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One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and myriad attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It covers an area of 32, 87,263 sq. km, extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south. As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity.

Fringed by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer, tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. As you travel the expanse of the country, you are greeted by diverse nuances of cuisines, faiths, arts, crafts, music, nature, lands, tribes, history and adventure sports. India has a mesmeric conflation of the old and the new. As the bustling old bazaars rub shoulders with swanky shopping malls, and majestic monuments accompany luxurious heritage hotels, the quintessential traveller can get the best of both worlds. Head to the mountains, enjoy a beach retreat or cruise through the golden Thar, India has options galore for all.

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Top 12 Attractions and Places to Visit in Mumbai

Mumbai doesn't have as many historical monuments as some places in India, but its diversity more than compensates. You'll find everything from beaches to picnic spots and Bollywood. Don't miss these 12 attractions and places to visit in Mumbai for a memorable trip .

If these attractions aren't enough for you, check out these 101 Places to Visit in Mumbai !

Gateway of India

Vatsal Shah / TripSavvy

Mumbai's most recognized monument, the Gateway of India, was constructed in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. It's also where the last of the British troops departed, marking the end of British rule when India gained Independence in 1947. The looming Gateway is designed to be the first thing that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat. It's a popular place to start exploring Mumbai. These days the atmosphere around the monument resembles a circus at times, with numerous vendors peddling everything from balloons to Indian tea.

• Location: On the waterfront in Colaba, south Mumbai. Opposite the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel (which is also worth looking inside).

Heritage Buildings

Mumbai has some captivating heritage buildings where you can marvel over staggering examples of intricate colonial architecture. Some of the best are the Gothic-looking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum (formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum), the Kala Ghoda art precinct, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) railway station, the Bombay High Court and the buildings of Horniman Circle in the Fort area. The feature of Horniman Circle is its huge gardens, which 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.

• Location: In and around south Mumbai.
• Tours: Khaki Tours Urban Safari
• Read More: Mumbai Architecture Places to Visit

Kala Ghoda Art Precinct

Vatsal Shah / TripSavvy 

Kala Ghoda, meaning "Black Horse" in reference to a statue that was once located there, is Mumbai's cultural center. This crescent-shaped stretch is home to Mumbai's best art galleries and museums. It's also filled with cultural spaces, including some wonderful pavement galleries. Stroll around at leisure, but be sure to visit the acclaimed Jehangir Art Gallery. Every year in February, the Kala Ghoda Association hosts a nine day Kala Ghoda Arts Festival , which is interesting.

• Location: Between the Fort and Colaba, in south Mumbai.
• Read More: Walking Photo Tour of Kala Ghoda Art Precinct

Banganga Tank

TripSavvy / Shraddha Gosavi 

Banganga Tank is the oldest continually inhabited place in Mumbai and provides an exceptional opportunity to be submerged in the history of the city. Yet, many locals aren't even familiar with it! The sacred water tank is flanked by a narrow street lined with temples , homes and dharamsalas (religious rest houses). Hindus believe that walking around the tank on foot has immense purifying benefits. It's worthwhile spending some time simply sitting on the steps and absorbing daily life there.

• Location: Malabar Hill, at the northern end of Back Bay.

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

TripSavvy / Shraddha Gosavi

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. The thousands of dhobis spend hours every day standing up to their knees in water filled with chemicals, manually scrubbing and beating the dirt out of each item of laundry.

• Location: Next to Mahalaxmi railway station (the 6th station on the Western Line from Churchgate), central Mumbai. Walk out of the station and turn left on the bridge.
• Tours: Private Mumbai Local Train Ride with Dhobhi Ghat Tour

Mumbai Dabbawalas

Dabbawala , meaning a person who carries a container, is the term given to the thousands of men responsible for transporting and delivering around 200,000 lunch boxes of freshly cooked food to the city's office workers every day. 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.

• Location: Railway stations around Mumbai, particularly at Churchgate terminus in south Mumbai between 11.30 a.m. and noon.
• Tours: Morning Life of Mumbai's Dabbawalas and Dhobis Tour

The imposing Haji Ali is both a mosque and tomb. It was built in 1431 by wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was inspired to change the course of his life after going to Mecca. It also contains his body. Situated in the middle of the ocean, Haji Ali is only accessible during low tide from a narrow, 500 yard long walkway.

• Location: Central Mumbai, just off the coast of Worli, not far from Mahalaxmi railway station.
• Tours: Mumbai Highlights Small Group Tour or Cultural Morning at Mahalakshmi Temple with Haji Ali Dargah and Marine Drive
• Read More: Mumbai Religious Places to Visit

Markets and Bazaars

From the multitude of colorful pavement vendors that line Colaba Causeway, to the fascinating Chor Bazaar Thieves Market , 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 , scour the narrow alleyways of Chor Bazaar for antiques and sample the fresh food and spices while marveling at the architecture of Crawford Market.

• Location: Colaba Causeway, Linking Road in Bandra, Crawford Market near Churchgate, and Chor Bazaar on Mutton street (opposite Shafi Masjid).
• Read More: Top 14 Mumbai Markets You Must Know

Mumbai is the center of India's booming "Bollywood" film industry. The architecturally resplendent Eros Cinema, adjacent to the Churchgate railway station, is a great place to take in a Bollywood movie . Alternatively, it's possible to go on a tour to the heart of the action in Film City. Or if you'd rather be in a Bollywood movie than simply see the set of one, that's possible too!

• Location: Film City is in Goregaon, in the western suburbs of Mumbai.
• Tours: Full Day Private Bollywood Tour

Dharavi Slum

Mumbai is notorious for having Asia's largest slum, Dharavi. It's possible to go on a tour of it. However, many people are reluctant to do so for moral reasons, as they feel it's voyeuristic poverty tourism. The actual reality is very different though. The tours are really insightful and dispel the negative preconceived stereotypes that people have. Dharavi is a bustling place full of small-scale industry, and you can even by from the manufacturers there (leather items and fabrics are just two popular things to shop for).

• Location: Near Mahim in central Mumbai.
• Tours : Dharavi Slum Small Group Tour
• Read More: Why You Must Go on a Dharavi Slum Tour

Elephanta Caves

Although they're nowhere near as impressive as Maharashtra's famous Ajanta and Ellora caves , the ancient rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island are worth visiting if you're spending a few days in Mumbai. There are two groups -- one Buddhist and one Hindu. The massive main cave, devoted to Lord Shiva, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It has some impressive sculptures and artwork. Get there by taking a ferry from the Gateway of India. If you want to venture further afield, there are more Buddhist caves inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the northern outskirts of the city.

• Location: Elephanta Island is 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Mumbai. Kanheri Buddhist Caves at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in the suburb of Borivali, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Mumbai city center.
• Tours: Private Tour to Elephanta Caves or Private Tour to Kanheri Caves.

Juhu and Marine Drive Chowpatty Beaches

 Vatsal Shah / TripSavvy

At the end of a tiring day of sightseeing, relax with the locals on the beaches of Juhu and Marine Drive, and watch the sunset. If you're feeling adventurous, you'll also be able to 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.

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

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Mumbai (Bombay)

Explore beyond the city center in Mumbai and you'll uncover furious energy, unique bazaars, hidden temples, hipster enclaves and India's premier restaurants and nightlife.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Mumbai (Bombay). Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Mumbai’s most famous landmark, this stunning hotel is a fairy-tale blend of Islamic and Renaissance styles, and India’s second-most-photographed monument…

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Imposing, exuberant and overflowing with people, this monumental train station is the city’s most extravagant Gothic building and an aphorism of colonial…

Elephanta Island

Northeast of the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbour, the rock-cut temples on Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island, are a Unesco World Heritage Site…

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Mumbai’s biggest and best museum displays a mix of India-wide exhibits. The domed behemoth, an intriguing hodgepodge of Islamic, Hindu and British…

Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum

This gorgeous museum, built in Renaissance revival style in 1872 as the Victoria & Albert Museum, contains 3500-plus objects centring on Mumbai’s history …

Iskcon Temple

Iskcon Juhu plays a key part in the Hare Krishna story, as founder AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada spent extended periods here (you can visit his modest…

Sassoon Docks

No sense is left unaffected at Mumbai's incredibly atmospheric fishing docks, dating to 1875, the oldest and largest wholesale fish market in Mumbai. A…

Gateway of India

This bold basalt arch of colonial triumph faces out to Mumbai Harbour from the tip of Apollo Bunder. Incorporating Islamic styles of 16th-century Gujarat,…

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Latest stories from Mumbai (Bombay)

Tips & Advice

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• 1 Districts
• 2.2 History
• 2.3 Culture and attitudes
• 2.4 Climate
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2 By boat
• 3.3 By train
• 4.1.1 Air-conditioned taxis
• 4.1.2 Private taxis
• 4.1.3 Tourist traps
• 4.2 By auto-rickshaw
• 4.4 By train
• 4.5 By metro
• 4.6 By monorail
• 4.7 By ferry
• 6.1 Colonial buildings
• 6.2 Museums and galleries
• 6.3 Beaches
• 6.4 Zoos, parks and gardens
• 6.5 Markets and crowds
• 6.6 Modern buildings and malls
• 6.7 Religious places
• 7.1.1 Organised festivals and events
• 7.1.2 Religious festivals
• 10.1 What to buy
• 10.2 Bookshops
• 10.3 Tourist traps
• 10.4 Groceries
• 11.1.1 International Cuisine
• 11.2.1 Regional Indian
• 11.3 Street food stalls
• 11.4 Authentic Marathi cuisine
• 11.5 Udupi restaurants
• 11.6 Irani cafes
• 11.7 Thalis
• 11.8 Fast food chains
• 11.9 What to eat
• 11.10 Tipping
• 12.1 Pubs & bars
• 12.2 LGBT options
• 12.3 Coffee shops
• 14.1 Landlines
• 14.2 Pay phones
• 14.3 Mobile phones
• 14.4 Cybercafes
• 14.6 Postal services
• 15.1.1 Railways
• 15.1.2 Airport
• 15.1.3 Air Ambulance
• 16 Stay healthy
• 17.2 Newspapers
• 17.4 Hospitals
• 17.5 Diagnostic centres
• 17.6 24 hour chemists
• 17.7 Foreign missions

Mumbai ( Marathi : मुंबई Mumbaī , Hindi : मुम्बई Mumbaī ) ( state tourism office ), earlier known as Bombay , is the largest city in India and the capital of the state Maharashtra . A cosmopolitan metropolis, Mumbai was built on seven islands on the Konkan coastline which over time were joined to form the island city of Bombay. The island was in turn joined with the neighbouring island of Salsette to form Greater Bombay . The city has an estimated metropolitan population of 21 million (2011), making it one of the world's most populous cities.

Mumbai is undoubtedly the commercial capital of India and is one of the predominant port cities in the country. Mumbai's nature as the most eclectic and cosmopolitan Indian city is symbolised in the presence of Bollywood within the city, the centre of the globally-influential Hindi film and TV industries. It is also home to India's largest slum population and the iconic Gateway of India built on the waterfront of Mumbai Harbour during the British Raj.

The name Bombay comes from Bom Bahia ("the good bay" in Portuguese), a name given by explorer Francis Almeida. Mumbai is named after the goddess Mumbadevi of the Koli community.

Districts [ edit ]

Mumbai is a city built in successive waves of migrations. The neighbourhoods acquired their character from the communities that settled there first. These neighbourhoods are too numerous to list and there is no commonly accepted way to group these neighbourhoods into larger districts. But roughly, from the south to the north, this is how the city developed.

The term Old Mumbai is used here to refer to the peninsular portion of Mumbai, which was the city till the 1940s when it expanded to cover the suburbs in the north.

Understand [ edit ]

Mumbai is a bustling, diverse metropolis with a flair of its own. The entrepreneurial spirit and pulsing pace of life provide a sharp contrast to much of the rest of India.

Name [ edit ]

There has been much debate regarding the original name of the city. Some say the current name of the city Mumbai is the original name; and is an eponym derived from Mumbā , the name of the local Hindu goddess Mumbadevi, and āī , meaning "mother" in Marathi. Others claim Bombay was an anglicised version of Bom Bahia, a name given by the Portuguese to mean "Beautiful Bay" and later made popular by the British as the name of the Bombay state.

The name was officially changed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995. Although Bombay and Mumbai are both used, people who explicitly use "Bombay" are generally non-Marathi speakers whereas "Mumbai" proponents primarily speak Marathi. In the West, Mumbai has become more commonly accepted in order to avoid controversy. The city is also fondly called āmcī Mumbaī (आमची मुंबई, "our Mumbai").

History [ edit ]

Though the seven islands that now make up the city have a long recorded history like any other place in India, their journey to form the city of Mumbai really started in 1498, when the Portuguese took them over from the Sultan of Gujarat. They built a settlement, forts, and churches (including the strange-looking Portuguese Church that stands to this day). However, they could not make much of their possession and the seven islands were handed over to England in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine de Braganza when she married Charles II of England. He wasn't very interested in the islands either, and he leased them to the British East India Company for £10 a year in 1668. The East India Company built the docks, the trading posts, and the fort that would form the nerve centre of the city. They also started off the long process of reclaiming land and joining the islands, an activity which went on until the 1960s.

The port attracted industries, and the entrepreneurial communities like the Parsis, Gujaratis and Marwaris (from Rajasthan) migrated and set up trading companies and factories in the late 19th century. Industries attracted migrant labour from different parts of the country. The successive waves of migration shaped the character of the city and its neighbourhoods.

The city that owes its existence to the efforts of the British was also the birthplace of the Indian National Congress, which played an overwhelmingly important role in the independence movement. The city whose mills were built by industrialists from across the country is the capital of Maharashtra state, which was carved on linguistic lines for Marathi speakers.

In the 1980s, high labour costs and unrest forced the closure of many textile mills and the city went into a decline from which it started recovering only in the late 1990s. The high population put a strain on the infrastructure. The rail and road network underwent a steady improvement over the 1990s, but because of the magnitude of the task, the roads seemed to be perennially under construction. Mumbai has now reinvented itself as a hub for the service industry.

In January 1993, in the wake of the destruction of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya , a wave of riots swept the city, with over 1,000 people killed, the vast majority of whom were Muslims. Relations between the city's various ethnic groups have been tense ever since, with several terrorist outrages (see #Stay safe ) adding fuel to the fire.

Culture and attitudes [ edit ]

Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India. In comparison with the rest of the country, the city is quite liberal. With a regular influx of immigrants from rest of India, the citizens, popularly known as 'Mumbaikers', have shown remarkable tolerance towards other cultures, making it a true cultural melting pot. However this tolerance has sometimes bowed under external pressures. Between the 60s and 80s, there was resentment about the non-Marathi speakers taking away jobs. The 1991 and 1993 riots between Hindus and Muslims did affect this spirit; however, the city managed to recover from these, once again proudly highlighting true 'spirit of Mumbai'.

Climate [ edit ]

Mumbai has three main seasons — summer, monsoon, and winter (milder summer). The best time to visit is during the winter between October and February. Humidity is also less during the winter, when the climate is pleasant; the minimum temperature is 17°C and the maximum is 30-31°C. Summer is from March to May, with highs in the low to mid 30s (roughly 80-90°F). It is hot and humid during this time. June to September is the monsoon season when the city is lashed by heavy rains. The city gets flooded two or three times and normal life gets disrupted during this season. Climate is humid pretty much throughout the year because the city rests on the coast.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Mumbai has excellent connectivity with most of the major cities around the world, including New York , London , Dubai , Tel Aviv , Singapore , Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur to name a few. If you are flying from Europe it is generally cheaper to fly from London, and there are many frequent flights available. All domestic sectors are linked to Mumbai, making it the second busiest hub in the country next to Delhi.

Mumbai's 19.099748 72.87499 1 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ( BOM  IATA ) is one of India's busiest airports and one of the main international gateways to the country. Many international airlines and low-cost carriers fly into Mumbai.

By boat [ edit ]

Thane Creek is bustling with ferries to central Mumbai from various cities on the southern and eastern side of the creek, such as Alibag . Ferries from Ferry Wharf also allow cheap access to islands and beaches in the vicinity of the city and Elephanta .

There are no scheduled international ferries to Mumbai, however cruise ships dock regularly.

By train [ edit ]

Hundreds of trains arrive daily from all over India, almost all major cities have a direct connection with Mumbai. Trains terminate at various different stations throughout the vast city, so make sure to note which station is relevant for your journey.

Main reservation offices are Churchgate, Mumbai Central and Bandra for the Western line and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Dadar on the Central line. There are unique ticket windows and quotas for foreign tourists. Bookings and tariffs on train tickets from anywhere in India from Mumbai can be found at the website of Indian Railways . Notice that while all trains are operated by Indian Railways, the Western and Central Lines function independently and reservations can only be made at certain stations.

The private luxury service Maharajas' Express has travel packages between Mumbai and Delhi . A high-speed railway from Ahmedabad is under construction and is planned to open in 2027.

By car [ edit ]

National highway numbers 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 17, and the Mumbai-Pune expressway radiate from the city providing links to all parts of the country. The road conditions are generally better than in the rest of India. Distances from various cities to Mumbai are:

• From other states : Ahmedabad (524 km (326 mi), 10 hr), Bangalore (982 km (610 mi)), Chennai (1,334 km (829 mi)), Kochi (1,427 km (887 mi)), Goa (583 km (362 mi), 11 hr), Hyderabad (711 km (442 mi), 14 hr), Mangalore (892 km (554 mi)), New Delhi (1,402 km (871 mi))
• From Maharashtra State : Amravati (669 km (416 mi)), Ahmednagar (254 km (158 mi)), Nagpur (824 km (512 mi)), Pune (151 km (94 mi), 2½-3 hr)

By bus [ edit ]

Mumbai is well served by buses from destinations inside India.

