Top Attractions to Visit in Mumbai

Mumbai is characterized by a diversity of color as women walk along the streets in their orange, pink and red saris. Beyond that, Mumbai is the economic powerhouse of India. Here, you’ll stumble across everything from Bollywood to beaches.  Don’t miss the following 5 attractions for an unforgettable trip.

The gateway of India

The Gateway of India is arguably Mumbai’s most striking monument.  It’s located on the seafront in Colaba, south Mumbai. It was built in 1924 to honor the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city in December 1911. Moreover, it is where the last of the British battalion left, marking the culmination of British rule after India attained its autonomy in 1947. The first thing that you see when you approach Mumbai by boat is the imposing Gateway which represents both old Bombay and new Mumbai. It’s a great place to begin exploring Mumbai.

Elephanta Caves

10 Kilometers east of Mumbai lay the Elephanta caves in Elephant Island.  These are ancient rock-cut caves. Lord Shiva and other gods stick out of the rock, narrating stories of intrigue and re-embodiment and a number of pillars afford it the appearance and feel of a temple. The gigantic main cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It boasts of some stunning artwork and sculptures.

Dharavi Slum

You’ll find Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum settlement, in Mumbai. You can explore it as well. While some people are hesitant to visit the slum citing moral reasons, since they feel it’s not good watching other people suffering, the reality is quite different though. A visit to the slum is actually insightful and dismisses the negative preset stereotypes that persons have. Dharavi is characterized by active small-scale industry, and you can shop for fabrics and leather items among other items.

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

A visit to Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat gives you a memorable peek into the inside of the city. It is arguably the world’s biggest open-air laundry. Dirty laundry from in and around the city is brought here and thoroughly hand washed in a series of concrete troughs by dhobis. The clothes are hanged on laundry lines for drying and then ironed before being sent back to their respective owners on the same day.

Kala Ghoda Art Precinct

Mumbai’s popular Kala Ghoda Art Precinct extends from Regal Circle along the Mahatma Gandhi Road up to Mumbai University. Its strange name, which means ‘Black Horse’, referenced to a statue of King Edward VII that was once situated there during colonial rule. Today, the crescent-shaped stretch is the cultural hub of Mumbai and it’s littered with the best art galleries and museums in Mumbai.

By way of an example, if you stroll from Regal Circle, on your left, you’ll encounter the Mumbai National Gallery of Modern Art. Massive refurbishment works have transformed it into the present bright and contemporary space featuring semi-circular galleries at various levels.

After a long day of sightseeing, unwind with the locals on the shores of Juhu and Marine Drive, and enjoy the view of the setting sun. Indeed, the magical city of Mumbai has a lot to offer.