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    Tourist Attractions in Mumbai

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Mumbai. Photos and a brief description.

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    About Mumbai

    Mumbai was called Bombay in the past. It stands on islands that were connected by ferries and bridges during the colonial period. The location on the coast of the Arabian Sea has allowed Mumbai to become an important transport hub of the country, including its largest port. The city is the first in India in terms of the number of inhabitants. Poverty and wealth easily get along in neighboring urban areas.

    Tourists can, if they wish, get acquainted with different sides of Mumbai. For example, Europeans often stay in Kolaba hotels and go on excursions to Dharavi – a vast slum with cramped buildings and a million inhabitants. The contrast of these areas is obvious. In terms of architecture, there was a great legacy left after the colonists left. Most of the objects have been renamed, but outwardly they have retained their initial features.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Mumbai

    India Gate

    The triumphal arch in a mixed style was built in honor of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. The work was delayed until 1925, so that the monarchs managed to see only the layout of the project. The height of the structure is about 26 meters. There are gates in the city harbor at a distance from the access road and approach close to the water. There are identical halls on the sides, each accommodating up to 600 people.

    India Gate
    Kolaba District

    Kolaba District

    It was formed as a colonial area, as it attracted Europeans for settlement. Majestic and massive mansions standing against the backdrop of skyscrapers impress visitors. Budget and decent quality hotels are popular with travelers. This part of the city is relatively quiet and there is a lot of greenery. In the evening, the streets are filled with stalls with souvenirs, clothes, jewelry.

    Marine Drive

    The embankment is built along the Back Bay. Its length is about 4 km . Wealthy people live in this area. There is also the house of the governor of the state. In 1961, an aquarium was opened on Marine Drive, which remains one of the best in India to this day. In the evening, it becomes clear why the embankment is also called the "Queen's Necklace": thousands of lights are lit, and they look like small pearls.

    Marine Drive
    Chhatrapati-Shivaji Railway Station

    Chhatrapati-Shivaji Railway Station

    The main railway station of the city was under construction for 10 years, until 1888. At the same time, the station began to work earlier. The prototype of the architect F. W. Stevens' project was the English railway station in St. Pancras. The building was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Two years later, the station, originally named after Queen Victoria, was renamed in honor of the national Indian hero.

    Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

    It has existed since the beginning of the last century. The height is 7 floors, the total number of rooms is 500. The interiors of each room are unique. European materials were used in the decoration. Gustav Eiffel partially designed the building. The hotel offers views of the Arabian Sea. There is a swimming pool in the courtyard. The Taj Mahal is home to the best restaurants in Mumbai. The place is iconic: India's independence was declared here.

    Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
    Dharavi

    Dharavi

    Slums are located in the center of the city. The population is approaching a million people. The buildings literally stand on top of each other. The density is very high, which already threatens the city with serious consequences. The area is very poor and colorful. In the past, the area was inhabited by fishermen and those who worked on mango swamps. When the reservoirs dried up, the active population left, and their shacks were occupied by migrants from other states of India.

    Dhobi Ghat

    This is the largest laundry in the world. The area is 10 hectares, there are several levels. The washing process takes up to 3 days and includes drying and ironing. There are about 700 families working in Dhobi Ghat. The father transfers skills and position to the son. The work is hard physically, so only men are involved. They beat the laundry on concrete baths, then spread it on the roofs or hang it. Irons are used only coal.

    Dhobi Ghat
    Sanjay Gandhi National Park

    Sanjay Gandhi National Park

    Bears the name of the deceased son of Indira Gandhi. The park is spread out on a hilly area, where there are about a thousand species of plants. The animal world is also diverse. There are predators, like leopards, herbivores, for example, hares, a lot of snakes. The most popular entertainment of the park is lion safari. And the main attraction is the Kanheri Caves – a place for Buddhist pilgrimage.

    Elephant Caves

    In the past, the island where the caves are located was called Gharapauri. The current name appeared when Portuguese researchers found an unusual elephant statue in one of the caves. A ferry runs from the pier to the island. On the other side, you can walk to the natural beauties on foot or use special trailers. The paintings in the cave halls are dedicated to Shiva. There are stone sculptures in the inner temples.

    Elephant Caves
    Kanheri Caves

    Kanheri Caves

    The temple-monastery cave complex is considered the largest in the world. The Buddhists created it back in the III century BC. Subsequently, the premises were expanded, new ones were added. Images of Buddha were carved right on the walls. A total of 109 caves are known to be interconnected. Tourists are not shown everything. Especially noteworthy are the large prayer hall, the hall sandwiched between the stones, hall No. 34 with a painting on the ceiling.

    Prince of Wales Museum

    It is located near the Gates of India. Both projects have the same architect – D. Whittet. The foundation stone was laid by George V. The building was completed by 1915. However, during the First World War, a hospital and a children's center were located here. The exposition was opened in 1922. There are three main topics: art, archeology, and natural history. In the XXI century, its official name became the name of the founder of the Maratha Empire.

    Prince of Wales Museum
    Gandhi Museum in Mani Bhavan

    Gandhi Museum in Mani Bhavan

    The house where the museum collection is kept, Gandhi often visited during his lifetime. It belonged to a friend of the leader of the nation, and key issues related to the independence of the country were resolved here. Later, the building was transferred to the National Gandhi Memorial Foundation. There is a monument to him near the entrance. The first floor was taken away for photos and materials from the press, and part of the office was recreated. On the second floor, the interiors of the past are preserved.

