Attractions

Most Tourist Attraction Places in Mumbai.

Welcome to the city that never sleeps, enjoy an eclectic mix of the most exhilarating places to visit in Mumbai that will allure you with an enviable vibe, the ‘City of dreams’ is quite the holiday destination. Mumbai has always been the dream city for all and while you are here you don’t want to miss the chance of exploring each and every corner of the city. Some of the best places to visit in Mumbai are the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Girgaum Cave, Siddhivinayak Temple, Essel world, Elephanta Island etc.

To everyone who lives in Mumbai, it is a magical city with a vibe that cannot be felt anywhere else. Yes, residents of other metropolitans might have raised eyebrows after this statement of mine but one has to agree with me that Mumbai does have something about it! Housing India’s most prolific film industry; some of Asia’s biggest slums as well as world’s most expensive homes along with the largest tropical forest in an urban area, the city truly mirrors the diversity that India is known for. Not only this, the city can fill pages after pages when it comes to rich history and it can give any place in the country a good run for money when it comes to nightlife.

The bottomline is Mumbai is truly a place to see in India, something that will engage your memories for days after the tour as well. There is something for everyone and in enough quantity to blow one’s mind up! Without further ado, let me share with you a list of top places to visit in Mumbai, so in case you are planning a trip to this action packed city, you do not miss out even on one aspect of it.

1.Gateway of India

Gateway of India is the major landmark of Mumbai City. Built in the 20th Century to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbour that is bordered by Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. Gateway of India is constituted of a large arch, with a height of 26m and is done in Indo-Saracenic style. However, if one looks closely, traces of Muslim architectural styles can also be seen in the edifice. Another important attraction in Mumbai, Elephant Caves are located close to the Gateway of India, and tourists can travel on motor boats to reach there. Also, Taj Mahal Hotel, which is India’s most prestigious and luxurious hotel is situated close to the Gateway of India. Therefore along with visiting Gateway of India, one can catch up on two other important tourist attractions in Mumbai.

2.Elephanta Caves.

Situated at a 10 km radius from Gateway of India is one of the major tourist places in Mumbai, the Elephanta Caves. The caves are said to be one of the oldest rock cut structures in the country and is a perfect example of archaic Indian art associated to the cult of Lord Shiva. It is reckoned that the caves were adorned with sculptures between in 6th or the 8th century. The island on which the caves are built was originally known as Gharapuri and is a quiet and picturesque island with green foliage and harmless primates. The three-headed Shiva sculpture called Maheshmurti is the main attraction of this island. Apart from it the sculptures of Shiva, in the ‘Shiva Nataraja’ and ‘Ardhanarishvara’ forms are also worth seeing in Elephanta Caves.

Note: To go to Elephanta Caves, one have to go to the Gateway of India in Mumbai and take a boat/ferry ride from there. The journey takes one hour by sea.

3.Colaba Causeway Market

An ideal place for street shopping in Mumbai, Colaba Causeway Market has ion offer cheap clothes, fashionable boutiques, British era buildings and of course good food. Everything that you can name can be found in this old market in Mumbai.

4.Victoria Terminus

Also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), this Victorian Gothic style edifice is situated in the heart of Mumbai City. Just like the Gateway of India, CST is an important landmark of Mumbai. Declared a ‘World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004, Victoria Terminus was built in 1888 and till today stand as one of the best examples of Gothic style architecture in India. It is also one of the busiest railway station in Mumbai.

5.Film City

Located near Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the vicinity of Aarey Colony in Goregaon is probably the most famous place in Mumbai. Also known as Dada Saahab Phalke Chitranagri, Film City is spread across 520 acres and is abslolutely a dream world. It is said that the place is so large that almost 1000 sets can be put simultaneously here. The main highlight of the Film City are real-like sets, which include fake lakes, fountains, mountains, gardens houses, picnic spots, cities and villages.

Note: One should has to take prior permission to visit Film City

6.Banganga Tank

Banganga Tank is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Mumbai. It forms a part of Walkeshwar temple complex in Malabar Hill. As the water in the tank is regarded as the subsidiary of Holy Ganges, it is considered sacred and is believed to have healing powers. The tank is visited by thousands who wish to take a dip in the holy water and offer flowers at the Banganga Temple.

7.MahaLaxmi Dhobi Ghat.

