Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is called by many names—“Hollywood of India,” “the city of dreams,” and “city of seven islands.” The city is home to approximately 20 million people who reside here peacefully. Mumbai is a perfect mixture of tradition as well as modernity, where dreams take shape. The city is always on the bucket list of travelers as it lets them explore the different cultures and traditions of India. Right from famous landmarks such as the Gateway of India to its bustling markets, Mumbai has something to offer to any avid traveler. Whether you are on a solo tour or visiting Mumbai with your family, the city will satisfy your wanderlust to the core. It promises to offer you an experience that you will cherish for your whole life. The following Mumbai travel guide will help you know about its attractions, transportation, shopping options, etc.
Best Places to Visit in Mumbai
Once you are in Mumbai, you won’t have any problem finding the best places to visit here. Some of them are listed below: -
The Gateway of India
It is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in Mumbai. Inaugurated in 1924 by one of the renowned architects, George Wittet, this structure is a perfect amalgamation of Arabic, Western, and Indian architecture. It was built to commemorate the visit of Queen Mary and King George V to Mumbai. It is one of the most visited places in Mumbai, which is constructed using solid concrete and yellow basalt. The structure is adorned with a variety of Hindu and Muslim motifs. The basalt arch of this structure was the exit point for the British, as their last ship left for England from here only. The view of the structure from the sea looks ethereal.
Elephanta Caves
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a perfect example of rock-cut architecture of the medieval era. Situated at Gharapuri Island, these caves are only 11 km away from Mumbai city. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Elephanta Caves date back to the fifth and seventh centuries AD. It is easy to reach here from the Gateway of India. You can take a ferry to reach these caves. Commonly called Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves contain sculptures that represent the Shaiva Hindu sect. You will admire the intricate carvings on these caves when you are here. You will also find various imagery here, including three-headed Shiva (Trimurti), Gangadhar, and Ardhnareshwar. The caves are the perfect combination of Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles. The artists have carved beautiful imagery on the caves, such as mythological scenes, motifs, and sculptures, which look impressive.
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the most revered temples in the country. People throng here from different parts of the country. Constructed by Deubai Patil and Laxman Vithu in 1801, the temple has a special place in the hearts of the devotees. The temple fulfills the wishes of infertile women who come here to seek the blessings of the deity. People believe that Lord Ganesha grants the wishes of all the people who visit this temple. The temple houses a sculpture of Lord Ganesha, which is made from a single piece of black stone. The temple is not only popular among the common people but also among the film stars and the celebrities of the country. Siddhivinayak Temple is the richest temple in the country, as a hefty donation is given to the temple trust by the rich people.
Haji Ali Dargah
Located on a small island in the Arabian Sea, Haji Ali Dargah is also one of the best places to explore during your Mumbai tour. It is a revered Islamic shrine that houses the tomb of a Sufi saint named Ali Shah Bukhari. This white-domed structure reflects the Indo-Islamic architecture and draws people from around the world. One of the striking features of this place is that it contains separate mosques for men and women to pray. According to a legend, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Bukhari saw a poor woman holding a vessel that had nothing in it. She was crying continuously. When Bukhari asked the woman about her problem, she said that she had spilled oil that she was carrying to her home.
She was afraid that now her husband would beat her up. On listening to this, Bukhari accompanied her to the exact spot where she spilled the oil. Bukhari prodded that area, and the oil started coming from there. The woman became happy to see this and went home. Later, Bukhari had recurring dreams that he had injured Mother Earth. These dreams disturbed his mind, due to which his health started to deteriorate. Bukhari made up his mind to visit India and stay there to spread the word of Islam and Allah. Since then, Haji Ali dedicated his life to spreading the word of Allah.
Kanheri Caves
These caves are located in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. They are the perfect embodiment of rock-cut architecture that showcases the architectural brilliance of that era. They became the center of the Buddhist settlement during the 3rd century BCE. These caves were used as a place of meditation and worship during that time. Most of the caves here were designed as dwellings for the Buddhist monks. They are highly popular for their carvings, paintings, and ancient sculptures. Kanheri Caves house Viharas that contain stone beds. Prayer halls in these caves are decorated with massive Buddha stupas and statues. These caves have a deep historical significance among Buddhist devotees. They offer valuable insights into the ancient Buddhist practices and culture of the ancient era.
