Mumbai Sightseeing
Attraction | Area/Distance |
---|---|
Gateway of India | On the waterfront in Appolo Bunder area in south Mumbai |
Elephanta Caves | 10km from the Gateway of India or 9km-11 nautical miles by the sea |
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | Dr.Dadabhai Novroji Road |
Hutatma Chowk (Flora Fountain) | In the busy financial district of South Mumbai |
Netaji Subhash Marg or Marine Drive | 3km long boulevard in South Mumbai |
Jehangir Art Gallery | Kala Ghoda, Fort area of Mumbai, adjacent to the Prince of Wales Museum |
Mumbai University | Fort area of Mumbai |
Mumbai High Court | Adjacent to the Mumbai University |
Horniman Circle | Fort district of South Mumbai |
Times of India Building | Opposite Victoria Terminus |
Chaupatty Beach | Along Marine Drive |
Erangal Beach | Marve north of Mumbai |
Gorai Beach | North Mumbai, a short ferry-ride from Marve Beach(Malad west) |
Juhu Beach | Central suburb of Mumbai |
Bahu Daji Lad Museum (Victoria and Albert Museum) | At Ambedkar Road, in Byculla area |
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu sangrahalay (Prince of Wales Museum) | M.G. Road, Fort, Mumbai |
Mani Bhavan | Laburnum Marg, Papanas Wadi, Tardeo. |
Nehru Planetarium and Science Centre | Dr.Annie Besant Road, Worli |
Babulnath Temple | Adjacent to Girgaon Chaupatty, Back side of wilson college |
Siddhi Vinayak Temple | Prabhadevi in Dadar(West) |
Mumba Devi Temple | Bhuleshwar |
Walkeshwar Temple | At the north-western end of the Marine Drive loop |
Mount Mary Church | Bandra (West) |
Haji Ali | On an island off the coast in Worli |
Veermata Jijabai bhonsle Udyan (Victoria Gardens) | At Byculla |
Essel World and Water Kingdom | Gorai Island, Borivali West |
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali National Park) | Vihar Lake Road, Powai |
Places of historical significance in Mumbai
GateWay Of India
Located in South Mumbai the Gateway of India is a mammoth structure that bears a testimony to a number of historical events. It was originally built to commemorate the grand arrival of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. There are plenty of launches and cruises anchored in the sea near the archway, which carry tourists to the famous Elephanta Caves, across the expansive Mumbai Harbour. An equestrian statue of Chatrapati Shivaji and statue of Swami Vivekananda have also been installed here.
Elephanta Caves
Just an hour’s launch drive on the Arabian Sea, from the Gateway of India, these 7th century rock-cut caves have been declared as the World Heritage site by UNESCO. These magnificent caves are ideal tributes to the Mauryan Dynasty who ruled here. The caves contain splendidly sculpted statues of ‘Shiva’ on various forms and facets. The most renowned one among them is the one called ‘Maheshmurti’ where Shiva is shown in one single carving as the Creator, Protector and Destroyer of the Universe. The two of the other Hindu deities, Brahma and Vishnu also share the panel with Shiva.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Designed by F.W.Stevens in Gothic style, this is one of the most magnificent railway stations of the world and was built over a decade (from 1878- 88) at a cost of Rs.16, 35,562. This is the first railhead of India and is one of the largest and oldest train terminuses of the country. It has also come under the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO
Hutatma Chauk (Flora Fountain)
This place marks a statue of the Roman Goddess Flora, the Goddess of flowers, set at the junction of five busy streets. This internationally renowned landmark of Mumbai is dedicated to the 105 martyrs who gave their lives in the United Maharashtra Movement. Along with a fountain and a host of mythological figures, this historical monument is located in the heart of the business district of Mumbai
Netaji Subhash Marg or Marine Drive
Marine Drive is an esplanade in a sweeping curve that runs along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point to the foot of the Malabar hill. Perhaps the best known landmark in Mumbai, the Marine drive is also popularly called the Queen’s Necklace and it unfurls in sheer beauty in the evening when the lights are fully lit up. It stretches for about 6km and is an ideal jogger’s promenade, especially in the early mornings
Jehangir Art Gallery
This is the biggest Art Gallery in Mumbai to host exhibitions of Modern Indian Art. However, the informal café ‘Samovar’ within its premises should never be given a miss.This art gallery was founde by Sir Cowasji Jehangir at the request of K.K.Hebbar and Homi Bhaba.
The timing of visiting the gallery is between 11.00 a.m to 7 p.m
Mumbai University
The Mumbai University is one of the many wonderful pieces of architecture that the city of Mumbai showcases. It is placed diagonally opposite to the Jehangir Art Gallery. The campus of the University also houses one of the iconic structures of Mumbai, namely the 79 meters Rajabai Clock Tower, named after Rajabai. To the International tourist this imposing structure will certainly remind of the Big Ben of London with a huge 100-year old clock ticking away atop the building
Mumbai High Court
This building is another specimen of the Gothic remains of the British period. Placed next to the University, the Mumbai High Court complex is a more than a 100 year old structure designed by Gen A. Fuller. It is surmounted by statues representing ‘Justice’ and ‘Mercy.’
Horniman Circle
Located near the Flora Fountain, this is a beautiful circle of stately buildings. This historical sight also houses the renowned Town Hall, encasing the neo-Classical structures of Central Library
Times of India Building
The Times of India group is one of the largest publication houses in this part of the world. Located just next to the Municipal Corporation, this is another historic and frequently used landmark of Mumbai
Beaches in Mumbai
Chowpatty Beach
The Chowpatty Beach, very surprisingly is built in the heart of the town. Placed along the magnificent Marine Drive this beach comes alive only after the sun is down. It is also the venue for a number of important festivals of Mumbai like Coconut Day and the Ganesh Chaturthi immersions. People visiting this beach almost invariably indulge in ‘Bhelpuris’ and various kinds of ‘Chats’.
