Gateway of India is the landmark of Mumbai city and most of the tourists commence their trip by visiting this monument. It is situated on the waterfront in the southern part of the city. Gateway of India is an architectural marvel and belongs to Indo-Saracenic architectural style, with some elements derived from the Muslim architectural styles of the 16th century Gujarat.
Elephanta Caves
The Great Cave at Elephanta is one of the great monuments near Bombay. It is one in a complex of Hindu caves on Gharapuri (Elephanta is the name given to the island by the Portuguese), dating to the sixth century AD.
The cave is designed to accommodate Hindu ritual of circumambulating the cave, and encountering a number of images related to Shiva, in a great mandala.
Mahalaxmi Temple
Located at the seashore on the northern side of Malabar hills, Mahalakshmi temple is one of the most sacred temples in Mumbai. The temple enshrines three dieties namely Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. However, the principal diety is goddess lakshmi and hence the name Mahalakshmi temple.
Sidhdhivinayak Temple
The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is one of the most popular and most visited temples located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Originally built up by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil in 1801, the temple is visited in hordes by all the sects of the society.
Mount Mary Church
Mount Mary Church is considered to be the oldest in Mumbai city of India. It is situated in the West Bandra, past Hill Road, Mt Mary's Church is very popular amongst the natives of the city and has been visited by everyone some time or the other. Apart from the main statue, there is another statue of Mother Mary installed outside the church, in front of which people light candles and pray for the welfare of their near and dear ones.
Nehru Planetarium
Nehru Planetarium is housed in an astounding cylindrical shaped building that also features art gallery, restaurant, library, cultural center and a 14-gallery exhibit called Discovery of India.
The Prince of wales Museum
The Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai has been renamed as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. The museum was set up in the beginning of the 20th century to honor the visit of King George V's to India, while he was still the Prince of Wales. Built by George Wittet the museum is located in the heart of South Mumbai at a stone's throw distance from the Gateway of India.
Taraporewala Aquarium
Taraporewala Aquarium on Marine Drive has a good collection of sea and fresh water fish and other marine life. There is a proposal to convert this into an underwater oceanarium, where people can undertake an undersea walk, surrounded by marine life.
Note - It is open on all days except Mondays.
Mahalaxmi Race Course
Mahalakshmi Racecourse is a racing ground in Mumbai, situated in the Mahalaxmi area. The oval shaped ground is very popular amongst the elite class of Bombay, who come here to watch horse races and bet on the magnificent creatures.
Kamala Neharu Park & Hanging Garden
This place is also a famous sight seeing places, where from a particular point a person can see a lovely view of Mumbai chowpatty Beach and complete Queens necklace. Also there is a old monument called “Boot House” or “Old Womens Shoe” made up of Stone just for entertainment and a Good ride for children.This garden is one of the very famous and oldest gardens since old Mumbai.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a skillfully laid-out boulevard in South Mumbai. It is actually an upturned 'C'-shaped six lane concrete road, which lengthens to 3 km along the coastline - a natural bay. This avenue connects Nariman Point with Malabar Hills. Marine Drive was earlier identified as Sonapur amongst local Marathi populace. Palm trees are lined up along the road, presenting a picturesque view and nice walkway to take a stroll. At nights, Marine Drive looks stunning illuminated, with lights and if seen from some elevated point beside the road, it appears like a necklace with street lights resembling a string of pearls. . Thus, Marine Drive is a place that you cannot afford to miss while holidaying in Bombay.
Rani Jijamata Udyaan / Victoria Gardens
Rani Jijamata Udyaan is a well-laid out garden in the Byculla area of Mumbai. Formerly called Victoria Gardens, the garden was established in 1861. On its very entrance, a huge clock tower, reminiscent of Italian Renaissance architecture, will greet you. Its lush greenery brags of various plants and trees, which make the environment serene and beautiful to see. This museum is known for its awesome collection of archeological findings. To its east, there is a colossal figure of an elephant that was actually brought from Elephanta Caves. What's more, Victoria Gardens has always been popular amongst the children, due to the fact it houses the city's own zoo. Here, you can enjoy a ride on the back of an elephant, while spotting different animals from a closer range, On you trip to the fun-filled city of Mumbai, make sure to take a stroll in the lush gardens of Rani Jijamata Udyaan.
Essel World
Essel World was the first amusement to be set up in Mumbai and till today, it holds the distinction of being the city's largest amusement park. It is situated in the outskirts of Bombay, on the Gorai Island, and is the only international style theme park in the city.
Water Kingdom
Water Kingdom is a water park situated in Gorai, near the famous Essel World amusement park. People belonging to different age groups and social strata come to this park to take a break from the everyday tensions and have fun.
Fantasy Land
Spread over an area of 30 acres, the Fantasy Land amusement park of Mumbai is situated at Jogeshwari, near the Essel World. Built over an expanse of green landscape, it offers a large number of rides to its visitors.
Film City
Mumbai has played a pivotal role in the development of cinematography. The first feature film Raja Harishchandra was produced in the city by Dadasaheb Phaike, the father of Indian Cinema. Since then Mumbai has remained a main centre of Indian Film Industry for a period of a century. To provide facilities and concessions to the film industry the State Government has built a Film City.at Goregaon.
Note - Entry to the Film City is restricted to civilians. Special permission from relevant authorities and adequate contacts can make entry possible.
Haji Ali
Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most popular religious places in Mumbai, situated about 500 yards from the Mumbai shoreline in the middle of the Arabian Sea off Lala Lajpatrai Marg. People from all parts of the world without restrictions of caste, creed and religion visit the Dargah to offer their prayers and for the fulfillment of their wishes by the blessings of the Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.). Some pray for wealth, others for health, children, marriages, etc. have their wishes being granted at all the times.
Matheran
Matheran is just the right destination to spend a tranquil holiday in the lap of nature. Though it is a small hill station, Matheran never fails to attract people. Amidst striking waterfalls, picturesque surroundings, lush green valleys, vantage points, trails cloaked with shady trees & glittering lakes, Matheran is a complete package for tourists.Matheran is amongst the very few places in the world which is debarred of motor vehicles.