Area 437.77 Sq Kms. Population 16 million Main Languages Hindi , Marathi , Gujarati & English ...

Attractions In & Around

Getting in, Around & Away

Tourist Information Centers(Govt)

When to Visit

        

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and the economic powerhouse of India. It can seem like a foreign country. Mumbai is the finance capital of the nation, the industrial hub of everything from textiles to petrochemicals, and it's responsible for half the country's foreign trade. Mumbai is a safe and charismatic city that fully rewards exploration. It has few 'sights', in the traditional sense of the word: instead is has a vital street life, decent nightlife, more bazaars than you could ever explore and personality by the bucketload. Travellers tend to gravitate towards Colaba, which has plenty of budget and mid-range hotels. Bombay played a formative role in the struggle for Independence, hosting the first Indian National congress in 1885 and the launch of the 'Quit India' campaign in 1942. Bombay soon developed as a trading port thanks to its fine harbour and the number of merchants who were attracted from other parts of India

AFGHAN CHURCH		AJANTA CAVES
ASIATIC LIBRARY		CHOR BAZAAR
CHOWPATTY BEACH		CRAWFORD MARKET
DAVID SASSOON LIBRARY		ELEPHANTA CAVES
ELLORA CAVES		EROS CINEMA
ESSEL WORLD		FANTASY LAND
FLORA FOUNTAIN		GATEWAY OF INDIA
GENERAL POST OFFICE		HAJI ALI'S MOSQUE
HANGING GARDENS		ISCKON
JUHU		JEHANGIR ART GALLERY
KALBADEVI		MAHALAXMI TEMPLE
MALABAR HILL		MARINE DRIVE
METRO CINEMA		MOUNT MARY CHURCH
MUMBADEVI TEMPLE		MUMBAI HIGH COURT
MUNICIPAL CORPORATION BUILDING		NARIMAN POINT
NATIONAL CENTRE OF PERFORMING ARTS		NEHRU PLANETARIUM
NEHRU SCIENCE CENTRE		PRINCE WALES MUSEUM
RAJABAI CLOCK TOWER		REGAL CINEMA
SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK		SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE
TAJ MAHAL HOTEL		TARAPOREWALA AQUARIUM
VASAI BASSEIN FORT		VICTORIA TERMINUS
WALKESHWAR TEMPLE		ZOO

This church is located in Colaba earlier its name was Church of St. John the Evangelist but now known as the Afgan Church (after the first Afgan war of 1838), work on the church was begun in 1847

AJANTA CAVES

The Buddhist caves at Ajanta discover by a British tiger-hunting party in 1819, are dramatically cut into the precipitous rock face of a gorge on a bend of the Waghore River, and contain some of India's most magnificent paintings. Jalgaon is the nearest railhead.

ASIATIC LIBRARY

A neo-classical design submitted by a Colonel Thomas Cowper of the Bombay Engineers wasaccepted. This massive building, 200 feet long and 100 feet deep with Corinthian interiors and afacade with three porticoes faced by Ionic columns, was completed in 1833; after the death of Cowper. The plans called for a double row of columns, built out of material brought from England. Although the plans were curtailed, the final cost of the building came to about 500,000 pounds; far in excess of the initial estimates. The East India Company, did take on the major part of the expense.

CHOR BAZAAR

A shocking 'Thieves Market'. Located at Bhendi Bazaar, it is full of quaint shops selling object d'art, curios and antiques. With luck, one can pick up a genuine antique at a reasonable price.

CHOWPATTY BEACH

Chowpatty Mumbai's famous beach in the evening develops a magical fairground atmosphere aslocals come to stroll among the contortionists, masseurs, transvestites, balloon sellers,gamblers, fortune tellers, magicians, drug dealers, nut vendors, ferris wheels and shooting galleries. In the middle of all this mayhem is a small Koli fishing community, where the original inhabitants of the island mend their nets and dry their fish oblivious to the shenanigans going on around them. Chowpatty is a great place to witness the annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in August/September when large images of the elephant-headed god are immersed in the murky sea.

CRAWFORD MARKET

Named after Bombay's first municipal commissioner, Arthur Crawford, the Crawford Market is at the northern end of the old British part of the town, and faces the crowded inner city. An elegant covered market, it dominates the skyline with its clock tower and steeple. It used to be the city's wholesale produce market before this was strategically moved to New Bombay. Today it's where central Mumbai goes shopping for its fruit, vegetables and meat. It was the main wholesale market for fruits in Bombay until March 1996, when the wholesale traders were relocated to New Bombay.