Erangal Beach
To reach this small and comparatively isolated beach, one has to cover a distance of 35km from Malad and take road transport from there. Hotels and shacks are available at this lovely beach.
Gorai Beach
If you are planning to indulge in a calm and romantic sunset, head towards the Gorai Beach. The pristine and tranquil beach of Gorai is located about 59km away from the heart of the city. The nearest Railhead is Borivali. From there one has to reach the Gorai creek by bus or auto. This again has to be crossed by ferry in order to reach the Gorai Beach. Another veritable attraction of this isolated beach is its proximity to the theme park of Esselworld.
Juhu Beach
Located about 20km from the heart of the city is the Juhu Beach, the second most popular beach in Mumbai. It lies on the Bandra- Khar Road and is overlooked by a number of posh bungalows and high rise apartments. The Juhu Beach is comparatively crowded. This long stretch of sand is well known for its perennial carnival-like atmosphere, with all the camel rides, horse rides, dancing monkeys and shooting galleries. The food stalls that helm the periphery of the beach add further color and aroma to the beauty and the pulsating energy of the Juhu Beach.
Some of the other beaches in Mumbai are Madh, Aksa and Marve.
Museums, Memorials and Planetariums
Bahu Daji Lad Museum (Victoria and Albert Museum)
This Museum was originally established in 1855 as a treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts. Set amidst the lush and verdant Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan, this historical museum today is the rich storehouse of archaeological finds, original maps, photographs, prints and paintings depicting the history of Mumbai. UNESCO has recently honored the Museum with an ‘Award of excellence’ under its Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for cultural Heritage Conservation Programme, 2005
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalay (Prince of Wales Museum)
A mere five-minute walk from the Gateway of India stands this prestigious Museum, designed in the Indo-Saracenic style. It consists of an ornamental garden and an awesome galleried central Hall containing rare artifacts collected from the world over, roofed by a huge home
Mani Bhavan
This building was originally a temporary residence of Mahatma Gandhi. This has been converted into a Museum today and conserves various artifacts concerning the Father of the Nation.
Nehru Planetarium and Science Centre
This staggering piece of structure at Worli houses the only astronomical center of Mumbai. The circular sky theatre of the planetarium recreates the image of the sky as seen from anywhere on earth. Books on Astronomy and astro-physics are also widely available in the library of the Museum. Adjacent to the Planaterium is the Nehru Science Center. It has been specially designed for the children and the youth
Sacred places in Mumbai
Babulnath Temple
This ancient temple was built in 1780 and was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later a tall spire was added to the structure in 1900. It encases a Shivalingam made of jet black stone along with the idols of various Gods and Goddesses
Siddhi Vinayak Temple
Situated a few kilometers away from Nehru Planetarium and Science Centre, the Siddhivinayak Temple is the splendid temple dedicated to the widely worshipped Deity of Western India, Lord Ganpati. The idol of Ganpati here is made of white marble and people from all over Mumbai as well as the neighboring cities of Maharashtra come here to offer prayers and seek blessings of this living deity. Tuesdays are considered to be the most auspicious day of the week to visit the temple. On this day long serpentine cues are formed outside the temple from the little hours of the morning.
Mumba Devi Temple
Mumba Devi is the patron Goddess of the city. This temple dedicated to this Goddess was originally believed to be built by the Koli fishermen in the 1st century B.C. It was demolished by the British in 1739. This new shrine was later reconstructed at Kalbadevi in 1753 and enshrines a beautifully ornamented image of the Goddess
Walkeshwar Temple
History has it that this temple was built in 1000A.D. by Silhara Kings. It was vandalized by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was rebuilt by Rama Kamthi, a holy Brahman in 1715. It is said that lord Rama had built a Shivalingam out of sand (Waluk) and had prayed here.
Mount Mary Church
An extremely holy place for the Christians, this is the church where the revered Madonna of Mount Mary stands. The Church observes huge crowds on special occasions comprising of not only Catholics, but people from all communities who come here to pay obeisance to the revered Madonna of Mount Mary. The Annual fare that is held in the grounds of this Church makes the place come alive with people, festivity, music and games for 15 days
Haji Ali
This is an extremely sacred tomb for the Muslims. It has been built in the memory of a Muslim Saint who died on his way to Mecca. His devotees had built this shrine when his mortal remains had come floating in a casket to the seashore. The Mosque set amidst the waters of the sea can be approached through a causeway, which gets submerged during the high tide.
Amusement Gardens and Parks in Mumbai
Veermata Jijabai bhonsle Udyan (Victoria Gardens)
This lush green garden is the common complex of a Botanical Garden, Zoo and Museum, which has cultural and historical exhibits. Elephant, camel, pony and boat rides are available
Essel World and Water Kingdom
Located about 70km from the heart of the city, this famous theme park is near the Gorai Beach. It offers exciting rides and games. The water Kingdom nearby is a great experience for any water-loving individual. The nearest Railhead is Malad or Borivalli from where the journey has to be made by road and sea.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Borivali National Park)
Mumbai is the only city in India that flaunts a National Park right in the middle of the city. The Sanjay Gandhi National park comprises of a protected area of about 110 square kilometers. Replete with leopards, peacocks, deer, monkeys, birds and reptiles all sharing space in their natural habitat. The main attractions of the park are a lion safari and a toy train for going around. With a backdrop of immaculate and unpolluted greenery, this also comprises of a favorite picnic spot for the urban families.