Amidst the humdrum of Mumbai, many miss the spectacular places in Mumbai. Mumbai although is a modern city has got its own history. There are many places shaped by this history that leave an imprint in the hearts of the people.

Let us look at a few best places in Mumbai :

Marine Drive

Mumbai has many beaches, but this particular place has a special place. It is a peaceful place amidst the city where you can see sprawling sea ahead of you and a bustling city behind you. You can spend hours sitting at Marine Drive watching the sunset. Marine Drive looks even beautiful after the sunset with city light reflecting on the sea. You can see a busy city relaxing after sunset. Though the city Mumbai never stops, post-sunset people are out for leisure time at Marine Drive. You can even see people walking here at midnight. It is popularly known as “Queens Necklace”

Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is located on Gharapuri Island about 12 Km from Gateway of India. One can easily get a ferry up to Gharapuri Island. Elephanta Caves pulled tourists from all over India and the world. It is a hectic trip to Elephanta Caves (Pro tip: Carry at least 1 L water and wear good comfortable shoes) as it has got caves located on high mountains. Once you reach atop you can see some brilliant sculptures and temples carved into the mountain rock. It has five Hindu temples and two Buddhist Stupas dated back to 2 B.C.

Haji Ali Dargha

Haji-Ali Dargha commonly known as Haji Ali is both a mosque and dargah. It houses the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. It is located off the coast in Worli.  People from all over the world and of all religions come and visit this place to see its architectural marvel. Men and women pray separately here. The monument is built on the shores of Mumbai where Pir Haji Ali Saab casket came floating as he died on his way to Mecca.

Mumba Devi Temple

Mumba Devi Temple is the temple of Goddess Mumba, the local incarnation of the Goddess Amba. It is an old temple and attracts many visitors even today. It is located in Bhuleshwar, the southern part of Mumbai. The name “Mumbai” was derived from this particular deity. Although the temple is in a deteriorating state but visited by thousands of pilgrimages.

Gateway of India

Gateway of India is a monument built in the 12^th century. It was built when King George V and Queen Mary visited India during British rule. The fun part was that it was not erected before the arrival of the King and Queen, only a cardboard structure was completed. Only after a few years, the foundation stone of Gateway of India was led and the construction began. This arch- the monument is a very famous photography spot.

Juhu Beach

There are more than fifteen beaches in Mumbai and although all of them are worth visiting Juhu beach is very popular as across it, many Bollywood celebrities lives. It stretches up to 6 km from Khar to Versova. Street food like Bhelpuri, Pani Puri, and Paav bhaji can be relish while walking on the beach.

Maharashtra Nature Park

Maharashtra Nature Park is a Garden near Dharavi village. It is a 37-acre unique park located near Mahim, also known as Mahim Nature Park. Maharashtra nature park is home to much unique flora and fauna. More than 14,000 species of vegetation, 120 varieties of birds, over 75 kinds of butterflies, and a large population of reptiles can be found here.  This place was once a dumping ground for the city Mumbai but was converted into a forest by the efforts of Worldwide Fund (WWF) of Nature and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority.  Bird watchers must visit this place in Mumbai.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park spreads in 82 sq Km situated in the northern part of Mumbai. On the edge of the national park lie cities of Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, Dahisar, and Thane. It is one of the most visited National Parks in Maharashtra. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a home to different species of Deer, birds, leopards, lions, and tigers. It is called the lungs of Mumbai City as it clears the pollution of the city also helps it remain cool.               

Arey Forest

Arey Forest lies towards the south of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The forest is spread in about 1300 hectares of area. It is the largest forest area situated inside any metropolitan city. Arey Forest is home to Arey Milk colony where about 5 6 tribal inhabitants still live in its 27 hamlets or “padas”

Kanheri Caves

Kanheri Caves are located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali. They were once inhabited by the monks. About 118 monolithic caves are there dated back to the 1st century. The work Kanheri means Kanha Nagari which translates to the house of Krishna. Inside the Kanheri caves, you can find a prayer hall, stupas, shrines, and many Buddhist sculptures.

Hanging Garden

Hanging Garden also known as Pherozshah Mehta Garden is located in Malabar Hill. The name hanging garden came about as the garden lies atop of mountain. Hanging garden was built in the 1881 by Ulhas Ghopkar. The hanging garden offers amazing views of sea during sunrise and sunset. It lies opposite to Kamla Nehru Park.

Jahangir Art Gallery

Jahangir Art Gallery is located in Kalaghoda. Jahangir Art Gallery is a prime location for artists to showcase their arts. It is the most famous gallery in Mumbai where many artists aspire to showcase their art. Along with it, it also hosts many workshops, seminars throughout the year that attracts a lot of budding artists. The most famous festival in the city known as the Kala Ghoda festival is hosted by this gallery. It has a major contribution to the development of contemporary art in the city.

Mount Mary Church

Mount Mary Church is a Roman Catholic Church located in Bandra. The statue of the Virgin Mary inside the Church dates back to 16^th Century. The statue was disfigured in 1700 by some Arab Pirates. Later along with the whole structure, in 1760 the statue was replaced and it has been the same Statue ever since. It is said that a Koli fisherman dreamt that they can find a statue inside the sea. After which the statue was found floating in the sea. Because of this legend both Hindu and Christian Koli people visit the Church to offer prayers.

Madh Island

Madh Island has located about 23 Km from the Mumbai airport. It is a quick getaway for a weekend. It has a unique Portuguese style architecture of houses. Across the island, Madh Fort is there where the shooting of many Bollywood films have also happened. 

