• About Trudy
  • Contact
True Wind Healing Travel
Live & Travel Well for a Healing Journey...
  • Home
  • Destinations
  • Healing Travel
  • Wellness
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • 0
Category:

India Travel Destinations

There is only one Mumbai and every moment here reminds you of its unique culture and magnificence of India travel destinations.  From infinite things to do, planning is imperative to get the most our of your time here as a traveler.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea I spent many days off at this port-of-call.  I love sharing tips on the top 10 Mumbai travel attractions.

Background of Mumbai

Mumbai aka Bombay (official name until 1995) is India’s second most populous city after Delhi with about 20 million people. Mumbai is on the southwest peninsula of Salsette Island. Also,  the Arabian Sea is on the west and Thane Creek (Inlet) to the east and Vasai Creek to the north. Overall, Mumbai spread over an archipelago of 7 islands.  Mumbai lies on the Konkan coast on India’s western coast with a deep natural harbour.  The historic British raj took place on the Indian subcontinent from 1858 – 1947.

Mumbai is the commercial, financial and entertainment capital of India. This includes the world-famous Bollywood headquarters for filmmaking.  Mumbai’s climate is tropical with lots of humidity, with temperatures that don’t fluctuate dramatically.  However, monsoon season brings torrential rain during the summer months, especially June and July.

Gateway of India is the perfect starting point for touring Mumbai and perhaps the most iconic monument of Mumbai.  This arch-monument was originally built to commemorate the first British monarch visit from Queen Mary and King George V in 1911.  On Mumbai Harbour, the archway is 26 metres high along with 4 turrets and steps that lead to the Arabian Sea.  It’s very energizing to see it for real, reminding you are indeed in India.  And of course, it’s great for photo ops.

    Mumbai Gateway of India
    India Travel Destinations

    Top 10 Magnificent Mumbai Travel Attractions

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    There is only one Mumbai, and every moment here reminds you of its unique culture and magnificence.  From overall infinite things to do, planning is imperative to get the most out of your time here as a traveler.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea I spent many days off at this port-of-call and also love sharing tips on the top 10 Mumbai travel attractions.

    DSCF0572

    Mumbai aka Bombay (official name until 1995) is India’s second most populous city after Delhi with about 20 million people. Mumbai is on the southwest peninsula’s Salsette Island, with the Arabian Sea on the west and Thane Creek (Inlet) to the east and Vasai Creek to the north. Overall, Mumbai spreads as an archipelago of 7 islands.  Furthermore, it lies on the Konkan coast on India’s western coast with a deep natural harbor.  The historic British raj took place on the Indian subcontinent from 1858 – 1947.

    Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India. This also includes the world-famous Bollywood headquarters for filmmaking.  Also, Mumbai’s climate is tropical with lots of humidity and temperatures that don’t fluctuate dramatically.  However, monsoon season brings torrential rain during the summer months, especially June and July. 

    Top 10 Mumbai Travel Attractions


    Gateway of India

    DSCN0432
    Gateway of India

    The Gateway of India is a perfect starting point for touring Mumbai and perhaps the most iconic monument of Mumbai.  This arch-monument was originally built to commemorate the first British monarch visit from Queen Mary and King George V in 1911.  Furthermore, standing on Mumbai Harbour, the archway is 26 metres high along with 4 turrets and steps that lead to the Arabian Sea.  It’s very energizing to see it for real, reminding you are indeed in India.  And of course, it’s great for photo ops. 

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum

    DSCN0448
    Prince of Wales Museum

    This Museum with a long name aka Prince of Wales Museum is just 1 km from the Gateway of India.  It’s one of India’s most important museums, with a collection of 70,000 items, such as, Himalayan art, Indian miniature paintings, antique coins and more.  My favorite was the Hindu sculptures with mythical figures and themes. Also, near the museum is the Fort neighborhood, filled with intriguing Gothic buildings. 

    Elephanta Cave Temples

    Elephanta Cave Temples
    Elephanta Cave Temples
    DSCF0486

    The Elephanta Cave Temples is a World Heritage Site on Elephanta Island, a 6-mile ferry ride from the Gateway of India.  The forested island is, overall, a lush backdrop to the incredible archeological sites, dating back to the 5th century CE.  Furthermore, it consists of 5 Hindu and 2 Buddhist caves, that served as a place of worship until the 16th century. 

    Overall, the exquisite sculpture in the labyrinth of the cave temples is stunning, even though much of it is in ruins.  However, the Portuguese damaged the temples during their colonialism, using the sculptures as target practice for soldiers.  The Great Cave is the most preserved and important sculpture in the caves.  For example, carved in a relief, it depicts a 3-headed Shiva (creator, preserver and destroyer) flanked by dvarapalas.     

