Mumbai Mari Jaan
Places to Visit in Mumbai, Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Mumbai
Mumbaites identify strongly with the old Hindi movie song Mumbai Meri Jaan (loosely translated – I love you Mumbai) that 
declares unconditional love for the city despite all its faults. And faults there are many: overpopulation, traffic jams, overcrowded trains, noise, pollution… And though its 18 million residents complain the loudest about the chaotic conditions they have to deal with each day, they will not change it for any other city, in India at least.
Dubbed the economic powerhouse of the country, Mumbai seems to have an inexhaustible store of energy that sweeps even the tourist and casual visitor in its wake. The Reserve Bank of India and the largest stock exchange of the country are anchored in this hard nosed business city as also the headquarters of almost all the major banks, financial institutions and many of the leading corporate houses. Around 33% of the country’s direct income tax collection comes from the port city.
Yes, you can smell the money here. But then there are strains of other fragrances in the air too… art, history, culture, style, high fashion, Bollywood, beaches, great shopping, the good life… and wildlife too. There are few cities in the world that can boast of having a National Park within their precincts. Or ancient cave temples dating back to the 5th century! In fact, Mumbai has all the ingredients that go into making a great tourist and vacation destination.
Tour package of Mumbai sightseeing spots
South Mumbai where most of its heritage monuments are clustered, is really a walking city. The trail would ideally start at the city’s iconic Gateway of India at Apollo Bunder, Colaba which was built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Less than 100 yards away is the Chatrapati Shivaji Museum (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) and right next to it is the Jehangir Art Gallery and across the road is the Museum of Modern India Art.
Further north is Flora Fountain (also known as Hutatma Chowk) the business hub of the city. Along with neighbouring Ballard Pier this area has some of the most glorious legacies of the Raj, including the University, the Rajahbai Tower and the High Court buildings. And St. Thomas Cathedral, at Horniman Circle which is one of the oldest structures in Mumbai.
Top Tourism Places Mumbai
Not far from here is Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (earlier known as Victoria Terminus or VT). The magnificent Gothic building of palatial proportions is the largest railway station in the East. The extended heritage walk finally ends at Crawford Market, a bustling food market rich with sights, sounds and odours! Then walk down to Zaveri Bazaar, the city’s best known jewellery market. Everything that glitters here is gold… and diamonds, emeralds, rubies… Chor Bazzar or the thieves’ market is further down the road just of Mohammed Ali Road. It is the favourite haunt of those looking for antiques and lots of atmosphere and colour.
Staying on the tourist trail we have Nariman Point the new commercial beat of the city. From within the tower block buildings that needle the sky corporate bosses look down on Marine Drive arching across the bay. At night when the streetlight are switched the entire sweep is bathed in a magical glow and is aptly know as the Queen’s Necklace.
At the far end of the drive is the city’s famous Chowpatty beach. The sandy patch is not the kind of place where one would sunbathe or step into the water. Rather, it is place where residents of the city, from labourers to courting couples and families with children, congregate especially at sunset and dusk to spend quality time together and unwind after a hard days work. Tucked into one of the lanes off the beach is Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi during his stay in Bombay between 1917 and 1934 and now a museum dedicated to the father of the nation.
Just before the Hanging Gardens that overlook Marine Drive is the holy Bhanganga temple complex built around a freshwater spring that empties into a tank. According to legend Lord Ram is believed to have rested here during his wandering in exile. And since he drank only from the Ganga he shot an arrow into the ground and it drew the water of the sacred river through an underground stream that still flows today.
Places You Should Not Miss in Mumbai
Further north of the city are the Dhobi Ghats near Mahalaxmi station, which claims to be Asia’s largest open air laundry, and Haji Ali, a mausoleum and mosque that stand in the middle of the bay at the south end of Worli. Tucked behind the bay at Haji Ali is the Mahalaxmi racecourse, a sprawling track that is rated as one of the finest in Asia. More than just horses, residents of the surrounding areas come here each morning and evening to jog, walk their dog or just relax.
Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Mumbai
The city Zoo at Byculla; Mount Mary Church at Bandra, the venue of the annual week long Bandra Fair in September, the Nehru Planetarium at Worli, Juhu beach… The truth is that Mumbai is more than the sum total of its attractions. It’s a city with a heart that embraces and welcomes all who come to its gates, be it pleasure seekers in search of the good life, dreamer hoping that Bollowood will catapult them to fame, ordinary people hoping for a break and a better job or tourists looking for excitement.
Fact File
Mumbai airport has two separate terminals for international and domestic flights which are connected by a complimentary shuttle bus service.
The headquarters of both the Central and Western Railways are located in Mumbai. The main terminals of Central Railways is at Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and that of Western Railways is at Bombay Central.
For more information contact Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Mumbai, Tel: (022) 22024482. Web: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
