Places To Visit In Mumbai: Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the fishing community inspired the name ‘Mumbai’. ‘Mumba’ is the name of the goddess and ‘ai’ is mother. Mumbai is the state capital of Maharashtra and the economic center of India. It is the home to people from different backgrounds and conditions. In spite of these differences, Mumbai has always proved its unity by its people and their undying spirit of togetherness. The city formerly called Bombay is packed with UNESCO landmarks, a melting pot of culture, and an incredible wealth of history, having been shaped and influenced by indigenous Indians and colonial Portuguese and British rule to become the unique city that it is.
Places To Visit In Mumbai
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Delhi who visited the country for their official coronation as the Emperor and Empress of India. The foundation stone for the same was laid in the year 1911 by Sir George Sydenham Clarke.
The structure is an arch made of basalt, 26 meters (85 feet) high. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. The Gateway was later used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to India for the Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay.
It served to allow entry and access to India.
Opposite to this beautiful landmark of Mumbai also stands a statue of Shivaji that has historical significance. Shivaji was a king who resorted to guerilla warfare so that his Maratha Empire could be established. He wanted to set up his empire in the Sahyadri mountain range so that it stands as a symbol of pride and courage that the empire strongly reflected in those times. The statue of Shivaji was unveiled on Republic day in 1961.
Gateway of India is one of the most important landmarks in Mumbai and primarily a top attraction on every tourist’s list thanks to its grandeur and undying charm. This one is a must Place To Visit In Mumbai.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station, in Mumbai, is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India,
blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. Another great attraction is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus that is visited by millions of people.
This terminus was also built during the British rule and the construction of the same started in 1787 that went on till 1887.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) building is the expression of British, Italian, and Indian architectural planning and its use for Indian Railways. The entire building retains entire structural integrity. Its facade, outer view, and usage are original. The premise of the building is a strictly protected area maintained by Indian Railways.
The Asiatic Society
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai is one historical building that has been a photographer’s delight for all kinds of shoots for many years. It of Mumbai is a learned society in the field of Asian studies based in Mumbai, India. It can trace its origin to the Literary Society of Bombay which first met in Mumbai on November 26, 1804, and was founded by Sir James Mackintosh.
The society has a library that houses at least a hundred books and 15,000 books out of them have been classified as valuable and rare. Apart from the many books it also has many artifacts and manuscripts in Persian, Prakrit, and also Sanskrit that are all ancient.
The reason why it is one of the most important tourist attractions of Mumbai is also that it takes pride in being one of the oldest literary societies in the country. There are other societies like the Geographical and the Anthropological Societies of Bombay but they are merged with the Asiatic society.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Bandra-Worli sea link also known by the name Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link is a famous eight-lane cable-stayed bridge adorning the arc of Mumbai’s coastline. It is one of the first projects that is an achievement of the Maharashtra Government which initiated the West Island Freeway System. The Bandra Worli Sea link is another place of interest that most tourists want to visit and view. This sea link has added a feather to the charm of this city.
This bridge has been built beautifully over the Arabian Sea and it was started in 2000 that got completed in 2010. This bridge has helped in saving a lot of time for the passengers who travel from Bandra to Worli and vice versa. The bridge becomes even more spectacular at night when the lights are all lit up and you see a completely new look of the place. It is an absolutely perfect place to capture some lovely moments with their friends and family while you are on a drive with them. This is one of the Best Places To Visit In Mumbai.
Mount Mary Church
Located on a small hillock at about 80 meters above sea level in Bandra, the queen of suburbs, Mount Mary Church is the most beautiful church in Mumbai. The view from the church is extremely beautiful too, as one can see the Arabian sea from here and the Mumbai skyline from the backyard. Another great attraction is the Mount Marcy Church which is called the Basilica of Our Lady Mount situated in the westerns suburbs of Mumbai. This church is highly significant not just for Christians but also for people who belong to different faiths and religions.
