Things to Do in Mumbai

Choose from 40 Fun Things to Do in Mumbai

Bhuleshwar Bazaar

In a neighborhood of markets, south Mumbai’s bustling Bhuleshwar Bazaar has long been a popular shopping spot for locals and visitors alike. Here you'll find everything from vibrant textiles to shimmering costume jewelry, along with many stalls selling practical items such as fruits and vegetables and kitchenware.

The Basics

With its numerous shops and stalls and constant cacophony of activity, Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a great place to get deals on unusual souvenirs and local products. And even if shopping isn't your thing, the market is worth a visit for its great people-watching and photo opportunities. Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a popular stop on shopping tours, and a tour guide can be helpful when it comes to getting an idea of prices and bargaining.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bhuleshwar Bazaar is a must-visit for photographers and shopaholics.

Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk among crowds.

Haggling is part of the shopping experience at the market, so always expect to make a counteroffer.

How to Get There

Bhuleshwar Bazaar is located in South Mumbai, in an area dominated by temples, shops, and residences. Just north of the Fort area, the market is about a 10-minute drive inland from Chowpatty Beach. The nearest commuter railway stations are Charni Road, Sandhurst Road, and Masjid, all of which are about a 15-minute walk away. It’s easiest to get here by taxi or visit as part of an organized tour, especially on hot and humid days.

When to Get There

Most of the shops and stalls at Bhuleshwar Bazaar are open from around 10am or 11am until 8pm or 9pm, though some close on Sundays. It's best to arrive first thing in the day, not only because cooler temperatures make walking around more pleasant, but also because shopkeepers will often give good deals to the first customer of the day for good luck.

Bargaining 101

Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience at Indian markets and should be fun. While you may encounter some “fixed-price” shops at Bhuleshwar Bazaar and other area markets, most vendors will expect you to do a little haggling. If quoted a price, make a counteroffer lower than what you’d be willing to pay, say one-third of the quoted price. Ideally, the vendor will meet you somewhere in the middle.

Mumbai, India

From $ 19

Fashion Street

One of the best places to score bargains in all of Mumbai, Fashion Street is a stretch of shops and market stalls selling inexpensive clothing and accessories, with a focus on international women's wear. While most people come here to bargain hunt, the people watching and abundant street food options make it worth a visit for everyone.

The Basics

Fashion Street has long been popular with local fashionistas and students on a budget, but its South Mumbai location near many of the city's major attractions makes it equally appealing to international tourists who love to shop. Few city tours stop here, but it's easy enough to stop by if you are visiting one of the many area attractions, such as the Bombay High Court or Victoria Terminus.

Things to Know Before You Go

Don’t forget sunscreen and water, as the market can get hot.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for plenty of walking.
Be prepared to bargain—shopkeepers will expect it and quote you high prices accordingly.

How to Get There

Fashion Street spans a 1.4-mile (2-kilometer) section of South Mumbai's MG Road, across from Azad Maidan. It’s easy to reach by train: it’s about a 10-minute walk each to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Railway Station (aka Victoria Terminus) and to the Churchgate station. Alternatively, it’s a 5- to 10-minute drive to the Gateway of India.

When to Get There

Most of the shops on Fashion Street are open daily from 11 to 9. You’re best off visiting first thing in the morning, as selling to the first person who browses at your shop is believed to bring good luck. While the market is a year-round destination, monsoon rain in July and August can make this largely outdoor shopping experience uncomfortable.

Brand-Name Discounts

While it’s not unheard of to find knockoffs of major international brands at Fashion Street, many of the items here, particularly those with labels from major high-street brands, are authentic. Many of the items here are simply factory surplus or have slight manufacturing defects, making them unsuitable for export but good enough to sell at rock-bottom prices at the market.