• Asiad Bus Service The bus terminal, popularly known as 'Asiad Bus Terminal' on Ambedkar Rd in Dadar east is another hub from where buses travel to Pune at regular frequency of 15 minutes to 1 hour. Buses vary in comfort from ordinary to luxury with airconditioning. Other routes available are Mumbai - Satara, Mumbai - Nasik. The easiest way to reach the terminal is to cross over using pedestrian foot bridge to Dadar East from the Dadar Terminus and walk straight all the way (less than 5 mins) to Ambedkar Rd.
• Private Buses There also exist numerous private bus operators who operate a large number of services from/to Mumbai from most major cities like Udaipur , Ajmer , Ahmedabad , Vadodara , Surat , Indore , Nashik , Aurangabad , Hyderabad , Belgaum , Hubli , Bangalore , Mangalore , Trichur and Goa . For Pune , buses depart every 10 minutes. Crawford Market, Dadar T.T., Sion, Chembur and Borivili are the main starting points. Some of the reliable private operators are - National,Neeta, Sharma, VRL, Konduskar, Dolphin, Paulo and Southern Travels.
• The comfortable air-conditioned blue cabs are available to Pune and Ahmednagar-Nashik from opposite Asiad Bus Terminal in Dadar and Lakhamsi Nappoo Rd near Dadar east railway station respectively.
• ST Buses ( MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) ), ☏ +91 22 2307 4272 (Mumbai Central), +91 22 2307 6622 (Mumbai Central), +91 22 2422 9905 (Parel), +91 22 2413 6835 (Dadar) . Operates services to Mumbai from various cities in Maharashtra. Mumbai Central is the most important Terminus in the city. All major cities in Maharashtra and nearby states are connected through Mumbai Central Terminus. The other important ST depots are at Parel, Nehru Nagar-Kurla, and Borivali. You can get buses for all over Maharashtra from these depots. But from Mumbai Central you would get buses any time as well as other State Transport buses. Quality varies.  

Get around [ edit ]

Most of Mumbai's inhabitants rely on public transport to and from their workplaces due to the lack of parking spaces, traffic bottlenecks and generally poor road conditions, especially in the monsoon. However, do ride in a taxi and auto at least once in the city. Feel real adventure in a vehicle that feels like it might fall apart at a speed over 30 kilometres per hour (19 mph) with a driver who thinks he's Schumacher.

For travelling using public transport, you can download the m-Indicator app for Android and iPhone . It contains useful information about bus and train routes, which can help you plan your commute.

By taxi [ edit ]

There are several types of taxis plying in Mumbai. You can hail a cab off the streets. Virtually all taxis have electronic meters which are somewhat tamper-proof. A taxi driver cannot refuse a fare as per law. If a driver does refuse, a threat to complain to the nearest cop usually does the trick. The minimum fare for 1 mi (1.6 km) or less is ₹28 (in 2022).

If you have extra pieces of luggage, the boot (trunk) of the taxi will not provide sufficient space, one large suitcase is all that will fit there. Hiring a taxi with a top carrier will be better. Top carriers can accommodate up to three large suitcases. Before starting the journey, ensure that the luggage is securely fastened to the carrier.

Generally, the only way to call for a standard taxi is to hail one on the street. This will not be a problem if you are within Old Mumbai or Bandra. It will be difficult to find a taxi in the suburbs as they have been out-competed by the cheaper auto-rickshaws there.

The maximum number of passengers allowed for a trip officially is four — three in the back seat and one in the front. Seat belts are not mandatory for taxi passengers and most standard black and yellow taxis will not even have them installed, though expect them in the branded ones.

Air-conditioned taxis [ edit ]

Air-conditioned taxis are premium public taxis and its fare is 20% higher than non-air-conditioned taxis. These taxis are really helpful for tourists and travellers who are not accustomed to the heat and pollution of Mumbai. All the rules of non-air-conditioned taxis apply to air-conditioned taxis too.

Since the fare of air-conditioned taxis is at a premium, the common folks usually do not prefer to travel by air-conditioned taxis and is primarily used by tourists or business travellers. For the lack of demand, the lack of supply is also expected. These taxis ply frequently but are not easily available in all locations. You can always expect them to be available at tourist hot spots like railway stations, airports, premium hotels, top tourist spots, etc. If you are not travelling through either of the above locations, and you need the air-conditioned comfort, but do not want to go look for a taxi, it is suggested that you move to the next section.

Private taxis [ edit ]

If you want a comfortable, air-conditioned ride at a small surcharge of 25 per cent over normal taxis it's best to travel by branded cab services that operate at government-approved tariffs. These services operate in modern fleets with well-trained drivers. You can get them at 30–60 minutes' notice, they are clean, air-conditioned, equipped with digital, tamper-proof meters, punctual, honest, and GPS-equipped-monitored, which makes them far secure at any time. If you're using a mobile phone, you receive an SMS with the driver's name, mobile number and car number 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. There is a 25% night surcharge (midnight-5AM). Some can be booked online.

Follow the queue system to board a taxi. Quite frequently, tourists and new visitors are mobbed by unscrupulous taxi drivers. Most drivers are honest, but the dishonest ones tend to cluster around railway stations and airports where they can more easily find suckers. Unless you are taking a prepaid taxi, always ask taxis to go by the meter. At the start of the journey, ensure that the meter is visible and shows the flag-down fare/meter reading.

Mumbai is also served by various transport network organisations. A lot of tourists and locals alike use services like Uber and Ola Cabs to commute in and around Mumbai. Make sure to read the tariffs in these before you pay. While most of these services do accept cash, a lot of them can also be linked to online wallet (UPI) services like Paytm; as such, overcharging is rarely a risk.

Tourist traps [ edit ]

One of the common scams is to charge the night fare rate during the daytime. You should be careful and read the heading before paying. In some cards, the night fare is red in colour and the daytime fare is black in colour.

The night charges are only applicable if you board the vehicle during the night hours (midnight to 5 AM). If you boarded the vehicle before midnight, and your journey is finishing after midnight, you are not liable to pay night charges. Similarly, if you board the vehicle before 5 AM and you finish after 5 AM, you are liable to pay night charges.

Sometimes, auto-rickshaw drivers charge the taxi fare and even show you a tariff card which is used for taxi fare computation.

You can download the m-indicator app which is available in Google Play Store and iTunes App Store. This app carries the latest taxi fares, auto fares, bus services details and local train timetables.

By auto-rickshaw [ edit ]

Auto-rickshaws are only allowed to operate beyond Bandra and Sion. They are not issued the licence for Old Mumbai. If you are not used to Indian roads, an auto-rickshaw ride can be heart-stopping, death-defying, laws-of-physics-bending.

Before departing, ensure that the meter is visible and shows the flag-down reading as 1.00 (on a mechanical meter). If the number is higher, insist that the driver flags it down once again. The minimum fare is ₹23 (in 2022). The meter remains at 1.00 for the first 1.6 km (0.99 mi) and every 0.10 movement indicates approx 200 m (i.e. 1.50 for every 0.2 km (0.12 mi)). Every auto driver is supposed to carry a valid RTO-approved meter tariff card. You can check this tariff card before paying. The meter also keeps ticking if you are waiting and/or are stuck in traffic. It's quite handy to have a copy of the meter card issued by The Mumbai Traffic Police. All of this applies to mechanical meters, not digital meters. Newer digital meters have started becoming common from 2012 onwards, and they show the exact fare, so there is no need to convert via the tariff card.

Auto-rickshaws are slower than cars and have terrible suspensions. Pregnant ladies are most strongly advised not to travel by auto-rickshaws since the combination of rash driving, poor suspensions, and horrible road conditions have quite often led to serious complications. The auto-rickshaw is a slow and uncomfortable vehicle and is not recommended for very long distances.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region around Mumbai is fast developing into a major conurbation. If you need to get to the surrounding cities of Thane , Navi Mumbai or Kalyan , bus services are available.

Buses run from 5AM to midnight. Selected routes run beyond these timings, but much less often. The average frequency between buses ranges from five to 30 min depending on the route. Fares are reasonable and buses can be travelled during peak hours, unlike trains which are far too crowded. Some trunk routes do get extremely crowded, however. Peak hours also have traffic snarls which may depend on the area traversed and the state of the roads.

Buses are numbered and the final destination is marked on the front in Marathi and on the side in English. Generally, buses around the city and trunk routes would be in the 1–199 series. Buses in the western suburbs would be the 200 series while those plying in the central and eastern suburbs would be in the 300 and 400 series. Services to Navi Mumbai are in the 500 series and buses to the Mira-Bhayander area are in the 700 series.

• Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport ( BEST ) provides efficient and comprehensive services connecting all places of the city and the suburbs. Some services also link the city with the extended suburbs like Navi Mumbai and Thane. Seats are almost always occupied. There are bus stops all over the city. There is usually a crowd and queue. You have to get in through the rear entrance and off at the front. Tickets are issued by a uniformed "conductor" after you get in. Special seats are marked for "Ladies", "Senior Citizens", "Handicapped", "Expectant Women", and "Women with infants". They can get in from the front. BEST has introduced the "Daily Pass" (Cost ₹50, valid on all BEST non-AC buses; Cost ₹60, valid on all BEST buses, including Air-conditioned bus routes). BEST has launched its app " BEST Prawas " for Android, which contains features like live tracking of buses and ETA of buses. You can also purchase BEST bus tickets and passes using the ridlr app for Android.
• TMT (Thane Municipal Transport) operates services in the Thane city and areas around it.
• The MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation), commonly known as ST, operates services from selected points in the city to the extended suburbs. From Dadar, services to Navi Mumbai and Panvel and from Borivali to Thane are the most prominent. Numerous other important routes are also covered in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) by the MSRTC.
• NMMT (Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport) operates services in Navi Mumbai Area, and a few points around. They also have services from Mulund in Greater Mumbai.
• KDMT (Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Transport) operates in the Kalyan - Dombivli Area with a few connections to Navi Mumbai.

Another option is to book bus tickets online from Redbus or myticketbuddy [dead link] , both of which have a choice of a number of large private bus operators all over India.

Most people travel in Mumbai using the Mumbai Suburban Railway commonly referred to as "Locals". Mumbai has an extensive railway network, with three lines — the Western Line, the Central Line and the Harbour Line.

• Mumbai is a linear city and the Western Line   Western   travels from Churchgate to Dahanu Road via Mumbai's Western Suburbs. The Western line provides north–south connectivity.
• The Central Line   Central   travels from Mumbai CSMT to Ambernath via Mumbai's Central Suburbs and Thane , with some services running beyond to Karjat, Khopoli, and Kasara. The interchange point between the Western Line and the Central Line is Dadar.
• The Harbour Line   Harbour   has a common stretch between Mumbai CSMT and Vadala Road. The Harbour Line splits into two spurs, the main one running to Mumbai's Eastern Suburbs and Navi Mumbai, up to Panvel. The Interchange point of this line with the Central Main Line is at Kurla. The other spur of the Harbour Line runs up to Mahim on the Western Line and runs parallel up to Andheri. The interchange stations with the Western line are Bandra and Andheri.

Trains on all lines start operations after 4AM and close operations between midnight and 1AM. Second-class travel is very cheap. However, it is advisable to buy first-class tickets as the economy class is extremely crowded. First Class can be quite expensive and if four people are travelling together, a taxi might be better.

There would always be queues and it would be advisable to buy coupon booklets. Coupon booklet punching machines are available at all stations and the best thing is you will not have to stand in a huge line to buy a booklet. Another option is to buy a Smart card for Railways. It helps you maintain balance like any gift card with an option to refill it once it goes below the limit. Smart card outlets to buy tickets are available at all stations. They are touch screen based and you can simply follow the instructions to buy a ticket for the right path.

If you are a tourist, you can buy a 'Tourist Ticket'. It costs ₹275 and you can travel in first class compartments of all three lines during the entire day. Ensure the location of the first-class compartment before the train arrives. You may ask fellow passengers or the vendors at the various food stalls. An easier way to spot the location of the First class compartment is to check the station walls painted with red and yellow slant stripes.

Avoid using local trains during rush hour (first class or otherwise). Rush hour is 8:30–10:30AM towards CST and Churchgate and 5:30PM–8:30PM in the opposite direction. If you are travelling during rush hour, don't stand near the railway tracks as you will get swamped by frantic. Take no offence if you are pushed and shoved about, as passengers jostle for a spot. As you near your exit station, ensure that you are as close as possible to the train door, as experienced commuters, will begin the mad run to be first on, or off, the car before the car comes to a full stop. If you stand any chance of getting on/off before the train departs, you must be equally aggressive in your focus to exit/enter, remember no one will take offence if you make contact with others, as you wriggle by. Last, but not least, exiting/entering a train before it comes to a full stop is not something to be taken lightly, one misstep can send a person onto the rails with amazing ease! Leave the stunts to the experienced locals.

There are special coaches for women in both classes. These are designated by green and yellow slant stripes, spot these stripes on the station walls and you'll know where the ladies compartment is. These are generally less crowded and safer. But very late at night, it might actually be safer to travel by the general coach than the first-class women's coach, as the latter may be absolutely empty except for you. From 11:15PM-6:30PM the ladies compartment towards the northern end is open to the general public. Sometimes they have a cop guarding the coaches, but sometimes they won't. Use your judgement.

By metro [ edit ]

The Mumbai Metro connects the western suburbs to the eastern suburbs. Line 1 runs from Versova to Ghatkopar with interchange options available at Andheri (Western Line) And Ghatkopar (Central Line) Railway Station. The travel time is 20 minutes.

You can purchase Mumbai Metro tickets from your smartphone using the ridlr app.

By monorail [ edit ]

Mumbai has India's only monorail system, it has one line and eighteen stations throughout the city. The fare is between ₹5 and ₹11 depending on your destination station.

By ferry [ edit ]

These are a few intra-city ferry services:

• Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves Fast boats and Catamarans operated by private operators. These are moderately priced. This is only way to get to Elephanta Caves .
• Gorai (Borivali) to Gorai Beach Low-cost ferry connecting Gorai Beach/Esselworld.
• Marve Jetty (Malad) to Manori Jetty Cheap ferry (by BEST) connecting Manori and Gorai. Also services for Esselworld (Amusement Park).
• Versova (Andheri) to Madh Jetty Cheap ferry connecting Madh/Erangal/Aksa/Marve.

Travel agents and hotels can arrange private chauffeur-driven cars to provide services. Expensive by comparison with taxis, they are the most trusted, secure, and comfortable way to travel around the city. Driving in Mumbai can be difficult, because of poor driver discipline, but chauffeur-driven services are very reasonable. These can be arranged by travel companies or online from the countries of origin. Car rental agencies also have services in Mumbai.

Talk [ edit ]

Mumbai is India's melting pot — a confluence of people from various parts of India, but dominant are people from the west, then north, and followed by the south. Marathi is the state and city official language used by State Government agencies, municipal authorities, and the local police, and also the first language of most locals.

However, being one of India's largest cities and main commercial centre, Mumbai is now also home to migrants from other parts of India who do not speak Marathi. A local variant of Hindi , with strong Bollywood influence, called Mumbaiya Hindi (or Bambaiya Hindi ), serves as the "lingua franca". Although almost everyone can understand standard Hindi, you may get an interesting reply from some. Most educated locals will be well versed in Marathi, Hindi and English.

English is widely used in the corporate world and in banking and trading. In most places, you will be able to get by with Hindi and English, as most people you will encounter can communicate in broken English at the very least. However, expect to hear more regional languages including Gujarati .

See [ edit ]

There is a lot to see in Mumbai, but the typical "tourist" sights are concentrated in South Mumbai .

By Indian standards, Mumbai is a young city and much of the land comprising the city did not exist until it was claimed from the sea over three centuries ago. It is therefore, a pleasant surprise to find rock cut caves such as the Elephanta, Kanheri, and Mahakali within city limits.

Colonial buildings [ edit ]

The British built a magnificent city within the walls of Fort St. George, which lies at the southern extremity of the city. Some fine examples of the Gothic revival, Neo-classical style and Indo-Saracenic style are seen within this area. To get the best experience of the city centre, stroll around the wide streets of the area right from Churchgate to Colaba. These areas are all beautifully planned and have wide and clean pavements, unlike the rest of the city. Famous monuments to be seen in this area are the Gateway of India, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT, previously Victoria Terminus), the Municipal Corporation and Police Headquarters and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya (formerly, the Prince Of Wales Museum). The famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is opposite the Gateway of India. The Mumbai University buildings and the High Court are also excellent examples of colonial architecture in the city.

There are a lot of other modern structures to look at in this area. The area known as Marine Drive (right from Girgaon Chowpatty to NCPA) is home to a large number of buildings built in the Art Deco style. Mumbai is second only to Miami in the number of Art Deco buildings. some famous buildings in this style are the Eros and Regal cinemas. The Art Deco and Gothic buildings were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018.

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

Some of the India's most famous museums and art galleries are found here. The Kala Ghoda area in South Mumbai teems with them, particularly the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum), and the National Gallery of Modern Art . Once again, most of them are concentrated in South Mumbai. Also worth planning a visit is Jehangir Art Gallery, also at Kala Ghoda, displays changing exhibits by notable artists. The plaza next to the gallery also regularly displays exhibits of various artists.

In Nehru Complex in Worli is Nehru Centre Art Gallery at Worli is a gallery dedicated to young and promising talent along with established artists. Also within the complex is a permanent exposition, Discovery of India, which attempts to cover every aspect of artistic, intellectual and philosophical attainment of India through ages. The exposition spreads across 14 galleries and reflects true identity of the country. On the other end of the complex, Nehru Science Centre - which has a separate entrance from Mahalaxmi race course road, has a permanent exhibition on 'interactive and exciting' science related exhibits highlighting science principles in fun yet educational way.

Beaches [ edit ]

Mumbai isn't known for beaches because they have immensely filthy water! Mumbai has a few beaches, including one in the southern districts. But they aren't that great and the water off Mumbai's coast is extraordinarily dirty. The relatively better ones are in North Mumbai . However, they are a great place to see how the locals spend their Sunday evenings, with various food and game stalls.

There are other beaches to be found such as the Girgaon Chowpatty (the cleanest one) in South Mumbai, Juhu Beach in the Western Suburbs and Aksa Beach in North Mumbai. The currents don't seem strong, but particularly in the rains, lots of people die from drowning, so avoid getting in the water (especially at Aksa Beach). A word of advice to women: Mumbai beaches are not the kind you can wear swimsuits to, particularly two-pieces.

Zoos, parks and gardens [ edit ]

Mumbai has a justified reputation as a concrete jungle, but there are some nice pockets of greenery within the city. It is also one of the rare megacities to have an entire national park within its borders ( Sanjay Gandhi National Park [dead link] ). You will not visit Mumbai for them, but if you are already here, they make a nice escape from the din and bustle. It also houses the ancient Kanheri Caves crafted out of rocky cliffs, which dates back 2,400 years.

The city zoo (Jijamata Udyan) in Byculla is a colonial relic and it is surprisingly well-preserved. The animals may look rather emaciated, but the sheer diversity of trees on this lush zoo is worth a trip.

Some city parks are very well-maintained and combine history as well. The "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill offers stunning vistas of the Marine Drive. Opposite the Hanging Gardens, there is another park which is known as Kamla Nehru Park, famous for the striking shoe-shaped structure which has been filmed in various Bollywood movies

Further in South Mumbai, the Mumbai Port Trust Garden, is another hidden gem. This is set off a small side street off the Colaba Causeway 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) south of the main section. Attractive views of the port, the naval yards and sunset.

