• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • REVIEWS
    • TRAILERS
  • BUSINESS
  • CELEBRITIES
  • HOLLYWOOD
  • REGIONAL
  • TV
  • MUSIC
  • TOP LISTS

Bollywood Presents

Exotic locations where popular Bollywood movies were shot

You are here: Home / Film Tourism Locations / Countries & Cities / Mumbai Tourism: Major Attractions

Mumbai Tourism: Major Attractions

March 14, 2016 by BollywoodPresents Team

Gateway of India

There’s a popular hindi song, the lyrics of which goes as ‘Aye Dil Hai Mushkil Jeena Yahan, Zara Hat Ke, Zara Bach Ke, Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan’…basically means life in Mumbai is tough. But then its also the place where dreams come true, with countless instances of rags-to-riches stories.

Most first-time visitors to Mumbai actually get pleasantly surprised by the chaos, crowd, cacophony, & the simple pleasures (chai tea, street shopping, and more) that the city has to offer.

Mumbai tourism / TourMumbai may not have as many historical attractions as some other places in India, neither does it have an imposing skyline similar to other big cities in Asia, such as Singapore or Hongkong, but there are many interesting sights that more than compensates, and will fascinate the first time visitor.

For the Indian Visitor

Mumbai can be really hot and humid during the summers, but that still doesn’t stop several Indians from coming to Mumbai. Actually, that’s the time when children have holidays and for most it happens to be the best time to catch-up with friends/relatives.

And despite the weather, they all love Mumbai. After all, its home to Bollywood and some of the biggest names in cricket (including Sachin Tendulkar). Visitors hope to get a glimse of their favorite Bollywood stars while they’re here.

Gateway of India, Marine Drive Chowpatty, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Monorail and the Metro, are some of the things that’s on the mind of all the visitors who’re in Mumbai. Mumbai shopping and street food is also something that most look forward to.

For Foreigners

At any given time of the year, you can see several foreigners in India. And because of the IPL (cricket league), there are many who come here during summer as well, although it can be difficult for foreigners to bear the hot and humid weather.

The recently opened terminal T2 at the international airport makes a good first impression on foreigners. They all like Mumbai, although they’re extra careful because of the fear of being taken for a ride.

Colaba, Kala Ghoda, art gallery and the museum are some places they like to visit. The more adventurous ones even try out the pav bhaji, bhel puris, vada-pavs & currys in Mumbai, though it may not suit those who’re used to eating bland food (unless you eat at a good restaurant).

Its also a good idea to wear traditional dresses like salwars and kurtas when out on sight-seeing, to avoid the stares from men on the streets, and to keep the beggars, eunuchs, & urchins away.

Top Mumbai Attractions

Here are the top 10 attractions in Mumbai (there are many more though), which any tour operator is likely to take you through:

  1. Gateway of India: Mumbai’s most recognized monument, located in South Mumbai (favorite with foreigners). It was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. When India achieved independence, the last of the British troops departed through the Gateway of India.

    Gateway of India

    Location: On the waterfront in Colaba, south Mumbai. Opposite the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.

  2. Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat: This massive open air laundry provides an unforgettable glimpse into the inside of the city. Dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought here and painstakingly hand washed by the dhobis (washermen) in the seemingly endless rows of concrete troughs. All the hard work earns them about 100 rupees (around $2) per day each. Mahalaxmi is also home to the Mumbai race course (modeled on the Melbourne Race Course) but its not open to the public.

    dhobi ghat

    Location: Next to Mahalaxmi railway station (not far from Churchgate in South Mumbai, station falls on western railway line).

  3. Haji Ali: Both a mosque and tomb, the imposing structure was built by wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari in 1431. Situated in the middle of the ocean, Haji Ali is accessible only during low tide by a narrow, 500 yard long walkway. Its crowded on Thursdays and Fridays as pilgrims flock there to receive blessings from the dead saint. Women can visit its large open area, but are not allowed to enter the shrine’s inner sanctum. Nehru science centre & planetarium is not far from this place.

    Haji ali

    Location: Just off the coast of Worli, not far from Mahalaxmi railway station.