Believe or not but this 140 years old Dhobhi Ghat (laundromat) is amongst one of the most popular places to see in Mumbai. Travellers actually make sure that they visit Dhobi Ghat on their trip to Mumbai. Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is Mumbai’s biggest human-powered washing machine, where every day hundreds of people beat the dirt out of soiled Mumbai clothes and linen in 1026 open-air troughs. The best view is from the bridge across the railway tracks near Mahalaxmi train station.

8.Dharavi Slum

It really takes heart to visit a place like this. But if once you make up your mind to visit Dharavi, which is apparently one of the biggest slums in the world you would be paradigm shift. The narrow lanes, congested houses, dirty vicinity, children playing barefoot and other heartbreaking conditions prevalent in this place will not only make you to be grateful for what you have.However, a Dharavi Tour is not about witnessing how a lower class of the society lives amidst poor conditions so that one can be thankful for his life and facilities he has, but it is to understand how these people living with no amenities at all are hereos in their own way.

Note: No photography and videography are allowed during the tour.

9.Marine Drive.

Known as Marine Drive, this tourist spot has also been called Sonapur by the locals of the city. Marine Drive is a 3km long stretch that links Nariman Point to Babulnath, and is situated at the foot of Malabar Hill. Large crowds of people come to this place to stride along the walkway and to view the setting sun at dusk.Marine Drive is also referred to as ‘Queen’s necklace’, because the street lights make the road look like a string of pearls and create an illusion of a necklace, when viewed at night from an elevated point. Towards the northern end of Marine Drive lies one of the oldest beaches in Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach, which is famous for its bazaars and fast food and snacks such as Bhel Puri, Paav Bhaji, etc.

10.Prince of Wales Museum

Also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, the museum is one of the most popular places to see in Mumbai. Prince of Wales Museum was built in the early 20th century and showcases several collections of ancient artworks, sculptures and artifacts in its galleries. Regular exhibitions and lectures on several topics are held inside here. The museum is done in Indi-Saracenic style of architecture and is bordered by lavish green gardens. There are three different parts of the museums: Natural history section, Archaeology section and Art section where innumerable forms of art and artifacts from India, Tibet, Nepal and other far eastern countries are preserved. Also, there are collection of 2000 rare miniature paintings from several art schools in India; decorative artworks made from wood, metal, jade and ivory; rare archeological artifacts dating back to the ‘Indus Valley’ civilization in the 2000 B.C can be seen in the museum. Remnants from the Mauryan as well as Gupta periods are displayed in the museum. There is a section in the museum that includes a collection of reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds and fishes. On the other hand, another section in the museum displays Indian arms and armor, weapons, swords, shields. The museum has a section comprised of European oil paintings as well.

11.Chor Bazaar.

One of the oldest markets in Mumbai, Chor Bazaar (Thieves’ Market) has a fascinating history that dates back to over 150 years. Located in South Mumbai, Chor Bazaar is a place to find stolen goods, just as the name suggests. You will usually find shopaholics thronging here as the goods can be bought here at throwaway prices. From antiques to Victorian furniture and fashion to electronics, a wide array of goods are available in this fascinating market.

12.Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Situated within Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has the distinction of being a wildlife reserve in a metropolitan . The national park is spread over an area of 104 sq km, andis popular among wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It is also the most visited places in Mumbai , and get about two million people annually. The park was earlier known as Borivali National Park and was renamed in 1990 after Congress leader and late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s son Sanjay. Ashok Van and Gaumukh are the trails commonly used by the trekkers. Whereas, the View Point trail is the most ambitious which takes you to the highest point in the park and offers a panoramic view of Mumbai and Tulsi, Vihar and Powai lakes. Barking deer, Hanuman langur and Indian flying fox, birds like jungle owlets, golden orioles among many others can be spotted here

13.Kanheri Cages

Nestled in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali, the Kanheri Caves also known as the ‘lungs of Mumbai’ is amongst the best places to see during your holiday in the city. It is saide to be the only place in the city with the maximum amount of greenery and consequently, a lot of fresh air. Kanheri Caves premises offers a pleasant escape from the pollution and the bustling city life. The caves date back to 1st century BC and are reckoned to be one of the oldest caves in India. Kanheri Caves are renowned for their natural Basalt formations, ancient Indian styled architecture and the 109 special entrances to the caves. These caves were once a distinctive Buddhist institution for congregational worship, study and meditation.

14.Rajabai Clock Tower.

