The city of creative energy and breathtaking contrasts
Mumbai, also known as Bombay until 1995, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and one of the most dynamic and fascinating cities in India. Regarded as the gateway to South India, it is located on the west coast of the country and is one of India's most important cultural and entertainment hubs. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Mumbai boasts a strategic position that has made it a nerve center for international trade since colonial times. Today, it is a cosmopolitan city that blends tradition and modernity in an unparalleled cultural mix, with skyscrapers dominating the cityscape, alongside slums, crowded markets and historic temples.
The city of Mumbai with skyscrapers and slums. Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
With a population of over 20 million people, Mumbai is the most populous city in India and one of the largest in the world. The city is known for its frenetic pace, chaotic traffic, but also for the resilience and liveliness of its inhabitants. It is home to the famous Bollywood film industry, which has made Mumbai synonymous with glamour and spectacle. The city is not only famous for its cinema but also as a cultural melting pot, with a culinary scene that embraces local dishes and dishes from around the world, a rich artistic tradition and a history that dates back centuries.
Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link Bridge, suspended to eight lanes, built in 2009 Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
For first-time visitors to Mumbai, the city may seem chaotic and overwhelming, but with time, you will come to appreciate its unique charm. Its streets, full of life at all hours of the day, offer an insight into daily life in India: from street vendors to luxurious beachfront hotels, Mumbai offers experiences for every type of traveler. Among its tourist attractions, the city combines the ancient and the modern, the sacred and the profane, offering a journey that touches on history, spirituality and innovation.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, World Heritage Site Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Mumbai is easily accessible thanks to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, one of India's busiest airports, which connects the city to numerous international destinations. In addition, the city is well connected via a network of local trains, buses, and taxis. The climate is tropical, with mild winters and a long monsoon season from June to September, so the best time to visit is between October and February.
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai, 5-star luxury Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The ten must-see attractions in Mumbai that are not to be missed are:
1. Gateway of India
Gateway of India, Mumbai Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Gateway of India is one of Mumbai's top tourist attractions, built on the shore of the Arabian Sea in the Indo-Saracenic style in 1924 to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. This monumental arch is not only a symbol of Mumbai, but also a gathering place for locals and tourists, surrounded by street vendors and street performers, near the famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. From the pier next to the Gateway you can take a ferry to Elephanta Island and take a nice boat ride. Visiting the area at sunset is very impressive and allows you to admire a spectacular view, with the arch standing out against the sky painted by the colors of the sunset. The Gateway is open to the public all day and is easily accessible by taxi or Mumbai's rail network, stopping at Churchgate Station or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Formerly Victoria Terminus, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is one of Mumbai's most iconic buildings and represents a unique combination of Victorian Gothic architecture and Indian influences. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also one of the busiest train stations in the country, serving millions of commuters every day. It houses grandiose interiors while its distinctive façade, with detailed sculptures and elaborate decorations, reflects the rich history of the British colonial era. The station operates 24 hours a day and is a central hub for many suburban trains. Guided tours can be booked to discover the architectural history of the building. The station is illuminated at night, creating a charming atmosphere.
3. Marine Drive
The "Queen's Necklace", Marine Drive in Mumbai Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Known as the "Queen's Necklace," Marine Drive is one of Mumbai's most famous waterfront promenades that offers panoramic views of the bay and the city skyline. Marine Drive is a great place to take a relaxing stroll, admire the art deco buildings , or just watch the sunset. In the evening, the lights lining the street create the illusion of a pearl necklace, hence the nickname. The Marine Drive waterfront is also the perfect place to enjoy local street food, such as bhel puri and pani puri. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or evening, when the weather is cooler and the sunset over the Arabian Sea creates a magical experience. Marine Drive is easily accessible by taxi or Mumbai's public transport network.
4. Crawford Market and Colaba Causeway
Markets in Mumbai Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Crawford Market, also known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, is one of the oldest and most dynamic markets in Mumbai. It is located near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Station and is renowned for selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, and pets. The market's Gothic architecture is an attraction in itself, with its impressive façade and Victorian-style details. Another lively and open-air market to visit is the Colaba Causeway, where you can find everything from clothing to souvenirs. The market is located near the Gateway of India and is a perfect place to shop and immerse yourself in the local culture. In addition to shopping, the area is famous for its historic cafes and restaurants, such as Leopold Café and Café Mondegar, which offer a combination of Indian and Western dishes.
