Mumbai is one of the most populous and cosmopolitan cities in India. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Mumbai is famous for many things, ranging from natural beauty to architecture to food and culture.
Mumbai is India’s most populous city, with over 21 million inhabitants. It is also the capital of the state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is known for its lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere, as well as its rich history and culture. The city has long been associated with the film industry and is often referred to as the “Bollywood capital.” Mumbai is famous for its bustling markets, street food, and iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India.
This blog post will explore the top 20 things Mumbai is famous for. From its beaches and temples to its Bollywood industry and street food, there is something for everyone in this city. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
1. Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is one of Mumbai’s most recognizable landmarks. It was built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. The archway stands over 26 meters high and is made from basalt stone. It is a popular spot for tourists to take photos, and street performers and vendors are often in the area.
2. Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
Mumbai is famous for many things, but one of the most iconic landmarks is the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. The hotel was built in 1903 by Jamshetji Tata and symbolized luxury and elegance. It has become one of Mumbai’s most popular tourist destinations, with its stunning architecture and views of the Arabian Sea. The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower has hosted many prestigious events, including the Miss World pageant in 1974.
3. Marine Drive
Mumbai is famous for many things, but one of the things it’s most known for is Marine Drive. Marine Drive is a 3.6-kilometer-long boulevard in South Mumbai that stretches along the Arabian Sea. It’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
Marine Drive was built in the early 1900s and is considered one of the city’s first coastal roads. It was created to connect the southern part of Mumbai with the rest of the town. The boulevard was later extended and now features several restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Marine Drive is also home to some of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks, including the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The boulevard offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is a great place to watch the sunset or take a walk on a clear night.
4. Haji Ali Dargah
The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and tomb located on an islet off the coast of Mumbai. The Dargah was built in 1431 in memory of a Muslim saint, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mumbai. The Dargah is accessible by a causeway from the mainland.
The Haji Ali Dargah is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Islam. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Muslims from all over the world. Pilgrims come to pay their respects to the saint and to ask for his blessings. The Dargah is also popular with non-Muslims, who admire its architectural beauty and experience its peaceful atmosphere.
5. Siddhivinayak Temple
Mumbai is home to many temples, but the most famous is the Siddhivinayak Temple. This temple is dedicated to Ganesha, the Hindu god of beginnings, and is one of the most famous temples in Mumbai. Visitors come from all over India to worship at this temple, which is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
6. Juhu Beach
Juhu is one of Mumbai’s most famous and popular beaches. It is also one of the busiest, as it is situated in a prime location in the city. The beach is always full of people, even on weekdays. Juhu is a great place to relax, enjoy the sunset, or take a stroll. You can also find many street food vendors selling snacks and drinks.
7. Rajabai Clock Tower
The Rajabai Clock Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Mumbai. The tower stands at over 280 feet and is one of the tallest in the city. The tower has a unique design that was inspired by the Gothic style of architecture.
The clock on the tower is said to be one of the largest in the world and is a popular tourist attraction. The Rajabai Clock Tower is located in the Fort area of Mumbai and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
8. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus, is a historic train station and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai, India. The station was built in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
It is one of the busiest railway stations in India, serving as a terminal for long-distance and suburban trains. The station is also the headquarters of the Central Railway.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is one of Mumbai’s most recognizable landmarks. The station’s Gothic architecture is a mix of Victorian and Indian influences. The main building is decorated with stone carvings, stained glass windows, and ornate turrets. The central dome is surmounted by a lion and a lamb statue, symbolizing Britain’s strength and India’s peaceful nature.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is more than just a train station. It’s also home to the city’s tourism information center, several restaurants, and shops selling everything from books to souvenirs. The station is conveniently located near other attractions like the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
9. Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a must-visit for anyone coming to Mumbai. The caves on Elephanta Island are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of India’s most impressive rock-cut temples. The main cave, known as the Cave of Shiva, is particularly popular with visitors thanks to its stunning sculptures and reliefs.
10. The Kanheri Caves
The Kanheri Caves are a series of 109 limestone caves in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai. The caves were carved out of the hillside between the 1st century BCE and 9th century CE and were used by Buddhist monks as cells and monasteries. The caves feature several rock-cut sculptures, reliefs, and inscriptions and are a popular tourist destination.
11. Bollywood
Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), is the largest film industry in India and one of the largest in the world. Mumbai is also home to some of Bollywood’s biggest stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, and Aamir Khan.
Bollywood films are typically musicals, with lavish song-and-dance numbers featuring prominent playback singers. These films often deal with issues such as arranged marriages, dowries, and relationships between lovers from different social classes.