In North Central Mumbai, there is Mancherji Joshi Five Gardens. Mainly used by walkers in the morning, it is a mess in the evenings. But the gardens encircle some historic, art deco residences.

Markets and crowds [ edit ]

Mumbai is probably worth visiting just for its street markets, the hustle of vendors, and the madness of the crowds. Good places are Bandra, Khar and Andheri. If you came to Mumbai and didn't give visit to the highly dense and crowded markets, it means you didn't meet the real Mumbai.

Hawkers and street shoppers don't ask for any legal permission and then set their stalls at the places where they see maximum footfall. From electronics items to fresh food, you can get everything at railway platforms, subway and mains streets.

Modern buildings and malls [ edit ]

Once the British left, the zeal to wipe away the traces of colonial rule was, unfortunately, not matched by the enthusiasm to build a new city that matched the grandeur of the British-era buildings. Now, while the shabbiness of the socialist era is thankfully being replaced by architecture with an eye on aesthetics, the new malls, multiplexes, and office buildings that are coming up are indistinguishable from those anywhere else in the world. Still, they are worth a look, especially if you want to have a look at India's success story. Skyscrapers exceeding 60 stories now dominate the skyline.

For long, Inorbit Mall was the only mall offering a lot of variety for shoppers. Palladium, built within the High Street Phoenix, broke the monopoly of Inorbit Mall. From state of the art interiors to international brands, the Palladium has everything. The new Infiniti Mall (Infinity 2) in Malad also has lots of foreign brands and is one of the biggest malls in the suburbs. Nirmal Lifestyles Mall in Mulund and Metro Junction Mall in Kalyan are two of the largest malls in Mumbai. In the central suburbs, they are quite popular in the city. The Phoenix Marketcity Mall is the largest in the city, located in Kurla. There is also the R CITY Mall in Ghatkopar.

Powai is a modern central Mumbai suburb with European looks. Powai houses the Indian Institute of Technology and is built around fabulous lake. Most of the construction is in a township format and is privately built. It houses twenty top of the line restaurants, two large convenience stores, a handful of coffee shops and entertainment areas. Initially built as an upmarket self-contained township, Powai has now grown into a business process outsourcing hub in Mumbai. The township reflects both characteristics; you will often find families shopping and twenty somethings hanging out in tables next to each other.

Religious places [ edit ]

Mumbai has temples, mosques, churches, Parsi agiaries, and even a few synagogues reflecting the diversity of its citizens. While these are naturally of interest if you are a believer, some, like the Portuguese church at Dadar are worth visiting just for their unique architecture.

Mahalaxmi temple is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, offering a scenic and serene view to the devotees and visitors.

Siddhivinayak temple of Mumbai is very famous. It is in Dadar and you can easily get a taxi to go to the temple from the Dadar railway station.

The city also boasts of Jewish places of worship predominantly in the area called Byculla, but also in South Mumbai. In this area the three prominent Jewish groups of Mumbai lived. They were Baghdadi Jews, Bene Israelis and the locals who had converted over a period of time and lived in the hinterland.

There are two very beautiful Hare Krishna (ISKCON) temples that are significant tourist attractions. One is in Hare Krishna land, Juhu, Andheri and the other in South Mumbai, near Gandhi's house. Both have Govinda's pure vegetarian restaurants at the premises. Most tourists appreciate the peaceful experience in the temple.

The Islamic Research Foundation of Zakir Naik is in South Central Mumbai near Dongri. Is popular with people of all faiths. It hosts a vast library of books from all world religions and is a great place to hangout and know about Islamic culture.

Mount Mary Church , also known as Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, is a Roman Catholic church located in Bandra West, Mumbai.

Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most visited places in Mumbai. The Dargah Sharief is built on a tiny islet 500 metres from the coast, in the middle of Worli Bay, in the vicinity of Worli. People from different religion and places visit this places. More than 80,000 people visit dargah every week.

One notable monument in Northwest Mumbai is the Global Vipassana Pagoda in Gorai. It is a meditation centre that can seat 8,000 people. Vipassana literally means mediation, and the centre runs 10-day meditation courses and 1 day mega courses on Sundays. The courses are free of cost but you would have to register for them in advance on their website.

Do [ edit ]

There is a lot to do in Mumbai, but lack of space means that for outdoorsy activities, you need to head north, often outside city limits. In North Munbai and Thane, you will find opportunities for water sports like H2O [dead link] at Girgaon Chowpatty. There are two golf courses in the city, the more famous one in Chembur [dead link] in the Harbour Suburbs.

Mumbai has a vibrant theatre scene with plays in many languages including English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi. While South Mumbai has frequent performances, the best organised theatre effort is at Prithvi theatre, Juhu in the Western Suburbs. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Indian classical music and dance. While not a patch on the Sabhas of Chennai, you will find frequent performances of Carnatic music in Shanmukhananda Hall, Matunga in North Central Mumbai.

Mumbai is also usually the first stop for Western pop and rock stars visiting India, which they usually do when they are over 50. The Rock scene is very good in Mumbai. These are very safe to go to and are recommended for rock fans. Most bands cover heavy metal acts like Pantera, Six feet under, and Slipknot. To try to find places with specific music tastes try asking students outside Mumbai's colleges. Western classical music performances are rarer. However most classical music performances along with other art forms are regularly performed at NCPA and Tata Theatre , both next to the narrow strip at Nariman Point.

• Chowpatty Jayenge Bhel Puri Khayenge ; as it says in the lyrics of one of the Bollywood movie song, go to beaches (specially in the evenings) and enjoy local favourite 'Bhel Puri' while the sun sets in the Arabian sea.
• Take a harbour cruise ; cruises from Gateway of India leave every 30 min daily except during the monsoon season (Jun-Sep).
• Dabba wallahs are a group of couriers in Mumbai who move two million household lunchboxes every day in a complicated system of delivery.
• Enjoy theatre & performances ; Mumbai offers unlimited opportunities to theatre lovers and there are regular shows in theatres across the city. Check newspapers on latest shows as well as performances at prominent halls such as Prithvi Theatre, NCPA, Tata Theatre.
• Get crowded , and try catching suburban trains at peak times. You are warned though.
• Join for heritage walks . organised by two architects, these walks take you around various historic and architecturally significant areas of the city. Walks are organised on the third Sunday of every month (with a break from June through August for the monsoons) and the route varies each time. The walks last around 2 hours. Discounted rates for students and the physically challenged.  
• Poonawallas Breeders Multimillion ; on the last Sunday of February, the glitterati of Mumbai dress up for the Ascot of Mumbai at the Mahalaxmi Race Course. With High Tea, amazing hats, and hundreds of ordinary punters staking their little all on the outside chance, this is the event to attend in Mumbai so try to cage a ticket if you happen to visit around then.
• Pub Hopping , The number and variety of Pubs in the city allow for an enthralling Pub Hopping opportunity.
• Taj private yacht ; if you can afford it, rent the Taj's private yacht (has two sun decks and three bedrooms) for a cruise around the Mumbai harbour.
• Take A Dip at Water World
• Take a morning walk on Juhu beach
• Watch the sunset at the Gateway of India

• Temples ; there are so many religious places around in the city (both old and new) that one can plan a day long itinerary on that. Start with Mahalkshmi Temple, Banganga Temple, Siddhi Vinayak, Afghan Church, Mahim Church, Haji Ali... the list will get really long.
• Visit Essel World
• Visit museums and art galleries
• Watch a Movie ; you are in the land of Bollywood. Expect whistles and clapping by crowd in admiration of their celebrities on the screen, except at multiplexes as this occurs at single-screen movie theatres. Most of the cinema halls run both 'popular and new' Bollywood as well as Hollywood movies and some even screen ones in regional languages. Some of the popular Hollywood screening cinema halls in South Mumbai are Eros opposite Churchgate, Metro on M.G.Road, Regal in Colaba, Sterling next to CST Station, and New Excelsior in Fort. With the rise of malls and multiplexes, the nearest cinema is unlikely to be more than a stone's throw away, even in the suburbs. Check out newspaper listing to get the list of latest screenings.
• Watch Cricket for Free ; cricket has a national games stature in India, and Mumbaikars revere that every day of the year. Azad Maidan (Azad ground) near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, ground opposite to Ruia College in Matunga and Shivaji Park in Dadar west are some of the best places to witness the cricket fever for free. You may be even lucky to witness ongoing game of cricket on some of the empty streets of Mumbai.

Festivals [ edit ]

While many religious festivals are celebrated by people in Mumbai, a few of these are essentially public and social occasions, where the traveller can participate.

Organised festivals and events [ edit ]

• Banganga Festival . (Jan) The musical festival is organised by Maharashtra Tourism (MTDC) annually at Banganga Tank on Malabar Hill.  
• Elephanta Festival . (March) Organised by Maharashtra Tourism, the festival of music and dance at Elephanta Caves has in the past seen performances by renowned artists like Alarmel Valli, Sanjeev Abhyankar, and Ananda Shankar and traditional Koli dances as well as traditional food. 7PM-10PM (Ferries start at 4PM)  
• Kala Ghoda Festival . The arts and crafts festival is held in the last week of Jan or first week of Feb annually in the historic precinct of Kala ghoda in Mumbai.  
• Mumbai Festival (Jan) Sample the vibrant culture of the city. The festival covers theater, sports, fashion, food, and shopping.
• Mumbai Wine Fest (Feb) Wine connoisseurs of the city gather to sample wines, enjoy the culinary delights while soaking in the cultural extravaganza put up at Kala Ghoda.

Religious festivals [ edit ]

• Christmas (Dec) This is characterised by midnight (nowadays held around 8-9PM on Christmas Eve due to restrictions on loud speakers) masses in churches and is usually followed by a number of private parties all across the city.
• Diwali (Oct/Nov) Festival of Lights. Start of New Year and opening of new accounts. Worshiping of Goddess Laxmi. Participate in the fireworks and view the bright lights.
• Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug/Sep) is one of Mumbai's most important and colourful festivals. During the 10 day celebration, Lord Ganesha is worshiped in millions of homes. See the colourful processions and participate in them, the biggest of which is on the last day of the celebrations where the largest idol is brought to Chowpatty for immersion in the wee-small hours of the morning and can vary depending on the crowd and pace of travel from Lal Bagh to the beach. The Lalbaug, Parel, Matunga and Dadar areas represent some of the best large scale decorations. On the last day of the festival, processions are carried out to bid bye to the loved deity in the sea. These presentations are colourful and carry a celebration fever. The best places to watch them are Girgaon and Dadar Chowpatty (beach) or the main roads such as Ambedkar Road from where the processions are carried out.
• Janmashtami (Jul/Aug) Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna. Earthen pots full of curd are strung high up across the streets. Young men stand on top of one another to form a human pyramid and attempt to break the pots.
• Mt. Mary's Feast (Sep) The feast in honor of Our Lady of the Mount is celebrated with great solemnity at St. Mary's Church, Bandra. A week long Bandra fair is held during this time attracting huge crowds.
• Navratri (Sep/Oct) is a 10-day festival, where nine of the nights are spent in worship and entire Mumbai swings to the rhythm of Garba and Raas dances of Gujarati community.
• Ramadan-Eid Muslim festival marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Marked by feasting at many places. Non-Muslims can also join in.

Sports [ edit ]

Mumbai inherits the cricket fever justifiably and the metropolitan region has 3 of the finest cricket stadiums in India, namely Brabourne Stadium (Churchgate), Wankhede Stadium (Marine Lines) and DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai). Several of international cricket matches and domestic championships such as Indian Premier League (IPL) have been played in these stadiums. Watch out for upcoming cricket stadium to join the cricket frenzy crowd. Apart from these, Ruia College, Shivaji Park, Azad Maidan, Marine Lines are some of the places where live cricket action can be seen for free. Alternatively if you are a football fan, you may want to visit Cooperage Football ground (Colaba) for a local league match. For swimming enthusiasists, Mahatma Gandhi Swimming Pool (Dadar W) is the place to visit. For horse racing, head straight to Mahalakshmi Race Course (Mahalakshmi). Powai hosts some of the finest Golf fields. For others there are many sport activities including Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton which can be practised at various clubs. Gyms are plenty and can be easily found.

Learn [ edit ]

• Cricket - As cricket is like religion in India, many youngsters travel to Mumbai from different corners of India to get professional training in Cricket academies and educational institutes.
• Film & TV production - The craze of Bollywood attracts many people to try their luck in Mumbai. The city hosts many big film production houses and studios. Most of the big film producers and directors belong to this city and they have opened several training institutions to attract new talent.
• Indian classical music - The origins of Indian classical music are found in Vedas and the metropolitan city, Mumbai has been continuing the tradition. Most of the die- hard Indian classical music lovers operate training classes to pass on their talent to young generation.
• Indian cooking - Mumbai is real heaven for food lovers as one can get variety of food here. Food lovers not only love tasting variety of food but they also serve food to others by preserving their cooking talent. Many professional and amateur cook lovers offer free as well as paid classes to passionate learners.
• Yoga - Being highly busy city in India, the Mumbai people try to revive their life by taking part in different Yoga activities. In their rush schedule, Mumbaikars try to spend some time doing Yoga as they know role of these activities in their life.

Work [ edit ]

Nariman Point and Fort are the commercial hubs of the city and the most sought-after destinations. There is a significant expatriate population working in the banks and financial services industries. Bandra-Kurla Complex is another business district in Mumbai.

The advertising industry is a prominent industry in Mumbai. Many of the top advertising companies such as Lintas, O&M, Saatchi & Saatchi, Contract, and Trikaya Grey have their offices in the city.

A good idea to make quick money is to work part-time in a BPO or a call centre most of which are concentrated at Mindspace, Malad(W) and Hiranandani Gardens (Powai). Only suitable for English speakers.

Foreigners can also earn a quick buck as extras in Bollywood films. Bring a book as there is a lot of time spent sitting around, so it's not something to do for the money. Normally you won't have to look for them as they will be asking tourists near Leopold's or your hotel manager may ask you when you book in.

Buy [ edit ]

Visa, MasterCards and Indian RuPay cards are widely accepted in the city shops. Many shopping establishments also accept American Express, Diners and host of other cards. However, some of the small shops or family-run shops may not accept these cards and some handy cash can be of help here. ATMs are widely available and many debit cards accepted as well. If you have an Indian bank account or credit card, you may not need to carry too much of cash. If you are a foreigner, it is a good idea to carry some cash to avoid charges while using your credit or debit card.

Many stores and websites have started accepting payments using mobile wallets and Unified Payment Interface (UPI). Some of the popular payment apps are Paytm, Google Pay (formerly known as Tez), PhonePe, BHIM and Amazon Pay.

In general, costs in Mumbai are higher than the rest of India, though they are still much lower by Western standards.

The shopping experience in the city is a study in contrasts. At the lower end of the spectrum are street vendors. Existing at the borderline of legality, entire streets have been given over to these hawkers and in many places it is impossible to walk on the footpaths, because they have blocked the way. On the other hand, these vendors often give you a great bargain though you will have to haggle a lot and be careful about what to buy. There's nothing like taking a local along to shop for you.

• Family-run shops , Or one could do shopping at family-run shops, where the items are behind the counter and one has to ask the salesperson to get items from the list. The traditional way to buy sarees or jewellery is to go to a shop where you sit on a bedspread laid out on the floor and the salespeople bring out their wares one-by-one until you make a decision. Shops like Bharat Kshetra in Dadar have scaled this model up to such an extent that they have a two-storied complex where you can do the same.
• Shopping Malls , Mumbai has been experiencing a boom in malls in the past few years. You can combine your shopping, dining out, and watching movies all in one place.

What to buy [ edit ]

• Antiques & second hand items , Visit Chor Bazar for the best options and bargains
• Burlingtons , in the Taj is a tailor specializing in Indian outfits. Buy some material and get some clothes made up by a tailor. It's an incredibly cheap way to get quality made-to-measure clothes. Usually only takes a couple of days.
• Carpets, rugs and shawls
• Cotton clothes , Mumbai is great place to buy quality and cheaper cotton clothes. Amongst many notable shops and brands, Cottonworld is a place to look out for.
• Dhoop , (translates into Sunshine or Incense) A quaint, stylist store where you can find really interesting quality crafts and home accessories. On the corner of Union Park, Near Olive, Off Carter Road in Bandra.
• Indian musical instruments , Indian music has its own set of musical instruments such as Tabla, Harmonium, straight Flute that it relies upon. These can be brought at various music shops scattered across the city. Some well known shops are L.M.Furtado, Ghaisas & Bros.
• Khadi clothing , Khadi is an authentic Indian variety of home spun cotton. Mahatma Gandhi advocated the use of khadi as a form of satyagraha against the use of foreign goods and a form of rural self-employment for India during the pre-independence days. Check out the Khadi Gram Udyog Bhavan at 286, DN Road, Near the Mumbai GPO & Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It is run by the Khadi Gramudyog Vikas Samiti which is an umbrella organization started by the Mahatma himself which today has evolved into a government registered unit promoting the use of khadi. A good place to buy souvenirs including khadi Indian flags. These are similar in type to the ones used during the freedom struggle. It also houses other forms of fabrics like pure cotton wool, and silk. Some of the items make use of natural straw. Also offer a collection of handmade paper products.
• Kurties and tunics' , a must have in India. Linkin Laado has a wide range of classy kurties, fushion ethnic wear and exquisite dress materials in most sought after pure fabrics such as muls, cottons, maheshwari and chanderi silk in hand block prints and intrinsic chikankari work. The shop is at Link Square Mall, Shop No. F5, Opposite KFC, Above Croma, Linking Road, Bandra West.
• Leather jackets , go to the main road in Dharavi. You can fit yourself with a leather jacket (they stitch it for you) of leather you pick. Usually takes just one day to get it.
• Luxury retail , Mumbai has witnessed a massive boom in luxury retail. All the brands you can buy in any other major city are available there.
• Pashmina , cheap stuff is everywhere and decent shawls in every hue can be purchased at various markups in any hotel arcade. High-quality items in unusual colors and unique designs require more searching. The "pashminas" sold on Colaba Causeway are not anywhere close to pashmina.
• Sarees , the best place to buy them is Dadar (both east and west). The place is buzzing 12 months a year. On Sundays the crowd can be maddening for outsiders. Good shops to buy Sarees are Dadar Emporium, Lazaree, Roop Sangam. On N C Kelkar Road and Ranade Road you can buy almost everything a woman needs. Bargain hard.
• Traditional clothing & handicrafts , State government operated emporiums such as those for Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir. sell state specific items of clothing and handicrafts. These are in places around South Mumbai or the shopping arcades of Five Star Hotels. There is also a Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India Emporium near the Gateway of India beside the Tendulkar's restaurant. The items on display include embroidered clothing, carvings, paintings, sculptures etc. and are reasonably priced. Amongst the private labels, Fabindia is a must visit for its variety of kurtas [tunics], salwars, pyjamas, churidars & dupattas. They also offer bedspreads, cushion covers, decorative pillows, quilts, table linens, home furniture etc. Just like the government owned emporiums, Fabindia operates on a cottage industries model where products are hand crafted by artisans and sourced from villages across India. Good quality, smart colours, trendy designs but prices are a bit on the high side. Shops are found across Mumbai.