Mahalaxmi Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, this is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai. Built between the 16th and 17th centuries, the temple is now visited by thousands of people from around the world. The main goddess of the temple is Goddess Laxmi. However, Goddesses Kali and Saraswati are also worshipped here. This temple is a must-visit for people who visit Mumbai. The idols of all three Goddesses of the temple are decorated with pearl necklaces, gold bangles, and nose rings. The architecture of the temple is stunning, which draws tourists from around the world. The temple offers a serene atmosphere for the pilgrims to meditate. Hindu devotees throng to this temple to seek the blessings of the goddess. Many rituals as well as ceremonies are organized in the temple during festivals such as Akshaya Tritiya, Diwali, Navratri, etc. People believe that worshipping here brings success and prosperity.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Located between Thane and Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the best place to enjoy a picnic with your family. The serene environment of this place attracts tourists from around the country. This is one of the most popular national parks, where you get to see many wild animals such as Boars, Flying foxes, Sunbirds, kingfishers, Lions, Macaques, etc. Apart from that, you will also find many butterflies here. The park also houses different species of flora. This is one of the most visited national parks in the country.
Don’t miss the ride of the toy train once you are here. It will take you to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, which is located on Pavilion Hill. If you are lucky, you will spot the deer roaming here and there in the park. The park also houses two artificial lakes—Tulsi Lake and Vihar Lake. Once you are here, you can also enjoy boating with your family. Another attraction in the park is the Tiger and Lion Safari, which will let you get a close view of tigers and lions. It lasts up to 20 minutes and provides you with the enjoyment and thrill you are looking for.
ISKCON Temple
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the ISKCON Temple is the perfect place to spend your time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Made with marble and glass, the temple is visited by innumerable Hindu devotees every year. The temple has stunning architecture, and its walls depict important scenes from the Mahabharata. Most people visit the temple early in the morning. Explore the temple when you are here and seek the blessings of the deity. Take part in the evening aarti here and get tasty prasad. The temple also offers AC and non-AC rooms for its visitors at subsidized rates.
Best Things to Do in Mumbai
There is no dearth of activities that you can enjoy during your stay in Mumbai. Right from the wildlife parks, amusement parks, and adventure activities, there is so much to explore here. Some of the important activities that you can do in Mumbai are as follows:
Water Kingdom
Get ready to have a blast in Asia’s largest theme park. Water Kingdom offers you an experience that you won’t forget in your whole life. Experience thrilling rides and other attractions while you are here. Also, enjoy a 70-foot-high free-fall here, which will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you. It is one of the most popular places in Mumbai, as people in large numbers visit it with their friends and families.
Marine Drive
Walk along the Marine Drive and admire the beautiful sunset from here. Watching the Arabian Sea from here will leave you spellbound. If you are a couple, you can spend your quality time at Marine Drive. Also known as “Queen’s Necklace,” Marine Drive is one of the most visited places in Mumbai. Enjoy the sound of waves and cool breeze while walking along the shoreline. Also, enjoy tasty street food here, such as bhel puri or pav bhaji.
Picnic at Juhu Beach
You can also consider picnicking at Juhu Beach when you are with family. There are many tables where you can sit and enjoy your food. It is the best place where you can enjoy the sea views and have fun with your children. Besides, enjoy Mumbai’s street food here, such as vada pav, bhelpuri, sevpuri, etc. The beach is full of vendors who sell a variety of things, such as kites and toys. You can also enjoy camel rides here. People in large numbers visit the beach with their families. Enjoy banana rides while you are here.
Kayaking
Another activity that you can enjoy in Mumbai is kayaking. It is one of the most thrilling water sports to enjoy. You can engage in kayaking activities and admire the scenic view of Mumbai from the sea. Most people engage in kayaking activities here and enjoy other activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
Best Time to Visit Mumbai
Most people are confused about choosing the right time to visit Mumbai. Whether you are looking to explore the rich heritage of this city or want to indulge in its delectable food, you must know the best time to visit this place beforehand. If you are unable to decide the best time for your visit to Mumbai, the following information will be extremely helpful for you:
Winter Season
This is the best time to visit Mumbai due to the pleasant and favorable weather. You can explore the entire Mumbai without any difficulty during this time. The city’s glory is at its best during winter. Due to this, a large number of tourists choose this season to visit this city. This is the peak season to visit Mumbai, so you need to manage your funds carefully, as your travel expenses will certainly go up during your tour. Just carry a shawl or thin jacket if you are visiting this city in winter and explore it without getting dehydrated. This is also the ideal time to explore the street markets as well as other unique attractions of the city.
