The Gateway of India is Mumbai’s most famous monument and the starting point for most tourists. It is a mammoth basalt arch of 26 meters placed near the harbor in south of Mumbai. The Gateway is beautifully crafted in Indo-Saracenic architecture. The central dome is 15 meters and 26 meters above the ground at its highest point.

The colonialised structure got Indianised, lure overland tourists as well as local citizens, behind the arch a path leading towards sea where boats takes to a short tour through exuberant sea. A fine trip from the Gateway of India to nearby famous Elephanta Caves is always on the cards for tourists. Tourists from different part of the world as well as local citizens pay visit to this picturesque structure and take a souvenir for their friends and families. Just stroll around the bay and sit and watch the turbulent crowd and calm sea is also a good experience.

History : The main idea behind the assembly of the Gateway of India was to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. Sir George Sydenham Clarke, the then Governor of Bombay, laid down the foundation stone of the monument in March 1911. However, his plan was approved in 1914 and the reclamations at Apollo Bundar got completed in 1919. Designed by George Wittet, an architect, Gateway of India took approximately 4 years (1920 to 1924) to get fully accomplished.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station connecting the city through the Mumbai suburban railway as well as connecting India through long distance trains. As the headquarters of the Central Railway, India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is also one of the busiest railway stations in India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is an excellent example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, built in 1888. The surreally magnificent architecture breathes of a fusion of Venetian Gothic style and traditional Indian style of architecture. As a living example of the 19th Century railway architectural marvel, the terminus was nominated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.

Designed by the British architect F.W. Stevens the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victorian Terminus became a symbol of Bombay as the 'Gothic City'. The station took a decade to complete beginning in 1878. Its outstanding stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and the eccentric ground outlay are unique to traditional Indian palace architecture.

Marine Drive Mumbai is a perfect place for enjoyment and relaxation. This 'C' shaped area is 3 km long and is located in Mumbai south. Marine Drive adjacent to the Arabian sea comprises 6 lanes running along the sea coast. The Marine drive is a naturally formed bay on the Arabian sea. At the northern end of Mumbai Marine drive lies the famous Chowpatty Beach where a wide variety of snacks and tasty food is available to the strolling visitors.

The Promenade also known by the name of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, is a major attraction of Marine drive Mumbai. The Promenade is lined with beautiful palm trees that enhance the beauty of the place. The visitors can enjoy the wonderful views of the setting sun at twilight.

Versova Beach is renowned for its beautiful surroundings. It is more of a fisherman’s land as fishing is the prime activity here. It is located on the north side of Juhu Beach. One can easily reach Versova Beach by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city. It is mostly frequented between the months of September and February. Though swimming is a very popular activity, but it is advisable to undertake such lessons under expert supervision to avoid any mishaps because sometimes the whole beach gets submerged in water due to glut of high tides.

Swimming is an exciting activity out here, but you need to be cautious during tides. The sea becomes violent in high tides, so it is not advisable to go here at such time. Sometimes the whole beach gets submerged in water due to glut of high tides. Even after all this, Versova Beach is still known for its charming locales and surroundings. Amongst all the scenes, the best scene at the beach is made by the fishermen, when they brace themselves to barge into the sea and get their first catch.

Chowpatty Beach is situated at the northern end of the Marine Drive, near the Malabar Hill of Mumbai. It is the place where you can come and enjoy, after a hard day at work. The serene waters of the sea, combined with the cool sands of the beach, let you relax completely and lose yourself in the fun surrounding you. Though the waters are not recommended for swimming, they nonetheless present a picturesque sight. The open expanse invites you to have long walks or just lie down and relax.

Another major attraction of the Chowpatty Beach of Bombay is that it serves as the venue of a number of Hindu festivals, especially Coconut Festival and Ganesh Chaturthi. Infact, it is very popular place for the immersion of Lord Ganesha's idol during Ganesh Chaturthi, amidst much dancing, chanting of mantras and fanfare. Apart from that, the beach is visited by a large number of people, who come here to take a break from the concrete jungle where everything has become too impersonal.

Crawford Market (officially sanket phule) is one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. It is named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of the city. The market is situated opposite the Mumbai Police headquarters, just north of Victoria Terminus railway station and west of the J.J.flyover at a busy intersection.

The animal market at the rear sells everything from poodles to parrots in small cages. North of the market are the narrow lanes of Kalbadevi. This predominantly Muslim area is a seething mass of people and traffic and is the location of several markets selling jewellery, textiles and leather goods. The most famous is the Chor Bazaar, Mumbai's 'thieves' market', which sells ‘antiques’ and miscellaneous junk - don't place too much faith in authenticity of anything here. This area is also home to the Jama Masjid and the Mumbadevi Temple which is dedicated to the patron goddess of the island's original Koli inhabitants.

