Locations to Explore in Mumbai to Make the Most of Your Vacation

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra state, the largest city and financial hub of the country. It is built on seven islands namely - Colaba, Mazagaon, Parel, Mahim, Worli, Bombay Island and Old Woman's Island.  The city’s highlight is the Gateway of India and it has 591 heritage structures, out of which the most important are the  Elephants Caves, Ajanta Caves, Victoria Gothic Buildings and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

It is a vibrant and thriving city having the most important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, National Stock Exchange of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange. There are so many places to explore which reveal the history, culture and traditions that are characteristic of this city.

You can easily reach Mumbai through quick flights from the capital and secondary cities across the world. Out of the many cities, Dubai is an important one so check out different flights from Dubai to Mumbai and make a booking accordingly. Look into airlines such as Emirates, Air India, SpiceJet, Flydubai, etc for getting dates and timings. Ticket booking and check-in can now be conveniently done online in just a couple of minutes.

Here is a look at key locations to explore in Mumbai to make the most of your vacation:

Marine Drive – It is an important landmark, also called Queen's Necklace because from above the nightlights look like pearls of a necklace strand, stretching for about 3 km on the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. This c-shaped boulevard showcases Art Deco architectural style buildings and edifices all along it.

Siddhivinayak Temple  - Built in the year 1801 by Laxman Vithu through funds from a Dubai Patil, a childless woman, who believed that Lord Ganesha will bless the woman who has not yet got a child with one. Today it is one of the richest temples, featuring famously the Ashtavinayak, eight manifestations of Lord Ganesha on the wooden doors of the sanctum.

Elephanta  Caves – It is located on Elephant Island,  which is 10km from Mumbai city, and is a collection of caves with breathtakingly stunning stone sculptures based on Hindu and Buddhist ideas. It has five Hindu temples for Lord Shiva, two Buddhist caves, and many stupas. Its architectural styles indicate that it was built by Krishnaraja of the Kalachuri Dynasty and it hosted a party of the Prince of Wales Albert Edward, later King Edward VII, in 1875

Juhu Beach – It is the most famous beach in the city, stretching for about 5 km, filled with stalls selling mouth-watering street food like Bhel Puri, Ragda Patties, Pani Puri, Channa Samsa, sherbet, etc. It also has many games for kids and various rides. People love walking here and visitors can enjoy scenic views of the shoreline.

Hanging Gardens – Also known as the Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, these gardens are atop Malabar Hill from which visitors will get a panoramic view of the city and the Arabia Sea. It was built in 1881 over a water reservoir to prevent it from getting polluted and was designed by  Ulhas Ghapokar,

Sanjay Gandhi National Park – This Park was established in 1969 and covers more than 104 sq. km. It is a vast park that abounds in a variety of plants, animals, and birds. With a history that can be traced to the 4^th century, this park has more than 1000 different plant species. In the past, its  2400-year-old Kanheri caves served as Buddhist learning centers. Its tiger and lion safaris attract about 2 million visitors every year.

Powai Lake -  It is an artificial lake that is located in Powai valley built due to the construction of two dams on River Mithi in 1891. This lake is the best place to visit for bird watching because it attracts Ducks, Falcons, Kingfishers, etc, and also for enjoying the sunset. It also attracts visitors who want to walk in its serene environment. Enjoy picnicking with the family here and also indulge in a trip to the lovely Galleria Shopping Center.

Gateway of India – This is a key tourist attraction and is also called the Taj Mahal of Mumbai. Built to celebrate the visit of King-Emperor George V in 1911, it overlooks the waterfront of the Apollo Bunder area. During British rule, it served as the entrance for visitors coming to India from the western part of the world. At the time of independence, when the British left, the last troops went back through it.

Bandra-Worli Sea Link – It is an amazing architectural bridge structure that connects Worli in South Mumbai with the western suburbs of Bandra. It is about 5.6 km long and is the 4th longest bridge in the country. Opened in 2009, it is the first cable-stay bridge built with eight lanes. It has helped to bring down 60 to 90 minutes of traveling to just 10 minutes. Built over Mahim Bay its purpose is to give an alternative route for the Mahim causeway.

Red Carpet Wax Museum – Located in R City Mall, this museum has some of the most stunning wax statues of important people from all walks of life-like celebrities, world leaders, sportspersons, etc.  Opened from 10 am to 9 pm, its entrance fee is rs.300 and visitors can photograph any of the statues that they see such as that of President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth, Aishwarya rai, etc.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – This stunning railway terminus is a UNESCO World Heritage and features a stunning Victorian-Italian Gothic Architectural Style with a bit of  Muslim building style also incorporated into it. It was built in 1888 and is a historic landmark of Mumbai’s Central Business District.  This Terminus connects to various parts of the country and is also the hub for local trains.

Girgaon Chowpatty – It is a beach, located on Mumbai’s Queen’s necklace next to Marine Drive. It is a public beach that remains open all hours of the day and throughout the year. It is very popular with tourists and you can see people take a stroll in the mornings, and evening, even doing yoga, kids can be seen indulging in the games and visitors can take horse, and camel rides too.  It’s quite famous for chaat food items and various types of street foods.