1. Marine Drive, Mumbai
Marine Drive is the most easily identifiable landmark associated with Mumbai and is indicative of the glamor and glitter of the city. It is essentially 3.6 km long, arc-shaped boulevard along the South Mumbai coast that starts at the southern end of Nariman Point and ends at Girgaum Chowpatty, popularly known as Chowpatty Beach. The coast wraps the Arabian sea and is the best place in Mumbai to watch the sunset or even to just take a leisurely stroll by the sea any time of the day or night. At night, when the whole coastline lights up, it justifies its other moniker i.e. Queen’s Necklace.
The whole curve of the coastline, shielded with palm trees makes for a spectacular view at night – you can go to either end of Marine Drive after sunset and see the lights glowing in a perfect arc all along the coast. People come to walk here in the evening to experience the brilliant sunset. It is also one of the places people visit late at night, and you will find vendors selling chai and cigarettes at all hours. The sound of the waves, a view of the Mumbai skyline and the starry sky easily make Marine Drive one of the most romantic spots in the city.
2. Juhu Beach
Juhu beach is the longest beach in Mumbai and the most popular among tourists as well. It is renowned for its wide variety of street food that has a typical Mumbai flavour and is sweet and sour. The surrounding area of Juhu is one of the poshest localities in Mumbai and is home to a lot of famous Bollywood and TV celebrities – the most famous being Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow – and it is not rare to spot a celebrity jogging on the beach.
Television shoots are often held and a number of toy-sellers, roasted corn vendors and acrobats attract the eye. While here, you may also visit the iconic ISKCON Temple which is meters away from the beach or watch a theatre performance at the famous Prithvi Cafe. Just taking walk across the beach sand can bring an infinite sense of calm. Although the beach was criticized for being unclean, efforts by BMC have significantly improved the scenery in the past few years.
3. Girgaon Chowpatty
Popularly known as Chowpatty, the beach is located in southern Mumbai along the western railway route. This small sandy beach is a popular place to chill, and a must visit for all tourists who visit Marine Drive for the first time.
At night, the beach appears to look like a colourful fair. Children from all age groups rush to ride the Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds, while the adults indulge in the city’s famous street snacks. Visitors also head to nearby attractions and local markets, to get the most out of their day out. Never is this beach empty or deserted. You will always find one or the other person here, lazing around on the beach; or children, lost in their world, blithely building sand castles along the shore. All in all, the Girgaon Chowpatty offers fun, frenzy and delights all rolled into one, and it is worth spending a few hours here to break free from the usually claustrophobic city.
4. Worli Sea Face
Worli Sea face is one of the most prominent promenades in Mumbai and is located right along the Arabian Sea. The exuberant area with lashing waves and gushing waters of the Arabian Sea is situated in Worli, Mumbai and is popularly called Worli Sea Face. Home to the rich and affluent residential colonies, the posh locale is also a major business district. Extending from Worli Fort in the north to Prabhadevi in the south, the seafront offers picturesque vistas of the endless blue sea with a hazy image of Haji Ali Dargah in the distance. The major attractions of the Worli Sea Face are the quaint Worli Fort, Bandra- Worli Sea Link, Haji Ali Dargah etc.
Apart from the famous landmarks, what draws locals and tourists alike to Worli Sea face is the eateries that are open into the wee hours of the morning. One of the popular places of Mumbai Tourism, the Worli Sea Face also boasts of Palais Royale- which is one of the tallest buildings in India other than being the ideal leisure location for all of Mumbai and beyond. It is also one of the most expensive residential areas in Mumbai.
5. Essel World
One of the most famous and popular amusement parks in the country, Essel World is located in Gorai, close to the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai. EsselWorld and Water Kingdom together make one of Asia’s largest amusement parks. They expand over an area of 64 acres and are frequented by locals and non-locals from all age groups, especially kids. With some exciting rides and entertainment, Essel World and Water Kingdom are a favourite summer destination for many families. One can plan a day-long picnic or stay overnight at one of the hotels nearby to explore both the amusement parks. For tourists visiting the state capital, a visit to Essel World is a must. For many of the adults going to Essel World is synonymous with childlike enthusiasm and nostalgia.
The landscaped interiors of the amusement parks are what makes them popular. The amusement parks have also been featured in many TV serials and Bollywood movies. Essel World has also been awarded the National Award of Excellence, Most Innovative Promotional Activity and the Award for the Best Variety and Number of Rides by the Indian Association of Amusement Parks & Industries.
6. Kanheri Caves
Located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, near Borivali in Mumbai, the Kanheri Caves in Mumbai are a group of rock – cut monuments in the form of caves. The caves and the paintings, themselves, illustrate the Buddhist influence on the Indian art and culture. The caves are famous for their 109 special entrances as well as for their ancient sculptures, carvings, paintings and inscriptions dating back to the 1st century to the 10th century that adorn their basalt formations. Standing in sharp contrast to the verdant greenery of the surrounding hills, Kanheri Caves can be accessed through a series of rock cut steps.
