Places
Explore Places and Stories behind them.
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century in Bombay, India. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the foundation stone for the Gateway of India was laid on 31 March 1911. The structure is an arch made of basalt, 26 metres (85 feet) high. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. The Gateway was later used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It served to allow entry and access to India. The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder area at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The monument has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is the city’s top tourist attraction.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive, the Queen’s Necklace is a treat for all kinds of travelers. During day, it becomes the place to enjoy the sparkling view of the beach and the sea during a fantastic drive, beach activities, sightseeing, outdoor activities and so on. By night, the place becomes a twinkling series of street food, evening picnic time, romantic strolls and so on. Marine Drive is an amalgam of beautiful views. In the daylight, you can sit on the walkway alongside and enjoy the pleasant beach environment that it offers. Have a calming experience and a lovely glimpse of sunset at Marine Drive. At dusk, the sight is just breathtaking with the lined-up palm trees and street lights sparkling all around. The views here provide the visitors with a soothing atmosphere carrying away all their stress. The alongside road walkway is especially destined to have pleasurable evening strolls. You can do cycling also and have a relaxing experience. The evening environment is full of cheerfulness at Marine Drive.
Taraporewala Aquarium
Taraporewala Aquarium or Taraporevala Aquarium is India's oldest aquarium and one of Mumbai's main attractions. It hosts marine and freshwater fish. The aquarium is located on Marine Drive. The aquarium hosts 2,000 fish across over 400 species. Fish from overseas were introduced at the new aquarium. The number of new varieties of 70 marine fish included Helicopter, Arowana, Grouper, yellow-striped tang, bluespotted stingray, sea stars, clownfish, hark, triggerfish, Moorish idol, Azure Damsel, Blueline Demoiselle, Purple Firefish, Cloudy Damsel, Copperband Butterflyfish, Schooling Bannerfish, Raccoon Butterflyfish, White Tail Trigger, Clown Triggerfish and Blue Ribbon Eel. The 40 new varieties of freshwater fish include Red Devil, Jaguar, Electric Blue, Jack Dempsey, Frontosa and Catfish. These fishes will be housed in larger tanks than before with imported flexi glass for better visibility. The aquarium continues to support sharks, turtles, rays, moray eels, sea turtles, small starfish and stingrays. The aquarium is maintained by the Department of Fisheries. The aquarium's 16 seawater tanks and 9 freshwater tanks host 31 types of fish, while 32 tropical tanks contains 54 kinds of fish. The tropical section of the aquarium features ecosystems such as the "moss aquarium" for pregnant fish, "plantation aquarium" that features imported varieties of water lilies and other aquatic plants and "island aquarium"
Haji Ali Dargah
The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah or the monument of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari located on an islet off the coast of Worli in the southern Mumbai. An exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Architecture, associated with legends about doomed lovers, the dargah contains the tomb of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Bukhari was a Sufi saint and a wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan. Near the heart of the city proper, the dargah is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Mumbai. The Haji Ali Dargah was constructed in 1431 in memory of a wealthy Muslim merchant, Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up all his worldly possessions before making a pilgrimage to Mecca. Hailing from Bukhara, in present-day Uzbekistan, Bukhari travelled around the world in the early to mid 15th century, and eventually settled in present-day Mumbai.
Phoenix Market City Mall
Phoenix Market City is one of the biggest malls in Mumbai. Opened in the year 2011 to give the denizens a new and gorgeous place to shop at, the Market City has expanded beyond expectations.
Given the sprawling 4 million square feet area on which it is built, visitors can easily spend the entire day window shopping, exploring new brands or simply devouring delectable food at any of its 100 food outlets. Complete with 600 stores (both international and national brands), a 14-screen PVR complex, and a huge entertainment area, the shopping mall is easily amongst the best in the entire city.
Location: Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Mumbai
Timings: 10:30 AM – 12 AM
Oberoi Mall
Oberoi Mall Mumbai, Maharashtra is another go-to destination when it comes to shopping and entertainment. Following the motto of providing fun, fashion and filmy alternatives to its customers, the mall is among the first few malls to have helped the entry of big global brands like Forever 21, Jack and Jones and Starbucks in India. You will also find Lifestyle and Central, apart from bigger brands like Gap and Zara.
Apart from having almost every shop you would need for your big shopping haul, the mall has also been awarded Gold certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for sticking to its environment-friendly vows.
Location: Oberoi Garden City, Mumbai
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM
Inorbit Mall
Counted among the best shopping malls in Mumbai, Inorbit may not be as big as its contemporaries, but it certainly has the appeal. Apart from the already existing array of high-end shops (Project Eve, Fab India, Levi’s, Jack & Jones) and food outlets, some more were added. This includes the iconic MAC cosmetics and H&M store. If you are looking for some entertainment, we suggest a visit to the TimeZone entertainment center which was added to the mall in the year 2014.
If having drinks with your friend is the agenda for the day, The Beer Café will keep you occupied. For your hunger pangs, there is Indigo Deli and Maharaja Bhog among the most popular food outlets.
