Top Places to visit in mumbai

Welcome in Mumbai
   Top places to visit in Mumbai-
1. Marine Drive
2. Gateway of India
3. Essel world & water kindom
4. Juhu beach
5. Siddhivinayak Temple
6. Bandra worli sea link
7. Film city
8. Victoria terminus
9. Haji Ali dargah
10. Sanjay Gandhi national Park

As we all are know Mumbai is a dream of city. Mumbai is place where a large number of people belonging from all the state of india. Mumbai is a industrial area which provide employment to a large number of people  ad give a way to live.Mumbai is a busy city where even night is also brighter as day. People belonging from all caste,language stay here and help each other at the time of need and have unity them.People here celebrate all the festival belongs to every caste.

      1-Marine drive

Marine Drive overview
The Marine Drive is also known as the Queen's necklace on account of its shape and yellow streetllights. It makes for a spectacular aerial view at night.People come to walk here in the evening to experience the brilliant sunset. It is also one of the places people visit late at night,and you will fine people are selling tea and ciggi. The sound of the waves, a view of the Mumbai skyline and the starry sky easily make Marine Drive one of the most romantic spots in the city.Starting from the north of nariman point and ending at the famous chowpatty beach.The marine drive is a 3 km long arc shaped road along the sea coast of south Mumbai.

     2-Gateway of India

 Gateway of India overview

One of the most distinguished monuments in Mumbai, The Gateway of India was built in 1924. It has become a popular tourist hub in the city. Located at Apollo Bunder Waterfront, the monument overlooks the Arabian Sea in the most beautiful way.

The Gateway of India is, without doubt, one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mumbai. Nicknamed 'Mumbai's Taj Mahal', the foundation of this landmark was laid in 1911, as a commemoration of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The structure was inaugurated 13 years later in 1924 and is a beautiful confluence of Indian, Arabic and Western Architecture. Made of yellow basalt and solid concrete, this basalt arch before independence served as the entry and exit access to India through waterways. The view from the sea of the Gateway complex, especially in the night, is as beautiful as that of the Queen's Necklace from the Marine Drive. 

Adjacent to the monument is the famous Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, constructed by Jamsetji Tata way back in 1903. Although badly ravaged in 26/11, what makes both Taj and Gateway unique is the way the two architectures have stood undeterred, even in the face of calamity.

      3- Essel world & water kingdom

Essel world & water kingdom overview

Water kingdom on the other hand comes as a relief for Mumbai's summer holidays for families as being one the best experience.

water kingdom is Asia's largest theme water park situated in Gorai,Mumabi and also one of the most visited places in the city.

Kingdom is know to be Asia's biggest water theme park and was established in 1998.Located in Gorai, Mumbai,the water park's incredible slides and water rides are loved by all tourists.

How to reach Essel world by bus, train, car & road

From Mumbai

You have to use Western Express Highway to reach Essel World from Mumbai. On the express highway, turn left to Kashimira and drive down towards to Mira-Bhayander road. Essel World has put signages which will guide you to reach there. It takes about 35-45 minutes from Kashimira.

From Gujrat

Essel World is also most visited by Gujarati people due to location benefit. You have to use National Highway No. 8 till fountain junction. After that, turn right towards Kashimira and drive down towards Mira-Bhayander road. After that, Essel World sign boards will guide you to reach there.

By train from borivali or Malad

Train is the most cheapest way to reach here. You have to use Western Railways train from railway station of Malad. If you have taken train from Malad (W), from then take BEST Bus no. 272 to reach Marve-Malad. Taking auto rickshaw from Malad(W) is another option to reach Marve-Malad. Now, Marve-Malad is the bus termination point where you can avail ferry services of EsselWorld to reach here. EsselWorld’s own ferries are available every 45 minutes from Marve-Malad. They charge additional fees for this service. Malad to Essel World distance is 32 kms which is little to enjoy the day.

Take a train from anywhere in the city to reach Borivali railway station. From there, take a BEST Bus No. 294 to reach Gorai-Borivali. You can also hire auto rickshaw or taxi to reach Gorai – Borivali, it is little costly. It is recommended to use only BEST Bus service for budget travelers. From Gorai-Borivali, you can use ferry service of Essel World to reach there. This ferry service is available every 15 minutes from Gorai-Borivali. Borivali to Essel World distance is just 25.4 km (approx.) which requires 60 minutes of driving by car.

 From Thane

Thane is also nearest city which draws visitors for Essel World. Distance between Thane to Essel World is approx. 38 km. You have to use train from Thane to Dadar. From then, use Wester Railways train to reach Malad or Borivali from Dadar. From Malada (W), use BEST bus service to reach Marve Beach. From Borivali, use BEST bus service to reach Gorai Creek. From both places, you can use ferry service of the park.

park Timings

• Regular Days 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM
• Season Days 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM

       4- Juhu Beach

Juhu Beach overview

The most popular beach in Mumbai, Juhu beach is located close to Andheri and was once quite a beautiful beach. The beauty and serenity of this beach also make it a desired location for most film shootings.

