Places to Visit in Mumbai

Priyadarshini Park and Sports Complex is a clean and well-maintained sea-facing attraction in South Mumbai. Located in one of the sophisticated localities, this Napeansea Road park overlooks many expensive apartments on the street. Every nook and corner of this 20 acres land has now become a powerhouse to keep the heart of Mumbai pumping. For more than 3 decades, this wonderland has served as a recreational site, and sports and fitness complex.

 Visit here early in the morning to witness the magic of this refuge for the inhabitants of Mumbai.  Also, Mumbaikars do not forget to visit here in the early monsoons to sit on its sea-facing end and seek a delight with the sound of soothing waves. Once, this piece of land was merely a rocky patch of the coastal area of Malabar. What you see today is a gorgeous lush green garden lined up with a total of 600+ coconut trees. 

With a perfect and well-maintained ambiance, this park is a boon for early morning yoga, jogging, walking, aerobics, and so on. The credit, of course, goes to its active group – the Malabar Hill Citizen Forum, who looks after it as its own child. You can connect with their authorities to be an annual member of the plethora of recreational sports activities that they organize. 

In addition to pumping the adrenaline of youth with its recreational touch, Priyadarshini Park of Mumbai also serves as an ideal family outing location and a lover’s point. If you are fortunate enough, you may even witness little squirrels accompanying you here for some pleasing views. 

This sightseeing place in Mumbai is one of the largest aquariums in the city of Mumbai. Situated in Marine Drive, this aquarium was founded by D. B. Taraporewala, a Parsi philanthropist, in the year 1951. The aquarium has a twelve feet long three-sixty degrees glass tunnel that holds interesting marine life. There are several species of fish here, such as damselfish, butterfly fish, tiger fish, angelfish, moss, sea urchins, sea cucumber, marine eels, etc

Take a fascinating relief from the sweltering heat of Mumbai at a one-of-its-kind theme park – Snow World. Situated in Phoenix Market City, Snow World is a perfect place for your family to enjoy a day in the world of snow. 

The state-of-art technology at the Snow World is such that you get to witness the bliss of Kashmiri snowfall in the financial capital of India. Engineers of the Snow World have tried their best to maintain the mercury level below minus 10 degree celsius. 

So, spare some time from your schedule and indulge in snowy adventures like ice skating and sledging. If still your child craves for something more, lead him towards the Snow Dance Arena to witness the realistic rainfall. Watch your child building his own dream snow castle here or set him free to perform his favorite snow dance. 

From beginner to veteran, this world of snow has experiences for one and all. There are guides near every snow activity here to guide you with the basics to your comfort and convenience. 

Apart from enjoying it with your family, you may bring in your companions or your school kids and have a moment of joy with them. It is also a great place to organise your child’s first birthday or encourage his academic excellence here. Snow World, Mumbai has also been a place for corporate events in the past. 

If your Pune trip can accommodate a fun-filled evening in Mumbai, Colaba Causeway is definitely among the places you cannot miss out on. Located close to some of the most important landmarks in the city, this commercial street thrives on the energy of gastronomes, shoppers, and fun-seekers and is always found packed with throngs of visitors. Offering a wide range of amusements in the form of countless options for dining, shopping, and much more.

Mumbai’s most-loved food street, Mohammed Ali Road, has been delighting food lovers for decades. The place is a paradise for people who want to binge to their heart’s content on rich Mughlai food. At the bylanes buzzing with smoky flavours and din of happy eaters, you can enjoy everything right from the usual fare like nihari, paya, huge varieties of kebabs, tikkas, butter chicken, etc. For those who love to try unique foods, can try the delicious zubaan fry, white biryani, badam khichda, Sanju Baba chicken, chocolate shawarma, and tandoori quails.

Vegetarian food lovers need not despair. There are umpteen choices of vegetarian rolls, shawarmas, chana masala, and varieties of creamy paneer dishes. Those with a sweet tooth love the mawa jalebis, malpuas, fluffy phirnis, and the rich ‘Aflatoon’. Choose from pop-up stalls to single vendors and legendary restaurants as old as 130 years to try foods that you just cannot afford to miss!

The place is a melting pot of movie actors and commoners coming together for the love of exquisite and delicately flavoured food here. Mohammed Ali Road comes alive during the time of Ramzan and is the favoured place to break one’s fast amidst beautifully lit up alleys and people from all faiths gathering together.

Formerly known as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum happens to be the earliest museum built in the Indian city of Mumbai.

 Established back in the year 1855, the structure was first used as a storehouse of industrial and decorative arts. However, in the year 1975, it was renamed in honor and memory of the great scholar, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad. The museum was opened for public visits in the year 2008.

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum displays the early craftsmanship and art of the early residents of Bombay. The museum manifests the rich cultural heritage of Mumbai through decorative and fine art.

Some important primitive objects that visitors can see in the museum include small clay models, costumes, copper and silverware, lithographs, maps, photographs, dioramas, and rare books that highlight important tidbits about life in the city from the eighteenth to the early twentieth centuries. 

The museum also has a manuscript of the well-known Arab poet Hatim Tai, which dates back to the seventeenth century. 

You can also find the historic Kala Ghoda figurine placed inside the museum. Just outside the building, a monolithic elephant sculpture discovered from the water body originating from Elephanta Island has been installed.

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is frequently visited by history buffs, experience seekers, photographers, and education enthusiasts. Visitors can stroll inside the mesmerizing museum and admire the crafts and artifacts.

They can also explore the fascinating stones placed outside the building. Travelers can even explore the backyard of the museum, where some small bookstores and cafés are present. In addition, they can also experience the fun events and activities occasionally organized here.