MG Road, Mumbai, India

From $ 44

Chor Bazaar

One of Mumbai's largest markets, gritty and loud Chor Bazaar is packed to the brim with second-hand items, from old furniture to antique bric-a-brac. Its name translates to "thieves market" and according to a local running joke, anything you lose in Mumbai will eventually make its way here. Rest assured, though: Most of the goods aren't actually stolen.

The Basics

A maze of narrow streets crammed with storefronts, Chor Bazaar is an oftentimes packed market full of all sorts of items and the fast-moving wooden hand carts that transport them. Out-of-town visitors are unlikely to want to purchase huge pieces of furniture, but many smaller items here could make unusual souvenirs. Bargaining is a must, and while plenty of travelers visit independently, it’s possible to join an organized tour to help navigate the hectic market.

Things to Know Before You Go

Dress conservatively, covering your legs and shoulders, as the market is located in a predominantly Muslim area.
Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk; wheelchair users might find getting around this market a challenge.
Don’t hesitate to haggle. It’s part of the Indian shopping experience and expected in this market.

How to Get There

Chor Bazaar is located in South Mumbai, just north of the Bhuleshwar Market and a 15-minute walk west of the Sandhurst Road railway station. The market is easiest to get to by taxi or as part of an organized tour. By car, it's about 20 minutes from the tourist hub of Colaba or about 15 minutes from Chowpatty Beach.

When to Get There

Many of the shops and stalls at Chor Bazaar are open Monday through Saturday around 11–8, though Muslim-owned shops sometimes close on Fridays for prayers. It’s best to visit first thing in the day when temperatures are cooler. You’re also likely to get good bargains if you’re the first customer of the day, which is considered auspicious according to local tradition.

How the Market Got Its Name

While many believe that Chor Bazaar was once a resale spot for stolen goods, its unsavory name may have come from a simple misunderstanding. The market may have been called "Shor Bazaar" (noisy market), but British settlers mispronouncing its name consequently morphed it into "Chor Bazaar" (thieves’ market).

Mutton Street, Mumbai, India

From $ 21

Dhobi Ghat

At the world’s largest outdoor laundry, every day for over 120 years the dirt has been washed from thousands of kilos of clothes by the dhobis (washermen and women) of Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat.

Formed back in 1890, the famous laundromat is much loved by photographers who come to take colorful images of row upon row of washing troughs where hundreds of families clean piles of laundry that come from all over the city. Strings of brightly-colored clothes drying under the Mumbai sun also make for a popular picture. More than just a laundry, Dhobi Ghat is also a great place to see old saris being brought back to life under expert hands.

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is owned by the city council, who charges rent and maintenance costs to the dhobis. If you love the smell of clean laundry and want to get right into the thick of things at Dhobi Ghat, an escort can show you around and introduce you to the workers for around 200 rupees per person.

Practical Info

For the best photos of the iconic Dhobi Ghat, just head to bridge across the railway tracks from Mahalaxmi train station.

Mumbai, India

From $ 21

Bandra-Worli Sea Link

Epic bridges are a hallmark of big cities. From the Golden Gate to the Brooklyn Bridge, these concrete and steel structures have become the icons of urban skylines. India’s expansive Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which connects the western suburbs of Mumbai to the well-heeled neighborhood of Bandra, is no exception.

This eight-lane bridge opened to the public in 2009 and cost some $250 million dollars to construct. But locals say that despite a steep price tag the bridge was worth the expense, since it’s finally possible to escape old road bottlenecks between north and south. Travelers love the epic views that await them as they ascend from the color and chaos of Mumbai into the calm, open road. Colorful lights and cool evening breezes make for an ideal evening drive, but visitors agree it’s still worth a trip any time of day.

Practical Info

Nearly 40,000 vehicles traverse the Bandra-Worli Sea Link each day. Travelers should expect to spend upwards of an hour on the drive from Bandra to Worli during peak hours. Cars are expected to pay a minimal toll to access the bridge.

Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mumbai, India

From $ 50

Bandstand Promenade

Every city has its prime people-watching spot, and in Mumbai, that spot is the Bandstand Promenade. Just over a half mile (1 kilometer) long, this stretch of pedestrian walkway hugging the coast has become one of the city’s most popular hangout spots. On any given day, you’ll see locals jogging or relaxing in the park and young couples sneaking in displays of affection away from the prying eyes of parents.

On weekends and evenings, the promenade’s amphitheater hosts concerts and performances, as well as the annual Mumbai Festival and Celebrate Bandra Festival.

Many of Bollywood’s biggest stars, including Shahrukh Khan, own flats just across the road from the promenade. In 2012, a Walk of the Stars opened on the promenade, featuring life-sized brass tributes to Bollywood legends, each likeness lounging on a park bench.

Byramji Jeejeebhoy Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050, India

From $ 46

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus)

Formerly known as Victoria Terminus (and still called "VT" by many), this train statio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best known for its over-the-top Indo-Saracenic architecture, which blends neo-Gothic elements with Mughal and Indian features. It's Asia's busiest train station—one you may have seen in the film Slumdog Millionaire.

The Basics

Although Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is a working railway station, with thousands of passengers passing through every day, many people come simply to check out its ornate exterior, which features a jungle theme covered with monkeys, peacocks, and other critters. (There was once a statue of Queen Victoria on the central dome, but it's since been removed.) It's an easy spot to visit on your own, but a tour guide can point out intricacies in the architecture that you might not otherwise notice.

Things to Know Before You Go

You may be asked to present a ticket before entering the station.
Photographers should bring a good wide-angle lens to get the best shot.
The station is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to the railway station is, naturally, by train, and there are connections from all around the country. However, if you’re already in Mumbai you may be more interested in seeing the exterior than stepping inside; fortunately, many tours stop here and if you’re taking a taxi to Colaba or anywhere south of the station, you’ll likely drive right by.

When to Get There

The railway station, a year-round attraction, is beautiful both day and night, so there's really no ideal time to visit. However, weather may play a role in when you come; Mumbai is best avoided in its damp monsoon season and can be too hot for some people's comfort between April and June.

Indo-Saracenic Architecture Around the World

While Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of the world's most important examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture, it's certainly not the only one. The style is found across India, from the Madras High Court in Chennai to the Albert Hall in Jaipur. It even crops up outside of the Subcontinent from time to time, in spots like the Brighton Pavilion in England and the Old Town Hall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

India

From $ 11

Babulnath Temple

Babulnath Temple is one of the oldest places of worship in Mumbai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Great God, the 18th-century temple is a peaceful place full of limestone and marble where figures from Hindu mythology are intricately carved into the interior.

Overlooking Chowpatty Beach atop a small hill in South Mumbai, Babulnath Temple was built in 1780 after five buried idols were discovered in the area. Come on Mondays to see devotees of Shiva come to obtain blessings at this holy site. Pilgrims also flock to Babulnath Temple for the annual Maha Shivratri (Great Night of Shiva) Festival. Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the night before a new moon because it’s said that Lord Shiva saved the world from darkness and sin — a darkness symbolized by the new moon.

Practical Info

Opposite Bombay International School on Babulnath Road in the ritzy Malabar Hill district, Babulnath Temple is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5am to 10:30pm. Hours are extended to 4:30am to 11.30pm on Mondays for Somvar, the auspicious day of Lord Shiva when most devotees visit. If you don’t fancy making the pilgrimage up the hundreds of steps that will take you up to this sacred site, the elevator (halfway up the hill) to the temple costs 2 rupees.

16 Babulnath Road, Mumbai, India

From $ 58

Crawford Market

Also known as Mahatma Jyobita Phule, Crawford Market, the largest market in Mumbai, is an incredible place to shop for food and household goods, take photos, or simply wander around people watching. It's also not a bad place to try local snacks, as there are myriad street-food stalls serving up all sorts of treats.