Located in South Mumbai, Rajabai Clock Tower stands in Mumbai University Fort Campus located next to the High Court. The tower is modelled on the Big Ben in London and has become one of the major tourist destinations in Mumbai. The tower holds a big clock which plays melodic tunes at fixed intervals. It has many impressive features as well and has been beautifully embellished with oriental figures.

15.Crawford Market.

Crawford Market is another popular spot in Mumbai. It is said to be one of the best places to buy household items. The market was the main wholesale market till 1966. and was spread in 72000 sq. Yards. What catches the eyes the most here is the this splendid architecture of Norman and Flemish styles. It is a place for those who want to savour different flavours as the market is replete with an array of dazzling fruits, vegetables and poultry along with aromas of the fresh cheese and homemade chocolate.

16.Powai Lake.

Powai is an artificial lake situated in the Powai Valley in the northern suburbs of Mumbai which was named after Framaji Kavasji Powai Estate. This lake is one the beautiful places in the city and should not be on your visit to Mumbai. Located on the Salsette Island, next to the Powai village, Powai Lake is a calm and soothing spot where one can enjoy nature at its best. To the east of this lake is Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Mumbai) and National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE). There are also various luxurious hotels and housing complexes around the area of the lake.

17.Jehangir Art Gallery.

One of the venues of the famed Kala Ghoda festivals, Jehangir Art Gallery was founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir in 1952. This gallery is situated at Kala Ghoda, behind the Prince of Wales Museum, in South Mumbai near the Gateway of India, and has four exhibition halls. Over the years, this area has evolved as the center of art activity in the city and a place where artists, patrons and art lovers can meet and share their passion for art. The gallery is recognized nationally and internationally as a centre of contemporary Indian art. This interesting gallery hosts shows by local artists and the occasional big names and is also home to Samovar Café.

18.St.George Fort.

St. George Fort or Fort George stands in the Fort area of Mumbai. Named after King George III, the fort was built in 1769 at the site of the Dongri Fort, as an extension of the fortified Bombay region. The reason behind its construction was to provide defence against an expected attack by Napoleon Bonaparte. The fort was also used as a storehouse of arms and ammunitions. Between 1889 and 1892, St. George Hospital was constructed at the fort site and its remains can still be seen. Rest, most of the fort is in ruins and travellers visit here to find the rich history that is hidden still in its arches and walls.

19.Khotachiwadi Village.

Khotachi Wadi is like a tiny hamlet in South Mumbai’s Girgaum district which is famous for a pristine beach, Chowpatty. This is a heritage village has old-Portuguese style houses which have been home to Mumbai’s original inhabitants, the East Indian Christians. Khotachiwadi also offers the most defining image of Mumbai with tall buildings against the Arabian Sea. Most of the houses here are at least a hundred years old and are hand painted in bright colours and are either double or triple storied structures with high ceilings, large rooms and flanked by old-style verandas. This is a place that one must visit to experience an important part of Mumbai city.

20.Worli Seaface.

Worli Seaface features scenic surroundings that are characterised by endless azure waters of the Arabian Sea and view of distant Haji Ali Dargah. It is a posh and a major residential area in South Mumbai, which is inhabited mostly by affluent people. Extending from the Worli Fort in the north to Narayan Pujari Nagar in the south, this locality is a popular place of interest in the city. Famous for experiencing giant waves during monsoon season, it attracts locals and tourists alike. Worli Sea Face features a number of significant attractions like Worli Fort, Haji Ali Dargah and Bandra-Worli Sea Link (Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link). Besides, there are a number of high-end restaurants and shopping outlets as well.

21.Nehru Platenarium.

Founded in 1977, Nehru Planetarium is one of the best places to see in Mumbai. This dome-shaped building is placed in Worli and is quite popular amidst space enthusiasts, astronomers and children. The Planetarium is also the site of logical study for amateur scientists of space science and astronomy.

This building does not only has an astronomical center but also gas concert and movie auditorium. Adjoining to the main building, there is a library, an art gallery with 14 galleries, a cultural center and a restaurant. One of the prime attractions here is the 9 cubicles where one can calculate is weight on all the 9 planets of the solar system.

22.Taraporewala Aquarium.

Another great place to take your kids in Mumbai, Taraporewala Aquarium boasts of rich aquatic life. The kids can enjoy witnessing more than a hundred varieties of sea fish along with seven kinds of coral fish, octopus, shark, sea horse, moray eels, turtles and small starfish. Apart from these, products made using shells and pearls are showcased at the aquarium. Visitors can also visit the room that displays fossils, seashells and fish preserved in bottles.

