Things to do in Mumbai
Boats depart to Elephanta Island's ancient carvings from the iconic Gateway of India in Colaba, straddling Fort and Churchgate. Oval Maidan hosts informal cricket matches. Jasmine fills the air at Babulnath Mandir temple, while Chowpatty Beach, tucked inside the curved bay flanked by Marine Drive, offers beautiful sunset strolls. Kala Ghoda boasts museums including the National Gallery of Modern Art. Most major attractions open 10am-5pm, and close Monday.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum
Historical artefacts
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum in Kala Ghoda houses an impressive
collection of ancient Indian historical artefacts. Art, archaeology and
natural history dominate the museum's collections and there are galleries
devoted to Tibetan bronzes, Buddhist scrolls and miniature paintings.
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Cost
Rs300
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 10.15am-6pm
Address
Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mumbai
Telephone
+91 (0) 22 2284 4519
National Gallery of Modern Art
Contemporary Indian artwork
In Fort's artistic Kala Ghoda district, the National Gallery of Modern Art
showcases India's contemporary arts. The permanent collection features
painter Abanindranath Tagore and sculptor Meera Mukherjee. An ornate teak
and chromium stairway connects the galleries.
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Cost
Rs150
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 11am-6pm
Address
Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall, MG Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, 400032
Telephone
+91 (0) 22 2288 1971
Gateway of India
Intricate triumphal arch
Mumbai's most striking landmark, the Gateway of India in coastal Colaba is a
turreted basalt stone arch with intricate latticework. Originally built for
King George V's visit in 1911, it became a symbolic farewell to the Raj in
1947.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Apollo Bunder, Mumbai, 400001
Transport
Churchgate train station
Elephanta Island
Ancient carvings
UNESCO Heritage Site Elephanta Island is named after the elephant sculptures
discovered there. Its famous caves contain 5th-8th-century stone carvings,
dedicated to Hindu gods. The highlight is the imposing six-metre-high
carving of Shiva. Beware of the aggressive monkeys.
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Cost
Rs250 (entry to caves); Rs120 (boat)
Opening Hours
Elephanta Caves Tue-Sun; boats operate daily 9am-2.30pm (weather permitting); last boat leaves Elephanta Island 3.30pm
Address
Off Colaba Coast
Telephone
+91 (0) 22 2202 6364
Transport
50-minute boat ride from Gateway of India
Babulnath Mandir
Holy Hindu temple
Holy Shiva temple Babulnath Mandir sits majestically more than 300m above the
Arabian Sea in Chowpatty. Its devotees climb up to the ornate,
jasmine-filled temple in search of a divine vision, and to offer blessings.
Usually tranquil, Mondays are busiest.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily 5am-10pm; restricted entry 12-12.30pm
Address
Babulnath Marg, Kalbadevi, Mumbai, 400007
Telephone
+91 (0) 22 2367 3602
Oval Maidan
Anyone for cricket?
Imposing colonial masterpieces surround Oval Maidan (maidan means 'ground'),
a large grassy area in the middle of Churchgate. Young locals play on the
back-to-back makeshift cricket pitches at the weekends. A visit here
provides an authentic, chaotic Mumbai experience.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
between Maharishi Road & Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Marg, Mumbai, 400020
Transport
Churchgate train station
Chowpatty Beach
Family seaside spot
Thousands of locals descend on famous seaside promenade Chowpatty Beach for
sunset strolls, savoury bhel puri snacks and pony rides - although
the Arabian Sea is not for swimming. Head for Chowpatty to ride on the
human-powered Ferris wheel.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Back Bay, Mumbai, 400007
Transport
Charni Road train station
Banganga Tank
Temple pool
Banganga Tank in Mumbai's Malabar Hill area is a sacred rectangular pool
where pilgrims bathe. Surrounded by ancient turreted temples, garlanded
shrines and towering apartment blocks, traditional life coexists alongside
unbridled modernisation, making for an interesting trip.
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Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Walkeshwar Marg, Malabar Hill, Mumbai 400 006
Transport
By Train: to Grant Road station, then taxi
Kerala Ayurvedic Health Spa
Traditional Indian massages
Kerala Ayurvedic Health Spa in Prabhadevi follows the centuries-old Indian
tradition of natural healing. A full-body massage with natural oils,
followed by oil bath and face pack, takes two hours but its relaxing effects
will last for days.
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Cost
Rs990 (full-body massage)
Opening Hours
Daily 8am-8pm
Address
10, Prabhadevi, Veer sarvarkar marg, Mumbai 400025
Telephone
+91 (0) 22 2430 2336