The Basics

Crawford Market occupies a huge old building dating back to 1869 that features a blend of Norman and Flemish architecture; in 1882, this was the first building in India to get electric lighting. A frieze on the exterior was designed by Rudyard Kipling's father, and the interiors are full of stalls and shops selling all sorts of everyday goods. Although it’s fun to lose yourself in the many lanes and stalls here, bringing a guide or going with a tour is never a bad idea, particularly if you want to ask questions about what you’re seeing.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk.
Bargaining for housewares and decor is acceptable, but you may not want to bother if you’re just buying fruits and vegetables.
Always ask before taking photos.
The meat section of the market is gory, and sensitive travelers or those with kids may want to avoid it.

How to Get There

Crawford Market is located in the heart of central Mumbai, a 10-minute walk north of Fashion Street and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the main railway station. Most major South Mumbai attractions are within a 15-minute drive or auto-rickshaw ride of the market. Once you arrive, be prepared to do a lot of walking.

When to Get There

The market is open every day from around 9 or 10 am to 8 pm, except on Sundays, when it's usually closed. It's best to arrive first thing in the day if you want to score good deals; in fact, being the first customer is considered auspicious. It's at its most crowded in the evening, when locals visit after work.

Indian Mangoes

If you happen to be visiting the market during mango season, which starts in April and goes on until June, you’ll have a blast at Crawford Market. Here you'll find all sorts of varieties of India's national fruit. It's definitely worth splurging for some expensive, but incredibly delicious, Alphonso mangoes, which are considered the king of all mangoes.

Lokmanya Tilak Road, Mumbai, India

From $ 18

Churchgate

South Mumbai’s exclusive Churchgate district is home to some of the city’s most iconic sites, including Elephanta Caves, the Gateway of India, and Rajabai Tower. Facing the Arabian Sea and dominated by the mile-long Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate is home to many of Mumbai’s most prestigious companies and organizations, including the offices of the High Court.

But what’s in a name? Well, the island of Bombay was first in the possession of the Portuguese, and when their national princess, Catherine Braganza, married King Charles II of England in 1661, Portugal needed to stump up an impressive dowry. In fact, they ended up giving away the whole of Bombay as a gift. The British, in turn, leased the area to the East India Company who decided that a fort was necessary to protect the precious city. Completed in the 1720s, the high city walls had three entrance gates, one of which was Churchgate to the south. This gate was named after St. Thomas Cathedral, which you can still see today.

A hundred years after the city walls were built, however, it was decided that such boundaries were suffocating the growth of the city, and so in 1860 they were torn down. Today, the grand Flora Fountain commemorates the original site of Churchgate. Built in 1864, you can visit this heritage site on Veer Nariman Street.

Practical Info

In South Mumbai, the Churchgate neighborhood is easy to get to. Just take the Western line to Churchgate railway station, a major terminus on Maharshi Karve Road. St. Thomas Cathedral is a half kilometer from the railway station.

Mumbai, India

From $ 35

Chowpatty Beach

One of the top spots to watch the sunset in Mumbai, Chowpatty Beach is a busy expanse of sand and sea that's fun to visit, day or night. People watching is one of the main draws here, because this beach attracts Mumbai residents from all walks of life, from multigenerational families to canoodling couples.

The Basics

Though Chowpatty Beach is more about strolling than sunbathing, it's a fun spot to walk around, especially at dusk when the beach fills up with locals taking evening strolls and vendors selling everything from food to LED toys. It’s a popular spot on night tours of the city, and with its numerous food stalls and wandering snack merchants, the beach makes for a great place to try out street food.

Things to Know Before You Go

Don’t forget sunscreen and a parasol or a hat if you’re visiting during the day.
Wear comfortable shoes or beach-friendly flip-flops, and be prepared for plenty of walking.
The beach isn’t very clean, so it’s less than ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Modest clothes are the norm in India, and women should stick to 1-piece swimsuits or put T-shirts over bikinis out of respect for local culture.

