Must Visit Places in Mumbai

The tinsel town of Mumbai and the scintillating Bollywood city is indeed a dream city for many vacationers from all across the nation and the globe. ‘Mumbai’ holds a significant place in the map of India not only as a famous tourist destination but also as India’s commercial capital. The ups and downs in the stock exchange market are mainly controlled from the commercial capital of Mumbai. However for a passionate traveler, what are more fascinating are the various tourist spots of Mumbai. Read on to learn more.

Gateway of India

This is the most reputed monument of Mumbai. The Gateway of India was constructed to facilitate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary who were visiting the city. People who reach Mumbai via boat are greeted by this looming monument. For those who want to start exploring the enigma of Mumbai, the Gateway of India is the best place to start your trip. The atmosphere around this monument has become electric in recent times with all kinds of things available here ranging from balloons to tea. A carnival like atmosphere prevails there in recent times. It is located in the Southern part of Mumbai in Colaba on the waterfront.

Heritage Buildings

Some of the most enthralling heritage buildings can be found in Mumbai. So, while you are there, do not miss out on the chance to have a peek at those. These heritage buildings are stunning examples of the colonial architecture. Some of the best heritage buildings that you can find are Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus, Bombay High Court and Horniman Circle that is located in the Fort area. The main feature of the Horniman Circle is the fact that the gardens which are massive. They are a welcoming sight for tourists who are usually squeezed by the business of the city. There is a Khotachiwadi Village where you can view the historic homes with 18th century architecture. They are situated in around the Southern parts of Mumbai.

Kala Ghoda Art Precinct

The term Kala Ghoda in Hindi means ‘Black horse’ and here it refers to a statue that used to be located in Mumbai in the past. It is called as Mumbai’s cultural center. This stretch is shaped like a crescent and is host to some of the best art galleries and museums in Mumbai. It is stuffed with cultural delights as well which includes some galleries on the pavements. You can roam around the place at will and ensure that you do not miss the reputed Jehangir Art Gallery. In February every year, the Kala Ghoda Association is used to conducting a 9 day fest named as the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. It is located in the Southern part of Mumbai between the Fort and Colaba.

Markets And Bazaars

Mumbai is well known for the wide array of markets and bazaars of various kinds that are at your service. You can see a line of colorful vendors selling various things in these places. Street shopping is something that people visiting Mumbai are recommended to do as you are bound to come across reasonably priced stuff. The Chor Bazaar Thieves Market is immensely popular as you get all sorts of things here ranging from shoes and clothes to fresh food and spices. The architecture of the Crawford Market is a sight to behold indeed. These markets and bazaars are mostly located on Colaba Causeway, in Bandra at the Linking road, Church Gate near Crawford Market and Chor Bazaar that is located on Mutton Street.

Juhu And Marine Drive Chowpatty Beaches

Travelling is a tiresome process and after a day out in the sun, every tourist wishes to put their feet up to relax. The beaches of Juhu and Marine drive are the perfect choice for this. You can view the beautiful locales as well as have a glimpse of the sunset. There will be many vendors selling different types of local snacks that are a delight to munch. Bhel Puri, Pani Puri and Pav Bhaji are the best of the lot. Exclusive Juhu is located at a distance of about 30 km to the north side of the city centre whereas the Marine Drive Chowpatty is located in central part of Mumbai. It is just a short drive from the Gateway of India.

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

This is a mammoth open air laundry that provides an incredible view into the interiors of the city of Mumbai. All the dirt in laundry that comes from different parts of Mumbai is gathered here. The washing is done with a great deal of effort by the Dhobis (local usage for washermen). The washing is carried out in big infinite rows of concrete troughs. Countless number of Dhobis performs this act for endless hours daily with help from the chemicals to clear out all the dirt from the laundry. It is located near the Mahalaxmi Railway Station in the central part of Mumbai.

Mumbai Dabbawalas

A Dabbawala is a person who carries a container all the time. People who are used for transporting lunch boxes (Dabbas) are usually called by this name. Such people can be spotted in droves in Mumbai as they go by their daily duty of supplying freshly prepared dishes to the workers in offices. This concept was initiated by the British rules but even after their exit, it has been continued in Mumbai mainly by people belonging to the business class. They can be seen around Mumbai near the railway stations mostly. The best place to view them is at the Churchgate terminus situated in the Southern part of Mumbai.

Haji Ali

This astounding structure serves as a dual purpose – both as a mosque and also as a tomb. It was constructed in 1431 by a rich Muslim merchant named Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. He was also a known Sufi saint. His life took a drastic turn for the good after a visit to Mecca. This structure named Haji Ali also contains his body beneath it. The structure is located in the middle of the ocean. Haji Ali can be accessed only during a period of low tide from a long narrow walkway that is 500 yard long. It is located in the central part of Mumbai quite near to the Mahalaxmi Railway Station off the coast of Worli.

Bollywood

Mumbai is the hub of the hot and happening Hindi film industry that is glamorously titled as Bollywood. Near the Churchgate Railway Station, you can view the dynamic structure Eros Cinema that possesses a solid architecture. A lot of Bollywood films are filmed here frequently. If you want to see more of the live action, Film City that is located in the heart of Mumbai is another option. It is located in Goregaon in the western parts of Mumbai.

Caves And National Parks

Despite being an extremely busy city in terms of work, fun and travel, Mumbai does possess some amazing caves and a National Park as well which is not something you would expect considering the city’s dynamics. The National Park is definitely a place that you must visit at least once. You can view several ancient caves of Buddhists where hand carving is done a lot too. Lot of caves that are dedicated to Lord Shiva can be seen on the Elephanta Island. The Kanheri Buddhist Caves are located in Borivali at a distance of 40 km from the northern side of Mumbai city center. Elephanta Island is about 6 miles to the eastern side of Mumbai.

These are some of the top tourist favorites in Mumbai and are recommended to every traveler who sets foot in Mumbai. Get to know about the diverse cultures of Mumbai through these tourist spots. If you haven’t been there yet, hurry up!