  4. Bollywood: Mumbai is the center of India’s booming “Bollywood” film industry. If you’re a Bollywood movie buff, just go on a tour to the heart of the action in Film City.

    Bollywood in Mumbai

    Location: Film City is in Goregaon, in the western suburbs of Mumbai.

  5. Kala Ghoda Art Precinct: This crescent-shaped stretch is home to Mumbai’s best art galleries and museums, including the acclaimed Jehangir Art Gallery. Kala Ghoda (meaning “Black Horse” in reference to a statue that was once located there), is Mumbai’s cultural center. It’s also filled with cultural spaces, including some wonderful pavement galleries. Every year in February, the Kala Ghoda Association hosts a nine day Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which is interesting.
    Location: Between Fort and Colaba, in south Mumbai.

  6. Heritage Buildings: Mumbai has some captivating heritage buildings where you can marvel at the intricate colonial architecture; most of these are again located in South Mumbai. The best ones are the Gothic looking Prince of Wales Museum in the Kala Ghoda art precinct, Victoria Terminus railway station, the Bombay High Court (you may go inside and be entertained by a trial if you wish) and the buildings of Horniman Circle in the Fort area; the huge gardens here provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Also have a wander past the historic 18th century homes in Khotachiwadi village.

    Mumbai CST station, heritage building

    Location: In and around South Mumbai.

  7. Caves and National Park: I know it sounds a bit surprising considering the millions of inhabitants and sprawling development in Mumbai, but the city does have a national park located within its limits. One of the main attractions to the National Park is the lion safari.

    It’s also worth a visit to see the many ancient Buddhist caves, which have been hand carved into volcanic rock there. More caves, dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva, can also be found on Elephanta Island (these two places are not nearby, they fall on different routes). Elephanta Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been a commercial, military and religions centre for centuries
    Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in the suburb of Borivali, is 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Mumbai city center. Elephanta Island is 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Mumbai.

  8. Mumbai Dabbawalas: Dabbawala means a person who carries a container. Thousands of dabbawalas’ deliver ‘hundreds and thousands’ of lunch boxes of freshly cooked food everyday, to the city’s office workers. This unique concept was started to meet the needs of British rulers. However, it’s now continued on to service Indian businessmen who can’t get home for lunch. Witness this incredible system in operation at Churchgate station from around 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., as the dabbawalas unload the lunch boxes from the trains and prepare to head to their customers’ offices. You may also watch them in action in the Bollywood movie ‘Lunchbox’.

    Mumbai Dabbawalas

    Location: Railway stations around Mumbai, particularly at Churchgate terminus in south Mumbai.

  9. Markets and Bazaars: Mumbai is full of interesting places to go street shopping. Stock up on attractive souvenirs at Colaba Causeway, delight in cheap shoes and clothes at Linking Road (Bandra), scour the narrow alleyways of Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market) for antiques (open 11am-7pm except Fridays), and sample the fresh food while marveling at the architecture of Crawford Market.
    Shopping at Colaba causeway, Mumbai

    Location: Colaba Causeway, Linking Road in Bandra, Crawford Market near Churchgate, and Chor Bazaar on Mutton street (opposite Shafi Masjid).

  10. Juhu and Marine Drive Chowpatty Beaches: These are two most popular beaches in Mumbai, though you won’t see anybody swimming in the water, except for some kids playing along the shores. At the end of a tiring day of sightseeing, you may relax with the locals on the beaches of Juhu and Marine Drive, and watch the sunset. If you’re feeling adventurous, feast on tasty snacks offered by the multitude of food stalls and mobile food vendors. Favorites include roasted corn on the cob, bhel puri, pani puri and pav bhaji.
    Beaches in Mumbai

    Location: Exclusive Juhu is around 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of the city centre, while Marine Drive Chowpatty is in central Mumbai, a short drive from the Gateway of India.


Tour of Mumbai

Interested in Architecture?

