Mumbai is the financial capital of India that remains active throughout the day and night. This city never sleeps even at dead hours of the night, as many of its pubs, restaurants, and roadside food outlets remain open all through the nights. It is a cluster of seven islands, with numbers of beaches and various historic landmarks. Thus, numerous tourists flock here to enjoy their vacations in Mumbai, for which they need to have an idea about all the tourist attractions of this city.
Anytime is the best time to visit Mumbai City
The climate of Mumbai remains favourable for tourism almost throughout the year, except for the rainy season. The mild coolness and dryness of winter days from November to February encourage tourists for sightseeing, shopping, and participating in local festivals. The summer from March to May can be uncomfortable during the daytime while the evenings are very pleasant for all kinds of outdoor activities. However, the monsoon from June to October is not convenient for free movements of tourists, due to heavy rainfall frequently.
Experience the incredible sacred temples
Various parts of Mumbai contain numbers of Hindu temples that attract thousands of pilgrims all over the year. Mumbai got its name from Mumba Devi Temple in Bhuleshwar Road, dedicated to Mother Shakti.
- Siddhivinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganapati is another sacred place for the Hindus and it is the richest temple of Mumbai, located in Prabhadevi area and thronged by thousands of devotees.
- Mahalakshmi Temple in Bhulabhai Desai Road is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga; this temple overlooking the sea is also known for its unique architecture.
- ISKCON Temple close to Juhu Beach is made of white marble and dedicated to Radha-Krishna, containing a vast auditorium, guest house, and library. Swaminarayan Temple, Babulnath Temple, Walkeshwar Temple, Mini Sabarimala, Balaji Temple at Nerul, and Vaishnodevi Temple in Malad are other old temples of this region.
Notable historical places in Mumbai
Mumbai has a rich historical heritage as this place was developed by the Portuguese and then English over many centuries.
- Gateway of India is the prime landmark of Mumbai and this huge monument of yellow basalt overlooks the Arabian Sea on Apollo Bunder.
- Elephanta Caves is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the medieval period, by cutting solid rocks and turning into Hindu and Buddhist temples containing beautiful sculptures and paintings.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is the main railway station of South Mumbai that is now declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its marvellous architecture.
- Kanheri Caves in northern Mumbai, Mount Mary Church in Bandra, Asiatic Library in South Mumbai, and Mahim Fort on Mahim Bay are few other noteworthy historical sites of this region.
Noteworthy festival celebrations in Mumbai
Many traditional festivals are celebrated in Mumbai, joined by the people of all religions and social statuses. Different religious festivals, like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dusserah, Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas are celebrated with grandeur all over the city.
- Ganesh Chaturthi is the most prominent festival of Maharashtra, which is celebrated in all households and also in public places in September.
- Kala Ghoda Festival is an annual art event that is held in February, for nine days in South Mumbai where people take part in dance, music, drama, poetry, and many other art forms.
- Elephanta Festival, Banganga Festival, and Mumbai International Film Festival are some other cultural events that can be highly entertaining for tourists.
Enjoy water parks in Mumbai
The tourism department of Maharashtra has developed some water parks for the enjoyment of tourists and local residents.
- The Water Kingdom in Borivali is the largest theme-based water park in entire Asia, containing numerous exciting rides and slides where people need to wear swimwear made of nylon or Lycra.
- Imagica Water Park is located on Mumbai-Pune Expressway and containing 12 attractive rides made of the latest technology.
- Great Escape Water Park and Suraj Water Park are located quite close to the city centre of Mumbai, on the Expressways linking to other nearby cities.
- Tikuji Ni Wadi is a fun resort and its water park has slides for different age groups.
Ride the local transport
Numbers of local trains link Mumbai city to the eastern and southern suburban areas, which are availed by millions of people every day. There are also Mumbai Metro and Mumbai Monorail services that help many people to commute regularly. Bombay Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Company operates plenty of buses all over the city and it is considered to be a safe and comfortable mode of transport. There are also AC and non-AC cabs running all over the city while auto rickshaws are more frequently seen in suburban areas. Hence, it is best to book hotels in Mumbai that are well connected by different public transports to all parts of this city.
Delicious street food in Mumbai
Mumbai is quite famous for delectable street foods that satisfy all food lovers.
- Vada Pav is the most favourite street food available here, which can be termed as Poor Man’s Burger due to the similar recipe.
- Pav Bhaaji is another popular spicy street food that is available in almost every street corner.
- Batata Vada is also called Aloo Bonda, which is actually a deep-fried pakora made of mashed boiled potato.
- Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, and Sev Puri are universal favourites among people of all ages.
- Bombay Sandwich, Kanda Poha, Baida Roti, Dabeli, and Faluda are also vital attractions of foodie people.
Beaches in Mumbai
Since Mumbai is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, there are many beaches in different parts of this city.
- Juhu Beach is the most famous and crowded beach of suburban Mumbai while Marve Beach in Malad and Gorai Beach close to Gorai village are also very popular.
- Mad Island Beach is another favourite tourist spot and Aksa Beach is mainly noted for its quiet nature.
- Versova Beach, Dadar Chowpatty Beach, Uran Beach, and Girgaum Chowpatty Beach also draw huge people every day, due to roadside eateries, fish market, and natural scenery.
Explore the shopping markets in the city
Hill Road and Linking Road in Bandra, Fashion Street in Marine Lines, Nataraj Market in Malad, Colaba Causeway in Colaba, and Lokhandwala Market in Andheri West are only a few names among the numbers of famous marketplaces in Mumbai. Crawford Market or Jyotiba Phule Mandai is the oldest and best wholesale market for groceries and raw food materials.
Thus, vacation in Mumbai can be a memorable one with proper knowledge and prior planning of the tour.
