Monday, April 9, 2012

Places to visit in Mumbai

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra State and the economical capital of India and also the second most populous city of the world after Shanghai, China.
Mumbai, the city of dreams is really the amalgamation of India. People from different parts of the country come here in the search of better life.


Here's a quick detail on what to see in Mumbai during a trip

Juhu Beach - The sound of the waves
Spreading over 5 kilometers along the shore of Arabian Sea, Juhu beach is the most popular of Mumbai Attractions. A walk in the serene sea line may give you an amazing experience specially when the sun sets to make his journey to the West. In the evenings, the beach virtually turns into an undeclared fair and you may feel that life can't be as ecstatic as this. Your Mumbai travel can't be complete until you make a visit to ever charming Juhu Beach.

Gateway of India - The Majestic Arch
Another popular places to visit in Mumbai, Catch a glimpse of Gateway of India, a beautiful archway officially declared open in 1924 was built to commemorate the visit of George 5th in 1911. In 1948, exactly 24 years later, the last British regiment ceremoniously departed India through this archway when India won its independence. The archway is located at the tip of the Apollo Bunder in Colaba. Today, it is more a tourist spot and boats ply from here to the Elephanta caves adding more fun to your Mumbai travel. The flocks of pigeons fluttering round have been made famous even in movies.

Mahalaxmi Temple - Bliss of the Goddess
One of the most visited Hindu shrines in Mumbai, the Mahalaxmi temple has an interesting legend behind it. The temple was built by a contractor at the end of the 18th century. The man claimed that Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, appeared to him in a dream. The contractor, who had been assigned the project of building a sea wall by the British. An idol, which was actually found during the excavation for the project, was installed in the temple.

Elephanta Caves - A glimpse of the past
This island with its world-famous rock-cut cave temples of Shiva, is 9 km by boat from the Gateway of India is a must visit attraction on your Mumbai travel guide. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the island, originally known as Gharapuri (Place of Caves) was renamed Elephanta by the Portuguese, after a rock statue of an elephant they found outside the cave complex. This temple complex, said to date back to 450 AD, contains the world-famous panel of the three-headed Trimurty Sadashiva that is identified so closely with India. The statue of the elephant collapsed during the British period, and was reassembled at the Victoria Gardens. It still stands there today.

Haji Ali's Mosque - Where Faith meets Sanctity
This beautiful mosque, with its serene environs, becomes a virtual island during high tide, situated as it is, a little past the beach line on the Arabian Sea. Access to this Mumbai attraction is through a long causeway. The saint whose tomb inside the mosque is said to have been a wealthy businessman who renounced the material world, the saint died while on a pilgrimage to Mecca, but his coffin miraculously washed up at the place where the tomb now stands. The building's cool courtyard, the tinkling chandeliers and refreshment stalls are a visual treat. The mosque is also a favorite spot to catch the cool sea breeze.

Chowpatty Beach - Enjoy the Nature
One of the most favorite Mumbai attractions and evening spots of both residents of Mumbai and tourists. The bhelpuri stalls, the cool breeze, the spectacular view of the Arabian Sea makes it a perfect evening getaway. This spot, crowded even during normal times, turns into a virtual fairground during the end of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, when huge crowds gather to watch the idols of Lord Ganesha being immersed in the sea. If you haven't been to Chowpatty and eaten bhelpuri there, you haven't seen Mumbai!

Malabar Hills - Beauty in the name
Huge colonial bungalows of this nesting place of the rich and famous, have given way to smart apartment blocks. But Malabar Hill still retains its charm - and most of its greenery, unlike the rest of Mumbai. Both the Hanging Gardens and the Kamala Nehru Park there are good places for an evening stroll. However, the latter is more preferred, as it offers an excellent view of Chowpatty Beach, Marine Drive and the city.

Prince Of Wales Museum - Preciousness surrounds you.
Located in the heart of South Mumbai near Gateway Of India, the Prince of Wales Museum is no less than a gem in the city. With its unique collection of art, sculpture, rare coins and old firearms, it is one of the most loved places to visit in Mumbai. But the priceless collection of miniature paintings are the main attraction of the museum that make all art lovers to make a visit to the museum compulsory during Mumbai tours. 

Hanging Garden - Man Made Greenery
Tourist attractions in Mumbai also include the immensely charming Hanging Gardens. Famous among the locals and tourists, this hanging garden sits comfortably on the top of Malabar Hills and opposite to the Kamala Nehru Park. This terraced garden offers an excellent view of the sun set over Arabian sea. After a trip to Mumbai, you will take home a bouquet of colorful memories which are sure to leave a permanent impression in your mind and memory.

Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus
Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus was earlier known as Victoria Terminus. It is an impressive structure built in 1888 and designed by Frederick William Stevenson. The entire facade is covered by sculpture of animals and birds.

Chor Bazaar
The Chor Bazaar situated in Mumbai literally means "Thieves Market" and is a famous place to see in Mumbai. It is located near Bhendi Bazaar. Here you can buy various antique pieces. All you need to do is to identify the genuine antique.


Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is situated at Borivli, off the Western Express Highway. It is sprawled over an extensive area of 5000 acres and owns a number of beautiful picnic cottages. This park is considered an ideal place to unwind. A major attraction of this park is the lion safari.

Jehangir Art Gallery
The Jehangir Art Gallery is situated just next to the Prince of Wales Museum and is yet another entry in top places to visit in Mumbai. Here many art and photographic exhibitions are held, where visitors can see and understand the modern Indian painting and sculpture. Just outside the entrance, at the meeting point of Rampart Row and Mahatma Gandhi Road, lies one of the best statues in Bombay, the statue of King Edward VII, by Boehm. 


Mumbai Sightseeing - Other Attractions To See In Mumbai

Besides, these attractions there many other important places to see in Mumbai. Some of them have religious significance whereas some are important from the tourism point of view. The bazaars of Kalbadevi and Bhuleshwar, north of Crawford market are the major shopping spots visited by tourists as well as by the local residents. Other highlights include Mangaldas Market, Zaveri The Nehru Planetarium and the Nehru Science Center, located at Worli. The Marine Drive is another major attraction of the city, this beach stretches from Nariman Point to Malabar Hill with tall buildings on one side. It is a lovely beach also known as Queen's Necklace, when in night thousands of lights flicker around it. Nearby the Marine Drive, Malabar Hill extends to the northern parts of the island to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point, and Fort. Other attention catching attractions in Mumbai are Taraporewala Aquarium, ISKCON temple, amusement parks like Essel World and Fantasy Land, beaches like Madh Island, Manori, Versova, Goral and Marue. 

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