Bookshops [ edit ]

Mumbai has large number of organised bookshops. However it also has number of streetside second hand book shops or displays that give opportunity to come across rare collections. Many of these roadside book shops can be prominently found, among many, near Flora Fountain, Maheshwari Udyyan (former King's Circle) and Dadar west market.

If you are somewhere in the Western Suburbs, Granth on Juhu Road could be a good bet to find the book you are looking for.

The Crossword chain of book shops has an outlet in most malls around the city, as well as the main store in Kemp's Corner.

In a place without clearly displayed price tags (and sometimes even in places with), you will get charged about 3-4 times as much as a local if you seem like a tourist. Take a local with you if you're going to local markets to haggle. Haggling is much louder and ruder in India than elsewhere. Don't be afraid to haggle things down to 1/4 of the asking price. And most importantly remember that almost all stores that sell carpets, jewelry, handicrafts, etc. pay huge amounts of commission (25% up to even 50%!) to the cab drivers, hence avoid tourist taxis, cabs, etc. Another thing to remember is not to haggle just for the fun of it. The shopkeepers may take offence if you don't buy an item after they have agreed to your price. One of the places that you can trust is The World Trade Centre (in Cuffe Parade, near Hotel Taj President). Besides being the only World Trade Centre in Mumbai, this place has an amazing range of exquisite carpets, handicrafts, shawls, etc. with reputed government approved stores and state emporiums too. Ask for receipts everywhere, including bars, and check what you have been charged for. Don't ever accept a guide offer or escort of somebody from the street: You will certainly get conned. If some place (including taxis, restaurants, shops, etc.) claims it doesn't have change (this is highly unlikely), insist they get change from a neighbouring shop.

Groceries [ edit ]

In addition to the local grocery stores which can be found on most of the streets, there are new additions to the city in the form of new big and small supermarkets and hypermarkets where you can get all the food items you need. Some of them are Big Bazaar [dead link] , Hypercity , DMart, Spinach Local, Apna Bazaar.

Eat [ edit ]

The dining experience at an upscale restaurant in Mumbai is more or less the same as anywhere else in the world. You can find cuisine from the Middle East, Western Europe, North America and China easily. But to get a real flavour of what's unique to Mumbai, you will have to go a little lower down the scale and experience the street food and Irani cafes. Since March 2015, beef is banned in Maharashtra, and therefore in Mumbai. Therefore, it is uncommon to find beef served in restaurants. For individual restaurants and other places to eat, go to the individual district pages.

Don't leave Mumbai without trying:

• Alphonso Mangoes during summer season
• As many different kinds of chaat (Bhelpuri, Pav Bhaji etc.) as your stomach can handle
• Bread Maska (Bread & Butter) from an Irani Cafe
• Goan seafood
• Maharashtrian,Gujrati,Managlorean special and Kerala Thali
• Indian Chinese
• Indian sweets- milky, delicious concoctions (try the kulfi falooda at Badshah's in Crawford market)
• Particularly late-night at Bade Miyaan's behind the Taj near Colaba Causeway (also if the lights are off in order to avoid bribing the cops, do still try and approach it as it is likely to still be serving)
• Kingfisher Blue beer (not common in eateries, but only most "wine shops" (liquor stores)
• South Indian food from an Udupi restaurant
• Vada pav (the Indian veg burger): known to be the dish of Mumbai

Speciality restaurants [ edit ]

Popular search engines to find easily restaurants include Justdial , AskLaila and DizyLocal . The search engines shall provide the address, contact details, and user ratings (if available) of the specific eatery (if name is provided), or list of eatery catering to the specialty (e.g. Seafood, Pubs, Chinese Food, etc.) depending on the location suggested (e.g. Worli, Bandra, South Mumbai, etc.).

• Seafood , Apurva (Fort right off Horniman Circle). If you want to eat some authentic Indian (Konkan) sea food you must visit the Bharat Excellensea. It is next to the Horniman Circle and the Reserve Bank of India. It is becoming pretty expensive. In the slightly higher price range, Trishna (at Kala Ghoda in Fort) and Mahesh Lunch Home (also in Fort) are very popular among both locals and tourists.

North-Western

• Peshawari , Andheri, ( at Maratha Sheraton ). Its sister restaurant Bukhara in Delhi has been recognised as the best Indian restaurant around the world. Try tandoori jhinga, the kebab platter, sikandari raan (leg of lamb), and mangoes and ice cream (only during summers), Kebab Corner (Hotel Intercontinental), Copper Chimney (Worli) Khyber (Kala Ghoda), and Kareem's Malad Link Road in Malad W.

International Cuisine [ edit ]

• Chinese , India Jones, ( Hilton Towers Mumbai ), Mainland China (Saki Naka), Ling's Pavilion (Colaba), Golden Dragon (Taj Mahal Hotel), Great Wall (Renaissance), Spices (JW Marriott), China Gate (Bandra), China White (Bandra). Bandra offers a range of Chinese Restaurants. Royal China at VT (behind Sterling Cinema serves some of the best DimSum the city has to offer). The new CG83 at Kemps corner is brilliant and the signature restaurant of Nelson Wang. Also new is Henry Thams. The food is brilliant as are the prices, however the bar is much more popular than the restaurant.
• Combination Oriental , India Jones ( Hilton Towers Mumbai ), Pan Asian (at Maratha Sheraton), Seijo, and Soul Dish (Bandra), Joss (Kala Ghoda) has some of the best East Asian food in the country and at moderate prices (compared to hotels). San Qi at the Four Seasons (Worli) combines East Asian and South Asian cuisine quite well.
• Italian , Shatranj Nepoli ( Bandra, Union Park ), Little Italy (Juhu next to Maneckji Cooper school), Don Giovanni's (Juhu, opposite JW Marriott), Mezzo Mezzo (at the JW Marriott), Vetro (at The Oberoi, Mumbai), Celini (at the Grand Hyatt), Mangi Ferra (Juhu), Taxi(Colaba), Spaghetti Kitchen (Phoenix Mills, Parel).
• Japanese , Wasabi by Morimoto ( Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba ) is Mumbai's best and most expensive restaurant, but Japanese food is on the menus of most Pan Asian restaurants like Tiffin (The Oberoi, Mumbai), Pan Asian (Maratha Sheraton), India Jones (Hilton Towers Mumbai), and Spices (JW Marriott), Origami (Atria Mall Worli). Also Japengo Cafe at CR2 Mall in Nariman Point serves up some sushi. Tetsuma, adjacent to Prive (probably best nightclub in town) serves an average sushi but other dishes are worth a try. Best to go there for a cocktail and a few starters. 'Tian cafe' at Juhu is also a good place for sushi.
• Lebanese Food , Picadilly, at Colaba Causeway, the only restaurant in the city serving Lebanese food. Alcohol is not served.
• Parsi , Their ancestors originating from Iran, the Parsis are a special community of people that one would associate Mumbai with. Parsi food is based on ancient Persian cooking. Go to Brittania at Ballard Estate or Jimmy Boy close to Horniman Circle.
• Sushi , Sushi Café (Santa Cruz West). A cosy little place. The decor, including the furniture, is all-white. You get chunks of white rice rolled with fresh fish and vegetables. They also do home delivery all over Mumbai. Sushi Café, Shop No. 1, Ground Floor, Sainara Building, corner of North Avenue and Linking Road, Santa Cruz (West), Tel: 98336–50503, www.sushicafemumbai.com.

International brands [ edit ]

• California Pizza Kitchen , 3 North Ave . Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East).  
• Chili's , Central Avenue Road, Powai, Ventura Building, Hiranandani Business Park.
• Cinnabon , ( next to Basilico ), Pali Naka, Bandra (West).
• Ruby Tuesday , shop No. 20, 2nd Floor, Inorbit mall, Malad (West) or at Shop No. 31, CR 2 Mall, Nariman Point, Mumbai OR Nirmal Lifestyle, Lbs Marg, Mulund West.
• Starbucks Coffee , Behind Taj Hotel, Near Gateway of India.
• T.G.I.F , Palladium mall,Phoenix High Street,Lower Parel or Infiniti Mall,New Link Road,Oshiwara,Andheri(West).

Regional Indian [ edit ]

• Bengali , Oh! Calcutta at Tardeo
• Fusion , Zenzi (Waterfield Road, Bandra), Out of the Blue ( Pali Hill, Bandra).
• General Indian , Sheetal Bukhara, Great Punjab (both in Bandra). More in Bandra.
• Goan, Coastal , Goa Portuguesa (Mahim) near Hinduja Hospital. New and a must try is Casa Soul Fry (opposite Bombay University in town) which serves up Goan Cuisine.
• Goan Cuisine , Casa Soul Fry opposite to Bombay University in town
• Gujarati Thalis , Chetana at Kala Ghoda, Thacker's at Marine Drive, and Rajdhani (multiple locations)
• Kashmiri , Poush at Andheri
• Lounge , Olive (Bandra), Rain (Juhu), Indigo.
• Mumbai Street Food , To experience the tastes and flavors of typical Mumbai chaat, and yet not expose oneself to the dangers of unhygienic street food, check out Vitthal's Restaurant on one of the lanes opposite Sterling Cinema (C.S.T.), but make sure you have a strong stomach. Vithal Bhelwalla (not the Vithal restaurant which is copycat) near VT station (behind Macdonald's) is a safe option.
• Punjabi , Himalaya Restaurant in Sion(E), Preetam's Dhaba at Dadar(E) and Urban Tadka at Mulund
• Speciality Deli , Indigo Deli (Colaba), Gourmet Shoppe (The Oberoi Shopping Arcade), Moshe's (Cuffe Parade), Cafe Basilico.
• South Indian , Dakshin (Maratha Sheraton) and Woodlands (Juhu)
• 24X7 Coffee Shops , Trattoria (Taj President), Frangipani (Hilton Towers Mumbai), Vista (Taj Land's End, Bandra), Hornby's Pavilion (ITC Grand Central), Lotus Cafe (JW Marriott), basically all the big hotels have one. More coffee shops in Bandra.
• Vegetarian , Swati Snacks (Tardeo, opposite Bhatia Hospital) a gem of a restaurant, it does not take bookings and the waiting during peak meal times is usually 45 minutes every day of the week! Little Italy on Juhu Tara Road (Jugu), Andheri West opp. Fame Adlabs multiplex, Malad (above croma), New Yorkers on Marine Drive Opp chowpatty; Creame Center on Linking Road, Bandra near Shopper's Stop and also on Marine Drive opp chowpatty; Statua at Nariman point opp. Maker Chambers. Relish (Hotel Samrat — Churchgate). Excellent vegetarian cuisine from around the world.

Street food stalls [ edit ]

Songs have been written about Mumbai's street food and you will find that the hype is justified. You will find them at every street corner, but they are concentrated in beaches and around railway stations.

• Bhelpuri stalls , Selling what in the rest of India would be called chaat . In Mumbai itself, the term chaat is rarely used.
• Bhurji , Either Egg bhurji or Paneer bhurji, a mash of eggs and chopped tomato, onion, chili, and lots of oil. Eaten on the side with some pav. Try the Maker Chamber area (near Crossroads 2, Nariman Point).
• Chinese food stalls , You'll find them at many places, but they are particularly concentrated near Dadar railway station. They all have a typical Indian twist added to it, which is why it is frequently called "Indian Chinese". Although it is great tasting, the hygiene of these places leaves a lot to be desired.
• Rolls , Essentially different meat and cheese grilled and served with some Roti and spice, these are cheap and cheerful for anyone with a stomach that can handle it. They are known to be spicy so always ask them to make it mild. Try Ayubs (Kala Ghoda), Bade Miyan (behind Taj and near Colaba Causeway), Khao Gulli (Food Lane, near Mahim Hindu Gymkhana), or Kareems (Bandra). All are particularly busy after a night of heavy drinking.
• Sandwich stands , Uniquely developed in Mumbai, you won't find anything like it anywhere else in India or the world.
• Vada pav stands , Fried potato stuffed in yeasty bread. Developed to provide nourishment to mill-workers in Mumbai's burgeoning mills. Now they are found everywhere, particularly in the railway stations. This is a Mumbai specialty. In Vile Parle (West), try the one off S.V Road near Irla across from Goklibai School. One of the most popular ones are opposite Mithibai College which is about 15 mins walk from Vile Parle Station. Also try the one outside Grant Road Station and Churchgate Station.

Tip : cheap and tasty food stalls are concentrated around the city's colleges.

Street stall food in India is fantastic, and very cheap. However, do consider well what you are putting in your mouth. Almost certainly the water used is non-potable, street vendors don't seem to understand much about hygiene or hand-washing, and food safety standards are low, with flies buzzing over everything. Even locals steer clear of street food during the monsoons, when diseases run rampant. If the stall seems very clean, and if it clearly states that it is using Aquaguard or mineral water, go for it.

Authentic Marathi cuisine [ edit ]

Mumbai, being home to large ethnic Marathi community, has its share of notable restaurants that offer authentic Marathi cuisine. Most offer both snacks and regular dining. Some of the snacks to check out are Sabudana Wada, Batata Wada, Missal, Kanda Poha, Uppit (or Upma), Shira, Alu Wadi, Thalipith, Zunka Bhakari,ghavane (neer dosa) and many more. Two notable appetisers are Kokam Sarbat and Solkadhi which are best enjoyed during hot summers. People say that many of these authentic Marathi restaurants are finding it difficult to survive competitions with other modern or fast food typed restaurants, but you will find Gajali, Malvan Kinara, Sindhudurg and many more have retained their own charm and clientele.

Udupi restaurants [ edit ]

Mangalorians(and udupi) forms the highest tourist populations of Mumbai,and both the cities have almost same culture and architecture. "Udupi" restaurants (or "hotels") are everywhere. They bear the name of the town of Udupi in Karnataka, but do not be misled into thinking that they specialise in the cuisine of Udupi. They serve pretty much everything, and that is their specialty.

Usually strictly vegetarian, these restaurants were opened by migrants from the district of Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka (of which Udupi is a part), to satisfy the palates of other migrants from the district. Over time, they gained popularity as places to have South Indian food. As the tastes of their customers evolved, so to did their menus, so much that now you can find Mughlai, Indian Chinese, Bhelpuri, and other chaats in addition to South Indian stuff. Amazingly, some places serve imitations of pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches too!

They are fast food joints and sit-down restaurants combined. The reason to visit them is not to experience fine gourmet dining, but to have cheap, passably tasty and fairly hygienic food. There is no easy way to identify an Udupi restaurant; they are not a chain of restaurants and they may not have "Udupi" in their name, so you will have to ask.

Matunga(Central line) has the best south Indian fare in Mumbai. There are few restaurants which could well be heritage sites as they are more than 50 years old and still retain their old world charm(and furniture).

Irani cafes [ edit ]

Irani cafes are Persian styled cafes opened by 19th century Persian migrants from Iran. These cafes have a unique lazy atmosphere, display of day-to-day accessories including toothpastes behind the cashier, soaps and what nots(specially targeted at bachelor crowds) and furniture. Most of these cafes were at the corner of the road or building and were chosen spots by commuters to spend time. It was quite a usual sight to find people spending hours reading newspaper over a cup of tea for hours in these places. Sadly the new restaurants and fast food culture has almost removed these cafes from the maps, though few notables like Kyani & Co. and Olympia remain. The joints are best known for their "Irani Chai", "Bun-Maska/Maska Pav" (bread and butter) and Egg Omelette. Also are popular their assorted snacks, like Kheema-na-Patice, samosas, mava-na-cakes, etc. One of the best dish which is almost always on the menu is Kheema (prepared from ground meat) and pav (bread). Don't miss the Mawa Cake at Merwan & Co, a bustling Irani cafe next to Grant Road station and be there before 9AM when the delicious cakes tend to run out.

Thalis [ edit ]

If you order a thali (translated as "plate"), you get a complete meal arranged on your plate, with a roti or chappati, rice, and many different varieties of curries and curd. Ordering a thali is a popular option when you are hungry and in a hurry as it is usually served blazingly fast. Most mid-level restaurants have a thali on the menu, at least during lunch hours. Occasionally, they are "unlimited", which means that some of the items are all-you-can-eat. The waiters serve them at your table.

Of course, you find many varieties of them, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. There is the South Indian thali. The "North Indian" thali translates to Mughlai or Punjabi. Do try Gujarati or Rajasthani thalis if you can find them. They are sinfully filling and tasty. Rajdhani (At Crawford Market) serves up thalis in the Rajasthani style while Aram (near Mahim Church, Mahim), Ramanayak Udipi (At Matunga Station, east) serves up thalis in South Indian style and Shree Thakker Bhojanalaya (off Kalbadevi Road) do filling and fabulous Gujarati thalis.

Fast food chains [ edit ]

Western fast food chains like McDonalds, Subway, Pizza hut, Dominos, Kentucky Fried Chicken etc. have many outlets all over the city. But if you are a weary Westerner looking for the taste of the familiar, be warned that all of them have rather heavily Indianised their menus, so you will find the stuff there as exotic as you found Bambaiyya food. There are chains serving Indian food such as Jumbo King whose menu includes vada and lassi. Barista , Cafe Coffee Day [dead link] , and Smokin' Joe's are all Indian chains, although they don't serve Indian food. While Barista and Cafe Coffee Day, as their names suggest, serve coffee and pastries, Smokin' Joe's serves decent pizzas and is headquartered in Carmichael Rd, Mumbai. International coffee chains like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Aromas have outlets in Mumbai.

Naturals is a chain of ice cream stores that serves up tasty and unconventional flavours of ice creams. Try their tender coconut or the coffee walnut ice creams. Its main branch is in Juhu in the Western suburbs (hence the tagline - 'Ice cream of Juhu Scheme'), but it has franchises at many places including Marine Drive, Bandra, Nepean sea road, etc. Naturals is also famous for its seasonal "Sitaphal" or Custard Apple Ice-cream. Baskins-Robbins is an international ice cream chain having its presence throughout the city. Also there are a number of shops in malls amongst other places which serve Italian Gelato icecream.

Try the sumptuous creamy crepes and omelets at Crepe Station, Bandra. Its owned by a famous Bollywood actor, Dino Morea.