    We hired a local guide who lives on the Elephanta Island to explain the cave temples.  Then, after the tour, he took us to his nearby home for a lentil dish cooked by his mother.  This was an, overall, awesome opportunity for some authentic time with the locals and experiencing their colorful neighborhood of rainbow painted homes and buildings. Naturally, we tipped them nicely for their hospitality and good experience.

    Mahatma Gandhi’s Bombay Headquarters, Mani Bhavan

    DSCN0494
    Gandhi’s Mani Bhavan

    Gandhi lived and worked in this 2-storied building on the Laburnum Road in Gamdevi District.  Mani Bhavan was Mahatma Gandhi’s headquarters in Bombay from 1917-34.  Later, in 1955 this became a memorial, dedicated to all the accomplishments and contributions made by Gandhi here.  I observed many interesting collections and items, such as, an extensive library, a Gandhi bust, a photo gallery, portraits, spinning wheels and his bed.  Overall, this is an opportunity to witness the intimate environment where iconic history was made by amazing Gandhi.   

    Dhobi Ghat

    DSCN0518
    Dhobi Ghat

    The Dhobi Khat is the world’s largest outdoor laundromat constructed in 1890. Located at Mahalaxmi Railway Station, the handwashers (dhobi’s) manually clean clothes and linens from Mumbai’s hospitals and hotels. Even more there are numerous rows of cement troughs among colorful clothes hanging on ropes among slum-like conditions with tin sheds.  To put in overall perspective, there are approximately 7,000 dhobi’s working each day for long hours.    

    Markets and Bazaars
    Mumbai Travel Attractions

    Paan in Mumbai
    Healthy Paan from Street Vendors

    Exploring markets and bazaars galore is a way to connect with the real India.  For example, check out the street vendors of Linking Road for clothes and Colaba Causeway for souvenirs. Most noteworthy is the colorful Chor Bazaar Thieves Market, the largest flea market in India for 150 years.  Furthermore, Legend goes that if you have anything stolen, this is where you go, with its eclectic selection of about anything.  My absolute favorite surprise was sampling the colorful Paan for digestion from street stands. This Indian custom comprises of a betal leaf wrapped with herbs and spices inside, such as, fennel, rose petals, cloves and coconut powder.

    Bollywood Tours

    By Pavan Gupta via Unsplash

    Mumbai is the heart of India’s world-famous Bollywood film industry, producing over 100 films a year.  There are various tours ranging from 2-hour highlights of Film City to full day tours including visits to the Movie Stars’ homes.  Overall, the massive complex sprawls over 350 acres, located in the western suburb, Goregaon near Sanjay Gandhi National Park. 

    Hanging Gardens aka Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens

    DSCF0648
    Hanging Gardens

    Visiting this park is a breath of fresh air in the midst of this bustling city.  On top of Malabar Hill, the Hanging Gardens is terraced garden is a place to relax and watch sunsets on the Arabian Sea.  Along with colorful flower gardens, there is also intriguing hedges shaped like animals, such as, giraffe and elephant.

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

    As the headquarters to India’s Central Railway, this gorgeous terminus aka Victorian Terminus was completed in 1878 to commemorate 50 years of Queen Victoria’s rule.  As a World Heritage Site, its design is overall an elaborate Italian Gothic architecture.  Furthermore, it’s one of the busiest stations in India with local and long-distance routes.  Also, it’s close to Bollywood, so you can see both of these sites in a day. 

    Marine Drive Sunset

    Marine Drive by Satyajeet Mazumdar via Unsplash

    This is the idyllic way to end the day in Mumbai at Marine Drive’s Sunset along the beach.  There is a walkway along the curved shoreline that lights up at night, resembling and dubbed as the “Queen’s Necklace.”  Also, this a great location for a time out from the city stimulation for a dose of sea breeze and open space. 

    DSCF0607

    Overall…

    Mumbai can be overwhelming to absorb with its unending attractions.  These Top 10 help navigate this ancient and modern culture.  Namaste, fellow travelers from the one and only Mumbai!


    Read Next!
    Historic Kochi, India Spice & Backwater Tours
    Ten Spectacular Singapore Attractions for Travelers

    April 13, 2025 0 comments
    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
  • India Travel Destinations

    Historic Kochi, India Spices and Backwater Tours

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025

    The “Queen of the Arabian Sea” or Kochi takes you to the heart of India’s historic spice trade.  Also, with Kochi’s intriguing backwaters and culture there are many other highlights to explore …

    0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Load More Posts

About

About

Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

Join my Community

Join True Wind Healing Travel to receive the latest wellness & travel guides.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Pinterest

@truewindhealingtravel

truewindtravel

Travel & Wellness Writer, Acupuncturist-at-Sea
🌎 100+ Countries & Counting
📹 YT: TrueWindHealingTravel
Travel/Wellness Content:

On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and second largest in the world. Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. The church’s construction lasted from 1935 to 1989. It became delayed by WW II and the Yugoslavian communism, that didn’t allow for building churches. 