Film City

The film city is a studio complex that was built by the state government in 1977. It is located in Goregaon. Some of its portions lie in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It has got all the locations required for a film like houses, temples, prisons, courts, etc. It was named Dada Saheb Phalke Nagar in 2001 in the memory of Dada Saheb Phalke the father of Indian Cinema. The film city was planned under the guidance of V Shantaram, the famous film director.

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus also known as CST or VT is the last station on the western side of Central Railways. The station has marvelous Italian Gothic style Architecture worth seeing. Floral arcs, murals and stone carvings are some of the highlights of the station.

Ballard Estate

Ballard Pier or Ballard Estate is a business district near Fort. Ballard is a commercial complex where lies head offices of many banks, companies, and port trust offices. The old stone buildings really make Ballard Estate stand out from the rest of the posh city. If you ever visit Ballard Pier don’t forget to visit Irani Cafe.

Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak is the most popular Temple in Mumbai. It is the temple of Lord Ganesha and is crowded throughout the week. People visit the temple in thousands of numbers. It is said to be one of the richest temples. Initially, it was built as a small structure but later it was constructed by an Agri woman Debutai Patil who was childless. The temple was built by her with an intention so that no woman ever remains infertile.

Taraporewala Aquarium

Taraporewala Aquarium is located on Marine Drive. It is one of the oldest aquariums in the city. This aquarium is maintained by the Department of fisheries. It has sixteen seawater tanks and nine freshwater tanks. The aquarium had a 180-degree acrylic glass tunnel.

Red Carpet Wax Museum

The Red Carpet wax Museum is one of its kind in India. It’s a great experience to stand with your favorite celebrity wax statues like Obama, brad Pitt or Harry potter. It’s not to miss the place. Click the pic with your favorite one and get enthralled.

Powai Lake

The Powai Lake is a man-made lake situated in Powai city. The city got its name “Powai” after this lake. The total area of the lake is around 6.6 kilometers with varying depth from 3 to 12 meters. A Padmavati Devi’s temple lies on the bank of the lake. Powai lake is the best place to enjoy the beautiful sunset and to chill out.  

Iskon Temple Mumbai

ISKCON Temple, Mumbai is also known as Sri Radha Rasabihari Ji Temple is located in Juhu zone, Mumbai. The temple is spread on four acres of land and lies near to Juhu Beach. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the organizer Acharya of ISKCON (otherwise called the Hare Krishna Movement) propelled the development of one of India’s most lovely sanctuary of Lord Krishna in Mumbai. The other presiding Deities at the sanctuary are Sri Gaura-Nitai, Sri Radha Rasabihari and Sri Ram Parivar. The temple is visited by a large number of devotees during Janmashtami and festive seasons.

Global Vipasanna Pagoda

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Hall close to Gorai. The Pagoda is a recent establishment inaugurated in the year 2009. The pagoda is a landmark of harmony and congruity. The state of the pagoda is similar to the Shwedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda) in Yangon, Myanmar. The focal point of the Global Vipassana Pagoda is that it contains the world’s biggest stone arch worked with no supporting columns. The stature of the arch is around 29 meters.

 Bandra Bandstand

Bandstand is basically a 1.2 kilometer long walkway along sea side in Bandra. Bandra bandstand is also known by the name bandstand promenade. Bandstand is a spot for hangouts, jogging and a park to enjoy. This is one of the most famous spots in South Mumbai especially for couples.                

Alibaug

Alibaug is a coastal town in Raigad district that is famous for its beaches. The distance from Mumbai to Alibaug is 96km. Anyone can easily reach them in less than 3hr. People come to Alibaug to enjoy beaches between November and March as the sun is not too harsh at that time. Alibaug is a famous tourist spot as the beaches are clean here and high tide and low tide is a beautiful scenario to watch. If you are the one who loves beaches, visit Alibaug once.

New Bombay

New Bombay situated across the Vashi Creek. It is connected to Mumbai via Vashi Bridge. New Bombay or commonly called as Navi Mumbai is a well planned city that hardly faces any flood or sewage problems that are common in Mumbai.  It comprises of Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, Kharghar, Kamothe and Panvel areas.

JNPT

Jawaharlal Nehru Port commonly known as JNPT is located towards the east of Mumbai port in Nhava Sheva, Navi Mumbai.  It is the largest container handling post in India. One can reach JNPT via road from Vashi or via ferry directly to Colaba in half an hour.

Karnala Track

This fort is located in Raigad district, 10km far from Panvel. The route to Karnala fort is majestic and filled with scenic beauty as you have to travel through the forest of Karnala bird sanctuary to reach it. (Tip- carry water bottles with you as  there is no source of water up there ) .The Karnala fort has a height of 439 meters and this is a perfect place to enjoy beautiful nature from a height. March and April’s months are the best to visit Karnala as the temperature is not that harsh at that time of year.

Prithvi Theatre

Prithvi theatre is one of the oldest theatres of Mumbai situtaed in Juhu. Shashi kapoor build it in memory of his late father Prithviraj Kapoor. Prithvi theatre promotes all kind of theatre related arts like poetry, films, plays, small music concerts in various languages and artist from all over India perform here. (pro tip- avoid Monday because it’s closed on mondays). There is small café “Prithvi cafe” next to Prithvi theatre which attracts people. Prithvi cafe serves the best Irish coffee and Mumbai’s famous cutting chai in the city.

Mohammed Ali Road

Mohammad Ali road is a heaven for every nonvegetarian lover situated around the historic Minara Masjid. You can reach there by taking a short 10 min walk from Masjid Bandar or Sandhurst road railway station. During the holy month of Ramadan, people flocked from all over Mumbai for lip-smacking delicacies. It serves nearly 400 different non-veg dishes and 100 variants of desserts.