Attractions/ Day Trips
Mumbai, which was previously known as Bombay, is not only a major metropolitan city of India, but also the business capital of India. With an area of 440 sq km, it houses more than 13 million people. India's largest Stock Exchange, which is the third largest in the world, is also located here. It also has the most busiest and largest port, which handles the majority of India's foreign trade. Picture of Mumbai cannot be completed without mentioning Bollywood, the biggest Indian film industry that churns out hundreds of Hindi blockbusters every year. This has also made Mumbai's fashion a trendsetter for the entire country.
Gateway of India
Built in 1911 to welcome the King and Queen of England, this stone archway was designed by George Wikket. It is now most famous historic landmark in Mumbai. It got this name as this tower welcomed numerous viceroys and governors to India as they disembarked from their steamers.
Flora Fountain
Located in the heart of Bombay's business district, this stately, ornate fountain in Martyr's Square was built in 1869, in honor of Sir Henry Bartle and Edward Frere. It is located at a junction of five streets. The fountain has figure of the Roman Goddess of Flowers, Flora, at the top, hence the name, Flora Fountain.
Haji Ali
This spectacular white mosque is located off shore, in the Arabian Sea and houses the remains of the Muslim saint Haji Ali. During high tide the walkway to the mosque is submerged in the sea and it can be visited only during low tide.
Mahalaxmi Temple
This temple houses three beautiful images of Hindu Goddesses, Laxmi, Saraswati and Mahakali. These idols are made of gold. During 'Navratras', this temple has an extra festive spirit as large numbers of devotees come to offer coconut, flowers and sweets to the goddesses.
Chowpatty Beach
This beach is situated on the Marine Drive and it is famous for its Indian fast foods, 'bhelpuri' and 'panipuri'. The action starts at night at this famous beach, which is lined with vendors, entertainers and children's rides.
Juhu Beach
This is the most popular beach in Mumbai and is 30 kms away from the heart of Mumbai. It is a long stretch of sandy beach from Santacruz to Vile-Parle. On weekend afternoons and evenings it comes alive with children's rides, carnival-like amusements and food stands. This is a very popular beach for picnic.
Marine Drive
This is a famous road bordering the Arabian Sea. It is a popular spot for watching sunsets, and looks stunning when lit up at night.
Nehru Planetarium
Built as a tribute to Nehru, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, this science museum is located in Worli. It includes a planetarium, art gallery, library, cultural center and a permanent, 14-gallery exhibit called Discovery of India. The sky-show at the planetarium is very interesting. With its narration, sound effects and slide projections, it combines entertainment with education.
Prince of Wales Museum
Built in 1904 and designed in the Indo-Saracen style of architecture, this dome-topped museum is surrounded with beautiful gardens. It has a priceless collection of art, sculpture, china and other antics.
Victoria Gardens
These botanical gardens have a beautiful gateway with large stone elephant at the entrance. They have a very interesting collection of flora and fauna.
Around Mumbai
Not very far from Mumbai are two places, which should not be missed by any tourist. The Elephanta Caves are located on an island about 10 Kms from the Gateway of India. These caves consist of temples carved from rock that date back to the 7th century. It houses the famous three-headed bust of Lord Shiva, popularly known as "Trimurti". You can reach there by taking a ferry from Gateway of India. The other place that should not be left unseen is the twin Hill resorts of Khandala and Lonavala. Situated at top of Western Ghats on Mumbai-Pune highway, their beauty is increased during monsoons when the clouds cover them and several gushing waterfalls can be seen from the lush green hills.
Last Updated on : 30 June 2011
