Things to do in Mumbai

Mumbai has amazing sights that will just blow your mind with its beauty.

• The iconic ‘Gate way of India’ on the Mumbai harbor front is a popular tourist haunt and depicts the grandeur of the British era.
• ‘Haji Ali’ the shrine of Saint Pir Haji Ali stands in the middle of Arabian Sea and is a marvel of Indo-Islamic architecture.
• The Dargah complex is also known for delectable Mughalai cuisine like kebabs and biryani. A trip to Elephanta Island to witness the intricate artwork and carvings in the temples inside elephanta caves. The temples are cut into the rocks with charming patios, corridors, and columns.
• The famous ‘Siddhivinayak Temple’ of Lord Ganesha is known for its alluring architecture and beauty.
• ‘ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharajVastuSangrahalaya’ is the most premier art and history museum in India. This is also known as Prince of Wales Museum of India and has rare displays depicting the rich culture and heritage of our nation.
• ‘Mount Mary Church’ is a quaint and peaceful church located on a hillock in Bandra.
• A walk during sunset on the famous ‘Chowpatty Beach’ while enjoying the famous Mumbai street food is sure to leave your taste buds tingling.

Mumbai Darshan Bus Service is a packaged tour to cover many destinations in one day. It starts by picking up tourists from different destinations in the morning and ends at 8 PM by dropping tourists at respective stops. The tour can be booked by visiting websites of Neeta Tours and travels.

The famous places for treks around Mumbai are:

• Lohagad Fort which stays covered with mist and clouds and becomes particularly wet with growing moss. It is an easy one day trekking tour.
• Mahuli Fort is situated on a solitary hill on its western face of Sahyadri Range. This makes for a secluded yet one of the most majestic trekking spots.
• Prabalgad Fort is 50 km from Mumbai. It is located on a plateau close to Matheran.
• Raigad Fort is one of the best treks near Mumbai, with a chance to trek in the night. It’s scary but safe.

Kulang Fort has the highest climb from base to the top in Sahyadri ranges. Out of the trio forts. Only this fort can be climbed without technical help. To reach the top one has to climb rock cut stairs, some which were broken and blown away by the British. There are few remnants and a water tank on the fort. One can stay in caves for the night (30 people capacity).

Kohoj, a  hill fort is situated in Palghar region. One can see this fort while traveling on Mumbai-Ahmadabad highway near Manor Naka. This fort is at about 12 km from Wada. You can take the route which starts from Waghote.

This village is located on Manor-Wada route at around 8 km from Mumbai-Ahmadabad highway. One can reach to the top of Kohoj within 3 hrs. from the base village.

Located in Lonavala which is just a couple of hours from Pune, Lohgad is one of the best forts to visit during any time of the year. An ideal time to visit Lohgad would be in the winter season. It is always recommended that you start your trek early so that you do not get fatigued quickly.

Raigad is a fortified hill fortress situated in the modern day near Mahad, Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The fort, which rises 820 meters (2,700 ft) above sea level, is located in the Sahyadri mountain range.

There are approximately 1400–1450 steps leading to the fort, though today a rope-way exists to reach the top of the fort.

The best amusement parks in Mumbai are:

• ADLABS IMAGICA, India’s biggest theme park, which has earned the nickname “India’s Disney world”. The park has six different entertainment zones with crazy rides, exotic restaurants and shopping arcades.
• Essel World is one of the oldest amusement parks and is a must visit for all age groups.
• Smaaash offers a blend of thrilling sports, music and fine dining to tourists.
• The Snow World offers snow sledding, skiing and snow war game options making tourists go bonkers in the snow.
  

• Rafting in Kundalika River in Kolad has been rated as one of the top 5 rafting destinations in India. Kolad is 130 kms from Mumbai and is well connected by train, bus and road.
• The Kundalika River is one of the fastest flowing rivers in the Southern part of India, providing adrenaline rush to the thrill seekers.

There are many places and experiences for kids in Mumbai.

• OvalekarWadi Butterfly garden is an exciting spot for children to observe more than 130 species of colorful and vibrant butterflies.
• The RBI Monetary Museum will take your child on a historical tour through the evolution of money.
• A trip to Kanheri caves through Borivali National park is exciting for kids with small rivulets and waterfalls.
• Essel World with its many rides and amusement games is an all-time favorite spot for kids.

The best places for couples to explore together are:

• A late night coffee at Marine Drive.
• Madh Island beach is an ideal getaway for couples with its placid waters and mangrove trees.
• Bandra Fort is another popular place for spending some quality time together.
• To share a memorable day with your partner a late night drive at the Palm beach road, Navi Mumbai is exquisite.
• The terraced Hanging Gardens are a perfect place to spend some cozy time together.
• Chotta Kashmir, in Goregaon East with its lake and lush green gardens and paddle boating is one of the most romantic spots in the city.
• Carter Road is another hangout spot for couples alongside Bandstand Promenade for couples.
• A candle light dinner on a cruise, which starts from Gateway of India is ideal for that special date with your significant other.

These restaurants have a perfect ambience with candle lights, view of the sea and excellently cooked food.

• ‘The Sassy Spoon’ in Nariman Point is one of the prettiest restaurants with a décor of fairy lights and gauzy curtains. The cuisine is European.
• ‘Dome’ perched on the rooftop of Intercontinental is famous for its all white décor and spectacular view of the marine drive.
• ‘Aer’ on the 34th floor offers the most breathtaking views of the city and is quite romantic to sip cocktails on the top of the world.
• ‘The Pali Village Café’ provides romantic two seater tables on the mezzanine balcony with sumptuous meals.

Mumbai cuisine is known for its native, borrowed, refurbished and reinterpreted food.