How to Get There

Chowpatty Beach is located on Marine Drive. It’s just north of South Mumbai's Colaba neighborhood, about 15 minutes’ drive from the Gateway of India and less than 10 minutes from Fashion Street. It’s a 15-minute walk south of the Hanging Gardens. The nearest municipal railway station is on Charni Road, a 5-minute walk from the sand.

When to Get There

Chowpatty Beach is fun to explore anytime, but it’s at its most animated around sunset, when people of all ages crowd onto the beach to watch the sunset. If you are in Mumbai for the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations (September or October) and don't mind crowds, it can be worth coming to the beach to watch tens of thousands of pilgrims parade idols of the elephant-headed god Ganesh down to the sea.

Bhelpuri: The Quintessential Chowpatty snack

Chowpatty beach is famous for its bhelpuri, a popular Indian street-food snack made of puffed rice mixed with chopped onions and tomatoes, spices, and chutney, and usually topped with fresh coriander and sev (tiny crisp noodles made from chickpea flour) along with chaat masala spice mix and a squeeze of lemon. Hawkers sell this popular treat all over the beach, often in cones made from recycled newsprint.

India

From $ 18

Bhaja Caves

The Bhaja Caves are located in a hill station in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. These Buddhist shrines were carved out of the mountain face here as far back as the 2nd century BC, providing a fascinating insight into Buddhist culture at that time.

The Bhaja Caves share architectural features with the Karla Caves situated nearby, but are usually less busy to stroll around and explore. The most impressive feature of the Bhaja Caves is its large chaitya (prayer hall), believed to be one of the earliest of its type and featuring a horseshoe-shaped entrance and depictions of Indian mythology.

Also of interest at the caves are the numerous stupas situated both inside and outside. These are the relics of resident monks who died at Bhaja and their names and respective titles are inscribed upon them.

Practical Info

The Bhaja Caves are located in Maharashtra, approximately a two-hour drive from Mumbai. While many choose to visit the Bhaja Caves as part of a day tour from Mumbai, thereby also taking in the other significant caves in the area, they can also be reached via public transport; frequent local buses run from nearby Lonavala to the Karla and Bhaja caves, with the first of the day leaving at 6am.

Maharashtra, India

From $ 75

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves are among the most beautiful, historically significant attractions in Mumbai. Situated on an island off the coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features multiple rock-hewn cave temples and statues dating back to around the 7th century AD, including a celebrated statue of Shiva in his three-faced form.

The Basics

There are two groups of caves at the site: one featuring five caves dedicated to Hindu deities, and a second group with two Buddhist shrines. While there's a lot of debate about the true origins of the caves, there are elements of South Indian Badami Chalukya architecture as well as architectural styles from the Gupta Empire.

Many city tours come to the island, and going with a guide can help you make sense of the caves, as the signage here isn’t the greatest.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Elephanta Caves are a must-visit for those with an interest in history, art, or religion.
Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
Beware of naughty monkeys, particularly on the stairs leading up to the attraction.
This attraction is not suitable for those with compromised mobility, and accessing it requires climbing lots of steps.

How to Get There

Elephanta Island is located in the Mumbai Harbour, about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) northeast of the Gateway of India monument, from which boats to the attraction depart. Once on the island, travelers can take a miniature train up to a tall, steep set of stairs that lead up to the monument.

When to Get There

The caves are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm. It's best to get there first thing in the morning to beat crowds and hot temperatures, but if you come in the evening, try to get on the last boat of the day, when things have quieted down. Note that visiting during monsoon season may make for a choppier boat ride to the island and back.

Monkey Business

You may see lots of monkeys while on the island (and all over India, in general, especially in rural areas). On Elephanta Island, you’re most likely to encounter them on the stairs leading up to the monument, and they can be aggressive and carry disease. Do not feed them, and keep an eye on any possessions you may have, from food to the eyeglasses on your head, as they are known to pickpocket the inattentive.

