Top 10 Amazing Places In Mumbai 2021

Mumbai, also known as Bombay is the most populous city in India, and one of the largest, most vibrant cities in the world. It’s a city of seven islands on India’s west coast, and home to breathtaking historical landmarks, famous places, rich culture, and much more. Travel to Mumbai and experience a dynamic, modern city.

If Mumbai is your introduction to India, prepare yourself. The city isn’t a threatening place but its furious energy, public transport and punishing pollution make it challenging for visitors. The heart of the city contains some of the most ornate colonial-era architecture on the planet, but explore a little more and you’ll uncover unique bazaars, hidden temples, hipster enclaves and India’s premier restaurants and nightlife.

It is one of the most visited cities in the world. It is India’s financial powerhouse, fashion epicenter and a cultural diversify city. The Indian capital offers a diverse, cosmopolitan lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment, and nightlife. Our HP travel world will now tell you where to go and what to do.

Below is the top 10 must visit places Mumbai.

1) Marine Drive

Marine Drive Coast

• Officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Marine Drive of Mumbai is a concrete road of 3 kilometers, located in the southern part of the city. It stretches towards the north and forms a bay. Located at the foothills of the Malabar range, this beautiful road attains a ‘C’ shape and connects Babulnath to Nariman Point.

• As street lamps orderly line up on the edge of the beach, it is also known as Queen's Necklace. It has recently named Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road. Chowpatty Beach is at the top end of the Marine Drive. Several Hindu religious ceremonies are taking place at Chowpatty like annual thread-tying ceremony, nariel-purnima and Ganesh Chaturthi immersions. Stalls on the beach, selling Bhelpuri, Kulfi and Paan make the Chowpatty zesty. Nana-Nani Park for elderly people has just opened recently near the beach. Mumbai has excellent transport and accommodation facilities.

• It is believed that Marine Drive is the pride of the ‘City of Dreams’ and the city is incomplete without this mesmerizing spot. The magic of this place adds a charm to the entire city of Mumbai and propels people from all corners of the world. The beauty of this destination is so popular that many travelers land up at Marine Drive as soon as they reach Mumbai for their vacation.   

2) Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Green Cave

• The Elephanta Caves are a site of ancient cave temples on Elephanta Island, off the shore of Mumbai. From the city of Dreams it is a one hour ferry ride away as the island lies in the middle of Arabian Sea. The mystical caves were listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1987. The caves are full of Hindu rock art and the Buddhist rock Art. Lord Shiva is seen worshipped in the form of engraved art. There are various majestic figurines and carvings dedicated to the Hindu Lord as well as the pantheon form mythology. Various tales have been narrated through the sculptures in the caves. It is one of India’s most prized sites.

• The caves are on an island about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Mumbai’s city center. Boats depart from the Gateway of India pier about every 30 minutes, with a 1-hour journey time. Pay the extra fee to sit on the boat’s upper deck for impressive views of Mumbai’s harbor. Admire landmarks such as the Gateway to India and the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. On a clear day, return on the last boat and marvel as the sun drifts down over the city’s rooftops.

• Elephanta Caves is open from Tuesday to Sunday and charges an admission fee. Hire an English-speaking guide at the island’s dock. It’s a short walk from the dock to the caves’ entrance or you can pay to ride the toy train.

3) Gateway Of Mumbai 

Gateway Of India

• Renowned as one of the most iconic structures of India, Gateway of India, was constructed along the Mumbai Harbor in 1924. This massive structure represents a commemorate memorial. The Gateway of India is now a symbol of Indian independence, and is the most popular tourist destination in Mumbai, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Many locals, vendors, and photographers gather to see the striking monument.

• This bold basalt arch of colonial triumph faces out to Mumbai Harbor from the tip of Apollo Bunder. Incorporating Islamic styles of 16th-century Gujarat, it was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V, but wasn’t completed until 1924. Ironically, the British builders of the gateway used it just 24 years later to parade the last British regiment as India marched towards independence.

