Mumbai is popularly known as the city where dreams are made. From billionaires to the suburban slums, the famous Vada pav and sevpuri, Mumbai is truly unique. While planning a trip to Mumbai, make sure you visit the right places to have the best experience. Even the best Mumbai hotels give you a special feeling with their unique structure and ambience. The jam-packed railway platforms and the Dabbawalas are something that every tourist must experience. Visit the right places and rest-assured, you will fall in love with this city.
Be it with family or friends, being touristy is a lot of fun. Taking in the city’s local experiences, is a joy like none other. There are a few places that you just cannot miss when you visit Mumbai. Here are the top 10 places you must visit in Mumbai:
1. Gateway of India:
Of course, this is the first thing that pops into anybody’s mind when they hear about Mumbai. Built in 1924 by George willet in honour of King George the fifth, this place must be visited during sunrise or sunset. During this time, the cool sea breeze hits you and takes you into your own zone. Located right next to the Taj mahal palace and facing the Arabian sea, this place will leave you spell-bound. You can also take a ferry ride to take in the stupendous view of this monument. Better yet, you can visit this monument free of cost. Not a penny spent but thousands of spectacular views to carry along with you.
2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park:
Stretching over an area of 104sq.km, this is one of the most-visited national parks in the Asian subcontinent. With a wide range of fun activities, this is the best place to visit with your family. From watching the big cats in the safari to boating in the lake, this park has got your day covered for you.
Don’t mistake this place to be suited only for kids, this park also gives you the opportunity to take the forest road and hike towards the Gandhi Tekdi. While you’re out in the wild hiking, the kids will have the time of their life in the toy train. For people who want to meditate, they can move towards the undisturbed Jain temple and have some quite time. All this and more just for a price less than INR 100. Amazing,isn’t it?
3. Red carpet wax museum:
Do you think wax museums are only popular abroad? I guess not. In this spectacular museum, you will have the opportunity to get your photos clicked with life-like replicas of Barack Obama or even Michael Jackson. Who wouldn’t want to strike a pose with legend himself? Strike poses, have fun, upload them on your Instagram accounts and make your friends jealous. Exhibiting life-like figures of famous icons from all fields including science and sports, this is a fun 2hour outing with your friends and family.
4. Haji Ali Dargah:
One of the most religious shrines constructed in Mumbai, this Dargah is built right in the middle of the Arabian sea. Housing the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah, this grand edifice is made of white marbles and exudes the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The main attraction of this place is the walk through the case-way connecting the Dargah to the Lala Rajput Rai Marg. Feel the spirituality flow through your veins as you take in the wonderful structure and beauty of this shrine along with the panoramic view of the open sea.
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5. Elephant caves:
This is the UNESCO World heritage site in Mumbai. You will surely be awestruck after viewing the massive rock cut caves. It is definitely going to be a lot to take in. they have five caves dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and two caves describing Buddhist architecture. These caves are an hour away from the gateway of India in a ferry. Those who cannot climb their way through the caves have the option of sitting in a toy train that will take you around.
6. Siddhivinayak Temple:
This is one of the most frequently visited temples in Mumbai. Dedicated to the Lord Ganesh devotees all around India, people flock here in thousands to attain the blessings of the Lord. The idol of Ganesh is carved out in a single black stone with the trunk bent towards its right leaving you mesmerized. This is a home for all the spiritual souls out there.
7. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus:
This is yet another UNESCO world heritage site located right in the heart of Mumbai. Built in 1880, this Victorian architecture will leave you spell-bound. You will see families clicking photographs in front of it, do not miss out on your opportunity. This place has your hunger-pangs covered. Offering lip-smacking street food from Vada Pavs to the restaurants offering exquisite buffets.
8. Nehru Centre:
Definitely an ideal place to visit if you have kids. This is an educational centre that conducts cultural as well as educational programs. You can stargaze with your kids at the sky theatre and have a memorable time. With the other attractions like the miniature galaxy and the gigantic library, your kids are sure to get energized and go into their own happy zone.
9. KidZania:
Do not mistake this place to be just for the little ones. Parents have a lounge that offers some delicious food so you can pamper yourself while your kids are having fun. KidZania is bound to bring out the child in you. Being an indoor amusement park, this park creates a real city-like environment. From their Kidzo money to having real jobs, the kids are happy to take on some responsibility as a form of role-play.
10. Taraporewala Aquarium:
This is India’s oldest aquarium. This place is a host to millions of marine and freshwater fishes including coral fishes. It also has an Oceanarium that gives you the feel of strolling under the sea with exotic marine life above your head. This aquarium is the ideal combination of education and entertainment.
To sum up
These are just some among the many places to visit in Mumbai. If you have a short vacation planned and are time bound, these 10 places are ones you just cannot miss out on. you are guaranteed to have a spectacular experience.