What to eat [ edit ]

Asking a local for suggestions is a fun way to try new things. Here are a few suggestions:

• Bhel Puri & sev puri , A classic Mumbai concoction, bhel-puri (or bhel for short) comprises mostly of puffed rice and assorted spices with a few chutneys. You can specify whether you want it spicy or bland and the vendor will make it for you. It is quite tasty and again ought to be had off the streets to get the real flavour. Most people like to flock to Juhu beach to try this out.
• Hapus (Alphonso) mangoes , A must try, if you happen to be in Mumbai in the summers.
• Indian-Chinese , Nothing like regular Chinese. For a typical Bambaiyya flavour, try the Chinese Bhelpuri! .
• Mewad ice cream , If you happen to be in Mumbai, it is recommended you avoid ice creams from the famous and expensive parlors and try out the cheap Mewad ice cream stalls. They are a lovely treat at their price and provide a lot of options. The vendors are found everywhere across the streets, but avoid those who appear unhygienic.
• Pani Puri , The vendor hands you a plate. Next he takes a puri (it looks like a golf ball, but brown in colour), makes a small hole in it, and dips the puri into two jars. These jars contain water, one tangy on a tamarind base and the other spicy on a mint base. He tops it off with some condiments and places the puri on your plate. You pick it with your hand and pop the whole thing into your mouth. To avoid stomach problems only buy from vendors using packaged water.
• Pav Bhaji , Part of the street food culture, this is mashed vegetables cooked in spices, topped with butter and served piping hot with pav. Widely available.
• Vada Pav , the vada is a mashed potato patty. Pav is a kind of bread that has its roots in Mumbai. (The word comes from the Portuguese word "pão", for bread). The potato patty is sandwiched in the bread. Liberal helpings of three kinds of chutneys are added to the sandwich to make a tasty snack. It is widely available on the streets and generally costs around ₹6 a piece. If you feel uncomfortable with the hygiene of a particular stall, avoid it. In that case eating at, Jumbo King Vada Pav outlets, found almost at all train stations in the city, is a hygienic and safer option.
• Variations of world cuisine such as Tandoori Chicken Pizzas, the Bombay Masala Pizza or McAloo Tikki burgers.

Tipping [ edit ]

Tipping is not expected, but would be appreciated. However, if a place includes service charges on the bill, you don't need to leave an extra tip. Note the difference between service tax and service charges. Service tax goes to Government and not to the staff.

Drink [ edit ]

Pubs & bars [ edit ].

A police crackdown (June 2012) on many popular bar and clubs is underway, so be cautious when visiting lower to mid range bars. Mumbai is one of the most liberal cities in India when it comes to attitudes to alcohol. Bars exist at virtually every street corner and many of them advertise themselves as "family" bars and restaurants, which indicates that they are primarily restaurants where one can also have a drink. Other places are primarily bars, some of them might be sleazy. In South Mumbai and in the Western Suburbs, you are likely to find many places where foreigners hang out.

Mumbai is much more accepting of women drinking than the rest of India. A woman ordering a drink is unlikely to raise eyebrows even in mid-range bars, though if you are alone, you might need to look out for your safety.

Nightlife in Mumbai spans the gamut from performances at five star hotels to discos. Dance bars which involve young, fully clothed women dancing mostly to Hindi film and pop music, have been shut down by the government for "corrupting the morals" of those who frequent those places. While the state high court has ruled that the crackdown was illegal, it will be a while before they open again as there are some technicalities involved to be sorted out.

In Mumbai, alcohol is much more easily available than many cities in India.

LGBT options [ edit ]

There is already a lively late night, if somewhat subterranean, scene for gays, as well as social and political networks. However, you need to do your homework before arriving, as LGBT gathering spaces and organizations are not published or available at local newsstands. However, Bombay Dost (Bombay Friends) the only magazine catering to the community, after 7 years of running was closed and relaunched in 2009. Much of Mumbai's LGBT scene is coordinated using social networking sites and groups. Use extreme caution; robberies, hustlers, and even police entrapment are not unheard of.

Coffee shops [ edit ]

There many coffee shops in and around Mumbai. Try the Cafe Coffee Day [dead link] and Barista chains. Also, three Starbucks stores were opened in Mumbai in late 2012, and more are likely to follow. These are the best around town and also serve some pretty neat coffee for cheap. There's the Cafe Mocha chain of coffee shops which also serve fruit flavoured hookas — South Asian smoking pipes. If a small coffee and cookies place is what you are looking for, try Theobroma , it has an outlet at Cusrow Baug in Colaba. Those looking for a more native form of coffee can try the filter coffee, a milky coffee with origins from South India, from any Udupi restaurant.

Sleep [ edit ]

It is very difficult to find good-budget hotels in Mumbai. If you are a tourist or a business traveller, you may have to stay in South Mumbai, which is where both the business district and the touristy areas are. Lack of space means that even the cheapest hotel charges stratospheric tariffs. The state of public transport and traffic means that it is not really a good choice to stay anywhere else. In any case, things aren't much better if you are looking for hotels close to the airport. You should be looking at the Western Suburbs in that case. There are many guest houses at Colaba, where you find most of the budget foreign travellers stay. Other budget hotels are found near railway stations, such as Dadar or Santacruz, but most of them are absolute dumps. One safe and economical place to stay in Mumbai is the YMCA. Reasonably priced accommodations are available at the Colaba, Bombay Central, Andheri and CBD Belapur Branches.

One inexpensive alternative is to live with a local family as a paying guest. A list of available families can be obtained from the Government of India tourist office (+91 22 2220 7433) opposite Churchgate    Western   .

On the other hand, if money is of no object, you can stay at the Taj in Colaba (the oldest in India), the Leela Kempinski, the ITC Grand Maratha, or the JW Marriott Mumbai, Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre.

Connect [ edit ]

Landlines [ edit ].

The area code for Mumbai is "22" (prefix "+91", if you are calling from outside India). Phone numbers are eight digits long, but on occasion you will find a seven digit number listed. That is probably an old listing. They made the changeover from seven to eight digits a few years back, when they allowed private service providers to offer telephone. Just prefix a "2" to the number and it should work just fine.

Pay phones [ edit ]

Phone booths can be found all over the city. Though they are coin operated, there is usually someone to run the place. (Typically the phones are attached to a roadside shop.) You need to keep putting ₹1 coins into the slot to extend the talk time, so keep a change of ₹1 coins handy with you. The person running the booth will usually have them. If you find a booth marked STD/ISD, you can call internationally or anywhere within the country. Fees will be charged according to the time spent and a meter runs to keep track of your time. You pay when you have finished your call. Often it is difficult to find one that is open early in the morning or late at night.

Mobile phones [ edit ]

Cell phone coverage in the city is excellent. There are many service providers offering a wide variety of plans. Among them are The MTNL [dead link] , Vodafone Idea (Vi), Airtel , Dolphin [dead link] , Reliance Jio, and Tata Indicom [dead link] . It might be a good idea to buy a cell phone and use one of those prepaid plans to get yourself connected while you are in the city.

All mobile numbers are 10 digits long and begin with a "9", "8" or "7". Do not dial the city prefix for mobile numbers. If you don't get through to a mobile number, try adding a "0" before you dial it.

Due to security threats, in order to purchase a SIM card you will need to provide formal identification.

Cybercafes [ edit ]

Cybercafes are found on virtually every street corner and the rates are quite low. They have probably not kept pace with advances in hardware or software, also data security could be an issue. As a precaution, change your password after you use it at a cybercafe or do private/incognito browsing.

WiFi [ edit ]

Finding WiFi will be difficult in many parts of Mumbai, however, nearly all railway stations have been upgraded with 'RailWire' WiFi powered by Google that lets you browse for 45 mins at 5-10 Mbit/s speeds. RailWire WiFi requires you to authenticate with your mobile number and OTP. WiFi is also available at most hotels and restaurants. Airport WiFi is provided by Vodafone Idea.

Postal services [ edit ]

The Indian Postal service's head office is housed at GPO, a magnificent colonial architecture on its own; next to the C.S.T. railway station. The other main branch office can be found at Dadar (E) on Ambedkar Rd.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Unlike other parts of the country, especially Delhi where rape is prevalent, crime is rare, except for possibly common crime like pickpocketing.

Violent crime in Mumbai is more or less like any other large Indian city.

It is best to err on the side of safety and act according to your local environment. Here are a few basic safety tips:

• Keep your money and credit cards safe at all times. Always carry some cash as many places won't take cards.
• Do not openly display ₹500 and ₹2,000 notes in public. The available currency notes are ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, ₹500 and ₹2,000 and the available coins for tender are ₹1, ₹2, ₹5 and ₹10. Beware of someone giving you currency notes of any other denomination (though it is very unlikely; as they would have to be exchanged with the Reserve Bank of India; the central bank of India). The Indian government demonetised the old ₹500 and ₹1,000 currency notes in November 2016.
• Travelling in Mumbai is generally safe at any time of the day or night. The risks primarily run if you are not aware of the fares and fare calculations (only applicable to non-electronic and non-prepaid meters). If you travel alone, especially in night, then always see the meter by yourself and then pay the fare. If you are alone, sit in front so that you can see the meter.
• There have been cases where taxi drivers con people, mostly tourists, by taking longer routes, charging extra for luggage, tampering with the meter and fooling the passenger by exchanging ₹500 with a ₹100 note within fraction of seconds and making the passenger believe that he/she has handed over a ₹100 note. Thus, in order to avoid getting fooled, prefer app based taxi services like Ola and Uber for commuting.
• Beware of pickpockets on buses and trains. Do not put your wallet or other valuables in outside pockets of your bag, such that someone may be able to slip it out without your noticing.
• Also beware of mobile, chain, or bag snatchers who operate in densely populated places, such as railway stations, busy roads, and traffic signals.
• Women traveling by train, especially on off-peak routes should travel in the second class where at least a few co-passengers are also found.
• Women (especially Westerners) should avoid crowded places, you might well get groped. Cases of men pinching or touching women are common in crowded public places, including nicer nightspots. Create a scene if this does happen to you, there will be enough people around that will come to your defence. In general, in Mumbai, if you are ever worried about your safety, make a loud scene. It is an extremely crowded city, and somebody is always around and willing to help.
• Women should never ever take lifts from strangers. Western women tourists should note that if they visit a disco or pub in Mumbai or India, don't take lifts or even get too friendly with strangers. You will almost certainly get conned, if not worse. Many Indian men presume that if you're foreign you must be easy.
• Don't ever let an auto or taxi you are traveling in pick up any more people, or pull over before your final destination.
• Police can sometimes be almost as shady as criminals in Mumbai. At night, women should ensure if they are ever stopped by police, there needs to be a female police officer present or they are well within their rights in demanding the presence of a woman cop.
• Think twice about eating food that has not been thoroughly heated. This may be especially true if you're eating street food.

Emergency numbers [ edit ]

• Mumbai Police , ☏ 100 (Mumbai Police Control Room), 1090 (Police Infoline), +91 22 22026636 (D. G. Control) .  
• Mumbai Police , ☏ +91 22 22625020 (Mumbai Police Head Quarter), +91 22 28854643 (North Control), +91 22 25233588 (East Control), +91 22 26457900 (West Control), +91 22 23089855 (South Div.), +91 22 23750909 (Central Div) .  
• Traffic Police , ☏ +91 22 24937746 (Traffic Control), +91 22 30403040 (Traffic Helpline) .  

Railways [ edit ]

• Churchgate , ☏ +91 22 22017420 .  
• C.S.T , ☏ +91 22 22622685 .  
• Central Rly. C.S.T. , ☏ +91 22 22620173 .  
• Western Rly. Central , ☏ +91 22 23070197 .  

Airport [ edit ]

• Santacruz Airport , ☏ +91 22 26156600 .  
• Sahar Terminal (NIPTC) , ☏ +91 22 26829000 .  
• Air India Enquiry , ☏ +91 22 22796666 .  

Air Ambulance [ edit ]

• Domestic/International , ☏ +91 9821150889 .  
• Fire Station , ☏ 101, +91 22 23076111 , +91 22 23086181 , +91 22 2306112 , +91 22 2306113 .  
• Coast Guard , ☏ +91 22 24376133 , +91 22 24371932 .  

Stay healthy [ edit ]

As elsewhere in India, be careful with what you eat. Outside of major tourist hotels and restaurants, stay away from raw leafy vegetables, egg-based dressings like mayonnaise and minced meat are particularly risky. In short, stick to boiled, baked, fried or peeled goods.

Opinions on tap water vary, but most visitors choose to stick to the bottled stuff. Large bottles of water can be purchased at a very low cost. When buying water from street vendors, make sure the lid is sealed: there have been cases of bottles being filled with tap water and sold as new.

Smog can reach unhealthful levels, especially during the dry season. This, coupled with the summer heat and humidity can make spending time outdoors quite unpleasant.

Numerous fitness centres exist throughout the city. Many exercise facilities and spas offer 24-hour memberships for visitors and are a popular way to unwind after a long day of touring in Mumbai.

Cope [ edit ]

Maps [ edit ].

• City Map , Eicher has an excellent city-map of Mumbai with detailed listings. Familiarise yourself with it before you begin, or alternatively trace your route on it.
• BEST Route Map , Thanks to the density of bus routes in the city, the map is quite hard to decipher. Although bus routes are listed in the itinerary, you may have to find out about a few others if you plan to mix/match the order of the sights. People are very helpful in general. Check the BEST Route Finder for detailed information on the routes. The map is available at news stands. You can also download the BEST Prawas app on Android.

Newspapers [ edit ]

Local newspapers can be handy and reliable sources for day to day updates about the city. The city has number of newspapers and other publication that list local happenings. The Times of India has a supplement called Bombay Times . There are also other papers like The Asian Age , DNA , Indian Express , Hindustan Times and Free Press Journal . For the business updates, check Economic Times .

There are three very good local city tabloids called Mid-Day , Mumbai Mirror , and Afternoon . These papers are city focused and cover a lot of gossip, local news, and have plenty of entertainment listings. One could refer to these papers for any specific activity. In addition, Time Out now has an excellent Mumbai edition each month which can be picked up on street bookshops. It is a little more eclectic than the others listed here. All of these papers have information on arts, dance, eating out, food festivals, events, exhibitions, lectures, movies, theatre listings, concerts, seminars, and workshops.

There are also many local newspapers in regional languages such as Lok Satta (Marathi), Maharashtra Times (Marathi), Saamna (Marathi), Navakal (Marathi), Janmabhoomi (Gujarati), Mumbai Samachar (Gujarati) and Navbharat Times (Hindi) which cater to local and regional interests and tastes.

Radio [ edit ]

There are 12 radio stations in Mumbai, with nine broadcasting on the FM band, and three All India Radio stations broadcasting on the AM band. Mumbai also has access to commercial radio providers such as SiriusXM.

Hospitals [ edit ]

• Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals ( Bail Ghoda (Bull Horse) Hospital ), Parel , ☏ +91 22 24135285 , +91 22 24135434 , +91 22 24137518 . The Bombay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is also headquartered here. Their ambulance rushes in answer to any call of distress to animals. ( updated Jun 2023 )

Diagnostic centres [ edit ]

• Soningra Polyclinic , B - Helal Bldg, Dr. Mascarenhas Rd, Mazgaon , ☏ +91 22 23715963 , +91 22 2749662 . Since 1984, catering the nation since last 25 years effectively and efficiently.  
• Wellspring , Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Near A to Z Industrial Estate, Off Worli Naka, Lower Parel(W) . Another premier diagnostic laboratory owned by the Piramal group. Along with the above they have other centers as well throughout the city.  

24 hour chemists [ edit ]

• Parel Chemist , Opp. Wadia Maternity Hospital, Parel , ☏ +91 22 4131299 , +91 22 24129751 .  
• Mumbai Medico , Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo , ☏ +91 22 23086641 .  

Foreign missions [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

• Ambernath (55 km (34 mi) NE - take a train to here) — See the Lord Shiva Temple (16th century)
• Chiplun (290 km (180 mi) S, on Konkan railway route between Khed & Ratnagiri Stns) — Here are the Chiveli Vagheshwari Temple and the Pandavas Caves
• Ratnagiri (300 km (190 mi) S, 6-7 hr journey in train from Mumbai, same comfortable using a (A/c & Non A/c) bus) — Ratnadurga Sea Fort, Thebaw Pagoda Palace
• Rajapur (directions=350 km (220 mi) S, 8.5 hr) — Visit the Yeshwantgad, an island fortification
• Badlapur (50 km (31 mi) NE - to get in is by Local Trains (EMU), hourly) — Fort, Water Park
• Dombivli (30 km (19 mi) NE; 40 min in a fast train from CST to reach 'Kopar Stn.', by bus ~1 hr 30 min)
• Kalyan (60 km (37 mi) NE; by train towards Karjat or Kasara would reach Kalyan in around 45-55 min) - Visit the Fort
• Navi Mumbai — see the Belapur Fort ruins and watch cricket at DY Patil Stadium
• Thane (N 40 km (25 mi)) — also called Lake City due to the 30 lakes in and around the city
• Ferry Wharf, Mazagaon, Mora ( Uran ).
• Ferry Wharf, Mazagaon, Rewas (near Mandwa ). These are in budget range.
• Gateway of India, Rewas. Fast boats and Catamarans operated by private operators. Service approximately every two hours, suspended during the monsoon season, i.e. May-Oct. From Rewas, take a bus or car to Alibag .
• Matheran (102 km (63 mi), 1.5 hr) — can be reached both by road and by train. For train option, take a suburban train to Neral and take hour long toy train to reach Matheran top. Alternatively it can be climbed
• Lonavala (111.5 km (69.3 mi), 1.5 hr) — best reached by road. Suburban trains do not ply to Lonavala, and may need to exchange train at Karjat or take en route long-distance train
• Khandala (101 km (63 mi), 1.5 hr) — check Lonavala
• Dapoli | (200 km (120 mi) S - by bus) -is a popular hill station also beaches, historical temples, caves and forts scattered around
• Mahabaleshwar (242 km (150 mi), 7 hr) — best reached by road
• Lots of nearby destinations can be reached by short flights: Goa , Ahmedabad , Karachi and Rajkot , to name a few.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mumbai

Written by Joni Sweet Updated Mar 6, 2023

Mumbai is a city of contrasts. Arguably India's most cosmopolitan city, it brims with gourmet restaurants, five-star hotels, the fancy living quarters of Bollywood megastars, and renowned attractions. But remember: An estimated 20 million people call this bustling metropolis home, giving India's largest city a distinctively chaotic, energized feel.