• These days, the gateway is a favorite gathering spot for locals and a top place for people watching. Giant-balloon sellers, photographers, vendors making bhelpuri, locals begging for selfies with foreigners and touts all rub shoulders, creating all the hubbub of a bazaar. In February/March they are joined by classical dancers and musicians who perform during the Elephanta Island Boats depart from the gateway’s wharves for Elephanta Island.

4) Elephanta Island

Elephanta Island Shore

• The island of Elephanta, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva and an epitome of Hindu cave culture, consists of seven caves on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Mumbai which, with their decorated temples and the images from Hindu mythology, bear a unique testimony to a civilization that has disappeared. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly in the huge high reliefs in the main cave.

• The layout of the caves, including the pillar components, the placement and division of the caves into different parts, and the provision of a sanctum or Garbhagriha of sarvatobhadra plan, are important developments in rock-cut architecture. The Elephanta Caves emerged from a long artistic tradition, but demonstrate refreshing innovation. The combination of aesthetic beauty and sculptural art, replete with respondent Rasas, reached an apogee at the Elephanta Caves. Hindu spiritualistic beliefs and symbology are finely utilized in the overall planning of the caves.

5) Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali Dargah Shore

• The Haji Ali Dargah also known as Haji Ali was constructed to commemorate the Sufi saint Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The old mosque was first built in 1431, but the building you can currently see is a result of the 20th century reinforcements. The Haji Ali Dargah sports Indo-Islamic architecture from the Mughal period. This is evident in the set of minarets and domes that fill the area. The main gate which welcomes everyone is fortified with reinforced concrete cement. On the outside, it has a smooth layer of marble which makes it gleam from afar, especially in the afternoon. On Islamic festivals, this gate is lit up in green to signify purity.

• The tallest minaret in the complex is 85 feet high. It is from here that the Muezzin (a person of good character) appointed by the mosque calls out to all the Muslims to worship at the five designated times of the day. One can see a lot of flowers and offerings from visitors on this. A frame of silver encases the tomb, and the entire structure is surrounded by eight pillars of marble. This is further topped by a crown.

So, 

• Snap as many photos as you can before you reach the shrine as you won’t be able to use your camera any further. 
• Share some food with the destitute who line up along the pathway. It is not good for people to hungry as long as we have food. 
• Cover your head with a scarf or a kerchief so you don’t hurt the sentiments of the worshippers at the dargah. 
• Enjoy the sunset while sitting on the long bench on islet as the sky changes shades over the Arabian Sea.

6) Sanjay Gandhi National Park

White Tiger At Gandhi National Park

• Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as Borivali National Park is located at the suburb of Borivali, Mumbai. The main attraction of the park is its lion and tiger safari. One of the main attractions to the National Park is the lion safari, which has been drawing people to the park ever since it was started. The twelve-hectare Lion Safari Park with crisscrossed roads, offer close encounter with the majestic king, from special buses. There are about 25 lions and six tigers, including 2 white Indian tigers in the park.

• The park has a staggering 2.5 lakh visitors every year, so it may not have the kind of tranquility you expect, except in its more remote corners, where you can go only if you do a bit of planning and get special permission. Squashed between Mumbai and Thane, the pressure from humans on SGNP, or Borivali National Park as it is more popularly known, is immense. Between encroachments (slums and high-rises) and the mining lobby, it’s really a miracle it exists at all.

• In November 2003, and again in June-July 2004, leopard attacks on human settlements resulted in the death of as many as 10 people. Illegal encroachments by builders and locals have eaten into the park’s forest space, thereby creating the ground for man-animal conflict. It was the search for food that drove the leopard (not a man-eater by instinct) to hunt in human settlements, finding in the process that humans are easy prey.

7) Bandra Worli Sea Link

Worli Sea Link Bridge

• The Bandra Worli Sea Link of Mumbai, which was officially named ‘Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link’, is 5.6 kilometers long, 8-lane architectural, engineering and infrastructural marvel of India. It is the first cable-stay bridge built on open seas in India.

