Want to know which places you should visit in Mumbai? Check out this guide for the best tourist attractions & find out how you can make the most of your vacation!
Mumbai is India's poster city of urbanisation. Every country has one. Just like London is for the United Kingdom, New York is for the United States, similarly, Mumbai is India's face illustrating how the country keeps up with the world's standard of modernisation. But the lights and shine of the city aren’t the only attributes that make a city worth its reputation.
Mumbai is not only an economic hub but can prove to be quite a travel destination for any tourist. There are many tourist places in Mumbai that reflect the city's heritage, culture, and identity. From people looking forward to travelling back in time and dwelling in the corridors of history, to people simply wishing to rejuvenate while basking in the scenic and aesthetic beauty, Mumbai has everything to offer to everyone.
How to plan your trip to Mumbai
Planning a trip is, for some people, the most therapeutic part of life. The excitement felt during the run-up to the days of the trip with possibilities galore of happy experiences and relaxation, the thought of escape from daily life, and the mere thrill of upcoming adventure are reasons enough to plan a trip.
However, to get the most out of a trip, certain factors play an important role. In the case of Mumbai, the first and foremost factor that is to be taken into consideration is the duration of the trip. From tourist spots located within 5 kilometres from the city centre to the one’s location within 70, Mumbai has sights to be relished in all corners and stretches. Moreover, while some of them might satisfy a tourist within hours, others may still have a lot left to offer even on the completion of an entire day’s trip.
Another factor that comes into play is the time of visit. Mumbai, a city that is located in western India, inherits the tropical climate of the country. While the heat, humidity, and rainfall might not dampen some travellers’ spirits, the best suggested time to visit the city, without doubt, is the winter, i.e., between the months of November to February inclusive.
Best Tourist Places in Mumbai
There are certain tourist spots in Mumbai which make them the cream of the lot. These locations are the most popular ones that a person is expected to visit right on the first trip, and here as they as follows -
1. Gateway of India
Built in the year 1924 by George Willet to honour the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai, the Gateway of India can surely be called Mumbai's international iconic image. Located next to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace and facing the vast Arabian Sea, travellers can enjoy this place amidst a crowd that oft visits the place to soak in the cool evening breeze to break away from adulting.
2. Elephanta Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves offer to travel back in time with massive rock-cut caves that date back several centuries. Juxtaposing different cultures on a single platform, there are five caves dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva whilst two others depict Buddhist architecture.
3. Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
Established in the year 1888, during the British colonial period, the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which exemplifies the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture.
4. Juhu Beach
With its own orchestra of waves and breeze, along with the melting sun on the horizon, Juhu Beach gives a romantic escape from the sounds and sirens of the busy city life. This iconic beach in Mumbai is a must-visit to see the calmer side of the land of opportunities in India.
5. Marine Drive
One of the most popular places to visit in Mumbai at night, Marine Drive offers a promenade to walk hand-in-hand with one’s loved one and lose oneself in the horizon of the vast Arabian Sea. Alongside that, a wide array of delicious food from the street-side stalls will satiate the taste buds along the way.
6. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
One of the most-visited national parks in Asia, Sanjay Gandhi National Park sprawls over an area of 104 sq. km. It offers all sorts of fun activities, from watching the beasts of the jungle up close to boating in the artificial lake and taking a ride on the toy train called 'Van Rani' and whatnot. Apart from that, Gandhi Tekdi, a memorial built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, is also located inside the park.
7. Siddhivinayak Temple
One of the most frequented temples in Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak Temple, is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The auspicious idol of Lord Ganesha is carved out in a single black stone with the trunk directed towards his right making it unique and rare. People, including celebrities and sportspersons, pay visits to this landmark to take blessings from Lord Ganesha and to offer their prayers.
8. Mumbai Film City
The city known for Bollywood, Mumbai is the heart of the film and movie industry. Sprawling over an approximately 100,000 sq. ft. area, the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari also known as Mumbai Film City is a world of wonders where you can see theatres, gardens, lakes, recording rooms, and grounds that are leased out for Bollywood film shootings.
Most unexplored but beautiful tourist spots in Mumbai
Besides the above-mentioned, there are many other locations and spots which are little known to travellers and hence, lesser-explored. In a city known for its iconic landmarks, here is a list of some of the beautiful tourist spots in Mumbai.
1. Red Carpet Wax Museum
2. Haji Ali Dargah
3. ISKCON Temple
4. Shri Mahalakshmi Temple
5. Powai Lake
6. Taraporewala Aquarium
7. Chota Kashmir
8. Hanging Gardens
9. Prince of Wales Museum
10. Kanheri Caves
Must-try experiences in Mumbai
Apart from the tourist spots, Mumbai offers some iconic amusements and experiences to the travellers, which not only adds to the fun and entertainment but also adds to the wide spectrum of entertainment the city has to offer.
1. EsselWorld
Riddled with the aroma of adventure and thrill, EsselWorld offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping rides. From Roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, and challenges, to a cheerful playground, EsselWorld provides a complete package of entertainment for the entire family.
2. Snow World
Imagine an amusement park but something way ‘cooler’, and Snow World makes it a reality. From artificially created snowfall, playing snowball fights with friends and family, and sliding and running through ice slopes, to ice skating, Snow World offers a variety of fun activities in the heart of a tropical country.
Conclusion
A perfect blend of present and past, like many other Indian cities, Mumbai has a lot to offer to any travelling enthusiast. From foreign travellers wanting to explore India and Indian culture to Indians out on a journey to learn and understand their country more, Mumbai has something to offer to everyone. A city this vast and blessed with a diverse personality, marked with historic as well as state-of-the-art landmarks is a city to behold. If you have not visited this city yet, with now travelling opening up, do make it a point to visit Mumbai sooner and see the place for yourself.