Have you heard that Mumbai was made up of seven different islands? They were Colaba, Mazagaon, Little Colaba, Parel, Mahim, Isle of Bombay, and Worli. However, British engineers brought all these 7 islands together and thereby unified them in one large landmass between the years of 1784 and 1845.
The largest metropolitan city in India- Mumbai is a mix of iconic old-world charisma architecture, outstandingly contemporary high rises, cultural and traditional structures, and whatnot! The city has a long relationship with the film industry and is popular as the country’s “Bollywood Capital”.
From its beaches and temples to its architecture and street food, there is something for everyone in this city. Mumbai is famous for its bustling markets, and iconic landmarks such as Gateway of India. Chowpatties of Mumbai could never compete!
One could never get over the mesmerizing beauty of this city. It is a perfect travel destination to enjoy urban nightlife and cosy, relaxing beaches. Mumbai is the first city in India that remains open round-the-clock; hence becoming the city that never sleeps.
Below are the most iconic and best places to travel in Mumbai which one can never regret adding to their travel list!
Best Places to Visit in Mumbai
- Gateway of India
- Shree Shidhivinayak Temple
- Global Vipassana Pagoda
- Elephanta Caves
- Essle World
- Marine Drive
1. Gateway of India – Most Visited Monument in Mumbai
The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai, overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is an arch monument built during the 20th century and is popular as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai.
This is the most popular tourist destination in Mumbai and is the place that sees excellent footfalls at any time of the year. It is located near Hotel Taj and on the shore of the Arabian Sea, from where a boat ride could be taken to visit some other tourist attractions of Mumbai like Elephanta Caves. It is the first structure to welcome visitors entering the city by sea and one of the best places to travel in Mumbai. Several food vendors place their food carts nearby Gateway of India and also many traveller guides roam around there ready to show the city to tourists and fill them with history and information.
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2. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple – Most Visited Place in Mumbai
Shree Ganesh is the first deity to be worshipped before beginning any new project or venture, owing to his divine name as the ‘Vighnaharta’ (problem-solver). It is a Hindu temple of Lord Ganesh and is one of the richest temples in the country. This beautifully grand temple features an inner gold-plated roof and carved doors.
In addition to being 2.5 feet high and 2 feet broad, the statue of Shree Siddhivinayak has a trunk on the right side, made of black stone. Riddhi Siddhi, goddesses of holiness, fulfilment, prosperity, and, wealth represent the deity on both sides.
The darshan timings of the temple start from 5:30 am to 9:50 pm with various intervals in between when darshan remains closed. Timings on Tuesdays are different than other weekdays.
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3. Global Vipassana Pagoda – Best Places to Travel in Mumbai
It is tough to imagine that one of the quietest and most peaceful places can exist right in the middle of the busy conurbations of Mumbai.
A great meditation hall that has a shape like a dome. Vipassana Pogada holds the capacity to seat around 8,000 Vipassana meditators.
It is located on a peninsula between Gorai Creek and the Arabian Sea and is serene and mesmerizing. This pagoda is to serve as a monument of peace and harmony. This 352 feet tall monument possesses strong powers which can block negative energies or instability.
All expenses are met by donations from people who have completed a course and experienced the benefits of Vipassana. Visitors can also take a short 10-minute Anapana Meditation session to experience this helpful technique. After that, they can decide if they want to enrol in this course. A trip to the Global Pagoda is worthwhile!
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4. Elephanta Caves – Ancient Marvels
Located on Elephanta Island (otherwise known as the Island of Gharapuri). Elephanta Caves are a collection of cave temples prominently belonging to Bhagwan Shiva.
This small island is dotted with numerous ancient archaeological remains that depict its rich cultural past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth visiting with its pleasant and peaceful atmosphere, away from the hustle- bustle of Mumbai. The carvings of Elephanta Caves, even in their damaged state are exquisite.
These cut-rock Elephanta Caves were constructed about the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. The entire location is built from solid natural rock with intricately engraved figures of Hindu idols.
5. Essel World
It is an amusement park located in Gorai on Dharavi Island, Mumbai. EsselWorld is the largest amusement park in the country along with ‘Water Kingdom’, which is its exclusive theme park and is India and Asia’s largest water park.
This very popular and famous theme park offers thrilling rides and roller coasters, plus kids-friendly rides and play areas. Both EsselWorld and Water Kingdom are the most favoured and favourite summer destinations for the whole family. It becomes tough to enjoy both parks in a single day as they close around 6:00 pm. One can play a long day picnic or stay overnight at one of the hotels nearby to explore both amusement parks.
6. Marine Drive – Iconic Drive in Mumbai
Marine Drive is a 3 kilometre– long promenade along the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose road and has a glowing string of street lights. It is often popular as the Queen’s Necklace due to those street lights. This famous seaside ‘C’- shaped six-lane provides a refreshing break from the confining concrete jungle that covers most of the city.
Mumbaikers swear on their life that the evening and night are the best times to visit the Marine Drive. The best way to enjoy the cool breeze flowing through the lane is with a hot cup of chai and the extremely famous Mumbai bhel.
Mumbai is full of such places which will make you forget what’s going on in one’s mind. The feeling of loneliness is never constant while roaming around the lanes of the capital city of Maharashtra.
Other Places to Travel in Mumbai
If someone thinks that Mumbai is a city of stars and has nothing to offer to a traveller then they are wrong. Mumbai has many places which can make a traveller satisfied. The problem is that this city is quite busy and if you don’t plan the trip accurately then you’ll end up messing up. Here are some other best places to travel in Mumbai that you can explore in your next Mumbai trip.
| Name | Opening and Closing Timings | Price | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juhu Beach | 24 hours | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Haji Ali Dargah | 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) | 24 hours | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Sanjay Gandhi National Park | 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM | ₹55 (approx) | Half-day |
| Bandra-Worli Sea Link | 24 hours | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Chor Bazaar | 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Nehru Science Centre | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | ₹50 (approx) | 2-3 hours |
| Film City | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹599 (approx) | Half-day |
| Kanheri Caves | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM | ₹5 (approx) | 2-3 hours |
| Global Vipassana Pagoda | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Worli Fort | 24 hours | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Jehangir Art Gallery | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum) | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | ₹100 (approx) | 2-3 hours |
| Powai Lake | 24 hours | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | ₹10 (approx) | 1-2 hours |
| Mount Mary Church | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Colaba Causeway | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Free | 1-2 hours |
| Prince of Wales Theatre | Depends on the show | Varies | Depends |
| Taraporewala Aquarium | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | ₹60 (approx) | 1-2 hours |
| Kamala Nehru Park | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Free | 1-2 Hours |