The local Marathi Christians call Mount Mary Basilica by the name Maulicha Dongar, which translates into ‘Hill of the Mother’ in the Marathi language, and the shrine of Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus is called Pearl Mother or ‘Moti Mauli’ where ‘Moti’ means Pearl and ‘Mauli’ translates to Mother.
The history of Mount Mary Church dates back to the sixteenth century when a Jesuit Priest wanted to construct an oratory devoted to the Virgin Mary. This was done around 1570 when the very first structure of the oratory was built out of the mud on a hillock in Bandra, that overlooked the Arabian Sea.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is one of the best places in Mumbai. This place of interest is what defines Mumbai in the best possible way. Popular for being an island city, Marine Drive is a long stretch that has been made by the Arabian Sea and it stretches up to 3.5 km. Marine Drive is officially named “Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road’.
The area is a stunning sight at dusk. The perfectly lined palm trees offer visitors an enthralling experience. The road is also referred to as ‘Queen’s necklace’. The street lights make the stretch appear like a string of pearls and create an illusion of a necklace.
Marine Drive has also been featured in several Bollywood movies to represent the city. Mumbai is identified by this beautiful attraction and why not, take a walk here and you will know what we are talking about. This is another spot that offers breathtaking views of the sunset. And if you happen to visit the city during Monsoons, let us tell you Marine drive just gets better with rains.
Haji Ali 
The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) located on an islet off the coast of Worli in the southern part of Mumbai. Near the heart of the city proper, the dargah is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mumbai. The Haji Ali was built by a wealthy Muslim merchant who became a saint named Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. He renounced all worldly pleasures before embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The Haji Ali Dargah was built in his honor in 1431 AD. The whitewashed structure is situated in an area of 4,500 meters and is flanked by crisp, marble pillars that are still marveled at today.
Approximately 30,000 people visit this dargah every week and ad per legends it is said that the Saint had once visited India to spread the teachings of Islam. Before he passed away, he had asked his followers to keep the coffin carrying his dead body into the sea. And today that spot is exactly where the Haji Ali stands. The Dargah has been given an Islamic architecture style and the white domes and the beautiful minarets are examples of the same.
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra. The Siddhivinayak temple was built in dedication to Ganesha who is one of the most revered Gods of Hindu religions.
Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati and is respected and worshipped before the beginning of anything auspicious. This temple is highly significant and thousands of devotees visit Siddhivinayak each day. It is said that offering your prayers at this temple will get all your wishes fulfilled and obstacles removed.
It was Constructed on 19 November 1901, the original structure of the Siddhivinayak Temple was a small 3.6 m x 3.6 m square brick structure with a dome-shaped brick shikhara. The temple was built by the contractor Laxman Vithu Patil.
It is said that Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan had once met with an unfortunate incident and injured himself during the shooting of Coolie. He had met with a grave accident and his wife Jaya Bachchan visited his temple to pray for his well-being. Amitabh Bachchan recovered and since then people have started believing this temple and its idol’s powers even more.
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Best Time To Visit Mumbai
Love it or hate it, Mumbai is an alluring city that has captured the imagination of Bollywood for years. The city where dreams can come true has a fantastic cityscape that is abutted by the sea and crashing waves all through the year. The best time to visit Mumbai is from October to February when the city has its winter. This is the perfect time for traveling and sightseeing as the weather is moderate and you can comfortably walk about the city as you explore its glory and mysteries.
Summer is not the best season to visit Mumbai as it can get hot and sweaty between March and May. The monsoon is a beautiful time to visit the city as everything gets a washed and clean look. But be warned; the rains can play spoilsport when it comes to shopping and sightseeing. But this is also when you can head out to the surrounding hills and forts for a trek.
Whether you choose to brave the extreme heat or monsoon or play it safe in winter, Mumbai will not disappoint. Its rich culture clashes beautifully with its modern side and you can enjoy all the many facets of this energetic city.