Located almost 18 km from the city centre, Juhu beach is one of the most-visited beaches of India and is situated in 'Ville Parle'. The beach also borders the posh locality where lots of Bollywood stars and celebrities stay and hence it is quite normal to see them jogging on its shore. Watching the sunset in the cool evening breeze is a soothing experience to the city dwellers after the hectic Mumbai life. However, with so many tourists coming in here, the place has become dirty and water is also not clean because of effluents from nearby factories and industries.

     5- Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak Temple Overview

Located in Prabhadevi, is a Lord Ganesha temple, one of the most significant and frequented temples in Mumbai. Visitors visit this temple in large numbers on daily basis. It was built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil in 1801. It is one of the richest temples in Mumbai. The temple is dedicated to Siddhi Vinayak aka Lord Ganesha. The wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of the lord. The inner roof which is plated with gold has the central sculpture of Ganesha.

As the story goes, the building was sponsored by a wealthy woman named Deubai Patil. She was childless; so to fulfill wishes of other infertile women she built this temple so that the Lord must grant children. The statue of lord Ganesha here is believed to be self-manifested.
In the 1950s and 60s, the recognition of the temple spread and a substantial number of devotees began visiting. In 1975, the number of devotees increased dramatically. People of Mumbai have special love for this temple and Lord Ganesha. According to Indian mythology, Lord Ganesha has to be worshiped first and is generally invoked at the beginning of any auspicious occasion. Many film stars, politicians and renowned celebrities make their wish in this temple.

         6- Bandra worli sea link

Bandra Worli Sea Link Overview

Spanning across the arc of Mumbai's coastline, this sea link is a civil engineering wonder that reflects the modern infrastructure of the city of Mumbai.

Officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, this eight-lane cable-stayed bridge is the first project initiated by Mumbai Government that commences West Island Freeway System. The bridge is designed to cater around 37,500 vehicles per day while reducing the time travel between Bandra and Worli by a big margin. A road journey of 8 km can now be completed in the matter of just 7-10 minutes which used to take 45-60 minutes earlier. Inaugurated by UPA chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, this Sea Link plays a big role in the progress of making Mumbai a world class city. Visit this wonder may be just to admire its might.

         7-Film city

Film city overview

Mumbai Film City is an integrated film studio complex situated in Goregaon area. The Film City is beautifully decorated by lakes, parks, manicured grounds and fountains. All these combined with its in- house recording room serves as the shooting venue for many Bollywood films. The Film City is built by Maharashtra Government which provides a wide range of concessions and facilities to the film industry. It is believed to be one of the largest in the world and an attraction in itself. Its pollution free infrastructure, serene environment and huge open space give people of all age groups to roam around in peace and admire and appreciate all latest decorations and innovations put harmoniously in one place.

There are various kinds of tours like

• Dream Tour,
• Studio Tour, and
• Live Show Tour

organized for guests. These shows various clippings from Bollywood movies, dubbing acts, light and sound experience etc. Differently priced tickets are charged for different tours and Indian and foreign nationals.

The Film city has been named Dadasaheb Phalke Nagar in memory of the legend. Being located in the heart of Mumbai, it is easily connected via various modes of transportation. Tourists in Mumbai should not miss out the spectacular sight of this artificially made cinema complex.  

           8-Victoria terminus

Victoria terminus Overview

Also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Victoria Terminus is a modern railway station in Mumbai. Constructed in the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture, the railway station is a declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The station is one of the most famous historic landmark symbolizing the pre-independence British Raj in India.

Constructed in 1888, Victoria Terminus is well-connected to all the parts of the country, and hence, it is always bustling. Late-Italian architecture merged with Victorian/Gothic styles; the design also contains remnants of the Mughal style of architecture. It indicates the British Commonwealth and represents the mercantile facet of the Mumbai. The railhead stands witness to the city's progress over the period and the growth of the Bollywood film industry.

How to Reach Victoria terminus

Almost every train stops here except for a few trains from the central or suburban lines. One can use the local transport to reach CST if they are traveling from the central or suburban line. Also, there are several BEST buses available from any part of the city to reach here.

History of Victoria Terminus

Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) was built in 1888. The perfect mélange of Indian and British architectural designs, the station was designed by British architect F.W. Stevens. A major hub of the mercantile activities, the station was named after Queen Victoria. 
It took ten years to complete the construction of the structure, and it was inaugurated on the date of the Golden Jubilee of the Queen, in 1887. Costing 260,000 Sterling Pounds during that period, it was the most expensive structure in Mumbai. The Minister of Railways, in 1996, renamed it as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

Architecture or Victoria Terminus

A major part of the architecture reflects the designs of the latter part of the 19th century and the Victorian Gothic styles. Symmetrical on the east and west axis, Victoria Terminus was built by a C-shaped plan. Resembling closely to the architectures of the Indian Palaces with well-proportioned rows of arched structures, rows, and windows, the CST has a high dome, which acts as the focal point of the structure. 

Flanking the entrance are figures of two lions representing India and Great Britain. While the interior of the building contains Italian marble, the exteriors include sandstone and limestone. The CST along with 18 railway lines also composes of the main headquarters, grotesques, the Star Chamber and the North Wing.

