Mumbai is known by many names. Formerly called Bombay, the city was referred to as Kakamuchee and Galajunkja prior to the Middle Ages. More recent monikers (and affectionate nicknames) include the ‘City of Dreams’, the ‘Hollywood of India’, the ‘City of Seven Islands’ and the ‘Gateway of India’. The former two are nods to Mumbai’s role as the main centre of India’s booming Bollywood film industry, while the latter are references to its position across an archipelago, and its reputation as a booming financial hub. A city as energetic and sprawling as Mumbai would be challenging to confine to one phrase, and as well as being polyonymous, the city is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to activities. From wandering through kaleidoscopic spice markets and gazing at ornately carved buildings, to visiting ancient UNESCO-recognised archaeological remains, the list of things to do in Mumbai far exceeds its collection of titles. Read on for our travel experts’ selection of the best…
- Watch the Sunset at the Gateway of India
- Wander Through the Elephanta Island Caves
- Explore Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- See the Hanging Gardens of Mumbai
- Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Watch the Sunset at the Gateway of India
Situated at Mumbai’s harbour, the ornate Gateway of India is South Mumbai’s crowning masterpiece and one of the city’s most visited monuments. The 85ft-high commemorative arch was built in honour of King George V and Queen Mary, and to Mumbaikars, the Gateway represents much more than just an intricate example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It has become a place to meet, dance and ply a variety of wares, complete with a colourful collection of vendors and some eclectic street performers. Another excellent way to see the monumental structure is from the water, and chartering a small sailing boat is one of the best things to do in Mumbai to steer clear of the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Set sail at sunset to see the yellow basalt monument glowing amber in the diminishing sunlight.
Wander Through the Elephanta Island Caves
Sail northeast from the Gateway of India and you’ll reach Elephanta Island, locally known as Gharapuri Island. It was dubbed Elephanta by the Portuguese, in recognition of a large stone elephant which once stood near the shoreline. Today, the island is best-known for its maze of rock-cut cave temples, which are thought to date back to between AD 450 and 750. Identified as a site of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ by UNESCO, the caves represent some of the subcontinent’s most impressive carvings, with the rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Other archaeological remains dotted across the island reveal evidence of occupation here as early as the 2nd century BC. Explore the main Shiva-dedicated temple and wander through its labyrinthine latticework of courtyards, pillars and shrines to reach the striking 22ft-tall carving featuring the Sadashva (the three faces of Shiva).
Explore Sanjay Gandhi National Park
There’s no denying that Mumbai is a feast for the senses. Densely populated and teeming with life, the city is renowned for its bustling streets and, at times, chaotic atmosphere. This is part of its charm, yet if you’re after a slice of serenity within this vibrant metropolis, Sanjay Gandhi National Park offers a natural sanctuary. The protected bioreserve is filled with flora (including bamboo and evergreens), fauna (such as spotted deer, Indian flying foxes and four horned antelopes) and birdlife (namely paradise flycatchers, sunbirds and brown-headed barbets). Sprawling across 65 miles of Mumbai’s north, you can explore the expanse on foot along one of its many trekking trails or hop aboard the park’s toy train for a scenic ride through the rich forest.
See the Hanging Gardens of Mumbai
Another one for nature lovers on our list of things to do in Mumbai: the Hanging Gardens of Mumbai are found perched on the western side of Malabar Hill and act as a source of solace for locals. The gardens were created in 1881 and are dedicated to Pherozeshah Mehta, a prominent Parsi political leader, activist and lawyer, who served as the President of Bombay Municipality a number of times. Among the emerald vegetation and animal-shaped hedges, you’ll find a flower clock at its centre as well as the ‘Boot House’, a wacky boot-shaped structure painted in shades of red and blue. The hilltop location also boasts snap-worthy panoramas across the Arabian Sea and visitors often flock here to watch the sun sinking beneath Mumbai’s skyline.
Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Found at the heart of Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks (and arguably the most impressive train station in India). Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the terminal took ten years to build, with construction beginning in 1878. While the station is notable for its vast size, it’s the Gothic architectural design which makes the building a real eye-catcher. Blending a fusion of British Victorian style and traditional Indian palace architecture, Chhatrapati Shivaji is made up of striking stone turrets, an eccentrically-decorated central dome and numerous intricately-carved arches. Join the throngs of commuters (around three million a day) and take a train from here, or simply marvel at the magnificent exterior.
Written by Luisa Watts