• The proposed bridge would connect Bandra and Worli, reducing the travelling time from 60- 90 minutes to 10 minutes. The Bandra Worli Sea link Mumbai was planned to be built over the Mahim Bay which would serve as the alternative route to Mahim Causeway.

• The contract of the construction of the sea link was awarded to Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC). The management of the project was headed by the multidisciplinary consulting organization, Dar Al- Handasah, from their UK offices.

• When it comes to driving through Mumbai’s roads, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is the Bandra Worli Sea Link. The bridge was designed in such a way that it can allow a little over 37,000 vehicles per day.

8) Taj Hotel Mumbai

The Taj Mahal Hotel

• The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is a heritage, five-star, luxury hotel built in the Saracenic Revival style in the Colaba area of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, situated next to the Gateway of India.

• The Jamsetji Tata built 'The Hotel Taj' also known as, The Taj Mahal Palace just in time. In the late 19th century, the hotels in Mumbai left much to be desired. They were run down, overcrowded and the one decent hotel in Mumbai Watson’s Esplanade Hotel – was years past its prime. In the late 1890s, Mr. Tata suddenly announced his plans to build a grand hotel that would help restore the image of Mumbai and attract visitors from around the world.

• It is India's first hotel to have electricity, American fans, German elevators, Turkish baths and English butlers. Mumbai's first licensed bar - the Harbor Bar (Bar License No. 1), India's first nightclub, an air-conditioned ballroom, an all-day-dining restaurant - Shamiana, the first Japanese restaurant Wasabi by Morimoto, and Sichuan restaurant Golden Dragon... it all began here! French designer Pierre Cardin held the city's first fashion show in the ballroom.

9) Imagica (Amusement Park)

Imagica

• Touted as ‘India’s Disneyland’, this amusement park in Navi Mumbai is a hip and happening place where the fun never stops. If its unique rides are meant to thrill you, its amazing shows are sure to blow away your mind. Designed as per the international standards, this theme park is a one-stop recreation destination where you can go with your whole family and gang of friends for a whale of a time and come back thoroughly entertained.

• The park has several entertainment zones where innovative rides await to sweep you off your feet. Highlights of the park include Scream Machine, Rajasaurus River Adventure, Wrath of the Gods, Magic Carousel, Mr. India, Mambo Chai Chama, and lots more. From kids to adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and remain elated. The park also has restaurants to cater to your gastronomic cravings. You can also indulge in a bit of shopping at the park. Besides the theme park, Imagica also houses a waterpark, theme park, House of Stars (Bollywood hall of fame), Gaming Zone, and Eyelusion (3D + AR Park).

10) Chowpatty

Chowpatty Beach

• There are huge number of beaches along the western coastline of Mumbai which is a major attraction for the locals and the outsiders. The Dadar Chowpatty Beach is one such beach located near the Dadar suburbs in the city. Apart from the natural sea beach it offers a wonderful and grand view of Bandra Worli Sea Link Bridge. The shore is mainly used for watching the magnificent sunset and for jogging. Evening stroll, spending leisure time, yoga and exercises are some of the usual activities done in the beach. The beach offers a lot of eateries in road side stalls. The shore of the sea exhibits an example of city pollution due to which it wards off many visitors. However keeping aside the polluting scenes, tourists are found to spend their time along the beach. The government is nowadays showing interest in cleaning plans and soon we can come over to spot the beach in its original beauty. September to March is the best time to visit the Dadar beach.

• The location being in the extreme west, it takes 20 minutes to walk and reach the beach from the nearest railway station Dadar. Walk through the Ranade road and go towards Gokhale road, then you will come to a junction circle. The entrance of the beach is linked Chaityabhoomi.

# Before you leave wait a minute. As you read the whole article right above I think I might have gave you a clear idea about the city of Mumbai by providing even the little info that can help you during your visit. So don't you think I atleast deserve a share and a comment about how much you got to know from the blog ? 

# If yes, do comment down and even let me know if I missed something. And hit me up if you wanna know about some other place too. Suggestions are always welcomed.

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POSTED BY : HATIM PAREKH