• The trademark VadaPao, PaoBhaji, SevPuri, Bhel are a gastronomic delight for all.
• The Juhu Beach and Chowpatty are the best places to get these authentic chaats.
• The Konkan food in Mutton Masala and Tisriya is known for delicious fish curries and sol curry.
• Try traditional simple yet delectable Maharashtrian meal consisting of VaratBhat, Usat, thaliPeeth and Kharwas in small restaurants in lanes of Dadar.
• The Udipi restaurants are known for their South Indian food and have outlets in all parts of the city.
• The Muhammad Ali road for its delectable kebabs and biryanis.
• ‘Britannia’ ‘Jimmy Boy’ are some of the oldest Irani cafes in the old town area.

It is known as the city that never sleeps and Mumbai night life is an experience in itself. 

• Nariman Point on Marine drive is the place to hangout and admire the city lights during the wee hours.
• JuhuChowpatty is open throughout the night and Bademiya in Colaba is best for late night munching.
• The city is known for its dazzling night clubs from elite Taproom, Olive, Social, Hoppipola to local bars like Gokul and Sunlight for travelers on budget.
• The late-night movie shows at famous Regal and Metro cinemas for movies buff at pocket-friendly rates is an experience.

The nightlife in Mumbai is an experience in itself. The city boasts of some of the most happening pubs in the country.

• ‘Toto’s Garage’ is a neon-lit bunker with DJ playing in a Maruti Van.
• ‘Aer’ is one of the plushest bars on the 34th floor with spectacular view and interesting cocktails.
• Janata Lunch Home is a fuss free bar which serves beer up to 3 am.
• Olive, WTF and Woodside Inn are few other interesting places to hang out for a couple of drinks.

Mumbai is a shopper’s paradise for frugal tourists and is known for its street shopping.

• The best shopping destinations are Linking Road Bandra for latest clothes, bags, footwear at throwaway prices.
• Hill road and Zaveri Bazaar is known for antique pieces of junk jewelry and trinkets.
• Fashion Street is the place where you get fake Guccis and Prada at cheap prices. Do look for manufacturing defects.
• Colaba causeway is a fashion lover’s delight with everything from clothes to accessories. Hindmata Market is known for its designer sarees, lehengas, and sherwanis.
• Do visit Chor Bazaar the oldest markets of the city and get good deals on gadgets.

The best resorts near Mumbai to soothe your frazzled nerves are:

• U Tropicana Beach Resort in Alibaug with sandy tranquil beach, Della Resorts and Villas are known for their luxurious apartments and adventure sports.
• Upper Deck in Lonavala is perched at the highest point with amazing views of hills.
• Prakruti Resort in Kashid village is a beautiful picnic with the view of sea and the mountains.

• Prakruti Resort inKashid Village is the best for a family outing with huge lush green lawns for children to play and antique sit outs for adults.
• Palm Beach Resort is ideal for family with kids near Mumbai with horse cart riding and hammocks.
• Mango Beach House in Alibaug is nestled in natural surrounding with birds chirping and lush green surrounding gives a good break from the city life.

• Outdoors Ahoy in Sajan with its sprawling lawns and myriad adventure activities is perfect for team building activities.
• Resort by Cascading waterfalls provides numerous soft adventure activities for corporate teams to relax and enjoy together.
• The Ecotel Resort in Tungarli is a perfect getaway for team outings for soothing frazzled nerves.

Caving or Spelunking is not for the faint hearted as it is dark and murky world inside the caves with rocks and mud.

• The Elephanta Caves in Elephanta Island boast of the most intricate architecture of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks.
• Kanheri Caves are located in the Borivali National Park and the carvings show development of Buddhism in India.

Sula Vineyards and Soma Vineyard Resort in Nashik provide wine tasting session with ample information on the techniques of proper wine tasting. A tour of the vineyard estate will show you the grapes from which wine is made and wine factory for the techniques involved in winemaking.

Mumbai has many campsites around which are full of beauty and amusement.

• Pavana Lake Camp is one of the least explored artificial lake and is a perfect spot for camping, picnics and sightseeing.
• Camping in Karnala Bird Sanctuary in Panvel is an enthralling experience with swaying palm trees forests and untouched splendor.
• Camping in Badlapur is an experience with sounds of chirping birds and the music of flowing river.

There are several weekend getaways within 100 Kms of Mumbai.

• Hill stations like Lonavala, Khandala and Matheran offer beautiful picnic spots, trekking and camping opportunities. They are a perfect place to rejuvenate in the lap of beautiful Sahyadri ranges.
• Several one day trekking tours like Rajmachi Trek, Prabalgad Trek and Kulang Fort Trek offer a short break from the city life.
• Alibaug, which is 97 Kms from Mumbai is known for its sandy beaches and tranquil surroundings.

Mumbai is located at the confluence of the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea and has amazing places for a short weekend trip.

• A trip to Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karjat, Matheran, Lonavala and Khandala to enjoy lush green slopes of mountains and waterfalls.
• Many adventure activities like trekking, rappelling and river crossing are available for adventure junkies.
• A trip to MalshedGhat is the most picturesque trip in Maharashtra with amazing flora and fauna.
• Alibaug is a hot favorite for a beach holiday.
• Kolad is famous for white water rafting.

The road trips which should be on the bucket list of all travelers are:

• A bike trip to Lonavala and Khandala.
• Kashid Village is a secluded beach destination with quaint surroundings and a fort in Murud, which is located in the sea.
• Pelhar Dam is only 59 km from Mumbai and is a charming picnic spot.
• The drive to Kamshet is beautiful with scenic surroundings.
• For long road trips you can visit Aurangabad, Sula Vineyards, Tarkarli for star gazing and Goa.