Shaped like a Greek Cross, the facade consists of white marble and granite in a Neo-Byzantine style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics are spectacular, with the central mosaic in the dome depicting the Ascension of Jesus.

To learn more about Belgrade, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/belgrade-serbia-top-attractions-in-2-days/

#belgrade #serbia #serbiatourism #churchesofinstagram #templeofsaintsava #balkans #europetravels #easterneurope #belgradephoto #belgradeserbia #travelblogger #wanderlust
Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Monastery. It sits at the source of the Buna River which flows out of a cave beneath a canyon wall. The beautiful tekke (lodge) displays Ottoman Sufi architecture from the 15th century. 

The white building reflects on the turquoise river. Inside you’ll find a small mosque, guest rooms and mausoleums. Dervishes of the Sufi orders stayed here for spiritual retreats over the centuries. Today, it is open for tourist of all faiths to learn about this sacred site and the Sufi tradition. 

We explored the riverside and view of Blagaj from across the river. Also, with our shoes off, we enjoyed an indoor tour of the monastery. 

To learn more about Mostar, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#blagaj #dervish #monastery #mostar #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #instatravelling #i̇nstatravel #easterneurope #europetravel #bosnia #traveladdict #retreat #wanderlust #solotraveling
Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its uniqu Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its unique blend of cultural diversity, riveting history and natural beauty offers an inspiring escape. I traveled solo in Mostar for 2 days, exploring the Old Town along with day trips. Mostar's main attraction is the bridge jumping tradition.

The iconic Stari Most is the symbol of Mostar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in Balkan Islamic architecture in the 16th century, its height is 24 m (78 ft 9 in). The bridge connects the two sides of the city divided by the Neretva River. During the Balkan War, the bridge was destroyed. However, it became rebuilt in 2004 with the stones from the original bridge. The bridge is steep and slippery with crowds often on it. So, wear good shoes and be aware when taking in its incredible views of the city and river.

The main attraction in Mostar is watching the tradition of locals jumping off the Stari Most into the river. This began in 1664 as a rite-of-passage for 16-year-old boys. Today, young men from the Mostar Diving Club take the plunge. Leading up to the plunge, assistants gather donations from the crowds.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#mostar #mostarbridge #mostarbridgejump #mostarbosnia #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #bridgejump #bridgejumping #instatravelling #instatravel #europetravels #easterneurope #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelgirl #solotravel #travelblog #travelblogger #solotravel
After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why National Geographic named it Top Destination for 2025. Here, east meets west with a fascinating blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. However, wounds from the 90’s Bosnian War are still healing. Afterall, Sarajevo suffered the longest siege (almost 4 years) in modern warfare by the Bosnian Serbs. Thankfully, its citizens’ resilience prevailed otherwise.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/sarajevo-travel-destination-highlights/

Photos:
Abandoned Olympic Bobsleigh Track
Sarajevo '84 Winter Olympics
Tunnel of Hope during Sarajevo Siege
Sarajevo Rose Memorial (Where more than 3 people died in Siege)
Eternal Flame Monument - Honoring WW II victims
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Old Bazaar

#sarajevo #sarajevobosnia #bosnia #bosniaandherzegovina🇧🇦 #bosniatravel #europetravels #balkans #europedestinations #solotraveler #solofemaletravel #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelbloggers #nationalgeographictopdestination2025 #nationalgeographic #instatravel #europehistory
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in cen The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia’s mountainous karst area. It’s the largest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is world-famous for its 16 turquoise, tufa lakes connected by 90 cascades and waterfalls. A confluence of many rivers and subterranean karst rivers created these lakes. 

Check out my blog/video:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/plitvice-lakes-planning-tips/

#waterfallsofinstagram #croatiatravel #croatia #waterfalls #waterfall #adventuretravel #wanderlust #europetravels #cascade #travelingram #naturelovers #naturegrams #traveladdict #solofemaletravel #solotraveler
Follow on Instagram

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Flickr
  • Youtube
Footer Logo

© 2025 True Wind Healing Travel / All Rights Reserved

True Wind Healing Travel
  • Home
  • Destinations
  • Healing Travel
  • Wellness
  • Resources
  • Shop

Shopping Cart

Close

No products in the cart.

Close