Situated to the east of “The City of Dreams”, Mumbai, Elephanta Island happens to be one of the most popular tourist spots in India. This destination was named ‘Elephanta Island’ in the sixteenth century, by the Portuguese navigators. This name was suggested after a big stone elephant was discovered at the spot. 

Spread across a region of around 16 square kilometers, the place houses the historic rock-cut structure, the Elephanta Caves. Dating back to the medieval period, Elephanta Caves is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These caves feature over 2000 years old Buddhist and Hindu cave temples. The Hindu temples consist of stone sculptures that represent the Hindu Saiva cult.

These temples shelter important imageries, including ‘Trimurti’ (Lord Shiva with three heads), ‘Ardhnarishwar’ (a manifestation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati sharing a common body), and ‘Gangadhar’ (a representation of River Ganga descending to the planet). These caves also form a unique trekking destination for the visitors. 

Elephanta Island is visited by a host of tourists from all over the world each day. Although the destination is visited by all kinds of travelers, yet it is more popular amongst history buffs, photo fanatics, and experience seekers. The ferry and toy train ride to reach the ancient caves makes the trip to Elephanta Island even more attractive and joyous.

Apart from sightseeing, photography, and learning, the tourists visiting this beautiful destination also indulge in shopping at the local stalls that sell souvenirs, junk jewelry, traditional bags, shell necklaces, bracelets, and apparel. Excited to visit Elephanta Island? Check out all the important things you need to learn before you head to your destination.

The Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai is an extremely popular attraction in Mumbai for science lovers. This amazing initiative lets you get a glimpse into the world of science and technology that is informative, interesting, and full of knowledge for the young and old alike. There are more than 500 interactive projects at the centre that help you learn about the principles and laws of kinetics, sound, mechanics, energy etc.

A lot of workshops, seminars, meetings, and exhibits are held at the Nehru Science Center from time to time. The centre also has a lot of artefacts that
depict the several achievements of mankind in the field of science and technology.

There are also three-dimensional shows you can attend at the Nehru Science Centre; there are two such shows which are called Grand Canyon Adventure and Monsters of the Deep.  You can see mythical underwater monsters in Monsters of the Deep. There is also a well-kept library which houses more than 10000 books and up to 300 films on science and technology.

If you are a science enthusiast, Nehru Planetarium in Mumbai is your place to go to. Inaugurated in the year 1977 by Indira Gandhi, the Nehru Planetarium promotes science and technology through lectures, educational and cultural events, seminars etc. The planetarium primarily promotes astronomy and scientific discoveries etc through these seminars and lectures. 

The planetarium was designed by famous Indian architect JM Kadri. Ever since its construction, the Nehru Planetarium has been a centre of interest for students, scientists, and aspiring astronomers. There are also shows held at the planetarium on a regular basis. Some popular shows such as Tryst and Destiny, Mahatma - The Eternal Light, The Wonders of the Universe, Invaders of Mars, etc have been attracting visitors for a very long time.

The Nehru Planetarium features a white dome, which is stunningly spectacular, along with the building’s cylindrical structure. The architecture of the Nehru Planetarium is something to marvel at. The popularity of the planetarium is because of its educational and cultural activities, as well as architecture.

Location: Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Road, Lotus Colony, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Best Time to visit: Any time of the year

Entry fee: INR 60 (adult), INR 40 (child)

Timings: 12 PM-4.30 PM everyday

Distance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 4.7 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central

Vihar Lake is the largest lake in Mumbai. It is located within Sanjay Gandhi National Park near Vihar village on the Mithi River. The lake was built from 1856 to 1860 by the British government to overcome the drinking water woes of the people of southern Mumbai. It gets its water from The Powai-Kanheri hill ranges in the catchment area.

Today, the lake meets about 3% of Mumbai's drinking water needs and has evolved into one of the most alluring picnic spots in Mumbai. The scenic beauty of the lake makes it a great spot to hang out with friends and family and enjoy some Kodak moments with a picture-perfect backdrop. In the evenings, eateries, restaurants, and cafes around the lake serve piping hot food taking every visitor to the lake on a food tour.

This beautiful lake has a dense population of Khair trees that invite a lot of migratory birds. It looks glorious during the monsoon season. A creepy fact about Vihar Lake is that it is indeed filled with a good number of freshwater crocodiles, also known as Mugger or Marsh crocodiles.

One can visit the Crocodile Park near the lake to witness these reptiles in various sizes and forms. Also, the lake has strong currents when full and hence, visitors are strictly warned from venturing into the waters here. Entry to Vihar lake is restricted since 1993, and one needs to seek prior permission from the authorities of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.    

One of the most visited places to visit in mumbai in one day, the Gateway of India is counted among Mumbai tourist places that see excellent footfall at any time of the year. The attraction was built by the British in 1919, by the then Governor of Bombay, Sir George Sydenham Clarke, who laid the foundation of the monument in 1911. The plan was approved in 1914, after which construction began.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya was earlier known as Prince of Wales Museum and it is considered one of the splendid structures of the Mumbai city. This is one of the heritage buildings in Mumbai, which has been an established museum since 1922 and also one of the best places to visit in Mumbai in one day.

The best part of this heritage building is its construction. It has one of the most intricate design work and it truly displays extraordinary artisanship. The architecture is a clever blend of both Indian and British marvels. The garden spread all around the Museum adds to its beauty. 

The museum is famous for one more reason. It holds more than 50000 artefacts, artworks, and sculptures that display the rich cultural heritage of India. Since it has been in the air close to a century, there have been a number of renovations, which has increased the beauty of the structure and has opened doors for newer galleries and artworks. It now features artworks of many Hindi deities, traditional textiles, and age-old Indian costumes. 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya has been awarded as the Grade I Heritage Building of the city and the first prize in Urban Heritage Award by the Indian Heritage Society. The museum was renamed as 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya' from “Prince Wales Museum’ in order to memorialize the founder of the great Maratha Kingdom - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Let’s get to know more about this amazing tourist destination in the heart of Mumbai city.