Location: Link Road, Mumbai
Timings: 11 AM – 9:30 PM (Food court remains open till 11 PM)
Water Kingdom
EsselWorld established itself in the pages of Amusement Park history with the launch of Water Kingdom, Borivali in 1998. This water park is currently the largest themed water park in Asia. The unique attractions and rides are set in a terrific location, giving you the feeling of being in international waters. Water Kingdom abides by all the safety andhygiene regulations, and is decked with the necessary amenities that are required to provide a safe and fun time. The park is a hub of ultimate entertainment, suitable for people of all age groups. Water Kingdom is also the proud owner of India's largest aqua play pool - The Lagoon. Spread across a massive area, the Lagoon attracts guests of all ages and groups of all kinds, from corporate masses to families. They have many rides with varying levels and types of thrills, bound to suit your requirements for a thrilling adrenaline rush. Moreover, they strictly adhere to the guidelines of COVID-19 because your safety is our priority!
Imagica
India's first and only family holiday destination from Mumbai and Pune, Imagicaaa is the perfect weekend getaway which includes an International Standard theme park, a water park and a premium hotel. At Imagicaa Theme Park, guests can bump into the in-house characters of Tubbby – The Elephant, Roberto – The Star Chef, The Lost Astronaut, Mogambo of Mr. India fame and The Gingerbread Man while hopping from one ride to another. Themed attractions, area design, landscaping, themed dining and retail, ambient music, character design, building facades, props, interactive installations, and merchandise are not just elements, but instill a feeling of escapism in the park. This escapism is what separates Imagicaa from all other parks in India, making it at par with the best parks around the world. Imagicaa Water Park, located adjacent to the Theme Park in Khopoli, is a Mykonos-themed Park. With thrilling slides, including gravity-defying solo loops & fun-for-the-group mat racers, and restaurants serving great food & drinks, the water park is popular as a favorite day party hangout destination with a live DJ party on weekends.
Great Escape Water Park
The Great Escape Water Park in Mumbai is a family-friendly water park with over a dozen water activities to enjoy. The highlight is the 40 feet high slide, but you'll find many other fun slides; some for adults, while others specifically for kids. The park also has different swimming pools for adults and kids to play and beat the heat. The Great Escape Water Park also has a wave pool. The Great Escape Water Park is in Virar, off Vajreshwari Road on the Bombay-Ahmedabad highway. And it’s a magnificent spot for a one-day picnic and getaway from Mumbai. The food court is open all day long, offering a range of Indian delicacies, snacks and drinks. So, pack your swimming costumes, and head towards the Great Escape Water Park.
Siddhivinayak Temple
One of the most famous temples in Mumbai,Siddhivinayak is dedicated to the lord of good fortune and beginnings – Lord Ganesha. In Hindu religion, one appeases to the elephant-headed god before starting any new task.
The temple has an astounding statue of the lord along with his two consorts – Ridhi and Sidhi. Complete with lotus, a small axe, his favourite sweet dish – modaks, and prayer beads, the statue of this deity has four hands and looks resplendent at all time of the day.
Visit the temple to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessing. However, if you would really like to see a fervent celebration of people’s beliefs, Tuesdays is the best time as a lot of tourists flock to the temple on this day and every ceremony is a little different.
Location: SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai
Timing:
5:30 AM – 10:00 PM, Timings vary on Tuesdays
Mumbadevi Temple
Unlike other temples, this one is dedicated to a goddess of particular communities and not the entire religion. Goddess Mumba is the patron goddess of the Somavanshi Kshatriya, Koli and Agri communities residing in Maharashtra. According to the legends of this community, Goddess Mumba is a powerful guardian and an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
Located on the Bhuleshwar Road, the temple was first opened in the year 1675 and has been relocated once to its current place. Inside the temple, you will find the statue of the deity which is made of black stone with an orange face. While the statue itself doesn’t have a mouth – to symbolize earth – and is simple and beautiful, the entire altar on which it stands is decorated by the devotees.
Location: Zaveri Bazar, Mumbai
Timing:
6 AM – 9 PM, Closed on Mondays
Juma Masjid
At a distance of 1.5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Juma Masjid, also known as Friday Mosque, is the oldest mosque in Mumbai situated at the renowned Sheikh Memon Street near Crawford Market. This is the largest mosque in Mumbai and also one of the popular pilgrimage places to visit in Mumbai. The Masjid is a quadrangular building of brick and stone encircled by a ring of terraced roofed and double storied buildings. The main eastern gate leads to an ancient tank filled with about 10 feet of water. The tank is fed by springs at the bottom that contains gold and silver fish and few turtles. This is used for ritual ablutions; however modern facilities are also available for this purpose. This is the main mosque for the Sunni Muslims and was constructed & is managed by Konkani Muslims. Attached to the mosque was a Madrassa Muhammadiah, in which free secular and religious education was imparted to Muslim youths. The Madrassa had a hostel attached to it.
Babulnath Temple
Another ancient temple in Mumbai, this one is located at a short distance from the famous Girgaon Chowpatty Beach. Also, it is easily accessible from the Marine Lines Railway Station and attracts a good footfall of tourist and devotees. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is of great significance to the Marwari and Gujarati communities living in Mumbai.
With the beautiful interiors and intricate carvings on the walls, the temple is bound to awe-struck you. The temple is built in such a manner that it feels like you have descended in Mount Kailash – the abode of Lord Shiva.
Location: Charni Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai
Timing: 5 AM – 7 PM