The dazzling port city of Mumbai beholds an electrifying energy that’s hard to match. Dotted by iconic landmarks alongside chic cafes and bustling bazaars, India’s commercial capital has rightfully earned the moniker of ‘City of Dreams’. From admiring Victorian Gothic masterpieces and enjoying sunset views along the Queen’s Necklace to seeking divine blessings at historic shrines, the best of Mumbai satiates every interest and the best star hotels in mumbai.The wave-kissed shores of Marine Drive or the star-studded bylanes of filmdom…the exploration options are endless here. Book a room at 5 star hotels in Mumbai to discover the most popular attractions that lend the Maximum City its indefatigable spirit and magnetism.
Architectural Icons
The Gateway of India
This defining 26 meter high Basalt arch overlooking the Arabian Sea needs no introduction. Built to welcome British monarch King George V in 1911, today it stands tall as an iconic sentinel. Watch tiny ferries bob in the blue waters behind this postcard-perfect vista or hear seagulls caw sailing over the monument. The promenade also offers mesmerizing views of the monorail whooshing by against a setting sun.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Victoria Terminus was aptly rechristened to honor legendary Maratha warrior king. The premier railway station flaunts distinctly British architecture with sooty domes, pointy spires, elegant arches and intricate sculptures spanning 2,800,000 square feet. One of the city’s architectural jewels indeed!
Royal Bombay Opera House
Calling culture vultures! No visit to the city’s heritage precinct is complete without witnessing a performance at the grand neoclassical Opera House. Rebuilt in 2016 preserving original design, the brilliant acoustics within perfectly complement the striking red-hued auditorium adorned by ornate balconies. Make time to admire the glittering lobby too.
Bazaars and Markets
Crawford Market
Thronging with crowds, fragrant fruit piled high amid endless stalls, Crawford Market encapsulates old Bombay’s sensory chaos sublimely! Originally named after city magistrate Arthur Crawford, step inside its dreamy Indo-Gothic structure for everything from fresh veggies, imported cheese, exotic spices to flavored farsan snacks at bargain rates.
Chor Bazaar
Translating literally to ‘thieves market’, this 150-year old flea market near Bhendi Bazaar brims with antiques, vintage collectibles and random ware piled high. Rummage through mounds of British-era gramophones, worn luggage, clocks or Rajasthani silver jewellery pieces at great throwaway prices after bargaining smartly with shopkeepers. An offbeat slice of quintessential Mumbai indeed!
Linking Road Street Shopping
Fancy budget style shopping? Head straight to Mumbai’s answer to a high street retail hub! Stretching from Bandra right till Khar, the lively 1.5 km Linking Road packs renowned brands alongside street-side stalls vending stylish clothes, handbags and quirky accessories for all. Watch out for latest Bollywood-inspired trends as you navigate expertly haggling crowds under lantern strewn streets on retail therapy here.
Places of Worship
Siddhivinayak Temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Mumbai’s beloved remover of obstacles, the iconic Siddhivinayak needs little introduction. Wrapped in scintillating gold dome emitting an effulgent glow when lit up, watching the handsome black idol decorated in flowers amid chanting devotees invoke immense divine energy. Tuesdays usually draw the highest crowds here with queues extending for kilometers even at midnight!
Haji Ali Dargah
A striking Indo-Islamic shrine situated on an islet approachable only during low tide, Haji Ali makes for a serene pitstop. The gorgeous architecture with moorish arches, lacy marble carvings, mother-of-pearl embellishments and intrinsic mirror work beauty manifests stunningly against the sea-sky backdrop during sunset. Don’t forget to bow your head in the tomb inside peacefully or enjoy qawwali music vibes wafting around.
Mahalaxmi Temple
It is said if Lakshmidevi – Goddess of Wealth is appeased here on luckiest first Fridays of Hindu Shravan month, she blesses supplicants with prosperity. No wonder the vibrant Mahalaxmi Temple dedicated to her overlooking the Arabian Sea draws dedicated crowds. Join locals chanting slokas within red and white temple interiors resplendent with intricate carvings before eating delicious prasad or soaking in positive energy.
Mumbai’s Green Lungs
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Ever spotted leopards prowling or spotted deer leaping while picnicking? Mumbai’s green treasure – Sanjay Gandhi National Park lets you experience rich biodiversity amidst forested hills sprinkled generously around the chaos. One of India’s few protected areas within city limits, keep an eye peeled for procession of lion-tailed macaques swinging on branches amid smooth boulders sculpted by nature here!
Hanging Gardens
Gaze at the striking Queen’s Necklace shoreline in the horizon from these terraced gardens perched atop Malabar Hills. Brimming with vibrant flower beds like petunias and chrysanthemums shaped to resemble various animals, towers and arches alongside fountains, these public gardens offer soul-soothing respite with sweeping views. The perfect spot for a relaxed stroll above the din of the roaring metropolis below beckoning dreamily.
Beaches Delight
Mumbai prides in its sparkling coastline seamlessly merging with glitzy highrises along Marine Drive bay. From laidback strolls along golden sands to feasting on flavourful beach-side snacks, Mumbai’s shores entice…
Bandstand Promenade
Let the sea breeze nip at your face wandering down 1.2 kilometer stretch between Bandra Fort and Taj Land’s End for oceanfront views. Lose yourself watching crimson dusk silhouettes as the sun dips into the Arabian Sea from here. Don’t miss listening to hawkers peddling buttery corn alongside kulfi-wala dishing India’s aromatic ice-cream from traditional metal containers!
Juhu Beach Snacks
Mumbai beaches equal lip-smacking flavourfulchaat snacks! Relish chaat treats from food carts and stalls at famous Juhu beach ranging from sweet and tangy bhelpuri, panipuri and sevpuri to crunchy dahipuris bursting with kicky flavours. Top it all off with cooling ice-gola or kala khatta ice pops for the ultimate beachside foodie delight at Juhu sands.
Conclusion
Catering to myriad interests with open arms, Mumbai offers an unparalleled mélange of must-see sites. From imposing Gothic structures, sacred shrines to bustling local markets or serene green refuges..India’s most dynamic powerhouse city beckons you to experience its infectious dynamism! Enjoy all the places in the Mumbai as well as stay at the glittering 5 star hotels in Mumbai to enjoy more amazingly.