It's easy to experience India at its most authentic in Mumbai. You'll see Hindu devotees picking up garlands from the massive flower market near Dadar railway station , "dabbawalas" (translated as people who carry containers) delivering hundreds of thousands of freshly cooked lunches to the city's office workers from Churchgate railway station , the swirling colors of the bustling " Thieves Market," and people of all walks of life enjoying the sunset from the sugary sand at Marine Drive Chowpatty . Mumbai is equal parts overwhelming and inspiring, and you'll never forget your first visit to this city.

Tourists are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do in Mumbai. Plan your adventure in this incredible city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Mumbai.

1. Visit the Gateway of India

2. watch the sunset on marine drive, 3. drive across the bandra-worli sea link, 4. take pictures of the taj mahal palace, mumbai, 5. visit the kanheri caves, 6. tour the chhatrapati shivaji maharaj vastu sangrahalaya museum, 7. meditate at the global vipassana pagoda, 8. check out the shree siddhivinayak temple, 9. explore the mani bhavan gandhi museum, 10. see the mahalakshmi temple, 11. taste mumbai's famous street foods, 12. take a bollywood tour, 13. shop at the chor bazaar ("thieves market"), 14. tour ancient caves on elephanta island, 15. splash around water kingdom, 16. check out the views at nariman point, 17. catch a cricket match at wankhede stadium, 18. get mesmerized at dhobi ghat, 19. celebrate the bandra fair at mount mary basilica, map of tourist attractions in mumbai, mumbai, india - climate chart.

Standing proud on the banks of the Arabian Sea at the Apollo Bunder waterfront area, the Gateway of India is one of Mumbai's most popular and treasured landmarks. The 26-meter basalt archway, which combines the architectural styles of Roman triumphal arches with traditional Hindu and Muslim designs, was built as a gesture of welcoming for King George V and Queen Mary when they visited British India in 1911. Ironically, it was under this very archway that the last British troops exited India in 1948, after the country declared its independence from Great Britain.

Nowadays, the Gateway of India is one of the most popular gathering spots in Mumbai for tourists and locals alike. Watch the yachts and ferries take off to sea from the five jetties that flank the arch. Enjoy some of the famous bhelpuri (a crunchy, savory snack made of puffed rice and doused in tamarind sauce) from the street food vendors. Or just spend an hour or two people watching at this lively attraction.

Afterwards, walk 10 minutes southwest to the Colaba Causeway Market, a vibrant bazaar selling everything you can imagine and more. It's one of the best places to visit for cheap shopping in Mumbai.

Address: End of C. Shivaji Maharaj, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai

Official site: https://mumbaicity.gov.in/tourist-place/gateway-of-india/

No trip to Mumbai would be complete without a cruise down Marine Drive. The 3.6-kilometer-long, C-shaped boulevard offers epic views of the coast. However, just as amazing are the sightseeing opportunities on the other side of Marine Drive. The street is lined with stunning Art Deco buildings that have earned status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After your mini road trip, head out on foot for some more sightseeing along the Marine Drive promenade . The best time to go is at sunset. That's when tourists and Mumbaikars gather on the sands of Girgaum Chowpatty to see the cotton candy skies fade to dark while noshing on Mumbai's famous street food from nearby stalls.

Hot tip: Wonder why Marine Drive is also known as "Queen's Necklace"? Just look up at the street lights–they were positioned to make the road resemble a pearl necklace from above.

One of Mumbai's most iconic sites is a cable-stayed bridge known as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Opened in 2009, the eight-lane bridge connects the central business district with the western suburbs over the open sea, offering some much-needed relief from the congestion on the Mahim Causeway . It has become the Mumbai equivalent of New York's Brooklyn Bridge or Sydney's Opera House.

For the most impressive views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, head to the Bandra Fort , a historic watchtower built by the Portuguese in 1640. It's also worth driving across the bridge, as well. By day, you can see the crashing sea on both sides of the bridge. And at night, watch the bridge light up with spectacular colors.

Tourists can find another popular site right near the Gateway of India : The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Tower. More than a century old, India's first luxury hotel is revered for the grandeur of its brownstone exterior. The windowed facade infuses its Renaissance architecture with Islamic touches, like corner turrets topped with onion domes, pointed archways, and covered balconies.

Fun fact: The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai hotel is one of India's most photographed places. Walk by and snap your own picture from street level. Or, better yet, step inside the hotel's colonial-style restaurant, Sea Lounge , in the afternoon for an elaborate high tea.

Address: Apollo Bunder, Mumbai

While Mumbai may look like a shiny, modern city at first glance, it also has some ancient sites that will leave you in awe. Spend a day at Sanjay Gandhi National Park exploring the Kanheri Caves, a complex of monuments that were carved out of the basalt formations around 2,000 years ago. Inside the 109 cave entrances, you'll see large stupas (a hint that this was once a sacred place for Buddhists), congregation areas, and prayer halls. Look for the incomplete paintings of the Buddha on the ceiling of cave 34.

Address: Borivali East, Mumbai

Visiting the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum is also high on the list of the top things to do for tourists in Mumbai. Previously known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, this is one of India's most important art and history attractions.

You'll need at least a full day to take in the museum's expansive permanent collection of 70,000 items, which include Indian miniature paintings, Himalayan art, antique Asian coins, jeweled swords, and much more. Afterward, poke around the streets of the Fort neighborhood near the museum–they're filled with stunning Gothic buildings .

Address: 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai

Official site: https://www.csmvs.in/

Discover Mumbai's peaceful, quiet side at the Global Vipassana Pagoda. Inspired by Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda, the colossal 96-meter-high stupa is covered in real gold that gleams in the sun. The hollow pagoda features a massive hall with room for 8,000 people to meditate in tranquility together.

Not sure how to meditate? Take one of the free 10-minute-long Anapana meditation courses offered at the pagoda continuously throughout the day. There's also an extensive vegetarian food court on-site with some downright delicious dosas.

Address: Next to Esselworld, Gorai Village, Borivali (West), Mumbai

Official site: http://www.globalpagoda.org/

Many Hindus have their favorites of the religion's 33 million gods. Devotees who favor Ganesha (the potbellied deity with the elephant head who is known as the "remover of obstacles") make pilgrimages to the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple.

Slip off your shoes and head in to see the idol of the deity, draped with marigold garlands and offerings, with hundreds of other visitors eager for a glimpse (and perhaps a granted wish). It's a cultural experience like none other. And if you're interested in other sacred places dedicated to Ganesha, check out the Vazira Naka Ganpati temple and the Garodia Nagar Ganpati temple .

Address: S.K. Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai

Official site: https://www.siddhivinayak.org/

Gandhi is one of India's most revered figures, and there's no better place to learn about him in Mumbai than at the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum. The building traces its history back to the anti-colonial nationalist himself, when Gandhi made it his local headquarters for nearly two decades, beginning in 1917.

Tourists can pay tribute to the Indian hero at the Gandhi statue within the museum, see vintage photographs of Gandhi lining the staircase, and catch a glimpse of two of his famous spinning wheels . There's also a room on the second floor of the museum that displays paintings depicting important moments in Gandhi's life.

Fun fact: Barack Obama paid a visit to the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum in 2010.

Address: Laburnum Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai

Official site: http://www.gandhi-manibhavan.org/

Mahalakshmi Temple is one of Mumbai's oldest and most famous temples. Dedicated to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, this temple draws crowds through its ornate gate and into the shrine with the idol. Visitors will also spot idols of other deities, including Tridevi (the patron deity of music and education) and Kali (the goddess of destruction), adorned with gold ornaments. For another spiritual attraction, take a trip to the Haji Ali Dargah , a floating Muslim shrine just a 15-minute walk from the Mahalakshmi Temple.

Address: Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai

Official site: http://mahalakshmi-temple.com/

Foodies, eat your heart out: Mumbai has some of the best street food in all of India. Not only is it colorful and spicy, street food in Mumbai also offers the best bang for your buck. You're never too far from a great hawker, but it's worth seeking out the best ones.

Try chatt (a spicy snack typically made of potato dumplings, fried noodles, onions, chilies, and more) from the popular food stalls near Churchgate Station . On Marine Drive and outside the Gateway of India , you'll find street food vendors whipping up chana jor garam (seasoned chickpeas). Or, head to Carter Road for global street food, including shawarma, momos, and even corn on the cob with lime juice.

Bollywood, India's largest film industry, has been rooted in Mumbai since the 1930s, when the Bombay Talkies movie studio was founded in the city. Bollywood now churns out as many as 1,000 movies each year, ranging from historical epics and curry westerns to courtesan films.

You can get a behind-the-scenes look at this blockbuster factory on a full-day private Bollywood tour. On this adventure, tourists will explore Bollywood film studios, take photos with the stars (subject to schedule availability), see Bollywood dancing and learn some choreography, and take a drive through the posh community where the top Bollywood actors and actresses live.

No matter how obscure your shopping list is, you'll probably find everything on it at the Chor Bazaar. Translated to the "Thieves Market" after the legend that all stolen goods in Mumbai end up for sale here, the Chor Bazaar is one of the biggest attractions for tourists, as well as the go-to place for picking up cheap goods.

Antique clocks, spiritual idols, used books, pottery, phone cases, handicrafts, shoes, coins, luggage, vintage cameras, Victorian furniture–you name it, you can shop for it among the chaotic hodgepodge of vendors. Pro tip: The side streets around the Chor Bazaar are home to some of the best kebab sellers in Mumbai.

Address: Mutton Street, Ajmer, Kumbharwada, Mumbai

A popular day trip from the main city of Mumbai is a visit to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mumbai Harbor. The attraction is home to rock-cut cave temples honoring the Hindu god Shiva. Roughly 1,600 years old, the archeological marvel lays out a series of temples in a maze-like mandala pattern.

Inside, you'll discover carvings that explain the stories of Hindu myths. The crown jewel of the main temple is a six-meter-high, three-faced Shiva statue. Ferries to Elephanta Island depart roughly every 30 minutes from the Gateway of India and take about an hour.

Official site: http://elephanta.co.in/

Mumbai is scorching most of the year, with average highs of 86-93 degrees Fahrenheit (30-34 degrees Celsius). When you need to cool down, visit Water Kingdom, a popular water park in Mumbai. Asia's largest theme water park features more than 70 thrilling attractions, including water coasters, a water gun fight lagoon, and a rain dance zone. Its 100-meter-wide wave pool ("Wetlantic") is the largest one in the world. Tourists can also enjoy an ice-skating rink and a bowling alley. No wonder more than 15 million visitors from around the world have already stopped by Water Kingdom.

Address: Global Pagoda Road, EsselWorld amusement park, Borivali West, Mumbai

Official site: https://www.waterkingdom.in/travel/

Affectionately nicknamed the "Manhattan of Mumbai," Nariman Point glitters with some of the most expensive office space in the world. Its posh location on the southern end of Mumbai's peninsula comes from rather humble beginnings, though. Once under the Arabian Sea, this land was reclaimed throughout the mid-20th century and quickly experienced a construction boom of skyscrapers.

Not just for office workers, Nariman Point is also a top attraction for tourists who come to watch the sunset, catch recitals at the National Centre for the Performing Arts , get a breathtaking view of Marine Drive , and splurge at internationally famous shops. (And don't worry if you're on a tight budget–you can find affordable goodies at the Colaba Causeway Market just two kilometers away.)

Immerse yourself in cricket at Wankhede Stadium. Built in 1975, this famous sports attraction is where India seized the Cricket World Cup in 2011, making it the first country in the world to win the championship on its home turf.

With a capacity for more than 33,000 spectators, this international cricket stadium has an electric atmosphere during matches. Try to score tickets to a match to see what India's favorite sport is all about. No matter where you sit, you'll have a great view–the stadium was designed without beam support for the roof to ensure there were no visual obstructions of the pitch.

Address: Wankhede Stadium, D Road, Churchgate, Mumbai

Dhobi Ghat is a mesmerizing sight for visitors to India. It's considered to be the "world's largest outdoor laundry," where dhobis (or laundrymen) from 200 or so families lug dirty clothing from families and tourists throughout the city and wash it by hand in open-air concrete troughs.

Thousands of colorful garments drying on lines in the breeze makes for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity in the early afternoons. Afterward, the dhobis press and fold the garments into tidy piles, ready to be delivered to the owners.

While travelers come to see this labor-intensive laundromat daily, Dhobi Ghat is as much a part of everyday life for Mumbai residents as it is a marvel for tourists, so be sure to keep your visit respectful, and ask permission before photographing the workers. It's sure to give you a deeper appreciation for the modern laundry machines you're probably used to back at home.

Address: 1 Anandilal P Marg, Dhobi Ghat, Shanti Nagar, Lower Parel, Mumbai

If you happen to be visiting Mumbai in September, you're in luck–Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount (or Mount Mary Basilica) celebrates the feast of the birth of Mary , mother of Jesus Christ, on September 8 every year. The holiday marks the start of the Bandra Fair, a weeklong carnival that draws hundreds of thousands of tourists and pilgrims alike.

The streets surrounding the church fill with temporary shops , where devotees buy candles shaped like parts of their body experiencing pain or ailments, then place them in the basilica in hopes of better health. You can also sample specialty sweets , like kadio bodio (gram flour snack sticks doused in sugar syrup and dried) and mawa peda (milk fudge flavored with saffron and cardamom) from the festival food hawkers that line the street from Mount Mary Basilica to the Mount Carmel Church compound.

No matter when your trip to Mumbai takes place, tourists are welcome to visit the beautiful Latin church and its legendary Our Lady of Navigators statue , which dates back to the 16th century.

Address: Mt. Mary Road, near Shanti Avedna Sadan, Mount Mary, Bandra West, Mumbai

Official site: http://www.mountmarybasilicabandra.in/

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

India Highlights: If you have more time to explore this vast country but aren't sure where to begin, see our article on the Top Tourist Attractions in India . Another city many visitors stop to see is New Delhi , with some incredible sites and things to do.

More on India

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Mumbai Travel Guide

Developed by the British in the eighteenth century, Bombay (as it was previously called) literally meant "A Good Bay." The city has a tangible sense of vibrancy with the hustle and bustle that embodies India. Its southern tip, which was the origin of the city, is filled with Gothic architecture including the magnificent Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Rajabai Clock Tower and the Taj Mahal Hotel. This city hangs on to its past yet races towards the future which is why there are both the age-old thieves market and laundry ghats to explore, as well as modern malls; traditional street food to sample as well as world cuisine in fine dining restaurants. — Rishad Mehta

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34 Incredible Tourist Places to Visit in Mumbai

Aptly known as 'City of Dreams', Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra located on the west coast of the Indian peninsula. Named after Goddess Mumba Devi, Mumbai is a diverse city that offers a variety of choices to spend some quality time with your loved ones. From beaches to theme parks, from historical sites to religious spots, from shopping centres to a wide array of eateries, there are plenty of places to visit in Mumbai for everyone. Mumbai Tourism is ideal for all kinds of holiday, be it a long break or a weekend getaway or a one day trip to the happening city.

Here is a list of Top places to visit in Mumbai

1. Gateway of India

One of the most popular places to see in Mumbai is the Gateway of India which was built during the colonial era. Built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911, it was the first structure that a visitor would see while arriving in Mumbai via sea. Its magnificent architecture still allures everyone.

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Gateway of India presents an impressive sight that is impossible to miss when in Mumbai. Gateway of India not only presents historical significance but also a captivating architecture which was designed by George Wittet.

Now a popular place to hangout, Gateway of India buzzes with hordes of visitors every day. Various local vendors selling snacks, balloons and other items, stalls and photographers make this place vibrant with activities.

2. Marine Drive

Another place to visit in Mumbai is the Marine Drive. Officially named as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, this is a 3 km long stretch with six lanes that runs by the coastline. It is located in the southern Mumbai while it runs towards the north of the city. Marine Drive forms a natural bay, which hypnotizes every visitor with its serene scenic beauty.

Marine Drive is a C- shaped road which is a place to visit when in Mumbai. The palm trees lined on the side make the pathway even more alluring. Its beauty is enhanced at night when a wide stretch of street lights is lit up, giving it a look of necklace. The view is especially breath-taking when seen from an elevated point. Owing to this, it is often referred to with the name of Queen’s Necklace. Marine Drive also links Nariman Point, which is also a popular place to visit in Mumbai to Babulnath.

3. Elephanta Caves

A Mumbai tour is incomplete without a visit to the majestic Elephanta Caves. These are located on the islands in the Arabian Sea, which are named after the gigantic elephant that was found here. It is also called Gharapuri. Elephanta caves are one of the finest examples of rock-cut architecture and offer a glimpse into the lives of pre-medieval India. Although it suffered during the colonial era, it still presents a stunning sight with enviably sturdy and intricate structure.

The island consists of two sets of caves; the first set is of five caves that are related to Hindu religion, dedicated to Lord Shiva and the second set is of two Buddhist caves. These caves are a place to visit not only for their historical importance but also for the natural beauty that they present.

4. Siddhivinayak Temple

Shree Siddhivinayak temple is undeniably one of the most popular temples not only in Mumbai but also in India. With lakhs of devotees visiting every day, it is also one of the richest temples in Mumbai. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Shree Siddhivinayak Temple was built in the year 1801. Since then it has been attracting devotees from all over the country.

Lord Ganesha idol at the temple is as alluring as its excellent architecture. The idol of Lord Ganesha is carved out of a single black stone. Tuesday is one of the most important days of the temple. Celebrities and laymen both flock to the temple alike to seek blessings. Its architectural excellence and divine statue of Lord Ganesha adds to the splendor of the temple. More than two centuries old, Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple is believed to fulfill wishes and desires of everyone who prays with utmost devotion to the lord.

5. Nariman Point

Nariman Point is known as the Manhattan of Mumbai. It is near the southern end of Marine Drive, and it forms a part of the majestic skyline of Mumbai. This place is the business hub of Mumbai, and here you'll find corporate offices of many renowned multinational companies.

At Nariman Point, you'll also come across grand hotels, lavish restaurants and classy pubs. The area is known for its branded showrooms and shopping malls too.

Nariman Point has been developed on land reclaimed from the sea. And from here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Marine Drive and the endless sea. Many Bollywood movies, like Munnabhai MBBS and Wake Up Sid, have scenes from that sea-facing promenade.

This area also has a lively nightlife, and it’s among the best places to visit in Mumbai at night.

6. Girgaon Chowpatty

Girgaon Chowpatty is among the most popular beaches of Mumbai. And it is also one of the most crowded places to visit in Mumbai. But it’s a lively tourist spot.

In the morning, you’ll find various people coming for a walk along the shore, carrying out their daily exercises or doing yoga. And during the day, people come here with friends and family to relax and get entertained. Numerous magicians and street artists put up their show throughout the day.

Girgaon Chowpatty is not known for sunbathing and other water activities. Instead, it’s visited for the street food varieties. From spicy bhel puri to piping hot pav-bhaji, the food vendors offer a plethora of options.

