Lights, camera, action… these three words most accurately describe the scintillating city of dreams. Home to the biggest and the most unapologetically ostentatious cinema industry, Bollywood, Mumbai is a galaxy of stars that shine a different light.
If you are bitten by the hitchhiker bug, feel free to get hold of a spacious knapsack, load it with mineral water and snacks and set out to explore Mumbai in all its glory. You will be surprised at the beautiful architecture of the past that still lasts and the shopping options. Eateries are spread all over and a chilled beer is a ready companion for the weary but experimental traveller.
Listing out the Lost and the Latest Places in Mumbai
1. Gateway of India
Location: Apollo Bunder, Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg and PJ Ramchandani Marg
In ancient times, the Gateway of India was the entry point for traders. It was also the exit point of the British East India Company in 1947. Built to commemorate the arrival of Queen Mary and King George V in 1924, the Gateway offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea and is lit up at night to add to the splendour.
What’s really interesting is the quirky play of light at different angles of lights that illuminate the structure. A 180-degree view showcases red, blue, yellow, and green lights-a visual delight. Around the Gateway are the Yacht Club and the Taj Mahal Hotel. If you manage to sneak into the Taj Mahal hotel, you will be astounded at the elegance of the interiors. Trust us on this one.
2. Colaba Causeway
Location: Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg
Set foot into this shopper’s haven, dotted with eateries, and you will be looking at one of the most posh areas of Mumbai. Drop in to Leopold Café for a beer and fish n’ chips or huddle into the adjacent Café Mondegar that has a juke box on display that also plays pop, country, or classic music.
Shopping Tip: A must visit if you love oxidized junky jewellery.
3. Kala Ghoda
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Road
The Kala Ghoda Arts festival, held every year in the first week of February for nine days showcases creative renditions of arts from across and around. Several stalls display a kaleidoscopic mix of articles, mostly handicrafts, for sale. Architectural delights spelled out include David Sasson Library, Rajabai Clock Tower, Prince of Whales Museum, The National Gallery of Modern Art, and the Kenneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue.
Travel-time Tip: If you are planning a trip to Mumbai, first week of February will be the best time. The humidity is yet to set in and the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a definite attraction.
4. Victoria Terminus
Location: Ahead of Crawford Market
Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2004, this place is the epitome of Victorian Gothic architecture. It is the headquarters of Mumbai’s Central Railway. The most common visual of Mumbai in Indian cinema.
5. Haji Ali Mosque
Location: Worli
The dargah is known for its pious ambience and the long stretchy causeway, semi-submerged in water that leads to it. It is said that during high tide, the causeway completely submerges in water and one has to wait till the water subsides to cross. We suggest that you pay a visit to Haji Ali for sure. It is truly a life-changing experience.
6. Marine Drive
Location: Netaji Subhash Chandra Road
Marine Drive boasts of a promenade that stretches from Nariman Point to Malabar Hill and the entire stretch when lit up with bulbs resembles a necklace. This visual gives the place its famous tag of “Queen’s Necklace”. Fitness freaks should definitely go for a run on the breezy promenade and if you don’t like to tread the path, simply go for a tonga ride to Marine Drive that is quite a delight.
7. Mahalaxmi Temple
Location: Mahalaxmi
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Super crowded, especially on weekends, but worth a visit. Located close-by is the famous Mahalaxmi Race Course. Horse racing anyone?
8. Crawford Market
Location: Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Rd & Lokmanya Tilak Road, North of Victoria Terminus
Built on the official orders of Sir Arthur Crawford, the Market houses a plethora of shops that sell everything under the sun. From imported fruits to leather goods, you are bound to never take your eyes off this place. Don’t forget to bargain and bargain hard. To the west of Crawford Market lies the famous Zaveri Bazaar. The Bazaar is popular spot to buy diamonds. Ladies, this is the place to go. NOW!!!