DAVID SASSOON LIBRARY

Looking on to the Kala Ghoda, on Rampart Row, this Romanesque structure, completed in 1870,is built from the same yellow Malad stone. David Sassoon donated Rs. 60,000 out of the total cost of Rs. 125,000 for this building. The idea of the library was mooted by twelve mechanics employed in the Bombay Mint. The building was designed by Scott McClelland and Company and built by the architects J.Campbell and D. E. The three-storeyed building has pointed arches decorated in white and black stripes protecting the arcade which is characteristic of the area. The first floor is reached by a winding wooden staircase. It was presented to the city by Sir Albert Sassoon, the son of David Sassoon.

ELEPHANTA CAVES

Mumbai's major tourist attractions are the rock-cut temples on peaceful Elephanta Island, 10km north-east of the Gateway of India. These caves remain equal in size, beauty and power to the caves at Ajanta and Ellora.

ELLORA CAVES

The Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves at Ellora, carved between 600 and 1000 AD, are renowned for their remarkable sculptural work. The highlight of the 34 caves is the mighty Kailasa Temple, the zenith of Hindu rock-cut temple architecture

EROS CINEMA

Eros cinema on the newly reclaimed Backbay plot was designed by Sohrabji Bhedwar was opened in 1938. The construction of this building, housing shops and other businesses, apart from the cinema, took about two and a half years to complete. This Art Deco building meet up in a central block faced with red Agra sandstone. The rest of the building is painted a pale cream. The foyer is in white and black marble with touches of gold. Marble staircases with chromium handrails lead up to the upper floor. The murals are in muted colours and depict Indian architectures.

ESSEL WORLD

Essel World is located at Gorai near Borivli. It is extremely popular for its various games and rides. It is called as the Disney Land of Mumbai.

FANTASY LAND

Fantasy Land is situated in Jogeshwari East, it is the another amusement park like Essel World. It is too a venue for fun and games for visitors of all ages. Timings are 1100 Hrs-2130 Hrs

FLORA FOUNTAIN

Flora fountain located at the heart of a busy, five-point intersection in the business district of Mumbai, the beautiful Flora Fountain stands on Martyr's Square (Hutatma Chowk, as it is known today). It was erected in 1869 by Sir Bartle Frere, the governor of Bombay. Built in imported Portland stone, but now defaced with white oil paint. This area is the heart of the business district of the town.

GATEWAY OF INDIA

Every visitor to Mumbai comes to look at the exaggerated colonial marker known as the Gateway of India,a yellow basalt arch of triumph officially `opened' in 1924. Built in the Indo-saracenic style, the Gateway of India is meant to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The cost of the construction was Rs.21 lakhs , borne mainly by the Government of India. Gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it. The construction was completed in 1924, and the Gateway opened on December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading.

GENERAL POST OFFICE

The General post Office just behind the Victoria Terminus. This is modelled after the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur. The building was designed by John Begg. Inside, the marble topped tables, the high vaulted ceilings, and the sweeping staircases are designed for an ostentatious show of the wealth and power of the last few decades of Imperial British rule in India

HAJI ALI'S MOSQUE

Haji Ali Dargah Situated at the end of a long causeway poking into the Arabian Sea, is a whitewashed fairytale mosque containing the tomb of the Muslim saint Haji Ali. The saint is believed to have been a wealthy local businessman who renounced the material world and meditated on a nearby headland following a pilgrimage to Mecca.

HANGING GARDENS

The Hanging Gardens are located on the top of the Malabar Hill also called the Pherozeshah MehtaGardens were laid out in 1881. The terraces conceal the tiered reservoirs that supply water to the city. The Kamla Nehru Park located across the road from the Hanging Gardens offers a beautiful view of the city.

ISCKON

This place of worship, meditation and spiritual discourse located at Juhu is better known as the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple. Here, the principles of Bhagvad Gita are advocated.

JUHU

Juhu beach Situated 30 km from the city, it is a crowded beach with residential apartments and bungalows surrounding it. It seems as if the entire population of the area descends on the beach for a breath of fresh air!. It also contains eatable stalls and lot more fun rides for children than Chowpatty beach

JEHANGIR ART GALLERY

The Cowasji Jehangir Hall, located within the compound of the Prince of Wales Museum, it is the best known art gallery in Mumbai, originally a part of the Institute of science, was built in 1911 by George Wittet. The elegant shallow dome provides a rotunda above cylindrical hall. The whole structure was built from dark Deccan Trap stone. In 1996, the hall was converted to a museum of modern art, with 20,000 square feet of exhibition area at a cost of Rs. 33,000,000. The new museum is administered by the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Delhi. A section of the museum holds a permanent collection from the NGMA's possessions. Temporary exhibitions take up the rest of the space. Regular exhibitions of contemporary Indian artists are held here.