Popular Mumbai Foods
Vada Pav: Vada Pav is known as Batata Vada is Mumbai’s favorite snack, the pocket-friendly vada pav, comes to the rescue when you want something quick. Also referred to as the Mumbai vegetarian burger, vada pav consists of a spiced mashed potato mixture, which is deep-fried into a patty, packed into a white fluffy bun, and garnished with a variety of different chutneys and spices for seasoning.
Although it sounds rather simple, and it is, it’s one of the greatest-tasting vegetarian burgers you’ll likely ever eat. The chutney makes all the difference. And also, don’t miss those fried chilies on the side to give you a kick of heat and flavor.
Pav Bhaji: This specialty dish of Mumbai is made of mashed steamed mixed vegetables (mainly potatoes, peas, tomatoes, onions, and green pepper) cooked in spices and loads of butter. It is eaten with pav, which is shallow fried in even more butter and served with chopped onions. Sometimes cheese and paneer (cottage cheese) are added. People from all over India come to Mumbai to eat pav bhaji.
Pani Puri: It takes some serious street food genius to come up with something like Pani puri; Who would think to add flavored water to a circular chip that gets soggy?
The little puris are poked with a hole, half stuffed with potatoes and chickpeas, seasoned with spices, and filled with chutney and flavored water. As soon as the vendor hands you one, you’ve got to eat it on spot immediately so the puri remains crunchy, and the spice-filled water will collapse in your mouth with the potatoes and chickpeas.
Brun Maska: You may wonder how bread and butter can become such an iconic union. But it’s not merely bread and this is not merely butter. It’s Brun or Gutli Pav – a local bread that is unique to Mumbai — and it’s crisp and hard and crumbly on the outside and soft inside. The Brun is sliced and butter is applied lavishly. Some even sprinkle on quite a bit of sugar. It is usually accompanied by sweet chai (Tea). Dipping Brun Maska in chai is the only way to eat it.
Chicken Mayo Roll: Almost every school or college canteen serves it. Most single-screen cinema houses showing English movies display it during the interval. Most bakeries will have their version, neatly wrapped in cellophane, at the counter. Some grocery stores in upmarket areas stock it along with grain and rice. It’s hard to believe that plain boiled chicken doused in sweet-ish mayonnaise with a celery leaf for dressing, all wrapped up in a bread roll can be so popular in a spice-loving city.
Dosa: Even though dosas are originally from South India since Mumbai is such a melting pot of India, the dosa is also a very common street food in Mumbai.
Dosa is made from a batter of rice and urad bean flour which is lightly fermented and then fried on a hot circular plate in a thin crepe-like shape. Once it’s golden and crispy on the bottom, any number of fillings can be added to the center. The traditional version is the masala dosa, where masala potatoes are added to the dosa, and it’s served with sambar and coconut chutney on the side.
Bhelpuri: Another Mumbai street food you’ll commonly find throughout the city, especially along the busy beaches like Girgaum Chowpatty and Juhu, is bhelpuri. Although it’s common around India now with many variations, bhelpuri is one of the homegrown Indian snacks from Mumbai.
The basic recipe includes puffed rice and Sev, which are mixed together with potatoes, onions, tomatoes, again a variety of chutney, and it’s often topped with a handful of chopped cilantro. The result is a crunchy snack that’s tangy, spicy, and sweet from all the sauces, with a wonderful balance of flavor. It’s the type of Mumbai street food that once you start eating, you can’t stop.
Some Interesting Facts About Mumbai
- The First-Ever Indian Train.
- The First Indian Railway Line Constructed By a Woman.
- Mumbai is made up of Seven Islands.
- The First-Ever Indian Bus.
- The Country’s First-Ever Airport.
- A Bridge in Mumbai is Made of Steel Wire Equal to the Girth of the Earth.
- The City Ranks in the Top 5 of the World’s Largest Number of Stray Dogs.
- World’s 6th Highest Number of Billionaires.
- The Commercial and Financial Centre of India.
- The Rich / Poor Juxtaposition is Unlike Anywhere Else on Earth.
- The world’s Most Expensive House is in Mumbai.
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