    Jehangir Gallery

    The main museum of modern art of the city. The exposition is exhibited in 4 halls. The collection includes paintings by artists, sculptors and photographers of India. To get the opportunity to present your works in the gallery is a chance to become famous. Some young masters have been waiting for the opportunity to arrange an exhibition in "Jehangir" for several years. Near the entrance and along the street there are vendors of paintings and souvenirs.

    Jehangir Gallery
    Bhau Daji Lad Museum

    Bhau Daji Lad Museum

    The oldest museum in the city. It was founded under the names of Victoria and Albert. In 1975 it was renamed in honor of the famous local doctor and antiquarian. The collection is extensive and includes: maps, rare photographs, samples of applied art. The museum has a library with a collection of old books in several languages. In front of the entrance there is a statue of an elephant dated to the VI century.

    Haji Ali Mosque

    It is interesting primarily by its location. The mosque is built on an island off the coast of Mumbai. Named after its founder. The merchant Haji Ali renounced everything and went on a pilgrimage. He could not get to Mecca, his body was returned to the mosque and buried here. At low tide, the mosque can be reached from the city by a narrow road. The structure is slowly being destroyed due to natural features.

    Haji Ali Mosque
    Siddhivinayak Temple

    Siddhivinayak Temple

    The construction was completed in the first years of the century before last. However, the temple acquired its current appearance later. Almost 100 years after its foundation, additional premises were added, including a guest house and places for employees to rest. A small artificial pond also appeared. Siddhivinayak is dedicated to the elephant–headed god Ganesha. In one of the halls there is a statue of him made of monolithic stone.

    Mahalakshmi Temple

    Built in 1785. Dedicated to the goddess of prosperity, wealth and good luck. A legend is connected with the appearance of the temple. Allegedly, British engineers and their Hindu assistants could not connect all the islands of Mumbai together. Goddess Lakshmi through a dream indicated the place where her statue is buried. As soon as the artifact was unearthed, luck returned to the project. In gratitude for the help in the work, the goddess received the temple.

    Mahalakshmi Temple
    Mount Mary Basilica

    Mount Mary Basilica

    The first prayer house on this site was built by the Jesuits in 1570. The altar was decorated with a statue of the Virgin Mary, which was brought from Portugal. Later, the building was converted into a chapel, the sculpture was lost and the reconstruction was undertaken again. The current basilica appeared by 1904. It has Gothic features. The interior and exterior decoration is rich in small details. On holidays, bells ring around the neighborhood.

    World Vipassana Pagoda

    An exact replica of the Shwedagon Stupa in Yangon, was built for 11 years. A particle of Buddha's relics donated by Sri Lanka was immured in one of the stones. The pagoda opened its doors to all interested in 2008. The complex includes several other facilities. Among them: a meditation hall, an art gallery, lecture halls, a library. 8 thousand people can pray and meditate here at the same time.

    World Vipassana Pagoda

    Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple

    It was built in 1988, supposedly one of the prophecies was fulfilled. Many statues were installed in the temple – dedications to deities. After some time, it was necessary to urgently strengthen the foundation and make several more important changes in the design. On big holidays, Hare Krishna pilgrims from all over the country gather here. There is a garden next to the temple, a restaurant and a souvenir shop.

    Bombay Supreme Court Building

    It was built up to 1840. This building is an example of colonial architecture in the Neo–Gothic style. German castles were taken as a basis for the design. They are distinguished by monumentality, reliability and clarity of lines. All of the above is symbolic for the Supreme Court. There are some special features in the design. For example, a bas-relief: a one-eyed monkey is playing with the scales of justice.

    Bandra — Worli Sea Bridge

    Bandra — Worli Sea Bridge

    Cable-stayed bridge with toll passage. The length is more than 5.5 km . According to this indicator, it is the longest of the surface in India. Connects two urban areas. The opening of the bridge has reduced the travel time for some routes by 10 times. It is stated that the structure is capable of withstanding an earthquake of 8 points. Since the bridge is blown by the winds, it is impossible to move on it by two- and three-wheeled vehicles.

    Water Kingdom and EsselWorld

    The water park was built in 1998 and is part of an amusement park. "Water Kingdom" is divided into the following sectors: "Vetlanik", "Lagoon", "Miss Fisli Hill", "Adventures in the Amazon", children's zone. They are stylized in different ways, in some children can only be under the supervision of adults. "EsselWorld" was opened in 1986. There are extreme rides, as well as something like carousels for the youngest.

    Water Kingdom and EsselWorld
    Juhu Beach

    Juhu Beach

    The second most popular beach in the city. At the same time, in some periods it is even more lively than Chaupatti. The length is about 6 km . The coastal area is built up with first-class hotels and mansions. The owners of some are Bollywood stars who have long chosen this beach for recreation. Cricket games are arranged on the sand. The area is famous for picturesque sunsets. The Hare Krishna Temple Complex is located nearby.

    Bollywood

    The city's film industry, the term refers to films produced in Mumbai. 14 studios and 44 venues are concentrated on a huge territory. There are two types of excursions available for tourists. During a bus trip as part of the Mumbai Filmcity Tour, you can learn a lot about the history of Bollywood, and the Live Show Tour will be more liked by those who want to visit the set.

    Bollywood