Location - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is located near Kala Ghoda Fort on Mahatma Gandi Road, Mumbai. 

Timing - The museum remains open from 10:15 AM - 5:00 PM on all days except Monday.

Price - The entry fee of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is INR 30.

Tucked away neatly in the quaint village of Manori in northern Mumbai, this beach is a perfect weekend getaway from the ruckus of city life. The inviting stretch of sand, the open blue of roaring waters and the beauty of the serene atmosphere makes it a popular picnic spot.

Manori Beach is often known as “Mini-Goa”, not only because of its beautiful white stretches of land but also because of a number of quaint, beautiful churches that dot the beachside. The beach also witnesses an amalgamation of different religions and culture, being home to the Samudreshwar Temple, the Buddhist Pagoda and even the Sufi Dargah. The beauty of the place is further enhanced by a thick grove of cashew trees and ample greenery that covers the place.

The beach becomes even more scenic during the nights, where one can enjoy barbeques or even simply lay on mats and enjoy the open starry skies. The beach also has a number of hammocks for use by visitors.

There are a number of sea-side restaurants and shacks offering scrumptious food up for grabs. They are especially popular for their seafood options, which are made from fresh produce caught from the sea. Manori Beach itself is a popular fishing destination for locals, and most of the catch is used for cooking at these food stalls.

Aksa beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Mumbai and is located on the outskirts of the Western quarter of Malad. This surreal stretch of sand is a tranquil escape from the bustling sounds of city life and is perfect for relaxing. 

The beach gives the view of vivid horizon merging and is one of the longest coastlines of the region. The geography of the beach is dotted with a number of hotels and villas where you can relax and enjoy the classic views. Apart from this, there are a number of places to visit in its vicinity like Marve beach, Kanheri caves, Mumba Devi temple, and several others that can be clubbed with this beach trip. 

Famed for its unblemished beauty this beach is frequented by locals and tourists alike. There are not many eateries at the beach but you can munch light snacks that are sold by the local vendors. The beach faces strong tides and currents so it is suggested not to go far away while swimming as that can be dangerous. 

The best about the beach is that it is untouched by urbanization and has kept its natural charm intact. Apart from this, it is an amazing place for capturing beautiful pictures as the frames it extends are just fantastic.

Location: Aksa Village, Malad West, Mumbai 400061, India

Timings: The beach is open 24 hours for all. Though the best time to visit the beach is early in the morning at sunrise or in the evening at sunset.

Seated amidst the lush greenery and overlooking the entire suburban area of Andheri West, lies the heritage structure of Gilbert Hill. With its origins embedded in the Mesozoic era, the black basalt rock structure is one of its unique kinds.

Along with two other national monuments situated in Wyoming and California, Gilbert Hill is the third one that stands as a testimony of having stood against the depredations of age. The holy shrines of the Gaondevi and the Durga Mata located on the hilltop serves as a special attraction for the visitors.

A visit to this iconic place can be easily scheduled during any time of the day and serves to be an easy getaway from the din of the main city. A scenic ride or an enjoyable trek can be surely planned along the mesmerising trails of the hill.

The hill lies flanked with two routes- one route will take you to the bottom of the hill and the other route happens to be the entrance of the Gaondevi temple. The latter route is more accessible for tourists and ensures an easy climb. If you want to catch a glimpse of an age-old rock standing firm from the bygones times of history, then this place will surely be worth a visit.

The recent degradation of the hill along with the rampant growth of slum dwellers and builders around the hill has surfaced as a crucial issue, thereby destroying the aesthetic beauty of the impressive monument. Government interventions led to the banning of quarrying and other activities in the area and seek to foster the integral value of this heritage monolith column.

History of Gilbert Hill:

With its ancient roots dating back from 66 million years ago, the 200 feet monolith column of Gilbert Hill stands proud with its rich history. Travelling back to the pages of history when volcanic eruptions had swept away all forms of life on this planet, archaeologists believe that Gilbert Hill originated during that period. 

It happens to be one of the most amazing geological wonders of India with its volcanic origin and has been deemed as a monument of national importance. 

Named after G K Gilbert, the vertical columns of the hill resemble the Devils Tower National Monument and Devils Postpile National Monument in Wyoming and California respectively. These three structures are the significant remnants of a large volcanic bubble that froze and turned itself into a gigantic rock structure.

Being one of the world’s oldest basalt rock formations, Gilbert Hill has stood the ravages of time and serves as an intrinsic symbol of the earliest forms of life on Earth.

If you have been wondering about the presence of black soil and the infertile plateau found in this region, then Gilbert Hill with its intriguing legacy might help you to seek some answers. On the summit of the hill, lies the abode of the Hindu Goddesses- Gaondevi and Durga Mata which also attracts tourists from far and wide.

Standing tall in the middle of the Worli fishing village, the Worli Fort is a historic, yet overlooked tourist attraction in Mumbai. It was built on a hilltop by the British as a vantage point to keep an eye on the sea activities and a lookout for the enemy ships. 

It has caught the attention of the people due to the construction of Bandra-Worli Sealink. Since then, the footfall of tourists has increased here. Generally, quite a few history buffs, students and foreigners find their way up here. 

The fort is pretty sturdy and still looks glorious even after withstanding the adverse weather conditions and negligence by the government over the years. It was refurbished in 2007 and since then has been maintained by a few locals and the Bombay Municipal Corporation.

Although it is quite difficult to reach the fort due to Kolis, the fishing community residing around it, it is open for the public to visit and can be accessed by foot. 

You can walk through the frenzy and narrow lanes and reach the fort by climbing up a few steps. The beautifully ornamented and arched gate welcomes you inside the fort. Inside, you can see a weird combination of a Hanuman temple, a well, a gym, and a lot of open space. 

