Mumbai, erstwhile Bombay is a cosmopolitan city in the west coast of India. The metropolis of Mumbai is perhaps best known among globe trotters for housing the glamorous Bollywood Industry- The main film industry of India. Bollywood to Mumbai is what Hollywood is to Los Angeles.
The hype about Mumbai city is not just limited to Bollywood. The bustling capital city of Maharashtra is famed for its delicious street-food, historical monuments, museums, and theatrical performances. Our bucket-list of must-see attractions in Mumbai, India includes the top attractions of the city.
Interesting facts about Mumbai City
The city of Mumbai was built on an archipelago of seven islands including Isle of Bombay, Colaba, Old Woman’s Island, Mahim, Mazagaon, Parel, and Worli?
Equally interesting is Mumbai is “the city of firsts” – The nation’s first 5-Star Hotel (Taj Mahal Hotel) was built in Mumbai, the nation’s first railway station (Bori Bunder) was built in South Mumbai, and the first airport of the nation (Juhu Aerodrome) was built in Juhu, Mumbai.
- Gateway of India
The Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea is undeniably the numero uno of all Mumbai attractions. The monument was built to commemorate the Indian royal visit of the first British monarch- King Emperor George V and Queen Empress Mary in December 1911.
While in Mumbai, don’t forget to tour this great monument to admire the rare Indo-Islamic style of architecture.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: Open all days of between 12:00 am to 12:00 am
- Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island, in close proximity to Gateway of India and can be reached easily by taking a ferry ride or a motorboat ride from there in approximately 1 hour. One of the best places to visit in Mumbai with friends and families, the Elephanta Caves are exotic rock cut caves dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The main highlight of the caves is a three headed rock sculpture of Shiva, popularly known as Maheshmruthi. During the tour of Elephanta Caves, don’t miss out on taking beautiful pictures of the caves.
Entrance fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for foreign nationals
Opening hours: Open all days of the week except Monday between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Marine Drive
No trip to Mumbai is complete without taking a stroll on the Marine Drive that connects Nariman point to Babulnath. The walk along the Marine Drive will give an illusion of seeing a necklace of pearl when one tries to take a good look at the bright streetlights of the walkway and for this reason it is sometimes known as the “Queen’s Necklace”.
The must-do is visiting the Chowpatty Beach, located on the northern tip of the walkway. The beach is a popular hangout for relishing Mumbai’s highly acclaimed street-food including Bhel Puri and Pani Puri.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: All through the day
- Haji Ali Dargah
This is a beautiful white washed Islamic religious monument of interest. Pilgrims who visit the Dargah believe that their wishes and prayers made at the shrine get fulfilled because of the miraculous powers of Haji Ali, a saint in whose honor the beautiful Dargah or tomb was built.
The best part about the Haji Ali Dargah is it is located in the middle of the Arabian Sea and is easily accessible from land through a small 700-yard pathway. Just a word of caution, the pathway may get submerged in the sea water if there is a high tide.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: Open all days of the week between 5:30 am to 10:00 pm
- Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel overlooking the Arabian Sea is a top luxury 5-star Hotel in Mumbai that has a lot of historical significance. The hotel is India’s first 5-star hotel ever to be built and boasts of excellent amenities including deluxe rooms, a pool and a restaurant offering delicious foods from the world.
Built by Jamshetji Tata in 1903, the most noticeable thing about the hotel is its top dome like structure that can be viewed from the Bombay harbor.
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is one of the must-see attractions in Mumbai, India, especially for first-time visitors.
Entrance fee: Free, however room tariff is applicable if you are planning to spend a night
Opening hours: Open all days of the week; 24X7; 365 days
Have you ever been to Mumbai? Plan a trip to Mumbai with Indian Eagle travel agency and explore these beautiful attractions.