5. Siddhivinayak Temple
Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Siddhivinayak is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the country, where the deity of Ganesha is worshipped (in Hindu worship, the figure of Ganesha is characterized by the head of an elephant and the human body and symbolizes the harmony between the spiritual and material worlds, the encounter between the essence of the soul and the physicality of the body) and is located in the Prabhadevi district of Mumbai. The construction of the Siddhivinayak Temple began in 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil but the current building complex is the product of modifications carried out in 1993. To be admired, for their particular beauty, there are: the throne covered with a large amount of gold, the wooden doors carved with images of Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesha in Maharashtra), the gold-plated inner roof, the central statue of Ganesha, the outer dome of the temple which is illuminated at night.
6. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum in Mumbai Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is a historical landmark in Mumbai, dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. The house was the headquarters of Gandhi's non-violence movement and houses a library, an extensive collection of photographs, letters, paintings about his life and other artifacts related to his work. The museum is a great place for those who want to learn more about Gandhi and his role in India's independence movement. The museum is located on Laburnum Road in Mumbai's Gamdevi district.
7. Global Vipassana Pagoda
Global Vipassana Pagoda in Mumbai Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Global Vipassana Pagoda has been declared one of the "Seven Wonders of Maharashtra" by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. Work on the construction of the Global Vipassana Pagoda began in 2000. The pagoda consists of three subdomes. The first and largest dome holds the bone relics of Gautama Buddha (Siddhārtha Gautama, known as Buddha, was an Indian monk and philosopher whose doctrines gave rise to Buddhism, making him one of the most influential spiritual and religious figures in Asia and the world), originally found in Bhattiprolu (Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, southern India). The center of the Global Vipassana Pagoda contains the largest stone dome in the world built without supporting pillars. The huge inner dome can accommodate over 8000 people who can practice Vipassana meditation. There is also a center in the complex that offers free Vipassana meditation courses.
8. Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves
Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves Copyright © Sisterscom.com/ Depositphotos
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a green oasis in the north of Mumbai. Known for the Kanheri Caves, a complex of Buddhist caves dating back to the first century BC, the park is also home to numerous animal and plant species. It is a great place for hiking, biking, and bird watching. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from October to February. The Kanheri Caves offer an interesting insight into India's religious and cultural history, allowing you to admire Buddhist sculptures and bas-reliefs, paintings and inscriptions, dating back to the first century AD.
9. Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves with the three-headed state of Shiva Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Elephanta Caves are located on an island about 10 kilometers off the coast of Mumbai and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Representing an important religious and historical site, the caves contain particular reliefs carved into the rock depicting Hindu deities, including a magnificent representation of the god Shiva (the most revered deity in India). The most famous is the three-headed statue of Shiva, known as "Maheshmurti". The caves are divided into Hindu and Buddhist temples, testifying to the region's rich cultural past. To visit the island, you can take a ferry from the Gateway of India. The journey takes about an hour and the best season to visit the island is between October and March, when the weather is cooler.
10. Haji Ali Dargah Mosque
Haji Ali Dargah Mosque Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Haji Ali Dargah, built on an islet off the coast of Mumbai, is one of the holiest sites in the city, housing the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. This mosque and tomb is dedicated to Haji Ali, a Sufi saint and wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan, and was built in 1431 in white marble and in the Indo-Islamic architectural style. The walkway that connects the mosque to the mainland is completely submerged during high tide, giving the place a mystical aura. The Dargah is an important pilgrimage center for Muslims, but it welcomes visitors of all faiths. Access to the Dargah is free and it is advisable to visit during low tide. Inside the mosque you can enter without shoes.
Texts by Alisè Vitri
Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos and visuals for editorial use only: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited. Copyright © Sisterscom.com
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Discover Mumbai from Milan Bergamo
From Milan Bergamo airport it is possible to reach Mumbai with a convenient onward flight made flydubai and from Air Arabia UAE a short stopover in the United Arab Emirates.
| AIRPORT COMPANY | OUTBOUND | FLIGHT | RETURN FLIGHT |
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Check the flight schedule for Dubai and the flight schedule for Sharjah. Book your trip to Mumbai and you'll discover a vibrant and dynamic metropolis, where the chaos and energy of urban life blends with a rich cultural and historical heritage.