And this beach is also a renowned shooting spot.

7. Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach is among the well-known beaches in India. It is popular for the mesmerising views of the sunset and the street food corners in the area.

Apart from enjoying the food, you can also check out activities like camel riding and horse riding on the beach. Many street artists like monkey trainers, snake charmers and tarot card readers also show off their skills at Juhu Beach. And on some days, you might also catch an artist carving out art from sand.

The beach is a favourite among the film-makers too. Celebrity photo sessions and movie shoots are regular events here. Also, many actors and actresses stay in the locality. And you might get to meet them during your visit.

The area is known for its nightlife too. You'll find many bars, pubs and nightclubs to spend your evenings.

8. Taraporewala Aquarium

Taraporewala Aquarium is the oldest aquarium of India and it has over 100 species of fish and other aquatic animals.

At the entrance, there’s a glass tunnel around which various fishes and water plants are on display. Then, in the main gallery, you’ll see the water tanks where other fishes are

Among the fish species, the aquarium has Alligator fishes, Puffer fishes and Moray eels among others. Angelfishes, Groupers and a variety of Tangs too are here. And you will also see a Jellyfish. The aquarium has 16 tanks for marine fishes and 9 tanks for the freshwater species.

It has a small museum too, where you'll find preserved corals, seashells and other marine life species.

9. Churchgate

Churchgate is the business district of Mumbai. It has offices of many banks and business organisations. It also has the High Court of Bombay and many reputed educational institutions.

The area is known as Churchgate because the Church Gate of the old, walled-city Mumbai used to be here. It was demolished in 1860.

The neighbourhood has the historical Churchgate station and many prominent tourist spots of Mumbai. Some well-known places to visit like Gateway of India, Marine Drive and Elephanta Caves lie close to the Churchgate area. Nariman Point is a part of the Churchgate area too.

And here, you can also enjoy shopping. From low-priced street-side stalls to luxury showrooms, and retail stores to wholesale counters, you have got plenty to choose from.

10. Mahalakshmi Temple

Mahalakshmi Temple is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth, and it is built along the seashore.

The temple also has the idols of Goddess Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. And devotees come here, throughout the year, for blessings.

And the charm of Shree Mahalakshmi Temple increases manifold during festivals and other special occasions. The entire complex is decorated with lights and flowers. Arrangements are also made for the devotees to get a proper darshan and pass the offerings.

You'll find many shops within the temple complex to buy coconuts, sweets and fresh flowers among other required items.

11. Bandra Worli Sea Link

Bandra Worli Sea Link is a 5 km long bridge built on the Arabian Sea; it connects Bandra and Worli. The bridge is known for its architectural magnificence, and it is the first cable-stayed bridge built on the open sea in India. It is also one of the prominent landmarks of Mumbai.

This sea bridge saves considerable time for the daily commuters. But it has also turned out to be among the best places to visit in Mumbai for photography. The bridge looks even more glamorous when it comes alive with lights in the evening.

The adjacent Worli Sea Face is another popular spot. You can spend your evenings there, munching on local snacks.

12. Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque built on an islet, only a few hundred metres away from Shree Mahalakshmi Temple. And a narrow, pebbled walkway connects it to the mainland. Haji Ali is also the shrine of a Sufi saint, Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.

This mosque was built in 1431, in the Indo-Islamic style. The central courtyard of the complex is made of marble. And the ceiling in the main hall is also of marble. It has been decorated with various coloured mirror patterns and Arabic inscriptions. You'll also notice Quran verses on the ceilings and the walls.

The tallest minaret of Haji Ali Dargah is 85 feet high. And from that minaret, namaz calls are made at the five designated times of the day.

13. Castella De Aguada (Bandra Fort)

Castella de Aguada (or Bandra Fort) was built by the Portuguese to guard the sea route and fortify the area around. It is built in the European style, with granite blocks, and it offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Much of the fort is in ruins today, but the view captivates many tourists. It is also a preferred hangout spot for the youths, and among the most popular places to visit in Mumbai for couples.

An evening walk on the walkway to the sea is de-stressing. And the fort also has a seating area for you to spend the evening.

Bandra Fort offers a majestic view of the Bandra Worli Sea Link too.

14. Kamala Nehru Park

Kamala Nehru Park is a popular recreational spot, and among the best places to visit in Mumbai with toddlers. Many people come here to stroll around, to meditate and to hang out with friends.

People come here to get a scenic view of the famed Marine Drive too, looking over the Arabian Sea. Also, you can sit on the lawn or on the wooden cane benches, and munch at a variety of snacks being sold by vendors.

Kids love the colourful theme park here. And they can play in and around the Boot House.

Kamala Nehru Park also has a small open-air amphitheatre. And you'll also find selfie-points decorated with painted rhymes and other kid-themed designs.

15. Mumbai Zoo

Mumbai Zoo, or Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, is one of the oldest zoos in India. It was established in 1861.

The zoo has many common animal species of India and other lesser-known animals. You'll find jackals, sloth bears and swamp deers here. Hyenas, tigers and crocodiles are also in the zoo. And you can meet with penguins too.

Mumbai zoo also has an aviary for aquatic birds. You can interact with birds like pelicans, flamingos and albino crows. And you can also have selfies with cranes, herons and storks among other birds.

The place is known for its range of fauna too. The botanical garden here has more than 3000 trees, herbs and flowering plants.

16. Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum is a place for entertainment, knowledge and relaxation. It is near Mumbai Zoo, and it is the oldest museum in the city. In the museum, you'll find artefacts, maps and manuscripts showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of Mumbai.

The museum also displays clay models and has a plethora of photographs and books narrating the story of the city. And it also organises art workshops, cultural performances and lectures from time to time.

Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum was opened to the public in 1872. And the place has been known for its magnificence too. The grand metal palisades, staircase railings and the arched supports were all imported from England. And the etched glass designs are reminiscent of the glorious 19th-century architectural style.

It has been among the underrated places to visit in Mumbai for a long time. And history buffs or knowledge seekers must visit this museum.

17. Film City

Film City of Mumbai is where much of the action of Indian movies and TV shows take place.

With 10+ indoor studios and around 50 outdoor shooting locations, you might also catch a live movie shoot. From temples to playgrounds and open roads to bungalows, various setups are available to help in shooting an entire movie.

It is an iconic landmark of the city and your Mumbai tour would remain incomplete without visiting it.

The official name of Film City is Dadasaheb Phalke Chitra Nagari, and here you get a chance to witness all the hard work that goes behind the scenes. Various TV commercials are also shot here.

18. Mumba Devi Temple

Mumba Devi Temple is among the oldest temples of Mumbai. It is dedicated to Goddess Mumba, after which Mumbai is named. She is considered the guardian goddess of the city.

Local people come to the temple for the daily aarti in the evening and morning. Devotees also come from nearby places to take blessings from Mumba Devi.

The temple is built in the classic ancient Hindu temple style. It has one high spire, with a red flag flying on its top. And the walls are etched with religious mantras and shlokas prominent in the Hindu temples.

During festivals like Navratri, it is decorated with flowers and lights, and the celebrations go on for 10 days. People come from many places to be a part of the religious ceremonies and enjoy the ongoing fair.

19. Flora Fountain

Flora Fountain is one of the tourist places within Churchgate. It stands at the same place where the destroyed ChurchGate of Mumbai used to be.

The fountain was designed by R. Norman Shaw, and it has a mix of Neo-Gothic and Indo-Saracenic styles. It was built in 1864, by Engineer James Forsythe.

This Portland stone structure has fine carvings and sculptures. Its four corners are decorated with different statues. And the water basin below has stone fish figures and lion heads.

A magnificent 7 feet high statue of Roman Goddess Flora adorns the fountain top. And you can enjoy a spectacular view of Flora Fountain in the evening; when it's illuminated by lights.

20. Jehangir Art Gallery

Jehangir Art Gallery has played a prominent role in the evolution of contemporary Indian art. It was established in 1952 with the help of Sir Cowasji Jehangir’s donations. And since then, this art gallery has hosted numerous exhibitions for painters, sculptors, and other artists.

But it’s more than a venue for art exhibitions. Jehangir Art Gallery conducts workshops and other art programmes. And it’s a must-visit place for aspiring artists and art connoisseurs.

You can also buy a range of antique items and artefacts from the shop here.

Jehangir Art Gallery is in the Kala Ghoda area, the art district of Mumbai. And this area has several other art galleries and designer boutiques with some of the finest arts in the city.

21. Rajabai Clock Tower

Rajabai Clock Tower is an 85-metre tall tower in the Fort Campus of the University of Mumbai. Premchand Roychand, a businessman and a stockbroker, financed its construction. And Sir George Gilbert Scott designed it.

The tower resembles London’s Big Ben, and it is among the tallest structures in the area. It chimes every fifteen minutes. The construction began in 1869, and it was completed by 1878.

The access to the inside of the tower is closed to visitors, but you can admire the architecture and detailed stonework from outside. The tower has one of the best stained-glass works in the city. And the architecture is a blend of Venetian-Gothic style. The tower also has 24 small statues, portraying the life of common people during British rule.

22. Bombay High Court

Bombay High Court is one of the oldest High Courts in India, and it’s a UNESCO-recognised site . It was built in the 19th century, in the grand Gothic Revival architectural style. And you'll find traces of Victorian style too.

Here, you can click photographs of this heritage building and visit the museum within the premises. The museum of Bombay High Court provides plenty of information about the Indian judicial system and Indo-British legal history. It has preserved many historical documents too.

And while you're here, you can also be a part of the ongoing hearings. The court looks after the events in Maharashtra and Goa. And two Union Territories – Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, also fall under the jurisdiction of this court.

23. Raj Bhavan

Raj Bhavan is the official residence of the Governor of Maharashtra. And you can visit it during your Mumbai tour.

It has lush green lawns, conserved forest areas and heritage buildings in the complex. The place is spread over an area of around 50 acres in the picturesque Malabar Hill, and the sea surrounds it on three sides.

The buildings are built in varied architectural styles: from British colonial style to Maratha style and modern Indian style of architecture. And the complex also has a British-era bunker, which has been turned into a museum.

During your tour, you can watch the sun rising over the sea. And you might also be able to enjoy a cup of tea with the Governor.

24. ISKCON Temple

ISKCON Temple is a magnificent Hindu temple near Juhu Beach. It’s a revered temple, especially among the devotees of Lord Krishna. But it also houses idols of Radha, Lord Rama, and Sita among others.

The temple is also known as Radha Rasabihari Temple and Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple. And it’s an ideal place to pray, meditate and gain knowledge. The temple offers various lessons ranging from Vedic education to meditation and spirituality.

Apart from the main temple, you'll also find a restaurant, a library and a guesthouse here.

Thousands of devotees visit ISKCON temple throughout the year. And the grand celebrations during Janmashtami, Jagannath Rath Yatra, Radhastami and many other festivals are worth the experience.

25. Mount Mary Church

Mount Mary Church, or Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, is among the beautiful churches in Mumbai. It is dedicated to Virgin Mary and it has been built in the Gothic architectural style. And the walls are covered with colourful fibreglass murals depicting stories from the life of Mother Mary.

The peaceful environment and the view from the church also attract many people to spend time here. The church stands on a hillock overlooking the Arabian Sea. And from the backyard, you get a view of the spectacular Mumbai skyline.

Mount Mary Church is also famous for the annual Bandra Fair. It is celebrated in September on the birthday of Mother Mary. The church holds a feast on the day, and the area surrounding it experiences a week-long carnival-like celebration.

26. Fort Bassein (Vasai Fort)

Fort Bassein (or Vasai Fort) is a 500-year old Portuguese fort near Vasai-Virar. And it is among the most popular places to visit in Mumbai outskirts.

At its prime, Fort Bassein was a complete city. It had administrative blocks, churches, hospitals, and the Portuguese used it as their base to control the region. The fort also used to be the official residence of the Portuguese governor when he was here.

Today, the fort is in ruins, but it is a part of the heritage tour of the area. The watchtowers allow you to observe the surrounding Vasai village and the extended skyline of Mumbai. And the fort is also a popular spot for movie shoots and pre-wedding photoshoots.

27. Kanheri Caves

Kanheri Caves are a collection of 109 Buddhist caves. These caves used to be a Buddhist monastery, and they’ve been built over a long period. The earliest caves are from the 1st century BCE, while the most recent ones are from the 11th century CE.

Paintings and stone sculptures adorn the walls of the caves. Statues of Buddha in various postures and sizes are in the caves. And you'll also find numerous inscriptions in Brahmi and Devanagari, and some epigraphs in Pahlavi, on the walls.

These caves served as a place for worship, study and meditation. Cave 3 is the largest among the Kanheri Caves, and the most remarkable.

This serene cave complex is situated on a hillside, and it takes a long trek through lush green bushes and rocks to reach here. This site has numerous small streams and waterfalls too. And it also offers a view of the sprawling Mumbai city.

28. Global Vipassana Pagoda

Global Vipassana Pagoda is a meditation dome on the outskirts of Mumbai. The dome is built as a tribute to a Vipassana teacher – Sayagyi U Ba Khin, and it resembles the Shwedagon Pagoda of Myanmar.

The dome of the pagoda is the world’s largest stone dome standing without any supporting pillars. And 8000 people can meditate at a time here.

The architectural pagoda and the intricately carved gates are among the major points of tourist interests. But there also are other structures like the 21.5 feet high statue of Gautam Buddha, the Bell Tower and the Gong Tower. The pagoda complex also has a park, a small waterfall and a replica of the Ashoka Pillar of Sarnath.

Global Vipassana Pagoda spreads the values of Gautam Buddha through its meditation and relaxation sessions. And you can also take meditation courses. The campus has a library and a museum too.

29. Essel World

Essel World is an amusement park, only a few metres from Global Vipassana Pagoda. It’s a popular getaway for relaxation for local people, and it is also among the famous amusement parks in India.

This amusement park has got over 50 amusement rides, adventure activities and fun points to check. There are different rides for adults and kids. And you'll find group rides too. Apart from the rides, you can enjoy in the bowling alley, ice-skating rink, discotheque and many other places.

Essel World has numerous food courts serving a variety of cuisines. And it also has a small merchandise shop. And while you're at Essel World, visit Water Kingdom too.

30. Water Kingdom

Water Kingdom is a water-themed amusement park right next to Essel World. It has various wet adventure rides, fun-filled water slides and numerous pools to play together. And many people visit Essel World and Water Kingdom together.

This park also has a large wave pool and over 30 water activities, including a rain dance floor.

And if you aren’t interested in the water games, you can relax beside the pools with some cold drinks and snacks. Water Kingdom has a couple of restaurants and snacks parlours serving a variety of delicacies.

Apart from those fun rides and water slides, a fish spa and pedicure zone are also here.

31. Powai Lake

Powai Lake is an artificial lake known for its charming evenings. The lake is surrounded by trees and bushes, and you will find many birds like kingfishers, herons and falcons. Bees and various colourful butterflies can also be seen near Powai Lake.

And the lake also has many fishes and a few crocodiles.

People come to Powai Lake to spend their evenings after work. A small play area is also near the lake. You can buy some local snacks and munch at them while admiring the golden hues of the sky and the setting sun.

And while you're here, you can also check out the Nirvana Park across the road in the Hiranandani complex. It is a beautiful garden furnished with wooden walkways, kids’ slides and benches. You'll also find grass lawns, ponds and tiny flowers around this park.

32. Nehru Science Centre

Nehru Science Centre is the largest interactive science centre in India.

It was opened to the public in 1985, and it has around 500 varieties of exhibits and interactive science games. This science centre also has a museum showcasing various models to tell you about the developments in science and technology. And it has a library too, with scientific books and movies.

The science centre offers practical experience with laws of physics, human anatomy, and many other facets of science. The available activities also include regular shows, films, and documentaries.

A sky observatory – Nehru Planetarium, is also within the complex. Multiple telescopes are available here for stargazing and studying planetary motions and Solar/Lunar eclipses.

33. Crawford Market

Crawford Market (officially named Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai) is the largest market in the southern Mumbai. From gifts to groceries and from toys to pets, the market has everything. And it is the best place to visit in Mumbai for shopping.

During British rule, it was a source to buy daily fresh produce. And it’s still a popular place to get good deals on various household goods and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Crawford Market is known for its striking architecture too.

It has a blend of Norman and Flemish architectural styles, and it is decorated with paintings and murals. The clock tower is adorned with carvings that resemble Victorian style. And in some parts of the building, you will find glimpses of the Gothic architecture style too.

34. Dhobi Ghat

Dhobi Ghat is the world's largest open-air laundry. Here, hundreds of washermen and women – dhobis, work their shifts through the day to wash clothes. Porters bring dirty clothes from all over Mumbai and they take them back in their fresh, crisp and spotless state.

The system is well-optimised, and each cloth is coded to be traced back to the client.

This laundry was set up by an association of 50 washers in 1890. And today, around 700 washer families live here. And although some have installed washing and drying machines, most still carry on their work manually.

Dhobi Ghat has maintained much of its old charm and washing methods.

Other Popular Places to visit in Mumbai

Apart from the above 34 tourist spots, you’ve many other places to visit in Mumbai and around. You can visit beaches like Aksa Beach , Gorai Beach and Versova Beach here. These are known for their sunset views, horse rides and street food stalls. Gorai Beach is also popular among the local people for weekend getaways and parties.

Then, you can also enjoy various gardens spread throughout the city. Chhota Kashmir and Hanging Garden are among the most popular of them. And if you love trekking, animal-spotting or bird-watching, you must visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park .

Also, if you're looking for places to visit in Mumbai for fun, plenty of amusement parks are there in and around the city. Snow World , Tikuji-ni-Wadi and Yazoo Park are popular.

You can also enjoy in themed water parks like Anand Sagar Water Park , Royal Garden Water Park and The Great Escape Water Park. These water parks are away from the hustle-bustle of the city. And they provide accommodation facilities if you want to stay for a night or two.

If you’re interested in cricket, you can buy a ticket for a game in Wankhede Stadium . And if you like theatres and plays, you can check out Prithvi Theatre. The theatre also hosts workshops, performing art programmes and other events.

And while you're in Mumbai, also visit Babulnath Temple . It has a special place among the devotees of Shiva, and the celebrations during Mahashivaratri festival are full of excitement.

Mumbai is a mix of art, culture and entertainment, and it should be in the bucket list of every traveller. Whether you're looking for places to visit in Mumbai with family and friends or you want quiet corners to spend time with yourself, you'll find them here.

The city will be a memorable holiday destination for adults and youngsters alike. From religious sites to beautiful beaches and historical caves to magnificent architectural monuments, you'll find a variety of places to visit in Mumbai.

