As the prime commercial hub of India, the city of Mumbai is adorned with its glittering nightlife, architectural wonders, the Marine Drive, the home of Indian cinema aka Bollywood, and a handful of spiritual sites. From professional culinary diversity to street food haven, the city always aims to provide the best experience for the people who call the city their Home.
However, as a tourist, you would also find that the city never ceases to amaze you. So, here are five of the must-visit places in Mumbai. Let us go tour hunting, dear reader.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Fort Area, Mumbai
Victoria Terminus, now the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is a still-functional railway station in Mumbai, which was built in the 19th century. As an epitome of a cultural blend of Gothic revival style with indigenous traditional themes, the railway terminus is a major tourist attraction in the city. It was designed by Fredrick William Stevens, a British architect in honor of Her Imperial Majesty, Queen Victoria.
However, after gaining its independence the name of the station was changed in 1996 to honor the greatest Maratha ruler and warrior, Shivaji. As a world heritage site, determined by UNESCO, the terminus is freely accessible for tourists to visit and recount the rich cultural history of the Marathas and admire the Gothic architectural remnants.
The Asiatic Society State Central Library, Fort Area, Mumbai
The intelligentsia of the city formed the Asiatic Society of Bombay, now dubbed the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, under Sir James Mackintosh in the early 19th century. The society aimed to promote cultural preservation and learning various histories and languages. Hence, the society’s library dates to be one of the oldest libraries in the city. The library boasts an almost ancient Greco-Roman style architecture with high columns and is home to an expansive collection of knowledge in the forms of manuscripts, books, journals, etc.
Its famous 30-tier stairs lead to its interior where enthusiasts of archaeology, linguistics, and literature can find interesting manuals, maps, and other such publications that paint an immersive picture of Asian culture. This public library is an excellent hunting spot for knowledge.
Sion Fort, Sion, Mumbai
While there are rarely historic forts in the city, Sion Hillock Fort remains one of those few hidden historically significant gems here in Mumbai. It squats on a conical hill just a couple hundred km away from the Sion station and was built in the 17th century by the British. The fortress acted as a defensive boundary against the Portuguese presence in the region.
Its ownership was a constant flow of fluid change, first from the British East India Company (EIC), then to the local Maratha rulers, and then back again under the British Crown after 1757. However, now the fort mostly rests in ruins, with walled gardens and arches that attract tourists to explore its serenity. If you want to go fort-hunting in the modernized city of Mumbai, make sure to count the Sion Fort in.
Elephanta Caves, Elephanta Island, Mumbai
In a city that teems with nightlife and cinematic beauty, it is a rare occurrence that ancient caves and rock-cut structures attract tourist attention. However, on the eastern side of Mumbai, is the Unesco heritage site of the Elephanta Caves. Dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, the caves have beautiful mythological engravings for Indian deities, particularly of Lord Shiva. Tourists can walk through its main chamber, then branch off to smaller antechambers to look at various intricate rock engravings.
However, the primary focal point of these caves is the Trimurti, a three-headed bust of Lord Shiva, showcasing his tri-nature of creation, then preservation, and finally destruction. Thus, if you are a fan of Indian mythology and historic stone art, then make sure to put this location at the top of your list.
Global Pagoda, Borivali West, Mumbai
Mumbai is a melting pot of spiritual beliefs, and thus it should not come as a surprise that The Global Vipassana Pagoda is one of the busiest tourist spots in the city. A meditation hall that caters to peace through the teachings of Gautama Buddha, this tranquil hall, shimmers golden and was opened in the recent years itself, in the year 2009.
This pagoda has a Burmese-style build aiming to reflect the Golden Pagoda in Myanmar. A special site that despite attracting tourists from all over the world, retains its sense of serene quiet and upholds Buddhist philosophies. Make sure to put this beautiful site on your tour-hunting bucket list while visiting the city.
The City of Dreams, that’s what they call this cultural haven. Mumbai in its very core upholds beauty, diversity, and dreams of so many individuals. While places like the India Gate, Ellora Caves, St.Thomas Cathedral, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Worli Fort, etc draw the major bulk of tourist attractions, these are not the only places to look for while in Mumbai.
In addition to the aforementioned places, the ones listed above also provide a treat to its visitors. Thus, while being on a tour hunt in the dream city of Mumbai, make sure to hit the hidden gems on this list too.
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