Mumbai (Bombay), the capital of Maharashtra state, is the most populous city in India. It is situated on the west coast of India and has a natural harbor. Therefore, it contributes to the major export business of the country. It is also called the commercial capital of India. The name Mumbai is derived from the name of goddess Mumbadevi whose temple is situated in Bhuleshwar area of Mumbai. The regional language of Mumbai is Marathi. Name of the International Airport of Mumbai is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and main railway terminal is called Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. There are trains available from this terminus to all over India.
Every year crores of tourists visit Mumbai. Through this web site, we have made an effort to help these tourists to know about the top tourist places in Mumbai and how to reach these places.
1. Gateway of India
Mumbai's most recognized tourist place, the Gateway of India, was constructed in the memory of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. The Gateway is the first spot that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat. It's also a popular place when tourists start their Mumbai visit. Normally tourist can see several vendors selling many things from balloons to tea at Gateway. Tourist can also approach Gateway from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station as buses and taxis are easily available from there to reach Gateway.
2. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
It was formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. It was founded in the early years of 20th century. It is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India and at walkable distance from Churchgate railway station. The museum was renamed in the 1990s after Shivaji, the founder of Maratha Empire. The museum has approximately 50000 exhibits of Indian history which are categorized primarily into three sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. For detailed information please visit www.csmvs.in
3. Marine Drive Beach
Marine Drive is a 4.3 kms. C - shaped six lane road which has natural sea shore. The official name of this road is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. But this name is rarely used. It is also called Queen's Necklace because if viewed at night from anywhere along the drive the street lights look like a string of pearls in a necklace. This road connects Nariman Point to Malabar Hill. The five star Hotel Oberoi is situated at this beach only. Marine Drive is easily approachable from Churchgate and Marine Lines railway stations. Highly recommended for Mumbai tourists.
4.Taraporewala Aquarium
Taraporewala Aquarium is situated on famous Marine Drive. It was built and inaugurated in 1951 at a cost of Rs. 8,00,000. The museum is named after a Parsee who donated huge amount for the construction. There are 100 species of marine and fresh water fishes. The aquarium is easily approachable from Charni Road railway station. BEST buses are also available to reach this aquarium. Weekly holiday is on Monday.
5. Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta island which is situated at 10 kms. to the east of Mumbai city and 9.7 kms. to the south side of Trombay. Gharapuri is a small village on the south side of this island. Boats are available from Gateway of India to reach Elephanta Caves. The island has two groups of caves. The larger group of caves is well known for its Hindu sculptures. It consists of five caveson the western hill of the island. The caves have been made from solid basalt rock. The temple complex is the abode of Shiva.
6.Mahalaxmi Temple
Mahalaxmi Temple is situated in Mahalaxmi suburb of Mumbai. This is one of the most famous temples of Mumbai. It has fascinating view of Arabian sea as it has been built on the rocks of Arabian sea beach. The temple has idols of Mahalaxmi, Mahakali & Mahasaraswati. We can reach this temple through Mahalaxmi and Mumbai Central railway stations. Buses and taxis are also available. The temple trust is also engaged in social activities like financial help to poor students and medical grant for poor patients. Highly recommended for devotees of Hindu Goddess. For more information please visit www. mahalaxmi-temple.com
7.Nehru Science Center
Nehru Science Center is India's largest interactive science center. It is located in Worli. It occupies an area of 8 acres with lot of varieties of plants and trees. Every year more than 750000 people visit this center. Here, they experience the miracles of science and technology. More than 50 interactive science exhibits on energy, sound, kinematics, mechanics, transport, etc. are installed in the park. The Science Center is open on everyday including Sundays and public holidays throughout the year except two days Holi and Diwali. Working hours: 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. The nearest railway station to reach the Science Center is Mahalaxmi. It is at 1 km. from this station. Bus service is also available to reach here. For detailed information please visit www.nehrusciencecentre.gov.in
8. SiddhivinayakTemple
The Siddhivinayak Temple was built in 1801. It is a temple of Lord Shri Ganesh. Siddhivinayak is one of the names of Lord Shri Ganesh. It is located in Prabhadevi area of Mumbai. The temple has been converted from a small, tiny place of worship to the Grand Temple of today. The renovation of temple was commenced in 1990. It was completed in 3 years. The main stones used were marble and pink granite. In this way a 200 year old temple was renovated into a multistoried temple. BEST bus service and taxis are available to reach this temple. Dadar is the nearest railway station. An ideal place to visit for devotees of Lord Ganesh. For more information please visit www.siddhivinayak.org
9.Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park which is situated near Borivali suburb of Mumbai attracts more than 2 million visitors every year. It covers an area of 104 square kilometers. The main attraction of the park is Lion and Tiger Safari. The Lion Safari is a short trip of 20 minutes through forest area in Park's buses with security. This is done so that all visitors can safely view lions and tigers in their habitat. The Kanheri Caves in the center of the park were an important Buddhist learning center in 1st century BC. The Park also has a fun train that runs on a narrow gauge railway. Name of this train is 'Van Rani' which means Jungle Queen. Borivali is nearest railway station to reach this Park.
10.Film City
Film City is the largest studio complex in India. It is situated at Goregaon suburb of Mumbai. It was constructed in 1977 by the Government of Maharashtra. It occupies an area of more than 500 acres. It has every facility that a film-maker needs therefore it has become most preferred location for shooting of films. It has gardens, mountains, lakes, homes, cities and villages which look real. It has facilities like makeup rooms, air-conditioned studios and a world class colour processing laboratory. Shooting material is also given on hire basis. The nearest railway station to reach Film City is Goregaon. For more information please visit www.filmcitymumbai.org