Juhu Beach is Mumbai's most attractive beach lapped up by the gushing turquoise waves of Arabian Sea that is all set to act coolant to your frayed nerves. This flat beach is almost in the center of Mumbai and has a carnival like atmosphere year round. With three entrances to Juhu Beach, you could get in from Vile Parle side, Santa Cruz side or from Andheri side.

Famous for its mesmerizing sunset when the horizon against the vast unending expanse of surging Arabian Sea is resplendent with a host of hues that the violent Red of the dying Sun turns into. Come to witness this awe inspiring spectacle when the Sun softly descends into the Arabian Sea leaving behind the patches of its redness which you can lap up a memento of your visit to this fantastic beach.

Flora Fountain in Mumbai lies in the midst of one of the busiest parts of the city. This is an aesthetically architectured white marble statue with a jutting fountain presenting a hypnotic aura untouched by the chaos that surrounds this piece of art.

Built in 1869 in the honor of the Governor of Mumbai, Sir Bartle Frère, the Flora Fountain is an epitome of the Roman Goddess Flora, the deity of abundance and prosperity. The timeless beauty and splendor of the statue has earned it a heritage status.

The Flora Fountain was erected by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India when Cursetjee Fardoonjee Parekh donated Rs. 20,000 for its construction. The complete built up incurred a cost of Rs. 47,000, then a princely figure. Designed by R. Norman Shaw, Flora Fountain was sculpted in imported Portland stone by James Forsythe. It now wears a white coat of oil paint.

Hanging Gardens also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens are the perfectly manicured terraced gardens on the slopes of the Malabar Hill, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park. Providing a calming view of Sunset over the Arabian Sea, the Hanging Gardens have been carved into the shapes of animals. The park, which was laid out in 1881 over Bombay’s main reservoir, owes its name to the renowned barrister Pherozshah Mehta. You can be a part of healthy stroll down the Hanging garden early in the morning and in the evening and rejuvenate your energy level amidst the soft caressing breeze that blow from the Arabian Sea. With gaping vibrancy of natural beauty there is a modern expanse of the city down hills. You have a panoramic view of sweeping Chowpatty Beach and scintillating Marine Drive from the Ferozeshah Mehta Ggarden that has no less than an awe-inspiring expression from the onlookers.

Mani Bhavan, Mumbai is located at 19, Laburnum Road in the Gamdevi precinct. This museum was the crux of Gandhi's political activities in Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. The building was named after the Mani family who belonged to this mansion. Gandhi initiated the movements like Swadeshi, Khadi, Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha and Khilafat from Mani, Mumbai.

The building was taken over by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Bhavan in 1955, which used it as a memorial to Gandhi. When you visit this museum you ill get to know abut Mahatma Gandhi’s frequent stays and other political activities he initiated from there. Get a complete guide about Gandhi's involvement in the Home Rule Movement and other movements.

Madh Island, Mumbai is occupied by Koli community who are basically the fishermen. This place is mainly popular as a picnic spot and is flocked by the local residents quite often. Due to the nature of the land there are many hotels that have built around the proximity of the place. Another attraction of the place is an old fort that is situated on the top of the peninsula.

Madh Island, Mumbai is a very popular destination among the native as well as the foreign tourists for sightseeing as well as spending a leisurely day.

Another attraction on Madh Island Beach is the Madh Fort also called Versova fort. It is believed that this fort was built by the Portuguese as a watchtower and later used as a training camp for cadets. You could come over here for a fresh bout of breeze and fort's picturesque locale that is sure to enthrall you.

Elephanta Caves is located around 10 to 12 kilometers from Gateway of India at south Mumbai, This cave is very famous tourist attraction and specialized for rocky old temples. Inside there is lord shiva and Trimurty idol statues just in entrance known for Indian craft and carving work done since ancient old age. It were Portuguese who named it Elephanta caves because they found an idol statue of elephant near the caves.

Specialty is a 20 feet height idol of Load shiva with three head, so called ‘Trimurty Sadashiva’, and more of such old age sculptures and idols inside. A very good place to be seen for all those historical place lovers photographers taking photos of same.

Located at a distance of 120 kilometres from Mumbai, Lonavla is a favourite hilly destination around Mumbai. Ideal for a day or weekend trip, Lonavla is beautiful and cool hill station decorated with gurgling streams and quiet glided walks. The waterfalls of Tungarly or trek up to the Duke's Nose (a gigantic hillock )will also give you the complete feeling of being close to mother nature. A must visit to be included in your Mumbai excursion itinerary.

Tower of Silence is a well like structure where the Parsi community discards the body of the dead according to their rituals, in this city of Mumbai. The tower was constructed by Seth Modi Hirji in the year 1672. The unique architecture of the structure is quite striking and attracts visitors to this unusual location. The Tower of Silence is situated on the topmost region of the Malabar Hills in Mumbai.

