Mumbai formerly known as Bombay is one of the most visited cities around the world. It boasts of a dazzling range of experiences, from their mouth-watering local delicacies to their mesmerizing historical architectural structures like the iconic Gateway of India. Where people come to get good luck in betting. It is also the home of India’s leading film industry – Bollywood. This is the best destination for family vacations, holidays, a weekend away and many other adventurous activities. So, if you are planning on visiting this City of Dreams, then you have come to the right place. We have selected 10 different activities that you can do while on your vacation in Mumbai. They include:
Visit the Elephant Island
The rock-cut temples on Gharapuri are a Unesco World Heritage Site which is believed to have been created between AD 450 and 750. The temples in this area stand out with fine artwork, pillars, shrines, courtyards, and halls. It also has the three-faced, 6-meter tall statue of Sadhashiva – represented as the destroyer, creator and preserver. This place is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm and is closed on Mondays. You will find many tour guides ready to provide you with exclusive services on arrival.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
It is not only the central train terminus in Mumbai that attracts visitors, but also the Gothic building that leaves many people in awe. The design of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is unique and amazing to see. The building features ancient artistic styles with spires, turrets, stained glasses and domes. The brain behind this eye-catching structure was Frederick Stevens and was completed in 1887. Though it was changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in 1998, many locals still refer to it as VT.
Relax at the Marine Drive
The Marine Drive stretches from the north of Nariman Point to the popular Chowpatty beach. This 3.6km long road is the best place to relax or go for a morning walk or watch the sunset over the Arabian sea while on your trip. You will also enjoy a spectacular view at night with the lit coastline and hawkers selling tea and cigarettes throughout the time. There is no better way to enjoy the immersive sound waves and the view of the skyline than at Mumbai Marine Drive.
Shop at Colaba Causeway
You cannot visit Mumbai and leave without visiting Colaba Causeway. This is the shopper’s paradise for this popular city. Besides the wide variety of clothes, you will also find amazing home decor items like curios, lampshades, and many other antiques at affordable prices. In case you want to fill your belly, there are numerous restaurants and cafes to quench your thirst. This town is also the link between the Old Woman’s Island and Colaba. If you are a movie fan, you can spend some time at the Regal Cinema and refresh your memory with classic blockbuster films.
Taj Mahal Palace
This is another popular landmark that lures many tourists to Mumbai. The architect of the Taj Mahal Palace combines the Islamic and Renaissance designs to produce a state of the art hotel. This building was constructed by JN Tata back in 1903 after he was dissed for being ‘native’. It was brought down by fire in the 2008 terrorist attacks but was later reopened in 2010 on Independence Day. What is interesting is that the history of the Taj Mahal is very significant to the nation at large.
Explore the Sanjay Gandhi National Park
What a beauty to have a national park within a city! Sanjay Gandhi is located between Mumbai and Thane. Most people love this site because of its relaxing and chilling environment. It is most preferred for picnics and weekend aways. The National Park is home to popular wild animals like leopards, lions, macaques, flying fox, boars, and many others. Visiting this park also gives you the chance to enter more than two thousand years old Kanheri caves. Also, it has two man-made lakes that supply water to the city and suburbs. The densely populated forest serves as the second lung to the city as it purifies the air.
Fun-riding at Essel World
Located in Gorai, Essel World is one of the best amusement parks in India. It sits on 64 acres and is frequently visited by locals and foreigners. Visitors can opt to spend day or night at the Essel World and enjoy all the goodies that lie within. With visually appealing landscapes, these amusement parks have featured in several movies and TV series. This park is open to the public from Monday to Friday, between 10 am and 7 pm.
Mount Mary Church
Embark on a pilgrim to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount when you visit Mumbai. This Roman Catholic Church is built on top of a hillock 262 feet high. It stands out like a rare diamond to admire. Many people who visit this site are always in need of peace and tranquility. You will find several shops selling church items like prayer books, rosaries as well as fresh flowers. This stone-curved basilica has stood as an icon in Mumbai for centuries and still attracts hundreds of thousands of believers.
Jehangir Art Gallery
If you love fine art, then you cannot leave Mumbai without visiting the Jehangir Art Gallery. It is located in Kalaghoda and is home to some of the best masterpieces in India. This amazing structure was funded by Cowaji Jehangir, hence its name. This center has received people from all classes who love aesthetically beautiful artwork. It has four halls, with state of the art facilities to enhance visual art. It is free to enter the gallery from 11 am to 7 pm.
Mumbai Film City
Would you like to say hi to your favorite Bollywood actors? Then you should not forget to check-in at Film City. It seats on a 520-acre piece of land and hosts around 20 modern indoor studios. This city has produced more than 900 movies and many more are still being released. You can learn a few tricks that are used in films and movies when you visit Mumbai Film City.