KALBADEVI

Visit to Mumbai is incomplete without a foray into the bazaars of Kalbadevi, north of CrawfordMarket. It's in complete contrast to the relative space, orderliness and modernity of South Mumbai. Entire streets are often devoted to a single product since caste traditions remain stronger than capitalist marketing theories; this can make browsing a strange experience as you suddenly encounter shop after shop selling bathroom fittings or copper pipes. Some people consider the bazaars a spectacle rather than a place to shop, but it's a lot more fun doing both. The main areas are Zaveri Bazaar (jewellery), Mangaldas Market (cloth), Dhabu St (leather goods) and Chor Bazaar (Mumbai's `thieves' market').

MAHALAXMI TEMPLE

Mahalaxmi Temple, the oldest in the city of Mumbai, is the Shrine of the Goddess of wealth. It is said that the images of the goddess and her two sisters were found in the sea. This temple isvisited by devotees from all over the country.

MALABAR HILL

Malabar Hill, the expensive residential area, favoured for its cool breezes and fine views overBack Bay. The formal Hanging Gardens (or Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) on top of the hill are an interesting spot to study the courting rituals of coy Indian couples nestled among the bestial topiary, Beside the Hanging Gardens, but carefully shielded from view, are the Parsi Towers of Silence. Parsis hold fire, earth and water as sacred so do not cremate or bury their dead. Towards the southern end of the promontory is the temple of Walkeshwar, the Sand Lord.

MARINE DRIVE

Marine Drive was built on reclaimed land in 1920, and is one of the most famous promenades of the city. The road is often referred to as the "Queen's Necklace" because of the dramatic curve of its streetlights at night. It is one of Mumbai's most popular promenades and a favourite sunset-watching spot. It's less spectacular during the day, though there are plans a foot to beautify the area.

METRO CINEMA

The Metro cinema opened on June 8, 1938, and initially exhibited movies made by MGM. The interior, floors, walls, ceilings as well as the furniture, was in shades of red and pink. The marble foyer and staircases led up to murals executed by students of the J. J. School of Arts, under the director Charles Gerard.

MOUNT MARY CHURCH

The Mount Mary Church at Bandra is one of the most prominent churches in Mumbai. It is also a venue for the week long Bandra Fair when people of all faiths visit the Church to seek blessings.

MUMBADEVI TEMPLE

A Mumbadevi temple has probably existed at Bhuleshwar for a long time. The current name of the city, "Mumbai", is derived from the name of this Koli goddess.

MUMBAI HIGH COURT

The Mumbai high court located near the oval maidan, the court is an imposing and attractive building made in the early English style. It was completed in 1878 and its central structure is surmounted by statues of Justice and Mercy

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION BUILDING

The foundation stone for the offices of the Bombay Municipal Corporation was laid on December 9, 1884, by the Viceroy, Lord Ripon, designed by F.W.Stevens on indo-Saracenic design, completed in 1893, and the building has 255 feet tall tower

NARIMAN POINT

In Nariman point some of the most powerful business houses of the country located here. Also Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Vidhan Sabha located here. Nariman Point is Mumbai's Manhattan

NATIONAL CENTRE OF PERFORMING ARTS

The National Centre of Performing Arts is situated next to the Oberoi Hotel, Nariman Point. The complex includes the Tata Theatre which is known for attracting artistes of national and international repute.

NEHRU PLANETARIUM

The Nehru Planetarium is the only astronomical centre in Mumbai, located at Worli,. It is famous for its lectures, astronomical shows, live sky observations and various scientific activities. It is closed on Monday.

NEHRU SCIENCE CENTRE

Nehru Science Museum, which has an attractive children's section and sound and light gallery. The foundation stone for the Institute of Science, designed by George Wittet, was laid in 1911 and Completed in 1920, the building stands next to the Gothic structures of the Rajabai tower and the Elphinstone College. The Institute was founded by Baron Sydenham and the the buildings were constructed out of four private donations.