Here are the things to see:

  • Gateway of India: Its architecture is Indo-Saracenic, combining Islamic and Hindu styles.
  • Taj Palace Hotel: An unsurpassed architectural marvel that brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles, with many chandeliers, archways, domes, and turrets.
  • Royal Bombay Yacht Club: Gothic style architecture
  • Dhanraj Mahal: Art Deco style building, former palace of the Raja Dhanrajgir of Hyderabad,
  • Regal Cinema: Art Deco style cinema
  • Elphinstone College: One of the finest Victorian structures with breathtaking Gothic architecture.
  • Horniman Circle: Made up of a strong sweep of stately building facades, laid out in a semi-circle.
  • Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk): Bordered by buildings constructed during the British Raj.
  • Bombay High Court: Gothic architecture
  • University of Mumbai: Venetian Gothic inspired architecture.
  • Rajabhai Clock Tower: Modeled on Big Ben in London.
  • Mumbai Mint: Built along with the Town Hall, it has similar architecture with pillars and Grecian porticoes.
  • Chhatrapati Shivaj Terminus (Victoria Terminus) Train Station: Fusion of influences from Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Indian architecture.
  • Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum: Palladian Renaissance Revival design
  • Khotachiwadi: Home to old Portuguese-style bungalows and a tiny church.
  • Antilia (home of Billionaire Indian businessman – Mukesh Ambani): Looks like the home of one of the richest men in India.
    Bombay Stock Exchange: Contemporary architecture

Best Places in Mumbai for Eating and Drinking

Here are the places to visit if you’re craving street food or seafood!

  • Bademiyan: Roadside restaurant in Colaba, serving mouthwatering kebabs.
  • Leopolds Cafe: Favorite hangour of youngsters & foreigners
  • Indigo: One of Mumbai’s most fabulous fine dining restaurants with real charm. The Sunday Brunch is outstanding.
  • Mahesh Lunch Home: Famous for seafood; its a chain now but the oldest one is in South Mumbai
  • Mohamad Ali Road: This kilometer stretch of road in south Mumbai, packed with food stalls, is best experienced during Ramadan when it comes alive for feasting every night.
  • Mohanlal S Mithaiwala: One of the largest Indian sweet shops in the city. Find it at 271/273, Sheikh Memon Street Zaveri Bazar, Kalbadevi.
  • Tea Center: Established in 1953 by the Tea Board of India to promote tea, it has a nostalgic colonial feel.
  • Aer Bar: Views across Mumbai from the 34th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, Worli.
  • Peshwari ITC: Make this renowned restaurant at the ITC Marartha your last stop before you catch your flight, for a taste of India’s North West Frontier cuisine.
  • Khau Galli: If you don’t feel like braving street food at Mumbai’s Khau Galli (food lane, near Churchgate station), head to Khau Galli restaurant, which serves all the favorites in an authentic and hygienic manner.



More Places for Shopping in Mumbai

Mumbai may not have as many markets as, say, Delhi, but it does have plenty of places where you can shop.

  • Linking Road in Bandra: A fusion of modern and traditional, and East meets West, where streets stalls contrast with brand name name shops. Great for cheap shoes, bags, and accessories.
  • Colaba Causeway: The everyday carnival that is the Colaba Causeway market is a shopping experience like no other in Mumbai. Geared especially towards tourists.
  • Fashion Street near Fort: Fashion Street is literally just that — a street lined with fashion! There are around 150 inexpensive stalls there.
    Chor Bazaar in Crawford Market: Navigate your way through crowded streets and crumbling buildings, and you’ll find Chor Bazaar. Its name means “thieves market”. There are all kinds of weird and wonderful items there.

  • Crawford Market: This old-style market, housed in an historic colonial building, specializes in wholesale fruit and vegetables, pets, and imported electronics.
  • Zaveri Bazaar/Bhuleshwar Market/Mangaldas Market: Buy gold and cloth at these markets, just north of Crawford Market.
  • Lamington Road: Find the cheapest electronic goods, both old and new, in Mumbai here. Near Grant Road station.
  • High Street Pheonix: Mumbai’s premier mall just keeps growing! It includes a luxury retail precinct called the Palladium.
  • The Bombay Store: Trendy Indian home decor items.
  • Kitab Khana: Relax and read in this wonderfully ambient bookstore in Fort.


Double Decker ride

How to Reach Mumbai

Mumbai (capital of the state of Maharashtra) is well connected to the rest of the world and India. International fights are landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (formerly known as Sahar Airport) while at Chhatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport (formerly known as Santa Cruz Airport) for domestic fights. These two airports are around 4 km apart and are approximately 25km-30km from Nariman Point in south Mumbai.