From here you can get drenched in the views of the amazing Mahim Bay and the Bandra-Worli Sealink and feel the cool sea-breeze touching your face. This defence structure is one of the few intact forts in Mumbai, that persists in all its glory and is worth a visit for its unimpaired architecture.

Kanheri Caves are an extensive network of prehistoric cave formations located in the suburban region of Borivali in Mumbai. This network of over a hundred caves dates back to the 1st century and it is believed that the construction of these rock-cut monuments continued well into the 10th century. 

This passage of time can be traced in the intricacy of different caves as you can distinguish between the earlier ones from the new ones as being much simpler. The paintings, sculptures and carvings in the later caves are much more sophisticated. The caves home Buddhist sculptures and the architecture is heavily inspired by ancient Buddhist motifs. Today, one of the caves has been converted into a monastery and holds an important place in the religion. 

The setting of the caves is as picturesque and beautiful as the caves themselves. These basalt formations sit against the backdrop of lush greenery which extends miles upon miles, at what is considered the world’s largest reserve within a major city’s limits. The caves lie at a distance of around 5 kilometres from the national park’s entrance. 

Location - The caves are located inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai, in the suburbs of Borivali. After entering the national park, you must cover a distance of approximately 5 kilometres to reach the caves.

Timings - The caves are open between 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day except for Mondays.

Home to the film fraternity of the country is perhaps one of the most popular among Mumbai tourist places. The Film City is so vast that more than a thousand sets can be erected here at the same time. Over the last few years, the Film City has become one of the major locations for shooting the Hindi serials.

Film City was built in 1911, under the guidance of veteran actor and producer V. Shantaram. The total area of the place is about 520 acres, built according to the outlines of the film city in California. The film city has elaborate sets of villages, mountains, mansions, gardens, fountains, streams, cities etc. More than 900 Hindi movies and Hindi serials have been shot in the Film City of Mumbai and this is one of the best places to visit in mumbai in one day.

The studios are well equipped, complete with the electronic items necessary for shooting and extremely sophisticated instruments that give the kind of quality to the shows shot here, making Bollywood top in the game in the country.

Located in the heart of Mumbai, Dhobi Ghat is a prominent organization of the region. This is a place near Mahalaxmi ghat where the washerman and women wash clothes of half of the population of Mumbai and deliver it to the right person. There are almost 721 stones where they wash the clothes using the traditional ways. For washing the clothes they use flogging stones, caustic soda, and tons of water.

This was started in the Victorian era that was about 140 years ago and is still the same. As many as 800 families are dependent on this business and ensure to keep up with the traditional method of washing clothes.

People who wash the clothes are called the “Dhobi” and this is the reason it is called the Dhobi Ghat. The working hours of people here from early in the morning at 4:30 am and they keep working till late in the night at 10:00 pm. Each one of them has their own stone where they work and earn their living! If you looking for a place where you can take a look at the life of washermen then this is the right place for you.

History of Dhobi Ghat:

Dhobi Ghat was established on the Mahalaxmi ghat and can be easily seen from the main flyover. This was started by an association of almost 50 washers about 140 years ago in the Victorian Era. This is the only place of the British time whose name is still the same and there is no change in the people. 

The people here follow  the authentic traditions of washing clothes using flogging stones, caustic soda, and abundance of water from the Mahalaxmi ghat. The washermen wash the clothes and then return it to the people by drying them completely. 

From the old times, there are 721 stones that are of individuals or families and they use that only. This is the only source of earning of the people here, and they live in chawls. There are almost 700 families that live here and have taken up this as their business. More than 50% of Mumbai’s population’s clothes are washed here and it is located in its heart “Mahalaxmi”.

The Washer-Men and Women:

-Washermen: With more than 500 washermen’s working at the Dhobi ghat, this place is the hub for washing clothes. They still use the old ways of cleaning clothes like brush caustic soda, flogging stones, and lots of water. Right from washing to drying everything is done at this place.

-Washer-Women: There are almost 300 women working at the Dhobi ghat and washing the clothes of 50% of the population of Mumbai. Some of them are working for their earning while others work only to support their families. There are almost 721 stones and each one is assigned to one family. On a daily basis, they earn almost 300 to 500 rs whereas some of them even earn 800 rs in a day.

A monumental establishment in the field of art, Jehangir Art gallery was founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, second baronet, in 1952. Located in the southern region of Mumbai, the art gallery is commemorated not just as a primary spot for exhibitions of rare and appreciated paintings, sculptures, photographs, and crafts but also stands as a symbol for promotion and empowerment of Indian contemporary art.

Apart from exhibitions, there are various workshops, forums, and discussions on various aspects of education and art that are conducted in the gallery, counting up to 300 shows per year. Furthermore, the construction of this gallery helped strengthen the contemporary art culture in Mumbai. The by-product of which is the annual fest titled the 'Kala Ghoda Festival'.

With the Jahangir art gallery as the host, the festival is extravagantly stretched to 9 days of sheer art with various exhibitions, workshops, and gatherings celebrating the success of art in India.

Looking deeper into the construct of the gallery which has been through quite a few tweaks in the past couple of years, Jehangir Art Gallery homes 4 full-fledged halls mainly, the Exhibition hall, Hirji Jehangir Gallery, Terrace Art Gallery and the Auditorium hall ready to host activities and exhibitions.

All in all, Jehangir Art Gallery is an absolute delight for artists. From an array of shows to a platform for local artists to prove their skills, the art gallery is a monumental establishment in the field of art. 

