Best things to do in Mumbai
The Indian metropolis of Mumbai is an interesting travel destination. As a city, Mumbai embodies almost everything India represents in general: Hinduism, Bollywood, colonial history, and traditions. Mumbai does not have as many historical monuments as some places in India, but the diversity of this city makes up for it. Mumbai is special for every visitor.
If you have never been to India, a trip to Mumbai is a must! The richest and poorest countries live side by side in cultural, historical, and spiritual contradictions. All these facets can be found in the countless attractions that make Mumbai an indispensable stopover in a trip to India. Here you can find a selection of the best things to do in Mumbai that you should not miss.
- Haji Ali Dargah, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg – Pay Your Respects
This imposing mosque is also the tomb of the Sufi saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Against the background of a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea is the Hajji Ali shrine, dedicated to the wealthy merchant who gave up his possessions and became a Sufi Muslim saint after a trip to Mecca.
Hajji Ali Dargah is located on a small island off the south coast of Mumbai, near Worli. Dargah is only accessible at ebb through a dam that is surrounded by the sea. At night, the view of the altar, illuminated in the distance only by the surrounding sea, is a divine sight. The tomb in the mosque is covered with a red and green cloth, which is supported by a refined silver frame and marble columns.
- Elephanta Caves, Gharapuri – Explore These Marvels
Northeast of the Indian Gate in the port of Mumbai, the rocky temples of Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site was carved into the rock more than 1400 years ago: the Elephanta Caves. The caves are located on an island 2 km from the port of Mumbai, which can be reached by small boats from the Gateway of India.
Elephanta Caves are dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and are generally a true masterpiece of sculpture. The main shrine of Shiva is a fascinating network of courtyards, halls, columns, and altars. Magnum Opus is a 6 m high statue of Sadhashiva, depicting a three-faced Shiva as the destroyer, creator, and supporter of the universe, whose eyes are closed in eternal contemplation.
- Vasai Fort – Hike To The Top
Planet casino India enthusiasts will also want to visit interesting casinos in Mumbai, but in this article, we will focus on the popular locations among tourists. So, we must mention a funny thing to try in Mumbai. This is the Vasai Fort.
Fort Vasai, which is militarily significant because it was used to patrol the surrounding areas of Mumbai, Thane, and Saashti. Located in the northern suburb of Vasai in Mumbai, the walls of the fort may be just ruins, but they are still good enough to marvel at the architectural masterpiece.
Once used to build ships, this fort belonged to the Portuguese army but was later overtaken by Marathi. Surrounded by the sea on all three sides, the fort is almost in ruins, except for three chapels and stone columns. A beautiful and peaceful walk on the terrace is going to be speechless.
- Marine Drive – Take An Evening Walk
If you are not sure what to do in Mumbai, take a walk along the Arabian Sea on Marine Drive. Marine Drive is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Mumbai and shows the glamor of the city. It is a boulevard along the south coast and it has approximately 3.6 km long and it is known as Chowpatty Beach.
The coastline surrounds the Arabian Sea and is the best place in Mumbai to watch the sunset or just take a walk by the sea at any time of the day or night. The entire coast, sheltered by palm trees, offers spectacular views at night. You can walk to the end of Marine Drive after sunset and see the lights shining in a perfect arc along the coast.
People come here in the evening to watch the bright sunset. It is also one of those places where it stops late at night and some vendors always sell chai and cigarettes. The sound of the waves, the view of the Mumbai skyline, and the starry sky make Marine Drive one of the most romantic places in the city.
- Bandstand – Watch The Sunset
This amazing place is one of the most popular meetings and walking places, Bandstand became famous as a romantic hotspot these days. If you are on holiday in Mumbai with your loved one, visit the stage, sit by the rocky outcrops, walk hand in hand, enjoy fresh corn and photoshoots at the sunset are some of the romantic things to do in Mumbai for couples.
“Walk of the Stars” is a part of the Bandstand Promenade dedicated to the Bollywood star. Here you can see bronze sculptures, impressions, and signatures (embossed on brass plates) of Bollywood actors. This Walk of the Stars is inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Gateway Of India – Take A Ferry Ride
Let’s continue with the most famous place in Mumbai: India Gate. The current landmark of the city was built between 1911 and 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.
The great monument of Mumbai Harbor was built to commemorate the royal visit of 1911. The vibrant street life that has formed around it makes it an excellent starting point if you are new to the city. The function of the gateway was to give the arrived ships an adequate reception and to give the noblest visitors a suitable reception.
Gateway of India is located on the southern tip of the mega-metropolis and is very busy at any time of the day, but especially in the evening. You can reach India Gate by bus, taxi or train. Also, in this place you will have the most extraordinary trip by ferry, so don’t miss it!
- Juhu Chowpatty – Indulge In Street Food
The Juhu area is one of the most luxurious areas in Mumbai and is home to many famous Bollywood and TV stars. The beach of Chowpatty Beach is not so much a classic beach for which you pack your swimsuit. This is more about socializing. Because the beach is both a local recreation area and a popular setting for Bollywood movies, it is very popular with locals.
Especially in the evening, when the food stalls squeak, life is unleashed here, and the people of Mumbai come here to eat, talk and walk. If you want to enjoy and try the culinary preparations of the city, Juhu Chowpatty is a must-visit.
This part of Juhu Beach is a lively food gallery, which includes many small food stalls and street carts. This is probably the best place to eat street food in Mumbai. Trying local delicacies like pure bhel, pure sev, pure paani, pao vada, sweet potato vada, missal pao and ragda patty is one of the interesting things to do in Mumbai to satiate your taste buds.
Conclusion
The city on seven islands is one of the oldest in India. You will find many interesting places here. Those who want to immerse themselves in the world of new impressions, enjoy the atmosphere of a big city and, at the same time, see ancient sights, should think of a trip to Mumbai.
Variety is what sets a holiday in Mumbai, India. For connoisseurs of Indian culture, architecture, and history, attractions from different directions are presented here. It is worth remembering that this is a city with an ancient history, with amazing nature and therefore, as we saw in this article, there are many places worth visiting by tourists in Mumbai.
Best things to do in Mumbai