places to visit
There is a lot to see in Mumbai, but the typical "tourist" sights are
concentrated in South Mumbai.
By Indian standards, Mumbai is a young city and much of the land
comprising the city did not exist until it was claimed from the sea over
three centuries ago. It is therefore, a pleasant surprise to find rock
cut caves such as the Elephanta, Kanheri, and Mahakali within city
limits.
Colonial buildings
The British built a magnificent city within the walls of Fort St.
George. Some fine examples of the Gothic revival, Neo-classical style
and Indo-Saracenic style are seen within this area. Worth seeing are the
gateway of India, the CST terminus, and the Police headquarters or
generally just take a stroll around South Mumbai.
Museums and Galleries
Some of the most famous museums and art galleries in India are found
here. The Kala Ghoda area in South Mumbai teems with them, particularly
the Prince of Wales Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Once
again, most of them are concentrated in South Mumbai.
Beaches
Mumbai has a few beaches, including one in the downtown area. But they
aren't that great and the water off Mumbai's coast is extraordinarily
dirty. The relatively better ones are in the Northwest Mumbai area. But
there are other beaches to be found such as the Girgaon Chowpaty in
South Mumbai, The Juhu beach in the western suburbs and Aksa Beach in
Malad. The currents don't seem strong, but particularly in the rains,
lots of people die from drowning, so avoid getting in the water. A word
of advice to women: Bombay beaches are not the kind you can wear
swimsuits to, particularly two-pieces.
Zoos, parks and gardens
Mumbai has a justified reputation as a concrete jungle, but there are
some nice pockets of greenery within the city. It is also one of the
rare metropolises to have an entire national park within its borders.
(Borivali national park[19]). You will not visit Mumbai for them, but if
you are already here, they make a nice escape from the din and bustle.
The city zoo (Veermata Jijabai Udyan) is in Byculla and is a colonial
relic which is surprisingly well-preserved. The animals may look rather
emaciated, but the sheer diversity of trees on this lush zoo is worth a
trip.
Some city parks are very well-maintained and combine history as well.
The "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill offers stunning vistas of the
Marine Drive.
Further in South Mumbai, the Mumbai Port Trust Garden, is another hidden
gem. This is set off a small side street off the Colaba Causeway 2-3 kms
south of the main section. Once again, lovely views of the port, the
naval yards, and sunset.
In central Mumbai, there are the Five Gardens. Mainly used by walkers in
the morning, it is a mess in the evenings. But the gardens encircle some
historic, art deco residences.
Markets and crowds
Mumbai is probably worth visiting just for its street markets, the
hustle of vendors, and the madness of the crowds.
Modern buildings and malls
Once the British left, the zeal to wipe away the traces of colonial rule
was, unfortunately, not matched by the enthusiasm to build a new city
that matched the grandeur of the British-era buildings. Now, while the
shabbiness of the socialist era is thankfully being replaced by
architecture with an eye on aesthetics, the new malls, multiplexes, and
office buildings that are coming up are indistinguishable from those
anywhere else in the world. Still, they are worth a look, especially if
you want to have a look at India's success story. Inorbit Mall, the best
mall in India, is in Malad.
Religious places
Mumbai has temples, mosques, churches, Parsi Agiaries, and even a few
synagogues reflecting the diversity of its citizens. While these are
naturally of interest if you are a believer, some, like the Portuguese
church at Dadar are worth visiting just for their unique architecture