History of Jehangir Art Gallery:

The eminent Jehangir Art Gallery was founded at Kala Ghoda, Mumbai by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, as a dedicatory memorial for his late son B.G Kher. Standing as one of the oldest buildings in the city, the Art Gallery was built in 1952. The gallery has exhibited creations of some of the greatest names including the works of S.H Raza, M.F Hussain, K.K Hebbar, Anjolie Ela Menon and more.

Sitting close to the Prince of Wales Museum, the Art Gallery since its inception has always been folded with travelers and art lovers. Acting as a pioneer, Jehangir Art Gallery which stood as a symbol of art, slowly encouraged other exhibitors to lean towards the art. So various art facilities have been constructed around the gallery making the entire Kala Ghoda area a hubspot for art and sheer creativity. 

Interestingly, the wave of promoting contemporary art in the county started in 1988 with the formation of the Bombay Art Society. Taking a step further, in promoting young and growing artists, Sir Jehangir promptly donated towards the notion and established Jehangir Art Gallery. Additionally, prize distribution and rewards for best art which is still practiced has always been there with the facility since its inception. 

Architecture of Jehangir Art Gallery:

The primary designer of the Jehangir Art Gallery was Durga Bajpai. The gallery is celebrated as one of the finest and the first conceptualized construction of the city. Since its conception, the gallery has been through a number of changes but the fundamental design stays intact.

The recent positioning of the gallery stands with fully furnished and technologically sound halls, exhibition areas, and auditorium. While the exhibition area is a ginormous 3,700 square feet space, the auditorium also occupies a substantial 2,700 square feet of area.

Top of the line security system, climate control equipment and a hanging wall are just a few examples of the amenities the gallery is fitted with. This instantly makes it a favored place among exhibitors and artists for presenting their creations.

The gallery also holds a library encapsulated with various books on art. It came into existence in 1975 when the committee at the museum discovered that they had gathered a number of unsold art and paintings.

The library holds these and leases them or sells them out, paying the artist and keeping a minimal commission for themselves. Later, a sales and printing room was also erected inside the premise as a medium to deliver visitors with reproductions of books and other forms of art and writings.

A popular weekend destination, away from the busy city life, Madh Island is all about sunshine, sea breeze, and amazing seafood. Located around 30 kilometres from the Mumbai between the Arabian Sea and Malad creek, it still is a haven for those looking for some unique experiences. An assortment of magnificent Portuguese architecture dating to the 16th century, colourful and charming native Koli villages and forts, the place pleasantly surprises its visitors.

Wonder Park is an amusement park constructed in Navi Mumbai. Being close to the residential areas, coupled with a minimal entry fee, it has become a popular local attraction spread across a land of 30 acres. It offers various hi-tech rides coupled with miniature models of the Seven Wonders of the World. These wonders include the Taj Mahal (Agra), Cristo Redentor (Rio de Janeiro), Colosseum (Italy), Machu Picchu (Peru), Petra – Al Khajneh (Jordan), the Great Wall of China and Chichen Itza (Mexico).

The Gorai beach in Mumbai is one of the most frequented beaches by the local people and tourists alike, popular for its location. Locals from Mumbai’s north suburb often come here to enjoy an evening or even an entire day outing. The beach is ideal for a full day picnic with your family. Gorai beach is known as Lovers Point beach as well since this is the place where lovers meet secretly in the beach’s isolation and privacy for the last three to four decades.

Tikuji-ni-Wadi happens to be an amusement park and a holiday resort in the Thane district of Mumbai. This is a wonderful place for weekend fun and getaways. The amusement park cum resort is spread over an area of 20 acres and has a wide range of water sports activities like water rides, a wave pool, Lazy river, Giant slides, Kiddies pool, Wave pool, Family pool, etc. The fun activities are not only limited to water sports.

You can also take part in many activities like go-karting, arcades, Funny Bunny, Crazy cup, Frog ride, Super Jet, Giant wheel, Dragon ship Bumpin, etc. The amusement park is situated in the midst of lush green forests and valleys. You will fall in love with the environment here because of the scenic setting and tranquil location.

Tikuji Ni Wadi is also famous for one more reason. It is a picture-perfect place for sumptuous dishes and features some of the top restaurants and cafés offering a wide range of delicious vegetarian dishes of all flavors. You will love to eat surrounded by the tranquil environment and the countryside location.

Tikuji Ni Wadi is also very popular for its Shivratri celebration. It is considered to be the best time to visit the Tikuji Ni Wadi during this time. The park celebrates Shivratri in a grand way by carving out the idol from ice. Let us begin to explore the Tikuji Ni Wadi and know more about what it has in store for the visitors.

Rides and attractions at Tikuji-Ni-Wadi:

Tikuji Ni Wadi is truly a paradise for adventure and water sports lovers. Being situated at a place far away from the city, it is a perfect location for weekend getaways with your family and friends. It is no less than a paradise for nature lovers. It has more than a few nearby beaches and lakes, astounding natural scenery and tranquil environment for leisurely stays. Some of the famous rides and attractions in the water park are:

1. Water Rides: Being an amusement park, the Tikuji Ni Wadi has got loads of fun filled rides for your kids to take part in. Most of the rides in the park are also open for adults. Some of the available water rides in the amusement park are Wave Pool, Lazy River, Giant Slide, Kiddies Pool, Family Pool, Y-Scream, Boomerang, Twisters, Maverick, and Harakiri.

2. Amusement Rides: If you are someone who is not a fan of water sports, then you can certainly take part in the dry rides like Karting, Arcades, Funny Bunny, Crazy Cup, Frog Ride, Super Jet, Giant Wheel, Dragon Ship, and Bumpin.

3. Places of tourist attraction: When you are done with all the activities inside the park, you can head out for a sightseeing trip and visit Tulja Bhavani Temple, Yeoor Hills, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumba Devi Temple, Sagar Vihar Garden, Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, Palm Beach Marg, Mandapeshwar Caves, National Gallery of Modern Art, Siddhivinayak Temple, Kanheri Caves, and Radha Ras Bihari Temple. The surroundings of the park are a true bliss for nature lovers. You would love the place for its abundant greenery and calmness all around.

