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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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!
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