23.Walk of Stars.

The Walk of the Stars is a section of the Bandstand Promenade in Bandra, Mumbai that is built to honour the Bollywood film stars similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The path features about six statues of famous Bollywood actors as well as about 100 brass plates embossed with the handprints and signatures of other Bollywood stars. The walk is 2km long and is definitely a place to visit if you are a Bollywood movies lover.

24.Fashion Street.

It is a popular shopping hub of the city which comprises of over 385 clothing shops at street side. For a shopaholic, it is one of the must place to visit in Mumbai.                                                      

Highlights: an Unfathomable collection of extras and attire makes the destination a heaven for a shopaholic. Here you can purchase almost anything which respects to fashion like jewellery, watches, bangles, clothes and much more.    

25.Mahakali Caves

Also known as Kondivite Caves, the Mahakali Caves are situated in the western part of the city of Mumbai, Andheri. The Mahakali Caves are an aggregate of 19 rocks cut landmarks, worked between the span of the first and sixth century. The principle cave comprises of Buddha figures and stupas, while the there are a few Buddha icons cut on the stones too. Beautifully cut out of strong dark basalt rock, the holes exist since the Ashokan Empire. The presence of a Buddhist Stupa shows the home of Buddhist ministers here. The dividers contain sacred writings in Pali, a dialect more established than Sanskrit. 

Majority of the caves are on a low-lying slope, rising just a couple of meters over the environment. The caves are little in an estimate and contain various shake cut storages. Since the hollows are cut in volcanic trap breccias, they are inclined to weathering. The engraving on the caves as specified by J M Campbell about a Pali engraving close to the cross section window of this roundabout holy place. He specifies that the characters are fundamentally the same as the third century CE Rudradaman engraving of Girnar. 

Bhagvanlal Indraji deciphers the engraving as, 'Endowment of a vihara, with his sibling, by Pittimba, a Brahman of Gautama gotra, a tenant of Pachi Kama'. Pachi Kama most likely is available day Pachmarhi. Head out there morning, between 7-10 AM for better photos and you will likewise maintain a strategic distance from the nearby group.

26.National Gallery of Modern Art.

A paradise for art lovers, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai is a famous art museum possessing a magnificent collection of paintings, sculptures and artefacts since 1996.The multitude of artwork present in this charismatic gallery has drawn millions of visitors and left them awestruck for the rest of their lives. It is governed by the Department of Culture, Government of India and has over the period become a popular tourist attraction as it very convincingly depicts the modification of artwork in the field of visual and plastic arts.

A blend of art and culture, this gallery houses the artworks of phenomenal sculptors, artists and painters including the legendary Pablo Picasso who is considered as the epitome of art and painting. The oldest artwork is known to be around 160 years old. The ancient artefacts such as statues and mummies from Egypt have also a played a crucial role in rousing the curiosity of the visitors. Moreover, the art museum also organises various art exhibitions which provide an intriguing platform to both the artists and the art lovers as the artists get a remarkable opportunity to showcase their talent while the art lovers can explore and quench their thirst for art.  

The first National gallery of modern art was inaugurated in the year 1954 in New Delhi by then Vice president of India, S. Radhakrishnan. Its subsequent branches later opened in Mumbai and Bangalore. The Mumbai branch is located near Regal Cinemas in Colaba, South Mumbai. The gallery showcases some of the oldest artworks, dating back to 1857 and is considered one of the best in India.  

27.Lokhandwala Market

Lokhandwala is another place to shop happily and heartily. Do not miss the lip-smacking food around these shopping streets.

28.Nehru Science Centre.

Nehru Science Centre covers various aspects of science and technology that is both interesting and informative. It is an ideal place to take your kids to. A part of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), this centre has more than 500 interactive exhibits that are related to various topics, including sound, energy, mechanics and kinetics. To be precise it is a science park and gallery where one can see different aspects of science. A major highlight of Nehru Science Centre is the three-dimensional science show which is named ‘Monsters of the Deep’. It takes people into an underwater world that seems real and where they can witness mythical monsters. A science odyssey named ‘Grand Canyon Adventure’ is also organised at this centre. This 45-minute film is based on the famous Grand Canyons of Arizona and attempts at spreading awareness about saving freshwater resources of the world.

29.Flora Fountain.