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Where to stay in Mumbai
Municipal Corporation Building, Mumbai, opposite the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Mumbai offers different and particular possibilities for accommodation between hotels, apartments, hostels or capsule hotels.
To find the ideal hotel and the best offers , you can search by stars but also by neighborhoods or places of interest.
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TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN MUMBAI
Mumbai's exploration opportunities are vast, embracing every aspect of urban life, from discovering its colonial roots to diving into its modern heart, passing through relaxation in its natural oases. Mumbai offers an experience to be lived intensely, exploring the richness of its diversity.
One of the best ways to discover the city is to join a tour of the historic districts and its emblematic monuments. In the Colonial District area, among cobbled streets and buildings of imposing British colonial architecture, you can admire the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj station, in Victorian Gothic style and a World Heritage site. Also in this area is the Gateway of India, a triumphal arch built to commemorate the visit of King George V, which offers spectacular views of Mumbai Bay.
A completely different, but equally meaningful, experience is the tour of the slums of Dharavi, one of the most densely populated communities in Asia. It is an experience that pushes you to reflect, allowing you to appreciate the strength and ingenuity of the inhabitants who have built small craft and manufacturing businesses within the slum.
Lovers of spirituality can soak up the atmosphere of the temples and churches of Mumbai, a city where many religions coexist peacefully. Among the most famous places of worship is the Siddhivinayak temple, dedicated to the god Ganesh. Nature and adventure enthusiasts find their paradise in the Elephanta Caves, an archaeological site on an island in Mumbai Bay. The caves dedicated to Shiva, carved into the rock, are home to extraordinary religious sculptures, dating back to the seventh century. The boat crossing from the Gateway of India to the island is an atmospheric experience in itself, offering beautiful views of the city from the water.
For those who love to discover the culinary soul of the city, a tour of Mumbai's markets is a must. Markets such as Colaba and Crawford are teeming with life and offer a taste of the kaleidoscope of flavours typical of Indian street food. Here you can try dishes such as the famous vada pav, a kind of spiced potato burger, or the freshly prepared jalebi dessert. In addition to the markets, Mumbai food tours often include visits to popular local restaurants where you can enjoy pav bhaji or bhel puri.
Mumbai is not only history and nature, it is also the capital of Indian cinema. Bollywood tours offer the chance to explore India's most famous film studios, watch live footage, and learn the behind-the-scenes secrets of this fascinating industry.
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Mumbai Tourist Attractions
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Mumbai & Gateway of India Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Guided tour with expert guide with air-conditioned car transfers. Depending on the type of tour selected you visit: Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Crawford Market, Dhobi Ghat (one of the largest open-air laundries in Asia), residence of Mahatma Gandhi, Malabar Hill, Kamala Nehru Park and Marine Drive. Hotel pickup and drop-off. Duration 6 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.
Slum of Dharavi and Dhobi Ghat
Mumbai, Dharavi slums and open-air Dhobi Ghat laundry Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Guided tour of the Dharavi slum with a visit to Mumbai's Dhobi Ghat laundry. Tour to Dharavi, one of the largest slums in Asia, strolling through the narrow alleys with pottery workshops and recycling centers. Visit Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in Mumbai. Duration 3 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.
Street food di Mumbai
Streeet food in Mumbai Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Mumbai street food tour. Visit Mumbai's most famous beach, Chowpatty, to sample Mumbai's vegetarian street food (Pani Puri, Dahi Puri, and Pav Bhaji) at sunset. Taxi ride to Bhuleshwar (a Gujarati and Rajasthani area) offering local specialties such as Kesari ukala (saffron milk), kachori/sabudana wada, pudla and masala dosa. Walk through its streets khao gallis (alleys where you can eat). Visit to the Mohommad Ali Road district where, in khao gallis, you can enjoy chicken skewers, chicken rolls, Baida rotis, Rabdi with Gulab Jamun, Jalebi and Kulfi. Duration 4 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.
Elephanta Caves, a World Heritage Site
Elephanta Caves, World Heritage Site Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Tour from Mumbai to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Asmall road to the Elephanta Caves, a must-see destination for lovers of Indian history, archaeology and religions. You climb 120 steps to reach the plateau and the three caves: onena is a large Hindu cave, the other is a Buddhist cave and the last cave is dedicated to the God Shiva, with a three-headed sculpture of Shiva. Duration 4-5 hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.
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