Tips

Victoria Terminus is lit in colors of the Indian Flag on the 26th of January, every year, during the Republic Day.

      9- Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali Dargah Overview

Situated at the backdrop of a beautiful view of the sea, is the shrine of Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant turned into Muslim Sufi. The Haji Ali Dargah (mausoleum) was raised in 1431 in reminiscence of an affluent Muslim trader, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up all his worldly belongings before making a trip to Mecca. People from all walks of life and religions come here to seek blessings.

Built of glass, the tomb is a beautiful piece of architecture. The structure is a brilliant illustration of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. A marble courtyard contains the central shrine. The tomb within the mosque is roofed by a brocaded red and green cloth, supported by an exquisite silver frame and marble columns. The main hall has marble pillars engraved with creative mirror work: blue, green, yellow chips of glass arranged in varied designs and Arabic patterns which spell the ninety-nine names of Allah. As per Islamic customs, there are different praying rooms for ladies and gents. 

During high tide, the road to dargah gets submerged, making it entirely inaccessible. Many famous personalities visit the shrine to seek blessings. One can also enjoy mouth watering Juices and food at the nearby Haji Ali Juice center.

How to Reach Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali Dargah can be reached by using various modes of local transport available. It is well connected by local trains. If travelling from the Western Line you need to get off as the Mahalakshmi Station, while from the main line you need to get off at Byculla Station. Metered Black and Yellow Metered Taxis, B.E.S.T city buses and auto rickshaw ply from different parts of the city. 

• Air: 
• Rail: 
• Road: 

History of Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali belonged to Bukhara, in present-day Uzbekistan. Bukhari people voyaged around the world in the early to mid 15th century and ultimately settled in present day Mumbai. This shrine has a mystical story attached to it. According to the legends, Haji Ali donated all his wealth for a journey to Mecca and died in between. But miraculously, the casket carrying his body floated back to Arabian shores and got stuck in the twine of rocky islets just off the shores of Worli. That's how the Dargah was built there.

     10- Sanjay Gandhi national park

Sanjay Gandhi National park Overview

This is a wildlife sanctuary and a habitat to an abundance of flora and fauna, in the midst of a busy Mumbai. Famed to be one the most liked national parks, you can also enjoy a train ride through this one. You can spot here Leopards, Macaques, Boars, Lions, Flying fox, Kingfisher, Sunbird and much more. A must visit attraction of the city, the park is also known for a huge population and variety of butterflies.

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as Borivali National Park, is a unique National Park that is located in suburban Mumbai, India. Covering an area of 104 sq km, it is one of Asia's most visited National Parks with over 2 million visitors every year. The park is also said to be the largest park in the world located within city limits. 

The park was first introduced in 1974 and helps to have a change from the usual sights, attractions, and rush of the big city. The Sanjay Gandhi National park is known for its evergreen dense forests, bird population, butterflies, and the small population of tigers.

Best time to visit Sanjay Gandhi National park

September-March is the best time to visit the park, as during these months climate remains pleasantly cool and warm.

How to Reach Sanjay Gandhi National park

It is located towards the north of Mumbai. You can take the local train to Borivali from Churchgate, which will take about an hour. From there you can take an autorickshaw right up to the park gate. The nearest railhead is the Borivali railway station.

History of Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Trade between India and Mesopotamia during the 4th century was carried on through a route that passed through this park which was a forest back then. The Kanheri Caves, that is situated in the centre of the park, were an important Buddhist learning centre and a pilgrimage site for the Buddhist monks between the 9th and the 1st centuries BCE. 
The park was named 'Krishnagiri National Park' in the pre-independence era. At that time, the area of the park was only 20.26 km sq and was expanded to its present size in 1969 by appending other reserve forest properties to the park. After this, an independent unit of the Forest Department called 'Borivali National Park Sub-division' was set up in this area. The Krishnagiri National Park was created in 1974 and later renamed as 'Borivali National Park'. In 1981, it was renamed as 'Sanjay Gandhi National Park' in memory of Sanjay Gandhi, the son of Indira Gandhi, who was killed in an air-crash in 1980.

Main attractions in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

The park features a toy train called Van rani (jungle queen) that runs on a narrow gauge railway and has been running for around twenty-five years. The train ride that is of about 15 minutes takes you along the foothills of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial on Pavilion Hill, traverses a couple of bridges and tunnels and passes over the Deer Park. You can even see the deer in their allotted cages. The train passes through the jungle area where you can see huts where people live. Deer are also seen near these huts walking in the jungle. 
The park has two big freshwater lakes viz. the Vihar Lake and the Tulsi Lake. These lakes are the source of water for residents of Mumbai. More than 300 types of birds, 800 varieties of flowering flora, 5000 types of insects, 50 kinds of reptiles, 36 species of mammals, and 150 species of beautiful butterfly have made this park their home. 
Another attraction is a boating service that is available near the Van rani start point and is perfect for calm evening alone or in the company of family on the small lake. There is a bridge on this lake where you can stand and watch the boats in the water. The bridge is used as a marker for limiting the boats to one side.