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Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. It is the capital of Maharashtra and is home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This city is the second most populated city in the country and is best known as a center of Hindi cinema, popularly called Bollywood. It is the entertainment capital of the country and is home to several places to explore. From the historical museums to a number of architectural marvels, Mumbai has no dearth of spectacular places to explore. The city is also home to top industrialists and is the corporate headquarters for many Indian and multinational companies. Due to the growing industries here, Mumbai is known as the financial capital of the country.
Best Places to Visit in Mumbai
Here are a few important places that you can visit during your Mumbai trip:
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India defines Mumbai and is one of the most visited tourist spots in the city. This monument was constructed to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to Mumbai. This monument is inspired by Western, Arabic, and Indian architecture. Also known as “Mumbai’s Taj Mahal,” this monument was established in the year 1911. However, the inauguration of this monument took place in the year 1924. This structure is constructed with the help of solid concrete and yellow basalt. You will find a variety of Hindu and Muslim motifs on this monument. The statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda are installed near this monument. The view of the Gateway complex from the sea is ethereal. The Gateway of India is an architectural marvel that you must not forget to visit during your Mumbai tour.
Film City
This place is spread over an area of 520 acres and is known as the home of Bollywood. Situated in Aarey Colony, the Film City has been the location of many Bollywood films. This place is so big that approximately 1000 film sets are erected here. Over 900 movies and television shows are shot here. Today, this place is one of the best film studios, which is equipped with all the necessary amenities. The Film City is not only a suitable place for film shoots, but it is also full of lush greenery. Visiting this place will be the experience of a lifetime for the visitors.
If you want to explore the film city, you can book a guided tour through the reputed travel operators. These tours will take you to the famous locations in Film City, which include Reserve Garden, Church, Khandala Bridge, Court, Lake, etc. You can also enjoy live shooting from the bus during the tour.
Elephanta Caves
Another worth-seeing place in Mumbai is Elephanta Caves, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These caves are situated on the Gharapuri or Elephanta Island, which is located at a distance of 11 km from Mumbai. You can reach this place through a ferry. Once you enter the caves, you will find 2 groups of alcoves in the Elephanta Caves. The first is a group of 5 Hindu caves, and the second alcove consists of 2 Buddhist caves. You will find a large number of images that are sculpted on the cave. These imageries include 3-headed Shiva, which is known as ‘Trimurti,’ ‘Ardhnareshwar,’, and ‘Gangadhar’. Apart from the important religious site, the Elephanta Caves are also a suitable destination for the trekkers.
Marine Drive
Another place you can explore in Mumbai is Marine Drive, which is an important landmark of the city. It is an arc-shaped boulevard that begins at the southern end of Nariman Point and ends at Chowpatty Beach. This place looks beautiful at night as it appears like a ‘Queen’s Necklace’ due to its shimmering lights.
Best Time to Visit Mumbai
Mumbai is a vibrant city in Maharashtra, which is visited not only by Indians but also by international tourists. However, you must choose the best time of the year to visit this place to get the best out of your Mumbai tour.
Winter Season (October to February)
The ideal time to visit Mumbai is between October and February. During this period, the weather is quite pleasant. The average temperatures range between 23° and 32° Celsius. You will get affordable accommodation at many restaurants in Mumbai during the wintertime. Thus, most people prefer to visit this city in the winter season.
Monsoon Season (July to September)
During the monsoon season, Mumbai receives heavy rainfall, which increases humidity. However, the rains offer the residents relief from the extreme heat. If you want to experience the Ganesh festival in Mumbai, you must visit this place in September. The average temperature remains between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius during the monsoon season.
Summer Season (March to June)
The average temperatures in the summer season remain between 28° and 36° Celsius. March to June is the hottest time of the year. Thus, very few people travel to Mumbai during this period. However, it is a good time for those who are on a short budget. They might get discounts during this period.
Best Places for Shopping in Mumbai
Here are a few places where you can shop in Mumbai:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Area
The CST area is one of the best shopping destinations for tourists. If you are visiting Mumbai for the first time, you should explore this market once. This is one of the oldest markets in Mumbai, where you can find numerous articles, such as local handicrafts as well as vintage textiles. Do not forget to explore the Kala Ghoda District here. This area is best known for its boutiques and beautiful art galleries.
Linking Road
This is the right place to shop for fashion lovers. This bustling market has numerous shops where you can find the latest Indian outfits. You will also find the latest trends and western wear here. People who are on a short budget will love this place. Here, you can easily buy the most fashionable clothes without spending a large amount of money.
Colaba Causeway
This market is for those who love street shopping. It is a must-visit place for tourists who visit Mumbai. You can find everything in this market, such as the latest clothing, accessories, handbags, furniture, perfume, and souvenirs. And the best thing is that you do not need to pay higher prices to buy these items. The vibrant atmosphere of this market attracts the visitors. You can learn about the local culture of the city while exploring this market. Colaba Causeway connects Colaba with Old Woman’s Island. You will find many buildings here that remind you of British rule.
Visitors can also enjoy delicious food at the popular restaurants here. A few famous restaurants you will find here include Leopold Café, Bademiya, Café Mondegar, etc. You can explore other worth-seeing destinations here, such as the Afghan Church, Taj Mahal Hotel, Gateway of India, etc. You can also see the Regal Cinema here, which is one of the oldest cinema halls in Mumbai.
Chor Bazaar
Derived from ‘Shor Bazaar,’ Chor Bazaar is the place where you can find a variety of things at extremely low prices. If you are a shopaholic, you must explore this market during the Mumbai tour. If you are looking for antique items and old devices, you can head to this market straightaway. Even if you do not want to buy anything from here, you can still explore it, as this is one of the cheapest markets in Mumbai.
How to Reach Mumbai?
Mumbai city is easily accessible via train, road, and rail. Some of the ways through which you can reach Mumbai include:
How to Reach Mumbai by Air?
The nearest airport to Mumbai is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It is one of the major airports of the country that connects Mumbai with other cities. Thus, you can reach here from any city in India. Once you reach the airport, you can find autos, buses, and taxis easily, which will take you comfortably to your desired destination in Mumbai.
How to Reach Mumbai by Road?
Mumbai is directly connected with other cities of India through a good bus network. The nearest bus stands are Borivali, Parel, and Mumbai Central. Interstate buses run from other cities such as Gujarat, Nashik, Goa, and Mahabaleshwar, etc.
How to Reach Mumbai by Train?
The nearest railway stations are Bandra Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Railway Station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai Central, etc. Mumbai is connected with other cities through a good train network. Thus, you can easily reach here by train irrespective of the city you are coming from.
Getting Around Mumbai
By Local Train
You can catch a local train to any destination in Mumbai. A major part of the population in Mumbai uses local trains to reach their destination. They are known as the lifeline of Mumbai.
By Mumbai Metro
You can also use the Mumbai metro to go from one place to another. The metro line in Mumbai connects Mumbai Airport and the Mumbai local train network. You can catch a metro train to South Mumbai and reach your destination comfortably.
BEST Buses
Tourists can also catch a bus to any destination within Mumbai. They are an affordable option for you if you want to explore the neighborhoods of the city.