Whether you want to go on a solo tour or want to book a honeymoon holiday, Mumbai won't disappoint you. Here you can be a part of the modern lifestyle, or enjoy a laid-back holiday in the lap of nature.

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Tour Packages from Mumbai

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Top Tourism Places to Visit in Mumbai

• Gateway of India, Mumbai
• Elephanta Caves, Mumbai
• Marine Drive, Mumbai
• Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
• Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai
• Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai
• Essel World, Mumbai
• Nariman Point, Mumbai
• Juhu beach, Mumbai
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai
• Asiatic Society, Town Hall in Mumbai
• Colaba Causeway, Mumbai
• Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai
• Girgaon Chowpatty, Mumbai
• Chor Bazaar, Mumbai
• Mount Mary Church, Mumbai
• Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai
• Kanheri Caves, Mumbai
• Raj Bhavan, Mumbai
• Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
• Taraporewala Aquarium, Mumbai
• Bombay High Court
• Bandra Bandstand, Mumbai
• Versova beach, Mumbai
• Churchgate, Mumbai
• Aksa Beach, Mumbai
• Worli Sea Face, Mumbai
• Chhota Kashmir, Mumbai
• Malabar Hill, Mumbai
• Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai
• ISKCON Temple, Mumbai
• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• St. Michael's Church, Mumbai
• St. Thomas Cathedral, Mumbai
• Hanging Gardens, Mumbai
• Mani Bhavan, Mumbai
• Elephanta Island, Mumbai
• Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai
• Babulnath Temple, Mumbai
• Global Vipassana Pagoda, Mumbai
• Flora Fountain, Mumbai
• Water Kingdom, Mumbai
• Powai Lake, Mumbai
• Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai
• Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai
• Marve Beach, Mumbai
• Gorai Beach, Mumbai
• Mumba Devi Temple, Mumbai
• Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai
• Kamala Nehru Park, Mumbai
• Fort Bassein / Vasai Fort, Mumbai
• Rajabai Clock Tower, Mumbai
• Suraj Water Park, Mumbai
• Shangrila Water Park, Mumbai
• Snow World, Mumbai
• Yazoo Park, Mumbai
• Tikuji-ni-Wadi, Mumbai
• Ammu Water Park, Mumbai
• Shivganga Water Park, Mumbai
• Sargam Water Park, Thane
• Paradise Funland, Mumbai
• Mati Hill County Resort, Mumbai
• Snow Kingdom, Mumbai
• Imagicaa Theme Park, Mumbai
• Imagicaa Water Park, Mumbai
• Snow Park at Imagicaa, Mumbai
• Eyelusion at Imagicaa, Mumbai
• House of Stars at Imagicaa, Mumbai
• Rainy Resort & Water Park, Mumbai
• The Great Escape Water Park, Mumbai
• Pali Beach Resort & Water Park, Mumbai
• Bandra Fort Mumbai / Castella de Aguada
• Royal Garden Resort & Water Park, Mumbai
• Anand Sagar Resort & Water Park, Mumbai
• Panoramic Resort and Water Park, Mumbai
• Shanti Sagar Resort & Water Park, Mumbai
• Magic Mountain Amusement Park, Lonavala
• Vardhman Fantasy Amusement Park, Mumbai
• Wet N Joy Water & Amusement Park, Lonavala
• Mumbai Film City / Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri
• Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai / Crawford Market, Mumbai
• Mumbai Zoo / Veer Mata Jijabai Bhonsale Park / Byculla Mumbai
• Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai
• Glowmagica at Imagicaa Mumbai

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• Leaders Speak
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• Govt & Ministry
• Indiatourism offices welcome foreign tourists at airports as country reopens for international travellers

Ministry of Tourism’s regional offices across the country welcomed and greeted foreign tourists at airports on their arrival to India after a gap of more than 18 months.

• Manas Dwivedi ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Nov 15, 2021 at 05:25 PM IST

Giving the tourism promotion mandate to Indian Missions: Will it change the Incredible India fortunes?

In the wake of the government's decision to hand over the mandate of Incredible India destination promotions to a dedicated official in Indian Missions abroad, ET TravelWorld tried to check out with former senior officials who manned the Indiatourism offices abroad for long how they view this move and its pros and cons.

India’s reopening for foreign tourists auspicious moment for aviation and travel trade industry: TAAI President

Hoping for resumption of commercial air traffic soon, TAAI President Jyoti Mayal, conveyed her greetings and best wishes to the resilient travel trade.

• By Manas Dwivedi ,
• Published On Nov 15, 2021 at 04:43 PM IST

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Independence day celebrations

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सबसे श्रेष्ठ अतिथ्य की ओर

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)

ITDC came into existence in October 1966 and has been the prime mover in the progressive development, promotion and expansion of tourism in the country.

Ashok Group of Hotels

"Atithidevo Bhava": The Ashok Group of Hotels has stood tall with utmost modernity, unmatched regalia and traditional Indian hospitality. Ashok Group has played host to several prestigious national and international conventions and events.

Ashok Travels & Tours

Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT) is one of the largest travel and tour operators in India, with experience of being in the travel industry for over 40 years.

Sound and light show

Ishq-e-Dilli, a state of-the-art multi-media show on a gigantic scale, is an interesting story of a bygone era.

Ashok Events

Ashok Events — a unit of ITDC, is a leading event management agency handling Conferences, Exhibitions, Workshops/Seminars and other National and International events.

Catering Units

A major event feature of ITDC. India has been host to many historical & important Summits, Conferences and Seminars.

Ashok International Trade

ASHOK INTERNATIONAL TRADE ITDC is the pioneer of Duty Free Business in India, with the changing times we have also changed our Business focus from operating Duty Free Shops at the International Airports to diversifying into other locations such as Seaports etc.

Ashok Consultancy & Engineering Services

Powering tourism project through its technical expertise Ashok Consultancy & Engineering Services is an important vertical of ITDC.

Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Ashok Institute of Hospitality &Tourism Management (AIH&TM) an ISO 9001: 2015 certified Hospitality Training Institute is the Human Resource Development Division of India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

Unwind the luxury . Luxury staycations at The Ashok. For details see offers and promotions. EMPANELMENT OF RETIRED OFFICERS AS INQUIRY OFFICERS FOR CONDUCTING DEPARTMENTAL INQUIRIES For details kindly visit Public Notice.

Hotel booking, rooms & suites.

• HOTEL SAMRAT
• JAMMU ASHOK
• KALINGA ASHOK
• PONDICHERRY ASHOK

Regular Room

Executive room, executive suite, mini deluxe suite, ashok heritage suite, presidential suite, differently abled room.

These spacious rooms facing the protected greens of Delhi or idyllic views of the Diplomatic Enclave greet you with a sense of calm and clutter free space. The rooms are well appointed with all the modern amenities needed for discerning travellers. Measuring 264 sq ft, have a choice of bed size(King, Queen and Twin).

• Soft Drinks
• Electronic Safe
• Fruit Basket
• Wake Up Call
• Packaged Drinking Water
• Tea/Coffee maker

OFFERS & PROMOTIONS

BEST RATES GUARANTEED WHEN BOOKED FROM OUR WEBSITE

20% discount on Food & Soft Beverages if booked from our website

OTHER SERVICES

Ashok travels & tours.

Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT) is one of the largest travel and tour operators in…

ASHOK TRAVELS & TOURS READ MORE >

SOUND & LIGHT SHOW

Ishq-e-Dilli, a state-of-the-art multi-media show on a gigantic scale, is an interesting story of a…

SOUND & LIGHT SHOW READ MORE >

BANQUETS & EVENTS

Select from the full range of conferences and banquets facilities in India Tourism Development Corporation…

BANQUETS & EVENTS READ MORE >

ASHOK EVENTS

Ashok Events — a strategic business unit of ITDC, is a leading event management agency…

ASHOK EVENTS READ MORE >

CATERING UNITS

A major event feature of ITDC. India has been host to many historical & important…

CATERING UNITS READ MORE >

ASHOK INTERNATIONAL TRADE

ITDC is the pioneer of Duty Free Business in India, with the changing times we…

ASHOK INTERNATIONAL TRADE READ MORE >

ASHOK CONSULTANCY & ENGINEERING SERVICES

Ashok Consultancy & Engineering Services is one of the prime verticals of ITDC and has…

ASHOK CONSULTANCY & ENGINEERING SERVICES READ MORE >

ASHOK INSTITUTE OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGMENT

Ashok Institute of Hospitality &Tourism Management (AIH&TM) an ISO 9001: 2015 certified Hospitality Training Institute…

ASHOK INSTITUTE OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGMENT READ MORE >

OUR GALLERY

• Travels & Tours
• Sound & Light Show

Our Gallery

The Ashok, New Delhi wins the National Tourism Award for Hotel Providing best facilities for the differently abled Guests.

The Ashok New Delhi wins the Makemytrip's prestigious 'Volume Driven CashBack Scheme for the stand alone hotel TheAshok.

The Ashok was awarded ‘Best MICE hotel in 5* deluxe category’ on 15th November 2019 at 15th Annual International Hospitality & Travel Awards

ITDC conferred with award for ‘Best organisation in Tourism and Hospitality sector’ at 15th Annual International Hospitality & Travel Awards 2019 held on 15th November 2019

The Ashok becomes fist five-star hotel to earn LEED Gold Certification for existing buildings

Best Luxury Hotel

ASIA Awards of excellence 2017

Fastest Growing Miniratna Award’ at 7th DSIJ PSU Annual Awards 2018

NEWS & EVENTS

The Adyant Mascot and fresh tag line launch at ITDC

23 February 2024

ITDC organises a Run for Unity on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

03 November 2023

06 October 2023

G20 Summit a warm welcome of G20 Delegates at iconic The Ashok, New Delhi.

A Seminar by IT Department “ Cyber hygiene and security” in accordance of Vigilance Awareness Week 2023

05 October 2023

OTA rewarded ITDC for achieving the revenue target.

14 September 2023

Ms. Aruna Chopra Receives IHE 2023 Award for Woman Purchase Manager of the Year

21 August 2023

The Ashok’s Cake Shop Wins ‘Best Bakery’ Award at Travel + Leisure’s ‘Delicious Dining Awards 2023’

18 August 2023

The Ashok’s Two-Day Mango Festival Delights Taste Buds on World Mango Day

04 August 2023

The ADYANT Mascot and fresh tag line Launch at ITDC

"Proud to announce that Chairman ITDC - Dr Sambit Patra launched ITDC's Logo and Fresh Tagline at The Ashok in Presence of DG Tourism, MD ITDC other Senior officials of ITDC and Industry members"

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CONNECTING YOU TO THE INDIAN TRAVEL MARKET

11 - 13 september 2024 jio world convention centre, mumbai, india.

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About itb india - international conference travel mart.

The 4th edition of ITB India will take place in-person from 11 - 13 September 2024 in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India. This 3-day business-to-business travel and tourism trade fair for India has been put together to bring different facets of the Indian Travel Market.

Every segment of tourism will be represented at this international travel & tourism exhibition in India with industry leaders, important buyers and key service providers from across the country meeting and interacting in one place. International players in the MICE, Leisure travel and corporate travel segments will also attend to learn more about the tremendous Indian outbound travel market that is quickly emerging as an important global market

ITB India is going to be more than a travel trade show in India but rather an important platform where the most influential organizations in the International and Indian Travel and Tourism industry can meet, build strong partnerships or strengthen existing bonds.

India is the Second Largest Outbound Market in Asia and the 8th Largest Travel Market in the World. The value of the Indian Outbound Travel Market in 2024 is estimated to be around 42 Billion USD. These tantalizing numbers show that India is one of the most promising travel markets in the world but it remains untapped in large parts. Travel events in India need to address the key factors that will increase outbound travel the country.

ITB India 2024 is going to be the travel and tourism fair in India that does just that with fascinating content that covers a wide variety of topics that drive travel in India. Our proposed agenda includes specific topics that pertain to MICE, Corporate and Leisure travelers in India in the vein of Travel Technology, the future of MICE, Global Consumer Trends, Social Media & Influencer Marketing, Destination Marketing and so many more topics. This India travel fair will work to access the markets that go well beyond the established metropolitan cities by bringing in buyers from tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India with the Hosted Buyer’s Programme. We ensure that the buyers meet the service providers and exhibitors through our pre-scheduled appointments, so that they can focus on building great relationships at the event itself.

ITB India is also going to be a truly innovative tourism conference for India as we strive to bring the newest ideas and concepts in travel and tourism that are set to change things in the future. The discussions, panels and presentations at ITB India are going to be attended or presented by esteemed individuals that have distinguished themselves in the travel and tourism industry.

Participate in ITB India 2024

ITB is working with individuals and organisations across India and the rest of the world to create a real India International travel mart. If ITB India 2024 is something that you want to be a part of, we have various ways through which you can participate. Interested parties can choose to register as a buyer, a speaker or book a stand at the conference itself.

As a buyer , ITB India is the ultimate platform to meet service providers in every category of travel and tourism in India. Since this is a 3-day business-to-business travel and tourism fair in India, we have focused and targeted our attendees to ensure that the most relevant players are going to be present and ready to do business. Whether it is MICE, Corporate or Leisure Travel, the local and international exhibitors at ITB India are going to be the key to capturing the Indian outbound travel market.

ITB India is putting together travel content for all kinds of travel and tourism topics and to do this we are constantly looking for some of the best experts in the business. Do you have an interesting topic that you want to share about the India travel industry? If so, then ITB India is definitely the forum for you to share your incredible insight. Learn more about which sectors we’re looking at for ITB India 2024 and register as a speaker to spread your voice on one of the biggest platforms for travel in India. If you are looking to become an exhibitor at ITB India , then register your stand for the event with us. As an exhibitor, you can showcase your product or service to all kinds of impressive attendees that are looking to develop the Indian travel market.

April 28 2023

ITB India 2023 Marks a Major Success

April 20 2023

ITB India 2023 on Track for Impressive Live Comeback

February 20 2023

ITB India 2023 Conference to Unveil Major Trends in the South Asia Travel Market

February 07 2023

ITB India to premiere as an in-person event in April 2023

April 07 2022

Major market players paved the way to recovery & new opportunities in the travel industry at ITB India Virtual

April 05 2022

ITB India 2022 Virtual opens with Indian and South Asian markets driving towards recovery and growth

January 27 2022

ITB India 2022 to be held as a Virtual Event

April 09 2021

ITB India Virtual Concluded with Impressive Results of 9,500 Business Appointments Recorded

April 07 2021

ITB India Virtual Kicks Off with Over 400 Buyers and 150 International Sponsors and Exhibitors

March 24 2021

Saudi confirmed as Official Partner Country of ITB India 2021

March 08 2021

Rebuilding Travel: ITB India 2021 Virtual Conference Theme and Speakers Revealed

November 18 2020

ITB India goes all-virtual for 2021 Event

I’D LIKE TO EXHIBIT

Capture the immense growth of the Indian outbound market by being an Exhibitor at ITB India - Connecting you to the Indian Travel Market.

I’D LIKE TO BE A BUYER

If you're a travel procurement professional, be a buyer and unlock business opportunities at ITB India.

I’D LIKE TO BE A SPEAKER

Be a thought-leader and join trade professionals and experts as they share their views and market opinion in an exciting 3-day conference. Come speak at ITB India.

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Places You Need To Visit In India

Monuments Of New Delhi

First-time travelers to India would likely end up in its capital, New Delhi. The flamboyant lifestyle of this city is likely to derail tourists from sticking to their itinerary.

Many of the world’s architectures can be attributed to love and the Taj Mahal is one of them. Mumtaz Mahal’s last request from her husband, Shah Jahan, before she died after the delivery of her 14th child, was to have a mausoleum built in her name.

Havelock Island

Havelock Island is the largest of its kind in Ritchie’s Archipelago. It makes the perfect location for eco-tourism. Havelock Island now sees more visitors because of its great beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving opportunities and casual atmosphere.

Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves dates back to the second century BC. They became isolated around 1819 which has helped to preserve some of their paintings. The preserved murals have everything from sailing ships to the animal-filled forest and city streets.

Brahmaputra River

Tourists who are seeking companionship with nature will find Brahmaputra River provides them with a burst of excitement. Brahmaputra is one of the major rivers in northeast India. Its origin can be traced to Tibet.

Ranakpur Temple

India is famous for having an array of temples, but Ranakpur Temple really stands out. Its fame stems from its art and architectural creativity. The origin of Ranakpur can be traced back to the 15 th century and it took half a century to erect.

India Tourist Office is a tourist guide website for those traveling to India. Our primary goal is to provide a guide and relevant information that will assist tourists planning to visit India. We also provide information on the lesser-known areas that will make a great vacation spot for those traveling to India. Tourism has been identified as one of the major sectors that contribute as much as 9 percent to the national GDP of India. Encouraging tourism to India is not only doing the economy a favor but helping to foster unity in the world. Encouraging tourism is also a way of helping people to take a break from their busy schedule to relax which is generally good for maintaining optimal health.

Little Asians – the premiering series in adults-only genre. The highest quality of video entertainment with unique girls coming from oriental counties of Asia. Their bodies are fragile, their look is innocent but their minds are depraved with a lot of filth.

GenderX Films – are you ready to get into the transgender world and their idea of having fun time? Watch this Zero Tolerance series and find out why all out entertainment provided by trans girls is in huge demand these days!

Gaycest – prepare for a shocking experience in the step family fantasies genre. This time, it’s guys only and they develop unpredictable crushes on other step family members. Sounds unreal? Yes, it does. But trust us, they do go ahead with making these crushes very real. And Gaycest series present them all.

PAWG – the finest white butts in action. Watch those world famous PAWGs which stands for phat ass white girls. It can’t get better than this when it comes to roundest and fattest backs!

Asshole Fever – get ready for your daily fix of the backdoor fun. This series has been around for ages and it continues bringing you the best European teens with their inner cravings for the second hole entertainment!

Upclose – when your casual love making scenario goes very personal. Watch both partners indulged in real chemistry on the set! This is the newest series of Adult Time Network and it’s really as sensual as it gets!

Property Sex – real estate deals made the American way. Watch this famous series for its approach to the sales business. Female realtors are doing everything they can to convince clients. Bending over in this line of work is something you do daily!

Doctor Tapes – what happens behind closed door of some doctor’s offices. See fantasy interpretation of gay doctor stories in this exclusive of Say Uncle Network. Young twinks in hands of experienced docs who have nothing but their pleasure as #1 priority.

Evil Angel – presenting the very best when it comes to the real filthy stuff. Several directors with their naughty visions and dirty minds under one studio. Years of experience and yet so much more to show. See what’s hot these days in daily updates videos.

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