhivinayak temple devoted to Ganesh, the elephant-headed God of Good Fortune is located at Prabhadev in Mumbai. Temples dedicated to Ganesh are very famous as Shree Ganesh is the first to be worshipped before beginning any new project or venture as he is the Vighnaharta (the destroyer of obstacles).People go by walk to this temple every tuesday.

Mumbaikars celebrate ganesh chaturthi with great pomp and show and the festival lasts for eleven days.

Jain Temple :- Jain Temple is dedicated to Adinath, the first "Teerthankar". The beautiful Jain temple is located on Malabar Hill. It was built by the Jain community in 1904. The temple is made up of marble. Various events relating to lives of the 24 Jain apostles or Teerthankars have been depicted inside the temple. There is a black marble shrine beautifully decorated with celestial personifications of the planets, painted onto the ceiling.

ISCKON Temple :- ISCKON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple better known as "Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple" is situated at Juhu. It is a place for worship, meditation and spiritual knowledge, which advocates the principles of Bhagvad Gita as taught by Lord Krishna. The architectural grandeur of this temple is yet to be seen elsewhere. This place is visited by lacks of people to realize their inner consciousness.

Ayyappa Temple :- The temple also known as Mini Sabarimala Shree Ayyappa Temple that is situated atop a hillock surrounded by hills and valleys within the precincts of NCH Colony, Kanjur Marg (West), Mumbai. It is the first ancient Ayyappa Temple outside Kerala State. A tiny stream originating from the vicinity adds to the sanctity and beauty of the temple's environment.

Babulnath Temple :- Babulnath temple is situated at the end of Marine Drive and south of Malabar Hill, in the very heart of Mumbai City. It is nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, over looking the Arabian Sea. People visiting this temple find peace and tranquillity and can also get an illusion of being on Mount Kailash, the eternal abode of Lord Shiva. The temple becomes a lively place on the occasion of Shivratri festival.

Balaji Temple at Nerul :- Balaji Temple at Nerul stands as an exact replica of the Balaji temple at Tirupati. Shankaracharya Swamiji of Kanchi Kamkoti Peetham performed Bhoomi puja for the temple. The main temple is surrounded by other subsidiary temples like Vidya Ganapati temple, Shri Padmavati Devi temple, Hanumana temple, Vishvakasena temple, Ramanuja temple and Lakshmi Nrisimha temple making a temple complex.

Mumbadevi Temple :-Mumbadevi Temple dedicated to city's patron Goddess Mumbadevi is located in Bhuleshwar, Mumbai. She is considered as Mumbai's resident deity. The temple of Mumbadevi once stood on the site of the present Victoria Terminus in the central island. The present name of the city is derived from the Goddess Mumbadevi.

Walkeshwar Temple :- Walkeshwar Mandir is one of the Mumbai's most ancient Hindu Sites, dedicated to Walukeshwar (Lord Shiva) or Sand-Lord. According to the great epic Ramayana, it is believed that Rama stopped here during his journey to rescue Sita from the clutches of the evil Ravana, and created a lingam out of sand to worship Shiva.

Haji Ali Dargah :- Haji Ali Mosque was built to honour a Muslim merchant and it stands almost 600 yards out at the sea. The spot can be approached by a long causeway which gets submerged during high tides. The tomb was named after Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up his whole wealth after visiting Mecca. The tomb dates back to 15th century but the dazzling white mosque was built in the year 1940. The devotees usually touch their heads at the heavily embroidered chador (ceremonial cloth) inside the tomb.

The Afghan Memorial Church of St. John :- The Afghan Memorial Church of St. John is located in the Colaba area, which is the long arm of South Mumbai that stretches into the sea. At the entrance, there is a big black board, which reveals that it is an Anglican church dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. It is impressive with the wide Gothic Arches and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Prince of Wales Museum :- It has an amazing collection of Indian art and sculpture,Prince of Wales Museum

which dates back to prehistoric times and the priceless collection is spread over the three floors of the museum. The ground floor has several galleries, each dedicated to a particular period in history. These galleries display rare pieces from the Paleolithic Age to the Mughal period. The most famous sculpture on this floor could be the Dancing Girl from Mohenjodaro, 2,500 BC.

The Mughal period is depicted and displayed in vivid details in the paintings and Arabian manuscripts. Of special interest is the superb Central Asian Gallery that exhibits the silk banners, sculpture and wall paintings that form part of Sir Aurel Stein's collection, brought to India in the early part of the 20th century.

Jehangir Art Gallery :-Jehangir Art Gallery is close to the Prince of Wales Museum, and is the showcase for contemporary art. The displays change regularly. Outside the museum is the Artist's Plaza with more paintings on display and sale. It opens daily from 11 am to 7 pm.

National Gallery of Modern Art :- It was formerly called as Cowasji Jehangir Hall which has been renovated to serve as a four-storey exhibition hall, displaying the best of Indian contemporary art. The Gallery remains open on all days except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm. This is the most impressive exhibition space in Mumbai.

Mani Bhavan :- This is a historical building where Mahatma Gandhi lived during his visit to Mumbai from 1917 to 1934. One can see the room and belongings (like books etc.) of Mahatma Gandhi inside the museum. Mani Bhavan is situated on Laburnam Road, near the August Kranti Maidan, where the ‘Quit India Movement' had begun in 1942. It is open to the general public daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm.

Nehru Planetarium :- Nehru Planetarium is one of Mumbai's most beautifully designed architectural landmarks and is located in Worli. It unfolds the mysteries of the universe. The planetarium conducts regular shows on outer space and heavenly bodies which are very much exciting for children.

The Nehru Science centre is situated close to the planetarium which includes permanent exhibits on intricacies of life. The antique models of Railway engines, aeroplanes, tramcar and steam lorry are exciting to see. Both the planetarium and the museum are worth visiting places in Mumbai.

Other places:

Race Course :- The Mahalaxmi race course is name after the Hindu goddess of wealth and is one of the finest in the East.

Racing season : November to April.

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market :- Formerly known as Crawford Market it was constructed in 1867. This is principally a fresh produce wholesale market with shops selling flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat andf fish all under one roof . At the hub of the market is a fountain by Lockwood Kipling (father of Rudyard Kipling)