9. Bandra Carter Road
Location: Bandra
Bandra’s Carter Road is renowned for its promenade that is never deserted. Overlooking the calm recesses of the Arabian Sea, the spot is a favourite with fitness freaks who people it day in and day out for walks. A walk on the promenade in the evening guarantees that you will spot a movie or a TV actor. Try your luck. The famous Jogger’s Park is also situated on Carter Road. Aamir Khan, Rishi Kapoor, Imran Khan, and Ranbir Kapoor stay a stone’s throw away. Many places to eat right opposite the promenade.
10. Bandra Band Stand
Location: Bandra
A short auto-rickshaw ride away from Carter Road, Band Stand is famous for Shahrukh Khan’s mansion, Mannat, Salman Khan’s Galaxy Tower, and Hotel Taj Land’s End. Swishing waves, numerous folks, and people hanging around to catch a glimpse of the King Khan. Dreamy.
11. Juhu Beach
Location: Juhu Tara Road, Juhu
Juhu Beach, a favourite with all who come to Mumbai. Cool breeze, bhelpuri, sweet corn, and the delicious kala khatta, you name it and its all sold here. A visit to this prominent spot is a must.
12. Borivali National Park
Location: Borivali
A natural respite within the concretized reality of Mumbai. Located in suburban Mumbai, Borivali National park is full of greenery and is a popular picnic spot. Best time to visit is at dawn.
13. Film City
Location: Goregaon
Constructed in 1978, Film City is a must visit. A sneak peak into the makings of cinema is an experience in itself. Ideal time to go is obviously when a shoot is on. If you are a Bollywood fan, you can also pay homage to Yash Raj Studios in Andheri.
14. Elephanta Caves
Location: Off Mumbai Coast
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have to hire a boat to ferry you to the Elephanta Islands. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the caves contain some magnificent examples of sculpture.
Places to See around Mumbai
15. Lonavala
A 1.5-hour drive from Mumbai, this is your first stop to eternal respite. A perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai with your loved one.
Love Tip: Just whisk her away on a bike and surprise her with a weekend full of togetherness.
16. Khandala
A few kilometers away from Lonavala, this hilly haven is a place to visit for sure. Peaceful, beautiful, and simply enchanting. A full view of the surrounding hills can promise a truly sublime experience. Don’t forget to carry some delicious peanut chikki back with you.
17. Alibaug
Just a ferry-ride away from Mumbai, this innocent place houses simplicity at its best. Rent cheap accommodation close to the beach; crash in there with your buddies for the weekend for unlimited fun.
18. Matheran
The most interesting thing about Matheran is the route to it: winding roads, circumference the Western Ghats. Once you get there (a perfect driving experience for the adventurous soul), don’t forget to indulge in several sessions of horseback riding.
19. Wai
A short distance away from Mahabaleshwar, Wai is known for its pleasant weather, kolhapuri chappals, and great Rajasthani sarees. You will be surprised by what all you can shop for here.
20. Panchgani
Known for its great boarding schools, Panchgani is an ideal vacation spot. Famous for horse riding, this place always has beautiful weather. Good spot to buy leather shoes from shops hidden in alleys. Aamir Khan has a bungalow in Old Panchgani that is given on rent for film shoots.
21. Mahabaleshwar
A 6-hours drive from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is most famous for its delicious strawberries. Feel free to delve into the sweet-n-sour taste of these beaded fruity beauties for a taste of the place. Plenty of tourist spots to visit.
22. Pune
It takes just 3 hours to reach Pune from Mumbai via the fabulous Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai express highway. A mini metro in its own right, the city is famous for its colleges, spacious residential colonies, and melt-in-the-mouth baked goods. Don’t forget to get a bagful of Wine Biscuits on your way back.
23. Nasik
A 7-hours drive from Mumbai, Nasik is known for its oranges and delicious Alphonso mangoes during summers. Another delight for wine connoisseurs is the Sula Vineyards. Book yourself a stay for a few days for a complete experience. Best suited when you are on a romantic holiday.
Don’t forget to carry this travel essentials list along on your trip to Mumbai and around.
Preeti Singh
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