It has been constructed beautifully, covering an area of 55 acres of land. The tower comprises 3 rings, each of them having a particular significance. The first ring is meant for the male bodies, the second is where female bodies are kept and the third is made for the bodies of children. The structure is also called Parsi Bawdi o Bavdi. The place is known by other names like Dokhma or Dakhma, which means a site where dead bodies are kept.

Kamla Nehru Park is one of the most famous picnic spots in the Mumbai city. It is especially very popular amongst the kids, who come here to indulge in their childish outdoor games and have fun. The park is situated on top of the enchanting Malabar Hill and spreads over an area of approximately 3,300 sq m. The location of the Kamala Nehru Park is such that one can have a view of some of the most beautiful parts of the city from there, like the sprawling Chowpatty Beach and the glitzy Marine Drive.

The park has been named after Kamala Nehru, the wife of India's first Prime Minister - Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The serene surroundings of the park provide the perfect respite from the hectic and maddening pace of the everyday life in the metropolitan cities of India. It's beautifully manicured gardens serve as the perfect oasis of lush greenery in the city dominated by concrete. Kamla Nehru Children's Park is the perfect place to take a break from daily routines and enjoy with your family.

A small trip of about four miles will take you to the famous Kanheri Caves a must visit excursion spot of Mumbai. The caves are believed to have been carved out by Buddhist monks between the 2nd and 9th centuries and have many interesting facts related to them. Situated in the centre of Mumbai's Borivili National Park, the Kanheri caves are also regarded as one of the biggest Buddhist monastic establishment on the Konkan coast. An unusual feature at Kanheri is the number of open benches cut out of rocks. Almost all the caves have benches in their verandahs or front courts. Sit down on one of these. And with the evening breeze that comes from the sea refreshing you, you realise their purpose at once.

Shirdi revolves around the vast temple complex dedicated to Sai Baba. Devotees start queuing up in the early hours of dawn to catch a glimpse and seek the blessings of the life-size statue of Sai Baba. Thursday is marked by special pujas and darshan of the Sai Baba statue.

There are other places of interest that devotees can visit as well including Dwarkamani Mosque where the Baba meditated and slept on alternate nights. Near the mosque, in a corridor is the dhuni or eternal flame that burns day and night. Other places of importance are the Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Shani Mandir, Narsimha Mandir, Changdev Maharaj Samadhi and the Sakori Ashram.

Aksa Beach is a polular beach near Malad in Mumbai's Western Suburbs. On sunsays and holidays the beach can become very crowded and noisy but on other days it is a silent, clean and beautiful beach unlike any other in the crowded metropolis.

Aksa beach is a natural tranquil escape. This beach is located only 40 km north of the centre of Mumbai near the suburb of Malad. It offers much serenity making it hard to believe you're still so close to the city.

Aksa Beach is a popular vacation spot in Aksa village at Malad close to Malvani in Mumbai. Earlier it used to be a quiet and deserted beach that was very clean and was a habitat for a variety of sea creatures with plentiful snails and shells on the beach. The steady influx of visitors especially around weekends has made it a coveted destination for city-people who want to escape to its natural setting.

Ajanta caves, a secluded retreat for the Buddhist monks was carved out of deep curved mountain side, lying deep in Sahyadri hills in 200 BC and remain shrouded in obscurity for more than a millennia from 650 AD when it was abandoned in favor of Ellora caves. It was only in 1819 when British officers spotted the caves when they where on the hunting expedition to the near by hills. Its amazing to see from the distance which looks like stark holes on the rock face are actually the treasure troves of numerous Buddha sculptures, ancient paintings, fine workmanship.

Visit the 29 caves in Ajanta of which 5 served as Chastiyas (Temples) and rest as Viharas (Monasteries). On entering the caves you will see the impressive figures, exquisite frescos and huge sculptures adorning the cave walls that speaks the tales of Bygone era. Don't miss to see the panels depicting the stories from Jatakas, a rich tale of different incarnations of Lord Buddha and image of nymphs and princesses among others.

Aurangabad Caves are built in between 2nd and 6th century in state of Maharashtra. It is famous due to its architectural design and historical wealth that it adorns in its dilapidated structure today. There are in total of ten caves at two different locations set aside at distance from one another. These are Western Group Caves (Cave 1-5) and Eastern Group Caves (cave 6-10).

Western Caves are majorly flourished with monasteries that represent the early style of religion of Buddhism. Cave 3 is the most exclusive and mind blowing masterpiece amongst all, with its beautifully carved pillars and sculptures depicting scenes from the Jatakas. Entry Fee is Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners and the timings 9 am - 5 pm.