PRINCE WALES MUSEUM

Price Wales Museum was designed by George Wittet, the foundation stone was laid in 1905 by the visiting Prince of Wales. The building was completed in 1914, built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the facing is done in yellow and blue stones quarried from the Bombay region, converted to a military hospital during World War I, and finally opened in 1923 by Lady Lloyd, the wife of Sir George Lloyd, then governor

RAJABAI CLOCK TOWER

This is the only building, the library and the 266 feet high Rajabai clock tower in Mumbai with its marvellous sculpted figures, which was designed by Sir gilbet Scott

REGAL CINEMA

Regal Cinema was opened in 1933. It was designed by Charles Stevens the son of the the famous 19th century architect, F. W. Stevens, the interiors were designed by a Czech artist, Karl Schara, and featured a lot of mirror work in the lobbies. It was the first of Bombay's Art Deco cinemas

SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK

This Sanjay Gandhi National Park located towards the northern suburbs of Mumbai, this national park covers 104 sq kms. The main attractions of the park are its Lion Safari and Mini Train. The park is also famous for the "Kanheri Caves", carved by Buddhist monks of the 109 caves that line the side of the rocky ravine, merely a few of any real interest. The most famous of these caves is the Great Chaitya Cave with its colonnade of pillars around the dagoba at the rear of the cave

SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE

Located at Prabhadevi, this temple of Lord Ganesha attracts devotees from all over the city. Tuesday is the most auspicious day for the temple when devotees stand for long hours to seek blessings of the Lord.

TAJ MAHAL HOTEL

The majestic Taj Mahal Hotel has great views of the gateway from its top floor Apollo Bar. This Mumbai institution was built in 1903 by JN Tata, supposedly after he was refused entry to one of the city's European hotels on account of being 'a native'. The streets behind the Taj Mahal Hotel are the travellers' centre of Mumba

TARAPOREWALA AQUARIUM

The Taraporewala Aquarium located on the Marine Drive was constructed in 1951 and it houses both the saltwater and freshwater fish.

VASAI BASSEIN FORT

The Portuguese established a fort in Bassein, present day Vasai, on the mainland just north of the Bombay archipelago. In the 18th century the fort was attacked by the Maratha army under Baji Rao Peshwa, and fell in 1739 after a three year long campaign

VICTORIA TERMINUS

The the Victoria Terminus was named after the Queen Empress on Jubilee Day, 1887. The Construction started in 1878 based on a design by F. W. Stevens, and was completed in 1888. This is indeed a terminus with a difference! Enormous as it is, one seldom misses it when in Mumbai.

WALKESHWAR TEMPLE

The Walkeshwar temple was originally built by the kings of the Silhara dynasty, who ruled Bombay from the 9th to the 13th century. The Banganga Tank, belonging to the temple, was also first constructed at this time. Folk etymology derives the name Walkeshwar from the Sanskrit name for an idol made of sand-- Valuka Iswar.

ZOO

Zoo is located in central mumbai, it was originally called Victoria Gardens but now it is known as Jijamata Udyan and is enjoyed by tourists and locals. Timings are 0900 Hrs-1730 Hrs and it is closed on Wednesday.

CLIMATE

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Limited
Tours Division, Opp. LIC Building, Madam Cama Road,
Mumbai-400020
Telephone: 91-22-22845678 Fax:- 91-22-22852182
Timings: 0800 hrs. - 2000 hrs.



Govt. of India Tourist Office
123, Maharshi Karve Road,
Mumbai-400020
Telephone: 91-22-22033144/ 22033145
Timing: 0830 hrs. - 1800 hrs.

State Government Tourist Office
Tourist Information Centre, Govt. of Goa.
Telephone: 91-22-23086288

Tourist Corporation of Gujrat Ltd.
Telephone: 91-22-22024925 Fax: +91 22 22883541

Jammu & Kashmir Govt. Tourism Office
Telephone: 022-22189718, 22189040 Fax:022-22186172

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Devp. Corp.
Telephone: 91-22-22181123, 22180080 Fax: 022-22181123

Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Devp. Corp.
Telephone: 91-22-22187603, 32539000 Fax: 022-22160614

Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Devp. Corp.
Telephone: 91-22-22155082, 22185458 Fax: 022-22185458

Govt. of Tamil Nadu Tourist Information Centre
Telephone: 91-22-24110118, 24154621

Rajasthan Govt. Tourist Office
Telephone: 91-22-22626223, Fax:-022-30722589, 30722770

Govt. of Kerala Tourist Office
Telephone: 91-22-22153393

Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.
Telephone: 91-22-22024415, 22843197 Fax: 022-22024415, 22843197

Delhi Tourism Devp. Corp.
Telephone: 91-22-22074333, 22074334


India Tourism Development Corporation
Express Towers, 9th Floor,, Nariman Point,
Mumbai-21
Telephone: 91-22-2204 4040
Fax: 91-22-2202 4521