While the caves provide an excellent insight into history, it can be clearly seen that they were built over an extensive period of time. The older of the Kanheri Caves are plainer in their design, while the newer caves are more ornamented. What ties the design of each of these caves is an individual stone plinth on which they rest, which is common to all. In addition to the caves, a congregation hall, intricately carved pillars, Buddhist stupas, and ingenious water channels carved out stone are some of the exciting aspects to witness and marvel. Another one of the caves here has been converted into a monastery and holds special importance for the Buddhist community.
7. Bandra Fort
Also known as Castella de Aguada, Bandra Fort is an ancient Portuguese Fort that is situated in Land’s End in the Bandra neighborhood of Mumbai. The fort lies several feet high from the average sea level, at a height of 24 m. Besides being a major tourist spot in the region, the fort has also been featured in several Bollywood films like Dil Chahta Hai and Buddha Mil Gaya. It is also frequented by couples and love birds who come here for photo and video shoots, pre wedding shoots etc.
Besides being an important historical site and a tourist attraction, Bandra Fort offers mesmerizing views of the sea. It is also known for its very stunning sunset views. In addition to that, the fort also has a staircased park that is visited by health freaks and fitness enthusiasts who come here to exercise and take routine walks. It is considered the most perfect place to meditate and relax.
8. Hanging Gardens
Hanging Garden is a terrace garden situated on top of the Malabar Hill, right next to the Kamla Nehru Park. It overlooks the stunning Arabian Sea and was built in 1880 by Mr. Ulhas Ghapokar. The stunning gardens are dedicated to Barrister Pherozeshah Mehta and are also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens. In fact, when viewed from above, one can clearly see the letter PMG spelt out in the gardens. The garden has impeccable animal shaped hedges and lush green vegetation along with a serene bird’s eye view of the Arabian Sea.
Constructed on a water reservoir, the garden provides fresh drinking water to the local habitants. The beautiful flower clock situated in the garden is a major part of the charm of the Hanging Garden. Along with this, the garden is an apt place for early morning jogs and yoga. The garden is a tranquil getaway from the daily hustle-bustle of the city for some peace of minds.
9. Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is, without doubt, one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mumbai. Sitting proudly on the Apollo Bunder, it overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is one of the defining monuments of the city of Mumbai and was built in the year 1924. The construction was undertaken by the famous architect George Wittet, to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The imposing structure of the monument is a beautiful confluence of Indian, Arabic and Western architecture and has become a popular tourist hub in the city. It is also the starting point of a number of ferry services that ply to the historic Elephanta Caves.
Nicknamed ‘Mumbai’s Taj Mahal’, the foundation of this landmark was laid in 1911 and it was inaugurated 13 years later in 1924. The structure in itself is a made of yellow basalt and solid concrete and is embellished with numerous Muslim and Hindu motifs as well. The basalt arch of the Gateway served as the entry and exit access to India through waterways before independence and was the exit point from where the last British ship left India for England. There are statues of Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji that have been installed near the Gateway as well. The view from the sea of the Gateway complex, especially at night is quite ethereal and beautiful. The Gateway of India is thus, not only a historic artefact but an example of marvellous architecture in itself!
10. Bandstand
Bandra Bandstand or Bandstand Promenade is the popular promenade in the queen suburbs of Bandra in Mumbai. It boasts of a joggers’ strip and a park making it quite a popular hangout spot. Dotted with food junctions and sprinkled with hawkers selling street snacks, the promenade is replete with swarms of people at all points of the day. Besides presenting an enthralling picture of the adjacent sea and the mesmerising skyline, Bandstand also boasts of being Shahrukh Khan’s residential place, which is a major pull for the tourists.
Towards the end of the promenade is the amphitheatre, which is used to host various cultural events and concerts. Not far away is located the Bandra Fort and Bandra Sea Link, are also popular tourist attractions. The Bandstand is most popular spot to spend an evening by the sea.
11. Colaba Causeway
One of the most exciting and eclectic places to visit in Mumbai is the Colaba Causeway, famous for being a shopper’s paradise. Iconic at best, ask any Mumbaikar and they will tell you that the Causeway is pretty much the heart of Mumbai. Resurgent, even after the terror attack, this shopping street stood up on its feet in no time. Apart from gorgeous clothes and accessories, especially earrings, you can also find great bargains on home decor stuff such as lampshades, curios and antiques. If designer stuff is your calling, there are a number of options for that as well. If you do feel like catching a bite and a beer, there are a number of restaurants that offer great food and booze at very affordable prices and Cafe Leopold and Cafe Mondegar are pretty much the best!
Colaba Causeway acts as the land link between Colaba and the Old Woman’s Island. It lies close to the Fort area which is a business sector and the heart of the city since the British era. From roadside vendors to glamorous boutiques, the street sells everything you can think of buying – in different quality and prices. Catch the old world movies charm at Regal Cinema. Behind Regal Cinema, the Causeway leads you to the Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea. Here, the majestic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel dominates the city’s skyline. Colaba Causeway is the heart of Mumbai and it’s the liveliest you will ever see the city!