Bollywood films have been gaining in popularity globally in recent years, with hits like “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” and “Lage Raho Munnabhai” winning over international audiences. If you’re looking for a taste of Bollywood culture, catch a movie at one of Mumbai’s many theaters!
12. Dabbawalas
Mumbai’s dabbawalas are world-renowned for their lunchbox delivery service. The dabbawalas collect hot meals from homes and offices around the city and deliver them to customers at their workplaces. The dabbawalas use a complex system of codes to ensure that the right lunchbox ends up in the right hands.
The dabbawalas have been in operation for over a hundred years, and their service is an essential part of life in Mumbai. Millions of people daily rely on the dabbawalas to get their lunch. The dabbawalas are a symbol of Mumbai’s hardworking and resourceful spirit.
13. Street food
Mumbai is home to some of the best street food in India. From mouth-watering snacks like vada pav and pav bhaji to piping hot plates of pani puri and bhel puri, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the streets of Mumbai. You’ll find it all here whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal. So come hungry and be prepared to sample some of the best street food in India!
14. Vada pav
Vada pav is a type of Indian street food that originated in Mumbai. It is made up of a fried potato patty and then sandwiched between two slices of bread. The sandwich is served with chutney and green chili pepper.
Vada pav is often referred to as the “poor man’s burger” due to its simple ingredients and low cost. Despite this, it has become one of the most popular dishes in Mumbai and can be found at almost any street stall or restaurant.
If you’re visiting Mumbai, be sure to try out this iconic dish!
15. Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat is one of the most famous landmarks in Mumbai. It is a large open-air laundry where clothes are washed by hand. Dhobi Ghat has been around for many years and is a popular tourist attraction. There are over 100 dhobi ghats in Mumbai, but Dhobi Ghat is the largest and most well-known.
16. Chowpaty Beach
Mumbai is famous for many things, but Juhu Chowpaty Beach is one of its most iconic landmarks. This world-famous beach is a must-visit for any traveler to Mumbai.
Juhu Beach is located in the suburb of Juhu and is one of the most popular beaches in Mumbai. The beach is flanked by two piers, Juhu and Chowpatty, which offer stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities at the beach, including swimming, sunbathing, playing cricket, and flying kites. Numerous street food stalls also sell delicious snacks like chaat, bhelpuri, and pav bhaji.
With its beautiful setting and endless activities, Juhu Beach is the perfect place to spend a day in Mumbai.
17. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a large protected area in the northern part of Mumbai. It covers an area of 103 square kilometers and is surrounded by several suburbs of Mumbai. The park is named after Sanjay Gandhi, the son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 1,000 species of plants and trees, leopards, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. There are also numerous lakes and streams within the park. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.
18. Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are a set of rock-cut cave temples on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour. The island, also known as Gharapuri, is one of the seven islands that make up the city of Mumbai.
The caves were carved out of solid rock between the 5th and 8th centuries AD and contain some of the finest examples of Indian art and architecture.
The main cave temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and features a giant statue of him and numerous reliefs and sculptures depicting scenes from his life. Small temples are also dedicated to other Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Parvati.
The Elephanta Caves are a popular tourist destination with over 300,000 visitors yearly. They were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and are currently managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
19. Mount Mary Church Mumbai
Situated in the heart of Mumbai, Mount Mary Church is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Built-in 1640, the church is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Thousands of people visit the church annually to offer their prayers and partake in the various festivities.
One of the main attractions of the church is the annual Feast of Mount Mary, which is celebrated on 8th September. During this time, the church is decorated with flowers and candles, and many devotees come to seek the blessings of Mother Mary. The church is also known for its stunning cityscape views, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
20. Museums in Mumbai
Mumbai is home to some of the most incredible museums in India. From the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya to the lesser-known but equally fascinating Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, there is something for everyone.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly the Prince of Wales Museum, is one of Mumbai’s most popular tourist destinations. Housed in a stunning Victorian-style building, the museum houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts across India.
Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to ancient Indian civilizations, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and more. The museum also has an extensive collection of coins, weapons, and other objects from the Mughal and Maratha Empires. The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is another must-visit museum in Mumbai.
Located in the historic Bhendi Bazaar area, the museum houses many artifacts that tell the story of Mumbai’s rich history and culture. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Mumbai’s past, from ancient sculptures and paintings to modern photographs and maps. Visitors can also learn about the city’s traditional arts and crafts, such as block printing and pottery making.
Conclusion
Mumbai is a truly fascinating city with a rich history and culture. From its iconic buildings and landmarks to its delicious food and vibrant nightlife, there is much to see and do in Mumbai. We hope our list of the top 20 things Mumbai is famous for has inspired you to visit this incredible city. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets today!