Mumbai Central, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST or VT), Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) connect the city to the rest of the country via trains.

Trains in Mumbai

Long distance buses also run from Mumbai Central S.T. (State Transport) Bus Depot to several towns and cities.

Mumbai Travel Tips

Here are some more Mumbai travel tips.

Local Transport
Local trains and local buses (run BEST), three-wheeled auto-rickshaws & cabs are the primary means of transport within Mumbai.

Local transport in Mumbai

Local Trains leave every few minutes from stations in both directions from 4.30 am to 1.30 am. The Mumbai Railway network is categorized as Western line, Central line & Harbor line.

Weather
June to September are the monsoon months. November to February are the cooler months compared to March-May in Mumbai, India.

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 100
  • Fire: 101
  • Ambulance: 102
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport: 022-66851010
  • Railway Enquiry: 265 9135, Central Railway General Enquiry: 134, Western Railway General Enquiry: 131

Poor Overall Tourist Experience?
Mumbai might be India’s fashion capital, home to Bollywood, and the financial capital of India, but foreign tourists do not seem to be enjoying their overall experience in Mumbai. According to a recent survey that was done by leading travel site TripAdvisor, tourists ranked Mumbai last (among the top 37 cities in the world) for the best overall tourist experience. Read more here…

Filed Under: Countries & Cities Tagged With: Mumbai tour, Mumbai Tourism, things to do in mumbai

RELATED POSTS

cruise holidays

Luxury Cruise to Have Big Cricket and Bollywood Stars On-board: Is it Worth the Price?

More and more Indian travelers go abroad for holidays, and there are many who’re ever-ready to try out new things. So holidaying on a cruise is definitely going to appeal to many. But is it really going to attract many visitors if the cruise ship will have some big Cricket and Bollywood stars on-board? Well, […]

Amitabh Bachchan picture rejected by Filmfare

10 Iconic dialogues from the Shahenshah of Bollywood

On Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday, let’s take a look at some of his most memorable dialogues in films. Yeh tumhare baap ka ghar nahin, police station hai, is liye sidhi tahrah khade raho – Janjeer Main aaj bhi phenke hue paise nahin uthata – Deewar DON ki talaash gyarah (11) mulkon ki police kar rahi hai, […]

Shahrukh Abram

Shahrukh Khan gives ‘5 life lessons’ while playing with Abram’s toys

Shah Rukh Khan loves to play with his children’s toys, says he never had these when he was a kid. Read SRK give real life lessons, feel inspired. This article is not about whether SRK is a great actor or not (you can read more about who’s the real king of Bollywood here). However, there’s […]

photography schools

Top Photography Schools / Courses

There’s lot of opportunity in photography, and you could also work as a fashion photography if glitz an glamour is what attracts you. Here are take a look at the top Photography Schools / Courses. Most of these are located in Mumbai, but there are some good ones that are located in other metro cities […]

SRK’s Biggest Dream: To Make a Film that the World will Watch and Love

Shahrukh Khan is one actor who’s got a big fan following not just in India but overseas as well. But then from time to time, he does get asked the question as to when he intends to work in Hollywood, and he replies saying he’s quite content to do good work in Bollywood. And because […]

bollywood at madame tussauds

Tourists flock to the Bollywood Section at Madame Tussauds in London

Madame Tussauds museum in London is one of the most visited landmarks in London and draws hordes of visitors every year. And one of its more popular sections is where our Bollywood celebrities reside. biggies). Visitors, from across the world, love to pose for pictures with their favorite actors/actresses. Well, that’s the closest they can […]

Eros International

Bollywood producer and distributor Eros International to raise funds in the US dollar bond market

EROS International is a leading integrated studio, involved in Production, Acquisition & Distribution of Films. Bollywood is all set to premiere in the US dollar bond market, as Eros International (India’s biggest distributor) prepares its debut high-yield offering. Eros International plans to raise $200 million, plus an undisclosed greenshoe, through five-year bonds with a call […]

