Attractions in Mumbai

There are a few cities in the world that first-timers always are knocked off their feet by, and Mumbai is one of them. The throngs of people, extremes of poor and rich and the accompanying mansions and shanty towns, the music, the fashion, the food - you've never been to a place like this! Breathe it all in, even if the smell might not always be pleasant. A fascinating part of Mumbai's culture is the mix of religions, which has been the source of some conflict but also makes for a diverse variety of celebrations and beautiful religious buildings. One of the most beautiful buildings is the Haji Ali Dargah, a white mosque on the shore that appears to be its own island when the tide is high. You can walk out to the mosque along a cement walkway, along which there are plenty of snacks and souvenirs to be had. Or visit the Mumbadevi temple, built and dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Architecture dating back to the colonial period is also quite impressive, such as the Rajabai clock tower, which bears similarities to Big Ben, and the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the famous railway station that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are festivals year-round, religious and secular (food and art festivals are among the most fun). Since this is the home of Bollywood, there are of course film festivals galore, too, the biggest and most exciting of which is the Filmfare awards in February. If you're here then, drop by to try to catch a glimpse of India's biggest stars. And being a huge city along the shore, Mumbai also has its stretch of beaches. Along the stretch lined with luxury apartments and hotels, Juhu is one of the most popular beaches in town, and tons of vendors and families join the elite residents in the evenings. Stop down for a stroll along sunset, and try some of the delectable chaat dishes served from street stalls all along the way. What else is there to see in Mumbai? There are amusements parks (Esselworld), museums (Gandhi museum), and art galleries (Jehangir). There are water parks (Water Kingdom), golf courses (United Services Club), and enough restaurants to keep you tasting for months. Too much to see, in other words. You'll just have to come back again! Whether you call it Mumbai or "The city formerly known as Bombay", you are in the second largest city in the world. This means two things: you may get lost and you won't get bored. The city's seven islands were indigenous fishing villages under the rule of various empires for centuries. Then the Portuguese came and, after, the British East India Company. Independent in 1947, India re named the city Mumbai in 1995. Each era of political rule has left its mark on the city – there is plenty to do and plenty to see. Here are some of the highlights. To get a sense of just how different Mumbai is from, say, Chicago, visit the Elephanta caves. These caves are hand carved on an island in Mumbai Harbour, 10 KM into the water. The first set of caves is Hindu, the second Buddhist. The caves are carved with religious and cultural icons from between the 5th and 8th centuries, though who made them is still up for debate. Similar hand-carved caves can be found in Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park, at the Kanheri Caves. The Crawford Market might be a good first adventure, being located across from the Mumbai Police headquarters. Here you'll find local foods and a variety of imports. Be sure to wash and cook all your food thoroughly. While hilarious in a juvenile sort of way, dysentary is no joke. If you want the real Indian market experience, visit the Chor Bazaar. The word "chor" means "thief", though, so watch your pockets. This is one of the largest flea markets in India, where you can find bits and pieces of pre colonial history mixed in with old ship parts, art deco, british tea sets and hand made rugs all for throw away prices. Haggling is an art form here. Practice your poker face in the mirror before you set foot in the Chor. For a more scholarly experience, try the Asiatic Society of Bombay or the Nehru Planetarium. The ASB is a treasure trove of local history, housing over 15,000 rare and valuable works and 3,000 documents in indigenous languages, including Sanskrit. The Planetarium is quite modern though probably not much different than those at home. A great stop on a 'rest' day, though. Don't miss the Hanging Gardens, either. The park was built by the British in 1881 over top of the city's main reservoir. From the terraced hillside gardens you can get a gorgeous view of the sun setting over the Arabian Sea. This is also near a Tower of Silence, not a hands on destination but fascinating none the less. Marine Drive is a 2 mile boulevard along the bay. It features palm trees, fresh sea breezes, sandy beaches and local fast food. Picture Venice Beach in Mumbai. For Art Deco on the beach, only Miami has bragging rights on Mumbai. This is some of the most expensive land in the world and a popular stroll for tourists. Mumbai also boasts Victoria Gardens, a gorgeous holdover from the British fascination with botany. It can be challenging to get to, so plan on having an adventure or two on the way. Mumbai is a city of 14,000,000 people, continuously inhabited since the stone age. There is as much history here as anywhere in the world, more to see, more lives lived and more to do than most places on Earth. Put it on you bucket list, for sure.

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