Mumbai is indeed the city of dreams and also considered to be India’s financial capital. Those who look to make it big in their career come here to pursue their dreams. It is also the place of Bollywood. It is arguably the country’s most cosmopolitan city. You can easily come across five star hotels, gourmet restaurants and popularly visited attractions. You can visit lots of places here and gorge on the tasty ‘vada pavs’ that are sold at every nook and corner of the city. You can have lots of fun at taj lands end hotel.
Places to visit during the trip to Mumbai
- Marine Drive: This is the best place to bask in the glory of the sun that sets over the majestic Arabian Sea. The Marine Drive is considered to be a C-shaped boulevard that stretches about 3.6 kilometres long and overlooks the beautiful coast. It is popularly referred to as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ as it takes a necklace shape when lights are switched along the road at night. You can spend your time here in the evening having vada pav or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. Walking down the streets here will allow you to come across Art Deco buildings declared to be UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should also check out Marine Drive promenade. You can find Mumbaikars and tourists alike gathering at the Girgaum Chowpatty sands to get the stunning view of cotton candy skies. There are plenty of eateries around to have tasty food.
- Gateway of India: This majestic gateway is considered to be the Mumbai’s charm and pride. It stands on the Arabian Sea banks at Appollo Bunder waterfront area. It is well treasured and is a 26 meter high basalt archway. It combines Roman triumphal arches and architectural styles with that of traditional Hindu as well as Muslim designs. This arch was constructed to welcome Queen Mary and King George V during their visit to the country in 1911 in British India. It is quite ironical that it was right under this majestic archway that in 1948, the last of the British troops made their exit out of the country after India declared independence from foreign rule. This place attracts morning walkers, joggers and also is a favourite hangout spot for people of all ages in the evenings. From here, you can get to see the ferries and yachts take off from the 5 jetties present here flanking the arch. You can have ‘bhelpuri’ that is quite famous here. If you walk southwest for about 10 minutes, you will reach ‘Colaba Causeway Market’. This vibrant bazaar offers just about everything imaginable at affordable prices.
- Taj Mahal Palace: The Taj does need special mention and is regarded to be the pride of the country. Being the country’s very first luxury hotel, it is over a century old. Presently, it welcomes guests from all over the world. It is well-known for its brownstone exterior and windowed facade that infuses Renaissance architecture along with Islamic touches, such as the corner turrets. Also are built covered balconies, pointed archways and onion domes. This hotel is also considered to be among the most photographed place in the country. You can order for some tasty tea at ‘Sea Lounge’, the colonial styled restaurant launched inside the hotel.
- Bandra-Worli Sea Link: This cable-stayed bridge is counted amongst the most important iconic sites of the city. This 8-lane bridge was constructed in 2009 to connect the western suburbs with central Mumbai business district over open sea. Its opening has helped immensely to decongest the Mahim Causeway. It can be compared with that of Sydney’s Opera house or Brooklyn Bridge of New York. Visiting Bandra Fort will allow you to get a panoramic view of the beautiful Bandra-Worli Sea Link. This historic watchtower was designed and built in 1640 by the Portuguese. The bridge is light up at night with spectacular colours that is worth watching.
- Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum: It was previously called ’Prince of Wales Museum’ boasting of having crucial art & historical exhibits. Since there are over 70,000 items put up on permanent display here, it will take the whole day to complete the tour. You can get to see Himalayan art, Indian miniature paintings, jewelled swords, antique Asian coins, etc. Once completed the tour, you can check out the Fort neighbourhood close to the museum, filled with amazing looking Gothic buildings.
- Kanheri Caves: Besides being a modern city, you can also get see some ancient sites. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the place to explore Kanheri Caves. It holds a stunning complex of monuments carved from basalt formations about 2,000 years ago. There are around 109 cave entrances, within which, you can get to see large stupas established by the Buddhists. Also are present prayer halls and congregation areas. At cave 34, you can get to see Buddha’s incomplete paintings.
- Sri Siddhivinayak Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha who holds an important spot in Hindu religion. He is called ‘remover of all obstacles’. You can visit the temple to seek his blessings for the well-being of your family. There are also other sacred places here like Garodia Nagar Ganapati temple and Vazira Naka Ganapati Temple that needs special mention.
- Global Vipassanna Pagoda: If you want to relax your mind and body to enjoy peace and tranquillity through meditation, then you should visit this pagoda. It is said to be inspired by the Swedagon Pagoda at Myanmar. There is a colossal stupa here of about 96 meter high covered with real gold, glittering in the sun. It features a huge hall having a room that is large enough to accommodate 8,000+ people at a time to meditate together in tranquillity. If you do not know the right way to meditate, then do not worry. You can avail the 10 minute Anapana Meditation course provided here by the experts for free. The meditation course is offered to everyone irrespective of age, caste and creed throughout the day. You can also find an onsite vegetarian food court offering delicious dosa and other items.
To make the trip more relaxing and interesting, you should book your accommodation at taj lands end.