MUMBAI

1. Gateway Of India Mumbai - The Gateway of India is one of India's most unique landmarks sited in the city of Mumbai. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbor, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. The massive structure was constructed in 1924, is a major tourist attraction for visitors who arrive in India for the first time. Tourists can travel on motor boats to reach the Elephant Islands which very near to the Gateway of India. Open at any time of the day to visit the monument. November to March are the best time to visit the Gateway of India, as the post-monsoon climate is very pleasant and there are very less chances for downpours at this time.

This is must visit historical place for tourist, being identity of Mumbai. It does not require much time. Though area remained crowded and do not provide very good environment, it is the place where from you can visit Elephanta caves through ferry. You can have nice view of Arabian sea from here. This is an iconic monument and it gets extremely crowded, especially with extra security measures in place. If you are planning a boat trip around the bay, or to Elephantine Island, get there early or you'll face long queues and crowded boats.

2. Elephanta Caves - Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily one among the most enigmatic heritage sites in India. Who created this spectacular sculptural and architectural feast is still mysterious. It stands in stark contrast with hectic Mumbai city, which is an hour's ferry ride away.

Boat Timing: The first boat for Elephanta leaves Gateway of India ferry point at 9 am. The first return boat leaves from Elephanta island at 12 noon and the last return boat leaves at 5.30pm from Elephanta.

Cave Timing: Opens on 6 days a week. Closed on Mondays

Entrance Fee: Rs.10 (Indian, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand citizens) ; Rs. 250 (other foreign citizens ).

Boat Ticket: Rs. 130 to Rs. 150 for two way, based on the type of boat.

Season: Opens throughout the year. Winter months (November to February) are pleasant. Avoid peak monsoon season (June to August ) as boat  schedules could get interrupted due to the rough seas and heavy rain.

3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus built in 1888, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Mumbai, which serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways. It took 10 years to complete the construction of the building, which was the longest time taken by any building of that era in Bombay.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus" is the most exquisite landmarks of Mumbai and an epitome of heritage for the city.

4. Marine Drive - Marine Drive is a 3.6-kilometre-long Boulevard in South Mumbai in the city of Mumbai. At the other end, there is Chowpati beach, which is favourite place for tourists Marine Drive is also called as the Queen's Necklace because, during the night, street lights resemble a string of pearls in a necklace, if viewed from an elevated point anywhere along the drive. It is a 'C'-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast, which is a natural bay. Bordering the Arabian Sea, this famous road is a popular spot for watching sunsets, and is gorgeous when lit up at night.

If you want a peace of mind, If you are tired and want some really fresh air, then this is the place for you. A calm seaside with amazing rock structures. the marine drive is a prime location for peace lovers and the beautiful sunset is a must watch thing.

5. Water Kingdom - Water Kingdom is Asia's Largest Theme Water Park in Mumbai. Many people like to come here to escape Mumbai's heat and humidity by splashing around in the many water rides. Family-Friendly water park featuring high-speed slides, wave pools, lazy river & kiddie attractions.

Timing: Monday – Sunday   10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry Fee:

6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya - The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, is the main museum in Mumbai. This building is listed as a Grade I Heritage Building and awarded first place for Heritage Building Maintenance by the Indian Heritage Society. This Mumbai landmark, with its glorious architecture and vast collection, is a must-visit for locals and tourists in the city.

Visiting Hours: Monday to Sunday - 10.15 am to 6.00 pm (Ticket counter will be closed at 5.45 pm). The Museum will also remain close on January 26,  May 1, August 15,  October 2 and public holidays falling on Mondays

Entry Fee: Adult-85/-; Child-20/-; Foreigner-500/-

7. Kanheri Caves - The Kanheri Caves are a group of caves and rock-cut monuments are deeply nestled among the tranquil surroundings of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali in Mumbai, has more than 100 Buddhist caves. These caves present an insight into its evolution and also have the distinction of having the largest number of cave excavations from a single hill.

For better experience, it is better to visit in early morning at 7.30 am, in the winter or rainy season. In summer, it will be hot. Cave are very old and are rock cut. These are more than 100 in numbers and some are very large in size. Buddhist sculptures, carvings, paintings and inscriptions, water storage arrangements gives the glimpses of Buddhist monk's life. Entrance to the caves is 5 kms farther inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s entrance. There is the option of driving one’s vehicle, walking, taking a bus ride or cycling up to the caves. The caves are closed on Mondays.

8. Haji Ali Dargah - The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque, is one of the most popular religious places in southern part of Mumbai, visited by people of all religions alike, located about 500 yards from the Mumbai shoreline in the middle of the Arabian Sea off Lala Lajpatrai Marg.

People from all parts of the world without restrictions of caste, creed and religion visit the Dargah to offer their prayers and for the fulfilment of their wishes. Some pray for wealth, others for health, children, marriages, etc. have their wishes being granted at all the times.

Dargah Ziyarat Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

9. Siddhivinayak Temple - The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a Hindu temple, one of the richest temples in Mumbai dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh were located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, is often frequented by renowned bollywood actors and politicians.

The Siddhi Gate allows you a free Darshan whereas the Riddhi Gate allows you a general Darshan and it takes about 30-45 minutes on a normal day and about 1.5 -2 hours on Tuesdays.

10. Mount Mary Church - The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, more commonly known as Mount Mary Church, is a Roman Catholic Basilica located in Bandra, Mumbai. The basilica stands on a hillock, overlooking the Arabian Sea is Mount Mary’s Basilica a beautiful edifice in stone that simply stands out in its grandeur, an abode of tranquility, peace, reassurance and hope! Every year lakhs of devotees and pilgrims are visiting the shrine attracts people from all faiths who pray to Virgin Mary for expressing their gratitude or requesting favours.

11. Global Vipassana Pagoda - The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Dome Hall with a capacity to seat around 8,000 Vipassana meditators near Gorai, North-west of Mumbai. Please note there is no entry fee or charge to see the Global Vipassana Pagoda. There is no charge for the tour guides at Global Vipassana Pagoda. Identity Proof is mandatory for foreign visitors. (Passport/ driving licence/ certificate from respective embassy)

Days and Timings: Monday to Sunday, 9 am - 7 pm. ( Entry timing will be till 6.30 pm only )

12. Bandra–Worli Sea Link - The Bandra–Worli Sea Link is a cable-stayed bridge that links Bandra in the Western with Worli in South Mumbai. The sealink is a boon for people who travel daily or almost daily by road. It's a masterpiece. It's really a great feeling to drive over this beautiful long bridge. Better to travel at night to see the beauty or at sunset. It gets quite congested during peak hours. The beauty of this attraction is enhanced during the night when twinkling lights adorn the bridge.

13. Jijamata Udyaan - Jijamata Udyan is a zoo and garden covering 50 acres located at Byculla, in the heart of Mumbai, India. It is the oldest public garden in Mumbai. The zoo has most of its popular animals & creatures like the tiger, alligators, snakes, etc. Yes, the penguins are worth the visit however not more than 5-7minutes of watch. The ticket rates are nominal, Rs 5 for adults and Rs 2 for children.