20 Historical Places In Mumbai

The Gateway of India is one of the most popular sites to see in Mumbai in a single day and is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. Sir George Sydenham Clarke, the then-Governor of Bombay, placed the monument's foundation in 1911 and the attraction was constructed by the British in 1919. After the plan was approved in 1914, work on the project started.

The Gateway of India, widely regarded as one of the most iconic buildings in India, was built in 1924 beside Mumbai Harbor. Located at the end of Apollo Bunder, this enormous building serves as a memorial to those who have passed away.

When King George V and his wife Queen Mary were visiting India, it was built in their honor. This well-known tourist destination, formerly a majesty of the British town, draws food vendors, shoppers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts with its allure.

The Gateway of India, which was built using a combination of yellow basalt and indissoluble concrete, is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. This amazing structure's center dome is around 48 feet in diameter. It features four distinct turrets with elaborate latticework carvings. Some steps go to the Arabian Sea coastline as you stroll behind the building. You can board the boats to travel to the Elephanta Caves from this location.

Victoria Terminus was the name of Mumbai's first train station, which is now called Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. This British architect, FW Stevens, created this railway station, which is a wonderful example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, even though it's not normally considered one of Mumbai's must-see sights.

Inspired by models from medieval Italy, this amazing High Victorian Gothic design style emerged. As a result, the towers, arches, domes, and passageways are all incredibly old and unique.

Commencing in 1878, the building's construction might take up to ten years to finish. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus was built as it is now by the tireless efforts of numerous Indian artisans and British architects.

Visit the Taj Mahal Palace to get a glimpse of the opulence of this multicultural city. This graceful building, which opened in 1903, serves as a symbol of the city's first port landmark. This palace is furnished with all the contemporary conveniences and displays a sense of nostalgia and unique style in every nook and cranny.

The ballroom itself is large enough to hold more than 450 people at once and can be reserved for celebrations or gatherings that are personal or business. The nine renowned pubs and restaurants elevate the bar among the opulent hotels tucked away inside the country's borders.

One of the most visited tourist destinations in India is Elephanta Island, which is located east of Mumbai, also known as "The City of Dreams." The Portuguese navigators gave this location the name "Elephanta Island" in the sixteenth century. This name was proposed following the discovery of a large stone elephant at the location.

Tucked away near Mumbai, Elephanta is a hidden gem of an island with a rich history that is only 16 square kilometers in size. The largest attraction here is the vast caves, some of which date back more than 2,000 years, that are carved directly out of the rock. It resembles going back in time! These caves are not just any caverns; they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a fascinating fusion of Buddhist and Hindu architecture.

These are amazing sculptures that depict the lives of Hindu gods and goddesses. You can view "Ardhnarishwar," a distinctive representation of Lord Shiva and Parvati united into one formidable figure, or "Gangadhar," which depicts the majestic Ganges River plummeting from heaven to Earth.

Not to mention "Trimurti," the magnificent Lord Shiva with three heads!

Elephanta Island, however, is not only for nostalgic lovers. Adventurers will be enthralled by the passageways and caverns, which will make them feel like Indiana Jones on a treasure hunt. The stunning natural light that pours through the tunnels and the fine carvings will be captured by photographers. Even families with little children may enjoy the ferry ride to the island and the tiny train ride that ascends to the caves.

The shrine of the revered Muslim saint, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, also known as Haji Ali Dargah, is situated 500 yards offshore from Worli, Mumbai, on an islet in the Arabian Sea off Lala Lajpatrai Marg.

The building as a whole, with its white dome and minarets, is an example of Indo-Muslim or Mughal architecture. Built on 4,500 square meters of lush, landscaped land, Haji Ali Dargah houses a three-story sanatorium, a Qawwal Khana, a Masjid, and the mausoleum of Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. A 700-yard walkway connects the seashore to the Dargah.

Perfectly white on the outside, the Dargah Sharif is situated in the middle of the marble-paved central courtyard. The mausoleum of Haji Ali is housed inside the Sharif and is covered in a magnificent rug that was skillfully woven; it is primarily made of zari fabric with designs in shades of red, green, and gold (chaddar). Enclosed by silver renown on all sides, the tomb has eight marble pillars flanking it, supporting the crown at the top.

Rajabai Clock Tower, the well-known clock tower in South Mumbai, is prominently located near the Mumbai High Court. Thanks to Sir Gilbert Scott's inventiveness, the tower has been marvelously decorated with ancient features and figures, giving it an amazing beauty.

Here, the artist combined Gothic and Venetian architectural design elements. Its appeal is rounded out by a large clock located directly on its forehead and stained glass windows. This clock is quite visible from a distance and is reputed to play beautiful music at predetermined intervals. It was the town's highest building until the following enormous construction made its presence known.

One of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Mumbai is the Siddhivinayak Temple, which is devoted to Lord Ganesha. Thousands of worshippers flock to the 200-year-old temple every day, patiently waiting in line for their chance to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Deubai Patil, a woman, established the temple in 1801 to have a child granted to her by the Lord and bless other ladies who are similar to her. The lake that stands next to the temple was created in the nineteenth century as a solution to the region's water scarcity problem.

Before their films are released, celebrities, actresses, producers, and directors alike frequently visit the Siddhivinayak Temple to ask the Lord for blessings. The morning aarti starts at 5.30 am, and the temple closes at 9.50 pm. This means that the temple opens quite early. The temple's hours change by holidays like Ganesh Chaturthi.

The vast network of ancient cave formations known as the Kanheri Caves is situated in the Mumbai suburb of Borivali. The creation of these rock-cut monuments is said to have proceeded well into the 10th century, and this network of more than a hundred caverns dates back to the first century.

The complexity of the various caves reflects the passage of time since you can tell the newer caves from the older ones by their greater simplicity. The latter caves have far more intricate paintings, sculptures, and carvings.

Buddhist sculptures can be seen in the caverns, and old Buddhist themes have a strong influence on the architecture. One of the caves, which has been turned into a monastery today, is significant to the religion.

The caverns' surroundings are equally as lovely and scenic as the caves themselves. These basalt rocks are located within what is thought to be the largest reserve in the world inside the boundaries of a major city, surrounded by an abundance of lush vegetation that stretches for miles. The entrance to the national park is around 5 kilometers away from the caves.

Marine Drive in Mumbai is a three-kilometer stretch of concrete that is officially called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road and is situated in the southern region of the city. It forms a harbor as it spreads northward. Situated at the base of the Malabar range, this stunning route forms a perfect 'C' shape and links Babulnath with Nariman Point.

Sonapur is even the name given to Marine Drive. This lovely tourist location is also known as "Queen's Necklace" because at night the dazzling streetlights along the extensive shoreline resemble a chain of exquisite pearls, giving the impression of an exquisite necklace.

The Parsi communities in Mumbai are known for completing the final rites of their deceased family members by leaving their dead bodies for scavengers at this historical location. It is located deep within a forest that spans around 54 acres and dates back about 300 years.

Known as "doongerwadi" in the local dialect, this tower is home to an elevated circular construction with three rows: the outside row is occupied by men, the middle row by women, and the inner row by children.

An hour after the dead body is disposed of, it becomes a breeding habitat mostly for scavengers like vultures. After being scavenged, only the bones remain. Anyone with a tender heart should avoid this spot.