Flora Fountain is a famous landmark that finds mention in the list of heritage structures across India. Western India’s Agri-Horticultural Society built it in 1864. It has been named after Flora – Roman Goddess of Flowers. In 1960, the Flora Fountain was renamed as Hutatma Chowk (Martyr's Square) in the memory of 105 people who sacrificed their lives while demanding a separate Maharashtrian state. 

This fountain stands where Bombay Fort's original Churchgate once stood and was sculpted using fine Portland stone with white paint coating. An imposing statue of the Roman Goddess crowns this structure and adds to its architectural beauty. When the sun sets, Flora Fountain is illuminated with bright lights that present a fabulous view.

30.Nariman Point.

Nariman Point is the fourth most expensive office location in the world. It is home to some of the biggest financial and business establishments such as Air India, Central Bank of India, Indian Express, State Bank of India, The Oberoi Hotel and so on. Situated on the extreme southern gradient of Marine Drive, It is one of the posh locations in Mumbai. The vivacious city of Mumbai proudly boasts of this place as a main tourist attraction. Even more eye-catching is the breathtaking view of Arabian Sea, which is the highlight of Nariman Point that attracts tourists from all over the country and also the world. Moreover, the nightlife in Nariman Point is quite lively because of the presence of extraordinary star hotels, pubs and lounge bars. Read on to learn about the beginning and history of Nariman Point.

31. The Asiatic Library

One of the oldest libraries in the city. Established in 1804, The Asiatic Library is an iconic city structure in classical Greek and Roman architecture; a grand flight of 30 stairs leads the way to the Grecian portico lined with eight Doric-styled columns. The inner space of the library is done up in wooden flooring with a spiral staircase that leads to a terrace adorned with wrought iron, while the libraries’s vestibule boasts of fine marble statues and portraits; an old world charm for you retro lovers. Their spacious reading room made quaint with surrounding artefacts is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet time with their books. 

The library has around 25,000 to 30,000 rare collections of books along with manuscripts, scrolls, magazines and newspapers.  

When to swing by: Between 10:30 am-6:30 pm Monday to Saturday. Remains closed on Sundays and national holidays.

Location : Town Hall, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort.

32.Bandra BandStand.

The Bandstand Promenade also known as Bandra Bandstand is a 1.2 kilometer long walkway along the sea on the western coast of Mumbai, India in the neighborhood of Galudih. It is simultaneously a popular hangout spot, a jogging track and a park.

Towards the Land's End side of the promenade is an amphitheater. It serves as a venue for the Mumbai Festival, Celebrate Bandra and other events including concerts, classical dance and other performances. The 'Artist's Court' is another performance venue built into the promenade that witnesses public Jam sessions on Sundays.

33.Bandra fort

Bandra Fort is located right at the end of road adjacent to Hotel Taj Land's End. It was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower overlooking Mahim Bay, the Arabian Sea and the southern island of Mahim. Castella de Aguada has been featured in several Hindi films, such as Dil Chahta Hai, Buddha Mil Gaya and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na.

34.Bandra Sea Link.

The Bandra–Worli Sea Link (BWSL), officially the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link,[5] is a cable-stayed bridge with pre-stressed concrete viaduct approaches, which links Bandra in West Mumbai with Worli and Nariman Point, and is the first phase of the proposed West Island Freeway system. The Sea Link reduces travel time between Bandra and Worli from 45–60 minutes to 7 minutes. The link has an average traffic of around 37,500 vehicles per day.

35.Mahalaxmi RaceCourse.

The Mahalaxmi Racecourse is a horse racing track in Mahalaxmi neighbourhood, of Mumbai. The track is oval shaped with 2,400 metres (7,900 ft) straight chute, spread over approximately 225 acres (0.91 km2; 0.352 sq mi) of open land in the heart of Mumbai city. It was created out of a marshy land known as Mahalakshmi Flats. Built in 1883 & modelled on the Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, it is spread over land facing the sea. It was originally donated by Sir Cusrow N Wadia and today it is on lease from the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to Royal Western India Turf Club which runs the racecourse. The Grandstand, off the course, is a designated heritage structure. The racecourse is the only helipad open for civilian use in South Mumbai.

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran performed at the racecourse on 1 March 2015 as part of his X World Tour.

The Racecourse can be converted to a publicly accessible open space throughout the year. The Haji Ali Mahalaxmi Project aims to connect the 225 acre Racecourse to the Arabian Sea to the West. This can in-turn result in a much larger open space in the heart of Mumbai city.