Mumbai, earlier known as Bombay, is the most populous metropolitan city of India. It is the financial and commercial capital of India and is fondly called the Alpha World City. This city is an enigma that is sometimes sighed upon and sometimes spoken of in awe. Located on the Salsette Island, Mumbai consists of seven islands, namely, Mahim, Parel, Colaba, Mazagaon, Wadala, Old Woman’s Island and Matunga-Sion.
Since Mumbai is such a huge city, it will not be easy to decide where to go, where to eat and what to see. It will give you a hard time locating the quintessential tourist spots as it does not have many historical attractions. However, there are several interesting and unique sights that attract a huge number of tourists throughout the year. Here is a list of 10 top places to visit in Mumbai.
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1. Shree Siddhivinayak:
Mumbai is a spectator to many popular places of worship. Mumbaikars worship Lord Ganesh with supreme devotion. Hence, Siddhivinayak temple holds a pivotal position in the city. Siddhivinayak is a 200-year-old Ganesh temple made of gold and marble. The temple is situated at Prabhadevi in Mumbai. The idol of Ganesh is carved out of a single black stone. The most remarkable feature of this idol is that Ganesh’s trunk is tilted to the right. It is called Chaturbhuj because the deity has four hands. It has been built into a unique six-storied construction, which almost touches the sky. The golden dome dazzles brilliantly in the sun. Devotees from all across the country offer prayers at this temple. The temple is popular among the Bollywood fraternity as well. It is believed that the temple has wish granting powers.
Note- the temple always has a long queue, so it might take more than two hours to enter the temple.
2. Bandra-Worli Sea Link:
Bandra-Worli Sea Link is the bridge that connects Mumbai’s suburbs to South Mumbai. This prestigious bridge was inaugurated in 2009. Bandra-Worli Sea Link is India’s first cable-stayed bridge. Around 1600 crores were spent on this project by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. A drive down this bridge reduces the travel time from Worli to Bandra from 45 minutes to 10 minutes. The best time for you to take a ride is during the evening. It is during this time that the cable on the link is illuminated. Buses and autos are not allowed on this link so you would need to drive across in a cab or car.
3. Marine Drive:
Bordering on the Arabian sea, the three-kilometer long promenade is one of the most iconic spots in Mumbai. Marine Drive is also referred to as the Queen’s Necklace because the lights along the promenade make it look it a string of glowing jewels. Take a trip to the Marine Drive if you want to feel the cool evening breeze of the sea while watching the sunset. Sit with your partner at the edge of the Marine Drive and munch on some masala peanuts while listening to the sound of waves. The experience would be blissful. Marine drive is always populated with people. You can also head to sea facing restaurants like Pizza Bay if you want to have a hearty meal.
4. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum:
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is another place of historical significance that you can visit in Mumbai. It is a humble, two storied building located on the Laburnum road. This abode once belonged to Shri Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, Mahatma Gandhi’s friend. Mahatma Gandhi stayed in this building during his visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934. The museum has a library and a research center that depicts Gandhi’s struggle for Indian freedom through peaceful means. It also includes a photographic record of his life.
5. Essel World:
Essel World is Mumbai and India’s largest amusement park. It is located in Gorai, Mumbai. Essel World is a popular spot for school and corporate picnics. You will always find Essel World populated. You can reach the park by taking a ferry from Marve Beach and Gorai Creek. The rides in Essel World are divided into three categories- children rides, adult rides, and family rides. With time, Essel World has added amazing elements like Shot N Drop, Ice Skating rink and Bowling alley to name a few. This amusement park has entertained around 15 million visitors to date. You can also make your way to the Water Kingdom to relieve yourself from the scorching heat.
6. Gateway of India:
The Gateway of India is an architectural marvel in Mumbai. It is located at the Southern part of Mumbai on the shores of Arabian Sea. Gateway of India is usually the starting point for tourists who want to be acquainted with the exuberant life of Mumbai. The Gateway of India was built in 1924 to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary. The architecture of Gateway of India is a combination of the “Indo-Scenic” architecture. The beautiful and well-carved designs on the pillars highlight the sacrifices of our compatriots.
7. Juhu and Chowpatty Beaches:
Juhu and Chowpatty beaches are must visit places in Mumbai. The beaches turn into a picnic spot for the people of Mumbai during the weekends. Even on the ordinary days, people from the different parts of the city visit the beaches to take a break from the tedious routine. Chowpatty beach is located on the north of Marine drive while Juhu beach lies in the suburbs of Mumbai. Do not forget to feast on lip smacking snacks like bhel puri, chaat, and pani puri and pav bhaji offered on the beach. You can also purchase souvenirs made of seashells and trinkets for your family back home.
8. Haji Ali:
Haji Ali is another popular religious site in the city. This Dargah is located in the middle of the Arabian Sea. Haji Ali Dargah was built by a wealthy Muslim merchant in 1431. This holy place is visited by thousands of people every day. The exterior has Arabian scriptures inscribed on the walls while the interiors have mirror artwork. Make sure you indulge in pizzas, sandwiches, fruits and cheese roll in the popular at the Haji Li Juice Center. Do not visit the shrine during the monsoon seasons as the pathways get flooded during the high tide.
9. Hanging Gardens:
Hanging Gardens in a popular tourist attraction of Mumbai. The garden is so called because of the terraced garden that lies on the slopes of Malabar hills. The garden is famous for its animal shaped hedges, flower clock, and green bushes. This place is a favorite of early morning joggers and yoga enthusiasts. It provides a stunning view of the sunset over the Arabian Sea. It is said that the terraced gardens were built to protect the reservoir water from contamination of the nearby Towers of Silence.
10. Elephanta Caves:
Take a ferry ride from the Gateway of India to reach the ancient Elephanta caves. These magnificent caves will leave you awestruck with its exquisite carvings. These ancient caves are located in the middle of the Mumbai harbor. Elephanta caves are a UNESCO heritage site with its beautiful sculptures and carvings. These caves will provide you a much-needed peace from the chaos of the city. Feast on the delicious Marathi cuisine after coming out of the Elephanta caves.
We hope this list will make your trip easier. Do not forget to share your experience with us.