Mumbai is described as the city that never sleeps. In olden time Mumbai, known as Bombay is the commercial capital of India. One of the renowned authors Salman Rushdie once quoted- “You can take the boy from Bombay; You can’t take Bombay out of the boy.” Let’s highlights some interesting facts and attraction about this millennium city.
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India, with its regal arches, stands guard facing the Arabian Sea at Apollo Bunder in bustling Colaba area of Mumbai. This is the most popular tourist attraction, it is the unofficial icon of the city of Mumbai and is a reminder of its rich colonial history as Bombay.
The first structure to welcome visitors entering the city by sea, it is popularly called ‘Taj Mahal of Mumbai’. It stands at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg at the water’s edge.
Visited by tourists and locals alike, the gateway and its promenade affords a great view of the boat-studded sea and is the connecting point for boat rides to and from the famous Elephanta Caves. The ‘Elephanta Festival of music and dance’ which was earlier held at the Elephanta caves, is now held in front of the Gateway in March every year. It is often confused with the India Gate in Delhi built in the memory of the 82,000 soldiers of the undivided Indian Army who died in the period 1914–21 in the First World War.
Film City
In Mumbai, Film City is a large film studio, which is the heart of Bollywood. If you want to more with what happens behind the cameras, you must to visit the Film City. Film City is one of the important tourist attraction among locals and tourists. The film city covers lots of gardens, equipment rooms, lakes, sets and others.
Marine Dirve
It is also known as Marine Drive, this tourist spot has also been called Sonapur by the locals of the city. Marine Drive is a 3km long stretch that links Nariman Point to Babulnath, and is located at the foot of Malabar Hill. Huge crowds of people come to this place to stride along the walkway and to view the setting sun at dusk. In other words Marine Drive is also called to as ‘Queen’s necklace’, because the street lights make the road view as a string of pearls and create an illusion of a necklace, when viewed at night from an elevated point. Chowpatty Beach, Towards the northern end of Marine Drive lies one of the oldest beaches in Mumbai, which is famous for its bazaars and fast food and snacks such as Bhel Puri, Paav Bhaji, etc.
Siddhivinayaka Temple
Siddhivinayaka Temple, one of the most beautiful temples located in Mumbai, is definitely a must see in the city. Here every day, more than 20000 devotees throng the temple to offer their prayers at the temple and on Tuesday special ‘puja’ and ‘darshan’ takes place.
Bollywood celebrities too, visit Siddhivinayak to seek blessings. When any people visits this place, they definitely admire the temple’s ancient style of architecture and its many features.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
In Mumbai Sanjay Gandhi National Park may not be as large or exotic as some of the other national parks in India, but its accessibility makes it very appealing. It’s the only protected forest to be situated within the limits of a city. To enjoy nature among concrete Mumbai, this is the place to come! In other words the park is also a great family destination, with plenty to keep the kids amused. Although, it’s best to plan your visit well as many attractions close over lunch, and adequate tourist information is scarce.
Prince of Wales Museum
This is also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, the museum is one of the most popular places to see in Mumbai.
The Prince of Wales museum or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is a 20th century museum in Mumbai. This museum was established to commemorate the visit of Prince of Wales, Edward VIII and thus, the museum got its name.
Haji Ali Dargah
This mosque is famous among people for two different reasons. The first reason is that the place is located in the middle of the sea and is connected to the land by a pathway. The other reason is the religious power of this place. Many miracle stories are linked with this mosque and it is said that those who pray here get their wishes fulfilled. Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and a tomb. Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari’s tomb is located inside the monument.
Kamla Nehru Park
Mumbai Kamla Nehru Park Located at Malabar Hill, is named after the wife of first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. This park is extend in an area of about 4,000 square feet and provides a great sight of Chowpatty Beach and also Marine Drive (Queen’s Necklace). Kamala Nehru Park has widespread verdant green surroundings. It is among the most commonly visited places by children in Mumbai. The park has a various diverse range of flowers and is famous for a unique structure, called the Old Woman’s Shoe or Boot House that majorly attracts kids.
Aksa Beach
Aksa Beach is a famous spot in Mumbai. Located in Malad, the beach is a base of the Indian Navy. On the other hand another small beach called Dana Paani, which is ideal for beach holiday in Mumbai. On Sundays and holidays, Aksa is packed with vacationing families and students. That’s why during the week, it remains mostly silent and as well as clean. This place is ideal to sun bathe, watch sunrise and sunsets and to relax. Instead of there are very few place in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai where tranquility can surround one.
St. Thomas Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Thomas is one of the major and popular landmarks in Mumbai. It was established in 1718, the cathedral is the highlight of the early British settlement. It’s a real fact, St Thomas Cathedral was the first Anglican Church in the city and that is why it held tremendous religious significance for the Christian population of Mumbai.
Crawford Market
In Mumbai, Crawford Market is another popular spot for all tourist. In other word It is one of the best places to buy household items. This market was the main wholesale market till 1966. it was spread in 72000 sq. Yards. What catches the eyes the most here is the splendid architecture of Norman and Flemish styles. this is a place for those who want to suggest different flavours as the market is replete with an array of dazzling fruits, vegetables and poultry along with aromas of the fresh cheese and homemade chocolate.