Haji Ali Dargah, the mausoleum of the famous Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, is situated on the islet about 500 yards from the Worli, Mumbai coastline in the Arabian Sea off Lala Lajpatrai Marg.

The whole edifice including the white-colored dome and minarets portrays the Indo-Muslim or Mughal architecture. Built amidst the sprawling 4,500 sq. m. picturesque surroundings, Haji Ali Dargah comprises a Masjid, the tomb of the Sufi saint Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a Qawwal Khana, and a three-story sanatorium. A 700-yard long walkway connects the Dargah to the shore. 

The visitors will feel thrilled as the waves from the Arabian Sea lap against the walkway, as there are no railings on either side. When the tides are high, the whole causeway gets submerged underwater. During this period, the mausoleum appears to float on the water with no connection to the mainland.

The Dargah Sharif adorned in pristine white color on the outside stands in the middle of the marble laid central courtyard. Inside the Sharif lies the mausoleum of Haji Ali draped in an elaborately woven exquisite rug, mostly in red, green and golden colors (chaddar) and intricately designed zari cloth. The tomb is enclosed on all sides by silver fame and is flanked by eight marble pillars supporting the crown at the top.

The marble ceiling of the main hall is decked with multi-hued mirrors forming patterns and inscribed with 99 names of Allah. Verses from Quran Sharief are also engraved on the ceilings and walls of the main hall. Three prayer halls encircle the main hall on East, West, and South sides, of which East hall is reserved for men and West hall for women to say their prayers.

Approximately 10 -20 thousand people of all religions, faiths, and regions visit the Dargah to seek the blessing of the legendary saint. The numbers increase considerably during Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Lakhs of devotees visit it on the 2nd day of Ramadan and Bakrid Eid. People believe that their desires get fulfilled and wishes granted by the grace of the Saint.

Location: Dargah Road, Hali Ali, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Timings: Open 7 days a week between 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Price: No entry fee

Also known as Kondivita Caves, Mahakali caves are the perfect depiction of the lifestyle of people from an early age. They are as old as 2000 years and believed to be built in the 1st and 6th centuries. The caves are made from very strong basalt rock and divided into two major groups having 19 caves in total.

The first group has fifteen caves settled in the south-east direction whereas the group two with four caves is located in the north-west direction. Group-I in the south-eastern was carved earlier than the group-II in the north-western. The caves have stone figures of Buddha and stupas and a few engraved figures of Buddha on the walls of the caves too, along with some scriptures in the language Pali.

The group-I has dwelling places along with a few verandahs, courtyards, a chapel, and a few shrines. Whereas, group-II also has a dining place. The space between these two groups of the caves have some broken tombstones along with a monument and a small auditorium serving the purpose of a school. Settled in the western part of Mumbai in Andheri, these caves depict a fair story about the residents of these caves.

Being a Buddhist monastery, these caves were the cells for the monks who followed Buddhism. They had a fine lifestyle with a separate place for living and eating as well as they gave importance to education too. Every detail makes it more and more fascinating and reveals more about their lifestyle which makes it a must-visit place in Mumbai.

Architecture of Mahakali caves:

Mahakali Caves were constructed 2000 years ago from now. It is believed that they belong to the era from the 1st to 6th centuries. The name of the architecture followed by the caves is Indian rock-cut architecture. They are classic caves carved out of the black basalt rock which is the result of hardened lava after a volcanic eruption. They even have few inscriptions on the walls in the language Pali, which is older than Sanskrit. The caves are clustered in two areas with twenty entrances. 

The first area is in the south-east direction where there are fifteen caves. They consist of dwelling places, verandahs, courtyards, a chapel, a significant cave number 9 and a few shrines. You can witness numerous stone figures of Buddha and stupa inside the caves. The other group is located in the north-west direction which has only four caves and one of them was used as a dining place and others as places for living.

The group-I is believed to be the older caves than the group-II. The space between these two clusters of caves have several broken tombstones, a monument, and an auditorium which appears to be made for the teacher and the disciples. This whole ‘cave society’ will present a glimpse of the lives of ancient people.

Brief About cave number 9 of Mahakali Caves: 

Cave number 9 of Mahakali Caves is the largest cave out of all the fifteen which is a Chaitya or a prayer hall. It contains seven figures of Lord Buddha as well as several depictions from Buddhist mythology. However, the figures are now mutilated and the only thing you can see is the silhouettes of the statues without any details.

The Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya in Mumbai happens to be a museum where Mahatma Gandhi stayed in the course of his visits to Bombay from the year 1917 to the year 1934. He used to come to Bombay frequently at that time to formulate his very own philosophy of non-violence protest against the ruling Britishers in India.

The civil Disobedience Campaign that flagged off in the past was kick-started from this place. The Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya has many other significant historical feathers attached to its cap.

The exhibits in Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya are more of Mahatma Gandhi's personal belongings. It also consists of several photographic records of his personal life along with many other important documents and letters from various important personalities of that era from all over the world. 

With the passage of time, this place has made its way into the tourism landscape of Mumbai. It is now one of the most important places in the tourism map of Mumbai, attracting a good number of tourists all over the year. Check out all the things that you should be aware of before visiting this place.

History of Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya:

The Mani Bhavan was the place where once upon a time Gandhi used to spend his days in Mumbai in the course of the Independence struggle. The building was owned by one of Gandhi’s friends named Shri Revashankar Jhaveri. 

This building has witnessed more than a few freedom struggle movements. Satyagraha was one of them. As the building was closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, it was dedicated as a memorial of Gandhi in the year 1955. It is also the same place where Gandhi was arrested on 4 January in the year 1932. This incident even makes this place more interesting for tourists visiting Mumbai. 

