To everyone who lives in Mumbai, it is a magical city with a vibe that cannot be felt anywhere else. Mumbai does have something about it! Housing India’s most prolific film industry; some of Asia’s biggest slums as well as world’s most expensive homes along with the largest tropical forest in an urban area, the city truly mirrors the diversity that India is known for. There is something for everyone and in enough quantity to blow one’s mind up! Without further ado, let me share with you a list of top 10 places to visit in Mumbai, so in case you are planning a trip to this action packed city, you do not miss out even on one aspect of it.

1.Gateway of India:

One of the most distinguished monuments in Mumbai; The Gateway of India was built in 1924 and has become a popular tourist hub in the city. The monument overlooks the Arabian Sea in the most beautiful way.

2.Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus:

This Victorian Gothic style edifice is situated in the heart of Mumbai City. Just like the Gateway of India, CST is an important landmark of Mumbai. It was declared as a ‘World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. It is also one of the busiest railway stations in Mumbai.

3.Marine Drive:

Marine Drive is a 3km long stretch that links Nariman Point to Babulnath, and is situated at the foot of Malabar Hill. Large crowds of people come to this place to stride along the walkway and to view the setting sun at dusk. Marine Drive is also referred to as ‘Queen’s necklace’, as the street lights create an illusion of a necklace, when viewed at night from an elevated point.

4.Worli Seaface:

Worli Seaface features scenic surroundings that are characterised by endless deep blue waters of the Arabian Sea and view of distant Haji Ali Dargah. It is a major residential area in South Mumbai. Extending from the Worli Fort in the north to Narayan Pujari Nagar in the south, this locality is a popular place of interest in the city. Famous for experiencing giant waves during monsoon season, it attracts locals and tourists alike.

5.Shree Siddhivinayak Temple:

Probably one of the most beautiful temples situated in Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak temple is definitely a must see in the city. Every day, more than 20000 devotees throng the temple to offer their prayers at the temple. When one visits this place, they can admire the temple’s ancient style of architecture.

6.Juhu beach:

Probably one of the most visited places in Mumbai; Juhu Beach is situated in Ville Parle. It comes to life mostly in the evening, when people from all walks of life visit here to enjoy sunset, play in the water and treat their taste buds with street food like Bhel Puri and Pav Bhaji.

7.Haji Ali:

One of the most important religious places in Mumbai. Haji Ali Dargah is truly a must-visit. The whitewashed structure is spread in an area of 4,500 meters and is flanked by marble pillars. The location of this religious shrine is another highlight; this holy place is situated in the middle of the sea and is attached to the land through a 700 yard pathway that gets submerged in water during the evening high tide.

8.Sanjay Gandhi National Park:

Situated within Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) has the distinction of being a wildlife reserve. The national park is spread over an area of 104 sq km, and is popular among wildlife and nature enthusiasts. It is also the most visited places in Mumbai, and get about two million people annually. Ashok Van and Gaumukh are the trails commonly used by the trekkers. Whereas, the View Point trail is the most ambitious one which takes you to the highest point in the park and offers a panoramic view of Mumbai and Tulsi, Vihar and Powai lakes. Barking deer, Hanuman langur, Indian flying fox, jungle owlets, golden orioles among many others can be spotted here.

9.Elephanta caves:

Situated at a 10 km radius from Gateway of India is one of the major tourist places in Mumbai, the Elephanta Caves. The caves are said to be one of the oldest rock cut structures in the country and is a perfect example of archaic Indian art associated to the cult of Lord Shiva. It is reckoned that the caves were adorned with sculptures between in 6th or the 8th century. The three-headed Shiva sculpture called Maheshmurti is the main attraction of this island. Apart from it the other sculptures of Shiva like ‘Shiv Nataraja’ and ‘Ardhanarishvara’ forms are also worth seeing.

10.Crawford market:

Crawford Market is another popular shopping spot in Mumbai. It was the main wholesale market till 1966 and was spread in 72000 sq. yards. It is a place for those who want to savour different flavours as the market is replete with an array of dazzling fruits, vegetables and poultry along with aromas of the fresh cheese and homemade chocolate.

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