Mira Rajput Kapoor

Mira Rajput is proud to be a Homemaker

Mira Rajput, at an event on Women’s Day, shared her thoughts on arranged marriage, being a homemaker, and bringing up their daughter Misha. Here are excerpts: I am a homemaker and I am proud of the label. I love being home. I can raise my daughter, be a good wife, and set up my home […]

Ram Gopal Varma

Ram Gopal Varma (RGV): Interesting Facts and Trivia

Ram Gopal Varma facts, trivia and his journey in the film industry. Born: 07 Apr 1962 (in Hyderabad, India) Won the National Film Award for directing Shool (1999) Favourite Actresses: Sridevi, Urmila Matondkar Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) is a popular Indian film director who has made films in Hindi as well as South Indian languages. […]

blenheim palace

Films Shot at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, UK

Blenheim Palace is the only non-royal country house in England to hold the title of palace. The monumental country house is located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England and its main residence of the dukes of Marlborough. Several films have been shot at this location, including Bollywood films. Apart from James Bond, Avengers & Harry Potter films, […]

Primary Sidebar

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

RECENT POSTS

Bollywood in Poland, Country with Medieval Hot Spots & Energetic Cities

Poland is located in the heart of Europe and is well known for its history, which is reflected in … [Read More...] about Bollywood in Poland, Country with Medieval Hot Spots & Energetic Cities

movie trailers

Top Forthcoming Bollywood Movies (& Trailers): Upcoming Entertainers for 2021

Want to know when the next entertainer of your favorite star is going to be released? Want to plan … [Read More...] about Top Forthcoming Bollywood Movies (& Trailers): Upcoming Entertainers for 2021

National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC)

Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

Movies are one of the most influential tools of communication and society does learn a few things or … [Read More...] about Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

bollywood rapes

Representation of women in Bollywood Films

Women in Bollywood films have been subject to stereotypes and objectification, and appeared in … [Read More...] about Representation of women in Bollywood Films

Music Scene in Saudi Arabia

How's the music Scene in Saudi Arabia. Is it really frowned upon? Read more here. Young musicians in … [Read More...] about Music Scene in Saudi Arabia

Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

Shabana Azmi, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) of Pune, made her film … [Read More...] about Shabana Azmi: One of the finest actors of Indian cinema

war movie

Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

Hrithik Roshan is a superstar in Bollywood and is among the highest paid actors in the film … [Read More...] about Here’s how much Hrithik Roshan was paid for his 2019 hit film ‘War’

sooryavanshi movie

Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

Almost everybody associated with the film industry is despondent about the future. With COVID-19 … [Read More...] about Bollywood facing losses of 5000+ crore due to pandemic lockdown

Money Scandals

Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

In Bollywood and other film industries in India, there's a saying that "there's no business like the … [Read More...] about Indian film celebrities caught in Tax Controversies

celebrity endorsements

It’s 2020 and Bollywood is still obsessed with fair skin

Makers of the upcoming movie 'Khaali Peeli', starring Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter, are facing … [Read More...] about It’s 2020 and Bollywood is still obsessed with fair skin

Amazon Fashion

Useful Read

  • Who coined the term ‘Bollywood’?
  • Dadasaheb Phalke (Father of Indian Cinema)
  • Evolution of Hindi Films
  • Social Impact of Bollywood on Indian culture

Footer

Upcoming Bollywood Movies

  • Love Aaj Kal Movie
  • Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele Movie
  • Hawayein Movie
  • Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan Movie
  • The Hundred Bucks Movie
  • BHOOT: Part One – The Haunted Ship Movie
  • Haunted Hills Movie
  • 'O' Pushpa I Hate Tears Movie
  • Guns Of Banaras Movie
  • Thappad Movie

Bollywood Movie Reviews

  • Malang Review
  • Jawaani Jaaneman Review
  • Panga Review
  • Street Dancer 3D Review
  • Tanhaji – The Unsung Warrior Review
  • Chhapaak Review
  • Good Newwz Review

Top Celebs

  • Ajay Devgn
  • Kajol
  • Saif Ali Khan
  • Shraddha Kapoor
  • Varun Dhawan
  • Deepika Padukone
  • Kangana Ranaut
  • Tabu
  • Aditya Roy Kapur
  • Disha Patani
  • Rajinikanth

About Us

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Sitemap
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in