If you are someone who has a keen interest in knowing about the freedom struggle of India, then this place will surely be an encyclopedia of information. You can learn about various freedom fighting movements and also about the key personalities associated with them. Many pictorial and documented evidences are displayed in the Sangrahalaya, which are not available anywhere else.

A tour in and around the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya will be  very influential in gaining knowledge about India’s past. 

Attractions of Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya:

The Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya is considered one of the most prominent Gandhi memorials in the country. This building is surely one of the places that will give you a clear picture of the life of Gandhi and the great freedom movement of India. The Mani Bhavan consists of the following:

1. Library - The library in the Sangrahalaya consists of more than 40000 books and many periodicals. The books in the collection are more or less about Gandhi, his thoughts, freedom fighting movements, and on some allied subjects. This public library is mostly occupied by many individuals who follow Gandhian principles in their life. The public library remains open on all days except the second and fourth Saturdays. It also remains closed on public holidays. 

2. Gandhiji’s Room - The room is on the second floor of the building and it used to be Gandhi’s living room. This was the place where Gandhi used to stay. It too has many personal belongings as well as artefacts of that time. The room has been preserved as it is in the original condition. This is also one of the places in Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya which attracts lots of tourists. 

3. Terrace - The terrace of the present-day Mani Bhavan Sangrahalaya is one of the top tourist attractions. This is for the reason that Gandhi was arrested from there in the year 1932. He used to spend most of his time on the terrace either sleeping or praying. Gandhiji used to spend most of time his time meditating in the calm and peaceful environment. 

4. Picture Gallery - The picture gallery in the sangrahalaya is one of the places that has many exhibits of images from those days during various important events. All the exhibits have a definitive caption either in Hindi or in English. You can also find some of the replicas of Mahatma Gandhi’s belongings and various models of his birthplace. Models of his days in a number of places like Sabarmati Ashram, Phoenix Ashram and Sevagram Kutir are also exhibited in the gallery. 

5. Auditorium - The auditorium in the sangrahalaya mostly plays films and some of the important speeches of Mahatma Gandhi. This place is also used for holding some public meetings, discussions, seminars and various other cultural functions.

If you are planning a cool day out with your friends and family, Suraj Water Park located in Thane, Maharashtra is a great choice. It’s practically famous for water slides ranging from Wave Pool, Rainbow slides to Labak, Matak, Zabak, which are quite adventurous and thrilling for adults if you want to dive into the water from 100 ft height. Here, it’s given that you can spend your entire day. There is a constant buzz of background music while you take a swim and dip into the cozy and cool water slides.

While the whole ambience, which is carefully designed by respected Canadian designers named White Water West Industries, is amusing and eye-catching for youngsters in your family. The limestone architecture and carved out idols of Lord Shiva and his family like Lord Nataraja are impressive and transports the beholder to a mix of traditional and modern outlook.

In fact, the owner Arun Kumar of Muchhala Magic Land Pvt. Ltd. runs this park with utmost sincerity that has bagged 6 Limca Book of Records awards for the longest Asian man-made fiberglass cave, which you can experience as you enter the arena of this water park. The entrance is wide and illusionistic.

There are two giant mermaids on either side to welcome, and later on, the museum of fountains might also splash water on you. This eventually increases excitement when you have just entered the premises to explore the gamut of safe, secure, and fun water slides inside.

Suraj Water Park Attractions Pass Types:

Kids: (Height between 3’.6” to 4’.6”) - INR 650
Kids (Height below 3’.6”) - No Entry Fee
Adults (Height above 4’.6”) - INR 800

Rides and Attractions at Suraj Water Park:

1. The Mermaids: Visiting the Suraj water park is always welcomed by the two mermaid statues that have a height of 24 ft.

2. Lord Shiva Idol: Just a few steps beyond the entrance, the traditional décor of this water park emerges in the form of Lord Shiva and his family idols. The large Har Har Ganga idol is effervescent. It depicts how holy Ganga emanates from Lord Shiva’s mane.

3. The Fun Of 16 Rides: The Suraj Water Park has around 16 rides. Some of which are:

-Nanga Tal: A small pool for children to relax and enjoy.
-Rainbow Slide: This is one of the vertical slides. There are many pipes in the zigzag manner of different colours for the riders to zip through.
-Ding Dong Sing Song: It is another famous vertical slide with circular pipes.
-Wave Pool: A giant pool area where families and kids can relax and enjoy the sea waves if they are not in a mood of any thrilling ride.

4. Shower of Fountains: Around the entrance of the Suraj Water Amusement Park, visitors can find fountains spraying cool water around and on them. This is fun, and kids squeal while passing by.

5. Museum: Another attraction to keep in mind while visiting this amusement park is the museum of old and ancient rocks. This is a wonderful tourist attraction for selfies and spending quality time together with your group

6. Surajgarh Village Park: Parties or family functions are held here at a moderate rate for people wanting to host different ceremonies.

History and Architecture of Suraj Water Park:

This recreational paradise houses waterpark and amusement park inside. It was dedicatedly designed by Canadian designers named White Water West Industries. However, it is fully-owned and governed by Mr. Arun Kumar Mucchala through his organization named Muchhala Magic Land Pvt. Ltd.

The entire park is spread across 5 km and has a tremendous choice of rides and attractions inside. Even parents and families are attracted to it, so they come back to have a great time. The man-made cave, right after the entrance, is actually awarded and recognized by the Limca Book of Records. This was because it is Asia’s longest fibreglass artificial cave that is made by men. 

On the other hand, the evocative mermaid figures welcome the guests, leading them to the giant Lord Shiva idol. From here, visitors can see the enactment of the Ganga River flowing from his head. Similarly, the architects of this Suraj Water Park have also installed the idol of Lord Natraja besides Lord Shiva for a traditional impact. 

