Mumbai, India’s “city of dreams,” is where modernism and a rich colonial heritage coexist. It emanates certain vitality since it is one of the most important commerce centres on the Indian subcontinent. There’s contagious energy about this island city and its residents that you won’t want to miss out on.
Because of its pulsating vitality, Mumbai, which has a population of more than 18 million people, is sometimes referred to as “India’s gem in the crown.” It is the most populated city in the nation, and it is constantly growing in size. Because of the sheer number of people and activities available in Mumbai, it is easy to get distracted when on vacation.
These melting pot cosmopolitan cities are home to people from many diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. According to urban mythology, Mumbai boasts more billionaires per square kilometre than New York City, which is true in some instances. So don’t be surprised if you stumble across a Bollywood film set in this city, or you see royalty at taj hotel mumbai, complete with hundreds of beautiful dancers dressed in flowing saris.
Even though you may not be able to visit everything in Mumbai, here are the top 15 things to do, shop, and eat while you’re there.
- The Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum of Chhatrapati Shivaji the Great:
There are three major parts of the museum dedicated to art, architecture, and natural history. The museum was once called the “Prince of Wales Museum of Western India.” India’s primary artistic traditions are represented in the collection, including paintings in the Mughal and Rajasthani styles and Pahari and Deccani styles. As part of the architectural display, you’ll discover a number of religious sculptures and terra cotta figurines dating back to 3000 B.C.E. Among the dioramas on display are flamingos, Indian bison, and tigers, all of which are native to India.
- Beach at Chowpatty:
There are four channels of water at this renowned beach, which is why the term “Chowpatty” comes from “Chau-pati.” Chowpatty Beach is an excellent area to people watch and relax despite its lack of sunbathing and swimming amenities.
- At the Taj Mahal Palace:
Five-star luxury taj hotel mumbai is located near the Gateway of India in Mumbai’s Colaba neighbourhood. Opened in 1903 as the Taj Mahal Hotel in Saracenic Revival architecture, it has been referred to simply as “The Taj” for most of its history.
Rooms and baths with a sense of grandeur. The elegant Rajput bay windows in these suites give stunning views of the Arabian Sea or the Gateway of India. Four-device WiFi hotspot included with butler service Arabian Sea views from the rooftop terrace
- India’s Doorway:
It was created as a tribute to King George V and Queen Mary’s 1911 visit to Mumbai and is also known as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai. The basalt arch, located at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in Mumbai Harbour, is roughly 26 metres high and attracts a fair-like atmosphere from visitors, traders, and street hawkers.
- Island of Elephanta:
You can get to Elephanta Island in approximately an hour by boat from Mumbai’s Gateway of India, which is about 10 kilometres (6 miles) east of the city. Elephanta Caves, or cave temples filled with sculptures and figures, are a popular tourist attraction in this area, formerly the capital of a local kingdom.
It’s said that Portuguese explorers who came upon a basalt elephant sculpture and attempted to flee the island with it were the ones who gave the island its name. This massive boulder tipped over its discoverers, who dumped it into the ocean. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai was the final destination for the elephant after it was recovered from the sea. On Elephanta Island, you’ll still find a plethora of beautiful rock sculptures.
- Crawford Market:
This massive market, which is named after Mumbai’s first municipal commissioner Arthur Crawford, covers an area of 22,471 square metres. In the market, you’ll discover fresh produce, meat, cosmetics, home goods, and a wide variety of presents. A pet shop is even located at one end of it. Lockwood Kipling, the father of author Rudyard Kipling, designed the building’s fountains, in case you’re curious.
- Victoria Station (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus):
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, India’s busiest railway station, was erected in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee. Inspired by Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival and Mughal architecture, architect Frederick William Stevens created this edifice. Brass railings and wood carvings, as well as majestic staircases, can be seen throughout the construction. If you’d want to go farther afield than Mumbai, you may use local commuter trains as well as long-distance trains.
- Ghats of Dhobi
“Outdoor laundry” may not be Mumbai’s most awe-inspiring sight, but it is a fascinating one. According to the Globe and Mail, more than 700 washing stone platforms are available at the open-air laundry, where 200-plus families wash hotel linens. In addition, an adjacent elevated platform allows you to view more than 8,000 “dhobis” at work throughout the day.
- Driven by the sea:
Cascading six lanes, Marine Drive is also known as “The Queens Necklace” because of the road’s street lights like a strand of pearls as the sun goes down. Palm palms border a promenade studded with street food sellers and restaurants that runs parallel to the highway. Locals and visitors alike like taking a walk here in the morning or in the evening to take in the view of the setting sun over the Arabian Sea.
Many hotels (like the InterContinental) and corporate buildings (like the Air India Tower) line Marine Drive, which is prized for its location. The route that connects Nariman Point to Babulnath and Malabar Hill is open to people who choose to go by car. Running the Bombay Marathon, which takes place in February, includes a lap of Marine Drive.
- Cathedral of St. Thomas the Apostle:
Founded in 1718, St. Thomas Cathedral in Mumbai was the city’s first Anglican church and has hosted services every Christmas Day since. A hospital, courtroom, and other public facilities were built according to English standards by Gerald Aungier, who was working for the British East India Company at the time. However, it took more than 40 years to complete the church, which was started in 1676.
These were some magnificent places to visit in Mumbai city.
