Mumbai the mesmerizing commercial capital of India makes a great holiday spot. Mumbai acts as a gateway for international tourists planning to visit western India. Mumbai is a convenient starting point from which to tour the beaches of Goa or travel further down the coast to South India. There are many tourist attractions in Mumbai, including its beaches, markets, heritage buildings and film city. Tourist attractions near Mumbai include the Elephanta Caves and the hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala.


Must See in Mumbai

Gateway of India
What could be more appropriate a beginning than the 'entrance' to the port of Mumbai? The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to Commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Constructed in honey-coloured basalt, the gateway was designed by George Wittet, inspired by 16th century Gujarat Style. The changing light of the rising and setting sun gives varied hues of gold, russet and pink to the imposing arch. Historically, the Gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left independent India by sea, marched through its portals.

University Buildings
Founded by Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Ready money, after whom is named the earlier of the two structures, was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott. Flanked by the High Court and the Old Secretariat, the buildings were completed in 1874. Resplendent in a florid and highly decorative French Gothic style, the main building with its turrets and gabled roof has a large circular window, with its outer border originally made up of twelve stained glass skylights, depicting the signs of the zodiac.

Mumbai High Court
This blue-basalt building in early English Gothic style was designed by Col. J. A. Fuller. It has central tower standing almost 180 ft. Two octagonal towers with their spiralets holding at their pinnacles two carved figures of Justice and Mercy are situated to the west of the central tower.


Sir J. J. School Of Art
Built during the same period as the University, its importance is heightened by the fact that Rudyard Kipling was born and spent his early childhood here. His father, John Lockwood Kipling, was the Principal of the art school and under his tutelage, many local artisans received training. Some of their works were used to adorn the buildings being constructed in Mumbai during that period as sculptured panels and motifs

Shivaji Terminus
One of the finest examples of high Victorian Gothic architecture, it is the headquarters of the Central Railways and is one of the finest railway stations in the world

Prince of Wales Museum
King George V, who as Prince of Wales, laid the foundation stone of this museum in 1905. Situated near the gateway of India, it was designed in the indo-Saracenic style to commemorate the King's first visit to India. During the First World War, it was used as a hospital. It was opened as a museum in 1923 and has three main sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. One of the best museums in the country, it is a treasure house of art, sculpture, China, rare coins and old firearms. It also has a priceless collection of miniature paintings.
The glistering white marble dome crowning this building can be sighted from a distance as it lies nestled amidst a well-laid out garden.
 

HAJI ALI MOSQUE (7.3 km)
The tomb of a Muslim saint who died while on pilgrimage to Mecca. It is believed that a casket containing his mortal remains floated and came to rest on a rocky bed in the sea, where devotees constructed the tomb and mosque.
Can be visited only at low tide.

HEADQUARTERS OF WESTERN RAILWAY
Completed in 1897. It has, an ornamentation, a sculptured group representing engineering, commerce and agriculture.

HUTATMA CHOWK (1 km)
Formerly known as Flora Fountain. This is the business centre of Mumbai, surrounded by offices, banks, colleges and shops.

JAIN TEMPLE
Built in marble in 1904, the shrine is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara or apostle. The walls of the temple are adorned with colourful paintings depicting various incidents in the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras of the Jain religion. On the first floor is a special shrine dedicated to Parsvanath carved out of black marble and the ceiling shows the different planets as personified in Hindu mythology.

KAMLA NEHRU PARK (5.6 km)
Situated on the slopes of Malabar Hill, it is mainly a children's park named after the wife of India's first Prime Minister. Laid in 1952, the garden offers a panoramic view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach.

MAHALAXMI TEMPLE (7.2 km)
An important Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth.

MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE MARKET (1.6 km)
Formerly known as Crawford Market it was constructed in 1867. This is principally a fresh produce wholesale market with shops selling flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat and fish all under one roof. At the hub of the market is a fountain by Lockwood Kipling (father of Rudyard Kipling).
 

Juhu Beach in Mumbai
While on a tour to Mumbai, one can not miss out a visit to Juhu Beach. One of the largest and frequently visited beaches in India, Juhu Beach in Mumbai is an indispensable part of the city.

Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, 20-25km north of the city centre, Juhu Beach in Mumbai represents the pulse of the city. With its numerous vendors, food stalls, entertainment outlets, Juhu Beach is the best beach in Mumbai. It is a famous hangout zone of Mumbai
 

Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai

Chowpatty beach is among the most frequently visited beaches in Mumbai. Situated at the top end of Marine Drive, It is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. Feel lucky to witness the annual thread-tying ceremony and Nariel Purnima at Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai. Here the idols of Ganesha are immersed on the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai is also famous for a huge line of stalls, selling Bhelpuri, Kulfi and Paan. The shooting galleries, snake charmers, monkey trainers, balloon sellers and masseurs- enjoy all of these at Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai
Marine Drive, the Jewel of Mumbai
 

Marine Drive in Mumbai

Located in the central Mumbai, Marine Drive is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai. It was built in the 1920s and 1930s on land rescued from the sea. Walk around or sit in the evenings- it's your choice. You can even play with sand or have fun watching children playing around the colorful beach.  Owing to the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night surrounding the beach, it is also known as Queen's Necklace. Recently its name has been changed to Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road.