It is, in fact, fair to say that Suraj Water Park has till now won 6 national as well as global awards. The park itself has other amenities like a locker system, shops to purchase a swimsuit, food court, and restrooms.

KidZania Mumbai is an international chain of indoor centres devoted toward family entertainment. It is an innovating amusement park cum learning centre where children can perform the traditional duties of an adult like going to the bank or preparing food or enforcing law and order. 

The KidZania centre in Mumbai consists of a realistic replica of a real city- complete with buildings, shops, theatres and malls. It even houses child-sized versions of cars, traffic and pedestrians who move up and down the “streets” of the city replica.

An exciting feature about the place is that the children who enrol there can earn currency known as “KidZo,” which they can deposit in the mock bank in KidZania Mumbai and use it for various activities like buying gifts on the premises. 

The children are exposed to practical lessons, real-life situations and real-life experiences in a safe and nurturing environment. It is also a very creative way to learn about practical lessons like money management, production, banking, law and order and much more. Children between the ages of 4 and 16 are allowed to enrol in Kidzania, where they can learn the ropes of adulthood from a very young age.

KidZania Mumbai has over 100 different activities which help children develop useful skills through 60 lifelike establishments in the city. Well-known brands like Coca- Cola, The Times of India, Yes Bank and several others make the experience authentic and relatable for children and helps them in their later life. 

Establishments that are unique to the city of Mumbai, such as the Bollywood Acting Academy, Potter Studio and even the lunch box delivery service- Dabbawala are all part and parcel of this hyper-realistic learning experience, which makes for the perfect place for young children.

Location: 3rd floor, North Wing, R City Mall, LBS Road, Amrut Nagar, West Ghatkopar, Mumbai, India.

Timing: Monday to Sunday (10:00 am – 8:00 pm)

Shivaji Park in Mumbai was built and established in the year 1925 by the Bombay Municipal Corporation and remains the largest park in City. 1925 was also a time when the British had a stronghold in the port of Mumbai, which makes this park an establishment of great historical significance as well. In fact, it served as a centre for a large number of social as well as political gatherings which took place in the park, both in the pre-Independence and post-independence era. 

Later named after Chhatrapati Shivaji, the park was originally called the Mahim Park and during the British rule, it served as a hub for freedom fighters to gather and hold meetings. In the 1960s, Shivaji Park in Mumbai became the locus for the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement which ultimately led to the formation of the current state of Maharashtra as we know it today.

Location: The Shivaji park is located in Dadar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra opposite the Mayor’s building. The park is public property and has no entry fee. People are free to enter and spend time at the park and play according to their own discretion.

Timings: Monday to Sunday (7:00 am – 11:00 pm) 

Price: Free entry

Hanging Gardens is 138 years old garden located on the western side of the Malabar Hills. It is a man-made terrace garden built on multi-level stone terraces owing to its name. The garden is covered with numerous trees, shrubs, and an array of colorful flowers. There are many hedges carved into various shapes of animals. One would love to spend some cherishable time in silence with themselves or friends and family.

Part of the Hanging garden complex in Mumbai, Kamla Nehru Park is a recreational ground, covering almost 4 acres of land area. The Malabar Hills are decorated with these exquisite gardens which are under maintenance by the local civic bodies in the region. The Kamla Nehru Park is highly popular with tourists and children, who love to come here and enjoy the scenic views of the city.

One of the most notable views from this location is that of the Marine Drive, which gives a splendid view of the famous ‘Queen’s necklace’ from this point. Within the garden, a remarkable shoe structure can be found that draws the attention of children.

Not many knew about it but the structure of the shoe has a historical relevance and draws its inspiration from a nursery rhyme titled ‘There was an old woman who lived in a shoe’. It is believed that the structure of the shoe was designed by a former BMC Environment officer by the name of Soli Arceivala who was a Vice principal of VJTI for nearly 15 years and director of NEERI.

The park was renovated in the year 2017 and 2018 and was later opened to the public on 22nd February 2018. The park now has many additional spaces for the enjoyment of children. The refurbished shoe structure is now painted in blue, has a rainbow amphitheatre, a pergola with hanging cane chairs, Echo Gazebos, Compass View gallery, Minions selfie point, Ashoka Stambha with tricolour planter beds, and a clock. 

Juhu Beach is the longest beach in Mumbai and the most sought-after among locals and tourists alike. It’s known for an array of lip-smacking street food with a distinctive Mumbai taste, typically sweet and sour. The neighboring area of the beach happens to be one of the plush localities in the city and is home to the big shots of Bollywood and celebs from the television world. 

Juhu has superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s sprawling bungalow and if you are lucky, you can spot some celebrities jogging in the morning on Juhu Beach. Besides, you can also take a leisurely stroll on the beach for an infinite sense of peace and quiet and also this beach is perfect for enjoying the Mumbai nightlife.

TV serial shoots are common on the beach and if you happen to visit, you will notice popcorn vendors, street food stalls, and toy sellers among many. The beach stretches for about six km and becomes crowded on public holidays and during weekends. The horse carriages offer fun rides along the beach for a fee while dancing monkeys, acrobats, vendors, and beach cricket catch your attention. 

Juhu Beach is full of life during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival when disciples carrying the Ganapati idol walk in a grand procession and immerse the deity in the waters of the Arabian Sea.

Location: Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049, India

Timings: Open 24 hours. 

Price: There is no entry fee to access the beach. It is free.

Also called the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, the Bandra Worli Sea Link is a famous eight lane cable stayed bridge adorning the arc of Mumbai’s coastline. It is one of the first projects that is an achievement of the Maharashtra Government which initiated the West Island Freeway System.