Summer Season
There is a lot of humidity in Mumbai in the summer season. This discourages people from planning their visits during this time. However, if you have already planned your Mumbai tour this season, you must take good care of yourself. The first thing is to keep you hydrated during your Mumbai trip. Visiting this city in the summer season will be highly beneficial for you if you have limited funds for your trip. Due to the unbearable heat and humidity, very few people visit Mumbai during this time. Thus, visiting Mumbai in summer will be a blessing in disguise if you don’t want to spend much on your tour.
Monsoon Season
The lush greenery of Mumbai in the monsoon will entice you, and you will want to visit it again and again. There is a little drop in the temperature in the monsoon season. This is a good time to visit Mumbai, as the unexpected showers make the environment cooler. Although you will experience heavy showers in July, the rain comes to a standstill by September. This is the best time to visit Mumbai if you love nature.
How to Reach Mumbai?
Mumbai is well-connected by road, air, or rail, so reaching Mumbai won’t be tough for tourists. Here are a few transport options that you can consider when reaching Mumbai:
By Air
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport serves the Mumbai Metropolitan area and is located 30 km away from the CST station. It has two terminals, terminal 1 and terminal 2. You can book a flight from your city to Mumbai and land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an auto to reach your final destination in Mumbai.
By Rail
Mumbai city is well-connected with other parts of the country through a perfectly managed rail network. You can reach Mumbai from other major railway stations in the country. A few important train stations in Mumbai are Mumbai Duronto, Mumbai Rajdhani, Konkan Kanya Express, etc.
By Road
Mumbai is connected with many national expressways and highways. You can reach there by bus, which would be much more economical for you. You can catch any government or private bus to get to this city.
Shopping in Mumbai
It is not wrong to say that Mumbai is a haven for shopping enthusiasts. Right from the famous street markets to some of the most vibrant and modern shopping hubs, the city promises to offer you an unforgettable shopping experience. Whether you are looking for uniquely beautiful souvenirs, trendy fashion, or local handicrafts, shopping in Mumbai will satisfy you to the core. Here are some of the best markets to shop in Mumbai:
Zaveri Bazaar
You can head to Zaveri Bazaar if you want to buy beautiful and trending jewelry in Mumbai. This is a large shopping hub with a variety of shops catering to the requirements of each customer. Zaveri Bazaar has been a great shopping place for jewelry lovers since the nineteenth century. You can find precious gemstones, trendy jewelry, and the best handicraft goods here.
Colaba Causeway
You can call it the market of the tourists, as it caters to every specific requirement of a local or a tourist. Whether you need fashionable clothes, jewelry, books, or other items, this market has everything for you.
Hill Road
Just like the Sarojini Nagar Market of Delhi, Hill Road Market is a paradise for shopping lovers. However, make sure to come here as early as possible, as the market is large enough to cover within a short time. The market is divided into 3 separate sections—Sona Shopping Center, street shops, and Elco Market. While Elco Market has fashionable fabrics and DIY handmade items, Sona Shopping Center offers trendy footwear to customers.
Mangaldas Market
Mangaldas is an old market where tourists will find some of the most fashionable clothes. You can also buy handmade items from here to enhance the beauty of your home. A hub for ethnic and traditional clothes, Mangaldas Market is undoubtedly the best shopping zone to explore for shop lovers.
Getting Around in Mumbai
You can easily get around Mumbai on your Mumbai tour, as the city offers a plethora of transport options to go from here to there. Some of the transport modes that you can choose are:
Local Trains
Local trains in Mumbai are the lifeline of this city, and they work smoothly without any halt. Mumbaikars rely on local trains the most while moving from one place to another. During your Mumbai tour, you too can catch these trains to explore the city. Commuting by local trains would be easy on your pocket.
Buses
Mumbai has a good bus network that connects every nook and corner of the city. You can choose this service to travel from one place to another. This is the best transport method for the general public. If you too want to save your funds during your Mumbai tour, this transport service would be extremely beneficial for you.
Cabs
While the traditional “Kaali peeli taxis” are no longer running in Mumbai, the city offers other types of taxi services, such as metered cabs, aggregator cabs, and taxis from private companies. You can book any kind of taxi according to your requirements. However, make sure to check the fares as well as hidden prices before booking them. You can also book the taxis through the famous apps like Ola and Uber.
Autos
You can easily find black-yellow autos roaming here and there in Mumbai. They are widely used for traveling from one place to another. If you want to get the feel of a local, book an auto and explore the city.
