Previously known as Bombay,
Mumbai—aside from being the country's most populous city—is India's center of
financial and commercial activities. Founded on an ancient settlement, its name
was derived from the local goddess Mumba, a type of Parvati, the consort of
Shiva and one of the main deities of Hinduism.
The city of Mumbai dishes a
unique charm, thanks to a wonderful paradox of modernity and tradition, chaos
and beauty, squalor and glamor. Dubbed as the "City of Dreams" it
offers a lot more than what most people saw in the film "Slumdog
Millionaire". Boasting a bevy of attractions from ancient temples,
historic streets, rows of magnificent Art Deco buildings to a myriad of
cultural activities, Mumbai definitely live up to its moniker of abundant
aspirations. For all the hidden gems that can be discovered in the many nook
and crannies of this city, it makes sense why travelers are rushing to find cheap air tickets to this
wonderful city. To many, Mumbai is the ideal city to start their journey to
India.
Here are some places of interests located in the city center of Mumbai. These doesn't include the other must-see places situated in the outskirts of Mumbai.
The Gateway of India
Constructed as a welcoming gesture to King George V
and Queen Mary in 1911, this 26-meter basalt archway charms visitors with its
beautiful fusion of Indo-Saracenic and Muslim architecture. Situated on the
banks of the Arabian Sea, it is a popular destination among locals and tourists
in Mumbai. The best time to come is before and during sunset.
Marine Drive Baywalk
Fancy a walking exploration of Mumbai? Then start off
at the 3.6-kilometer-long boulevard known as the Marine Drive. You can witness
the spectacular sunset of the Arabian Sea and the ageless magnificence of Art
Deco Buildings on the other site. The best time to come is also during sunset
and cap your visit with a feast of Mumbai's street food.
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
You can either stay here if you have extra travel
money to spend or just take a wonderful snap as the hotel's Renaissance
Architecture is a photogenic subject. The pattern and design of the windowed
facade of Taj Mahal Palace Hotel make it as a popular tourist destination.
Afterward, you can also check the hotel's colonial-styled restaurant or enjoy
an afternoon tea at Sea Lounge.
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
The beautiful house where Gandhi used as his local
headquarters from 1917 until the 1930s, is now transformed into an interesting
museum. Today, it displays various Gandhi-related mementos such as old
photographs, documents, paintings depicting Gandhi's life and other historical
items.
Haji Ali Dargah Mosque
Haji Ali is one of the most renowned Muslim pilgrimage
site in India. Situated a thousand meters from the shoreline of the Arabian Sea
and connected only by a narrow foot path, its Indo-Islamic Architecture will
arrest your attention instantly. You can also witness how the Muslims gather
and pray inside the mosque where it also houses the tomb of Muslim Saint Pir
Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Non-Muslims are allowed entrance to the mosque.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station is
one of the few train stations with a UNESCO World Heritage Site distinction.
Said to be the world's busiest railway station, be awed not only by its
voluminous crowd of commuters, but also by its impressive Italian-Gothic
Architecture. Since its construction in 1888, it has since become the city's
foremost symbol.
The Art Deco Buildings of Mumbai
Another hidden charm of Mumbai can be seen in the many
rows of Art Deco buildings in several streets facing the Arabian Sea. Other
than Art Deco, you can also see other structures designed with Victorian,
Gothic and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles. For lovers of Architecture, a
stroll in the streets of Mumbai will definitely bring an uncanny visual
pleasure.
The Outdoor Laundromat of Dhobi Ghat
If you want to get a glimpse of a local way of life, then
you must visit the Dhobi Ghat. Known as the world's largest open-air
laundromat, this is where more than 8,000 residents belonging to Dhobi
families, can be seen washing clothes, bed sheets and linens, pillow cases,
hospital uniforms and more, and hanging them all out in the open air. The
Dhobis are known to have been earning from this form of livelihood for many
decades dating back to the British rule.
These are just some of the many
places to see in Mumbai. Flying to this city is very easy as Mumbai Airport is
one of the busiest in India and fly to and from many destinations. Travelers
can easily find affordable airfares online, so you should try scouting one for
yourself now.
Check out the map guide below:
