I moved to Mumbai in 2015 from Pune, and I hated it in the beginning. I hated everything about it – the crowd, the traffic, the noise and the usual humdrum of a busy city. But Mumbai grows onto you slowly. It welcomes everyone and has a place for all. Mumbai also known as the ‘city of dreams’ is the most populous city in India. Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, is also the wealthiest city in India, and has the highest number of millionaires and billionaires among all cities in India.

Mumbai is built on what was once an archipelago of seven islands: Isle of Bombay, Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, and Old Woman’s Island (also known as Little Colaba). Talking about natural beauty, Mumbai has everything from hills to beaches. It has beautiful parks and water ways. From fine dining in rooftop restaurants to finger licking street food, everything is worth the explore. While travelling in the locals, the ferries, the autos or even the cabs you won’t be bored for a minute. The city is alive and awake all the time.

There are literally hundreds of places in Mumbai you can explore and enjoy. But if you are here for a short trip don’t miss the below few:

1. Beaches

Don’t we all love playing in the sand, wading in the water or just sit and enjoy the calm sea breeze. Mumbai being an archipelago, consists of several beaches. They are the major attractions of the city. 

Opening Timings: Open Daily.

Tickets: No entry fee.

Famous for: Beach and Food.

The famous Juhu Beach, housing Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan is vast and beautiful. Though it’s the most visited one, it’s very highly maintained. Aksa Beach is very clean and beautiful. It’s a place to enjoy sunsets and sunrises. There are other beaches such as Versova Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty, Kalamb Beach and Marvé Beah and many more. Do visit a few.

Things to Do: Enjoy the street food. Have fun in the sea breeze. You also get to see the beautiful sunsets.

2. Gateway of India

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Gateway of Mumbai is an arch monument giving way to the Mumbai City. It is also referred to ‘Taj Mahal of Mumbai’

Opening Timings: Open on all days.

Tickets: No fee.

Famous for: British, Architecture.

This magnificent edifice was constructed to memorialize King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to India in 1911. Thought he foundation stone for the Gateway of India was laid on 31 March 1911, the construction didn’t begin till 1915. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. Boat services are available from here to Elephanta Caves, another heritage site.

Things to Do: Enjoy the street food. Have fun in the sea breeze. You also get the view of The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

3. Marine Drive

Marine Drive is the beautiful seaside promenade. If you are looking for an escape from the claustrophobic central Mumbai, this is your go to place. Spread out is an endless horizon which you can enjoy even strolling or jogging along this breezy promenade. The place offers spectacular view of sunset and street food.

Opening Timings: Open on all days.
Tickets: No fee.
Famous for: Sea, Sunset, Walks, Views.

The official name for this road, though rarely used, is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. It is also known as as the Queen’s Necklace because, if viewed at night from any elevated point anywhere along the drive, the street lights resemble a string of pearls in a necklace. The promenade is lined with palm trees. At the northern end of Marine Drive is Chowpatty Beach. This is a popular beach famed for its Bhel puri (local fast food). Many restaurants also line this stretch of the road. Further down this road lies Walkeshwar, a wealthy neighborhood of the city, also home to the Governor of Maharashtra.

Things to Do: Relax or enjoy walks around. View the sunset here. Have street food at Chowpatty.

4. Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves, completed by about 550 CE, are rock cut stone sculptures. The rock cravings narrate Hindu mythologies. The caves are hew from solid basalt rock. Except for a few exceptions, much of the artwork was defaced and damaged, restoration has been done since then.

Opening Timings: Open on all days except Monday.

Ferry Timings: The ferry travel time is about an hour. The boats from Gateway to Elephanta are available every 30 minutes from 9 am to 2 pm. Ferry from Elephanta to Gateway are scheduled from 12 pm to 5.30 pm, with each ferry 30 minutes apart.

Tickets: Charges for ferry rides are 130 INR or 150 INR for round trip, based on the type of boat. Entry Tickets are 10 INR (Indians) and 250 INR (foreigners). Free for children under 15 years.

Famous for: Sculptures and Caves.

Elephanta caves are in Elephanta Island, which is about 10 km east of the Gateway of India in the Mumbai. In 1987, the restored Elephanta Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The collection of cave temples is predominantly dedicated to Hindu god Shiva.

Things to Do: Explore the caves and stupas.

5. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), formerly Borivali National Park, is a large protected area in the northern part of Mumbai city. The rich flora and fauna along with the presence of 2400-year-old Kanheri caves make this place a major attraction in Mumbai.

Opening Timings: Open Daily from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm. The park also provides monthly and yearly passes for morning walks. Timing for these types of passes are 5:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. only.

Tickets: No specific entry fee. Charges on different activities.

Famous for: History, Flora and Fauna.

The park is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna. The forest area of the park houses over 1000 plant species, 251 species of migratory, land and water birds, 50,000 species of insects and 40 species of mammals. In addition, the park also provides shelter to 38 species of reptiles, 9 species of amphibians, 150 species of butterflies and a large variety of fish. Interestingly, this park is also the home of Karvi shrub which blooms once in every eight years, covering the whole forest in a lavender hue.

Things to Do : Ride vanrani narrow gauge train. Boating. Nature trails and treks. Tiger and lion safari. Explore Kanheri caves.

Let me know if this helped in the comment sections below.