Mumbai, aka, ‘the city of dreams’, ‘mayanagri’, ‘the financial capital of India’; is perhaps one of the most happening places in India. The versatility of this place certainly puts anyone in awe. On the one hand, you will find the best shopping malls and corporate offices of the country in Mumbai, but on the other hand, it is the home of the largest slum of the world. Nonetheless, everyone aspires to visit this city at least once in his or her life. Therefore, here is the guide for all of them who want to make their trip to Mumbai memorable with lots of good memories and experiences.
This blog is not targeted to any particular segment of the society as the content is suitable for everyone irrespective of their age, gender, race or caste (because we believe in egalitarianism :D).
1.The Gateway of India: :
It is one of the most iconic places of the country. Known as the entry gate of India, it has interesting history altogether. The terrorists who attacked on Mumbai on 26-Nov-2008 also entered through this only. This place gives you the best view of iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and The Oberoi House.
2.The Elephanta Caves:
Situated on a beautiful island in Arabian Sea, this place is very easily accessible. There are regular ferries traveling back and forth for tourists. One can board a ferry from Gateway of India. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the Elephanta Island. The cost per person for a return journey is INR 250 (If you want to board the upper deck of the boat, they charge you INR 10 extra and it is really worth unless you are not sensitive to sun-burn :P). One can roam around the island for two or three hours including the time taken to visit the historical caves on the island.
3.Marine Drive
It is called the ‘face of Mumbai’ and why not! One cannot go back to their place without going to marine drive. The tetra-pods, which were once laid at the coastal line to save the retaining wall from the impacts of the sea waves, are now the unique identification of this place. One can consider taking a small walk at the wall and spot the Jet Airways office, the Trident Hotel and the Nariman Point. An ideal place for witnessing sunset. ‘Pizza by the bay’ is an eatery you can consider for having quick snacks (not pocket friendly though). K. Rustom Ice Cream Co has its unique collection of ice creams. From here, you can head to the next destination (By walk or by kali-peeli: the iconic Mumbai taxi).
4.Juhu Chopati:
Just 3 KMs from marine drive, this place is a perfect way to end your tiring yet exciting day. You can grab some Mumbai Street Food including Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Chesse Grilled Sandwich, Pani Puri and what not while experiencing cool breeze and soothing sound of waves.
You can consider ‘Khaugali’ as well for having all these food.
5.The Fashion Street:
The name of the place may sound glamorous to you but this is one of the cheapest markets of Mumbai where you can find all kind of clothes at very nominal price (obviously, you should have tremendous bargaining skills for maximum profit: P).
6.Kitab Khana:
Again, the name may seem lame to you but the place is not less than a heaven for bibliophiles. Name a genre or a book and they will present it before you. The place is suitable for the people who love to keep authentic and standard hardcover books. The best part of the place is the café it has. One should at least visit the place for the sake of food at least.
7.Night Cycling Tour:
They say that if you can’t enjoy night life in Mumbai, you can never enjoy it anywhere in India. This city literally DOESN’T sleep. Weekends are meant for staying awake in Mumbai. Then there are many operators and organizations, which organize night cycling tour of South Mumbai. You can register with one of them (online booking is preferable using platforms such as BookMyShow). It costs approx. INR 700. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle and start moving with any of the group without their notice (A budget friendly option, no?). They start from Central Library in Mumbai and it goes till Worli Sea Face and back to the Central Library. It really is a MUST DO in Mumbai.
8.Prithvi Theatre & Café:
This theatre is the legacy of the great superstar Mr Prithiviraj Kapoor. Art and Drama lovers cannot skip this place if they are in Mumbai even for a short duration. The drama which I watched here was the first live theatre performance of my life and it really made me regret that why I did not know about this earlier!! In addition, the café this place has a separate fan following an advanced reservation is really advisable for that. MUST VISIT.
9.Hiranandani, Powai:
The heart of South Mumbai. It is not a monument orAs you enter this place, you will feel like entering in a Western country without even Visa and Passport. Many MNCs have their HQs in this area. You have a handful of options available for dinner as well. For the cheese lovers, I will suggest ‘Poetry By Love and Cheesecake’.
10.Powai Lake:
In the vicinity of IIT-Bombay, this place gives you soothing vibes. The environment is too good to uplift your mood. The momos stall near it is recommended!
11.Bandstand, Bandra:
Also known as ‘Bandra Sea-face’. Many Bollywood superstars also live here including Shah Rukh Khan. You can sit on the rocks for hours (until high tide comes: D) and you won’t even realize the time passing by. During the daytime, you should also consider visiting Bandra Fort.
12.Bandra Worli Sea Link:
Nothing much, only a sea bridge! But not an ordinary one. It is the longest cable-stayed sea bridge of India at this time. It connects Bandra to Worli. You cannot walk on it; neither can stop your vehicle on the bridge, so it is just about crossing the bridge.
13.Haji Ali Mosque:
This is a religious place. At the bank of Arabian Sea, this place is really beautiful and irrespective of your religious beliefs, one should have a visit to this place.
14.Siddhivinayak Temple:
A worshipping place of Lord Ganesha. The biggest temple in Mumbai and anyone who visits Mumbai should go here once.
15.CSMT:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is listed in UNESCO’s world heritage sites. It does not look like a railway station but it is one of the prime railway stations of Mumbai.
16.Sanjay Gandhi National Park:
It is a natural place in the hustle and bustle of the metro city. During the monsoon, this place becomes greener and prettier. If you have tight schedule, you may skip this place, as it requires half of your day with a lot of walking.
The list can go on and on but these are some off-track places, which normally not every tourist considers. Everyone will suggest you some beaches and only the main tourist monuments but I am sure that you will have different experience here at the mentioned places and activities.
Sr No 1,2,3,4 should be visited in one day in the same order as mentioned.
Just enjoy the places, have local cuisines, talk to local people; that is all India is about, the unity in diversity.
We hope you liked the post and will consider Mumbai as your next vacation trip.
Please follow us on Social Media.
0 Comments