India

Varies

From $ 39

Dharavi Slum

Made famous by the movie Slumdog Millionaire, the Mumbai slum of Dharavi is one of the largest informal settlements in the world. The 500-acre district, established in the center of the city in the 1880s during the British colonial era, is home to a tight-knit community of about a million, many of whom produce textiles, leather crafts, and handmade pottery for a thriving informal economy.

The Basics

Wander the narrow pathways between sheet iron structures in Dharavi to gain insight into the melting pot that is one of the world’s largest slums, home to many small-scale industries. While educational, a walk through the quarter may be overwhelming for outsiders, so it’s best to visit the slum with a local English-speaking guide who can highlight the experience with context and insight into daily life and show how residents use their ingenuity and creativity to reside in an otherwise challenging socioeconomic environment. Choose a private or small-group walking tour of the slum, or visit as part of a Mumbai sightseeing tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

This neighborhood offers travelers the opportunity to learn about the history of the area and gain a well-rounded understanding of Mumbai.
Proceeds from Dharavi tours of the slum often go back to the local community.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.

How to Get There

Dharavi is situated in the northern suburbs of Mumbai between the Western and Central Railways lines. While it’s possible to visit the area independently, it’s quite easy to get lost in the maze of streets and narrow alleys, so it’s much safer to visit with a tour guide.

When to Get There

The most pleasant time to visit Dharavi Slum (and Mumbai as a whole) is during winter, from November to February, when the weather is mild and dry. Expect temperatures upwards of 100°F (38°C) in May, and frequent—sometimes continuous—rainfall during July and August monsoons.

A Note on the Ethics of Slum Tourism

We are sensitive to the issues and concerns surrounding slums, and we understand that tours of them may not be suitable for everyone. We strongly believe that these tours are educational and allow for a better understanding of Indian life inside Dharavi.

Dharavi, Mumbai, India

From $ 9

Colaba

At the southernmost tip of Mumbai, Colaba is a charming old neighborhood filled with colonial-era buildings, busy cafés, vibrant markets, and hotels for all budgets. It's one of the best parts of town to go for a stroll, and the craft stalls that line the main road ensure that most travelers won't leave empty-handed.

The Basics

Before a massive land reclamation project that unified the former islands of Bombay, Colaba was an island unto itself. It was held under Portuguese rule from 1534 through 1762 when the island was handed over to the British, who built many of the stately old buildings. Quite a few of the historic structures remain, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (c. 1903) and the clubhouse of the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, built in 1881.

Colaba can be enjoyed as part of a special walking tour of this charming neighborhood, or as part of a larger exploration of Mumbai.

Things to Know Before You Go

Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and carry water, particularly if you’re strolling around during the heat of midday.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for plenty of walking.
Remember to bargain hard when shopping at roadside stalls, but note that regular shops usually have fixed prices.

How to Get There

Colaba is located in South Mumbai, close to the southernmost tip. It’s about an hour’s drive from the airport or a 10-minute drive from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The area is walkable, and if you plan to explore the market, it’s a good idea to ask your taxi or auto-rickshaw driver to drop you off near the Gateway of India, so you can walk the rest of the way.

When to Get There

Colaba is busy throughout the year, though outdoor attractions in Mumbai are better avoided during the hot months of April to June and during the monsoon season of July and August. The market is open well into the evening every day, and travelers who come to shop first thing in the morning can often get "lucky first customer" deals.

Parsi Cafés

Mumbai is well-known for its Parsi cafés, Persian-style eateries run by Zoroastrian people from Iran. These cafés were in their heyday in the 1950s, particularly in Mumbai and Hyderabad, but those that survive today are still popular with foodies and anyone with a sense of nostalgia. One of the most famous is Leopold Cafe and Bar (on Colaba Causeway), which dates back to 1871.

India

From $ 38

Bombay High Court

South Mumbai is full of beautiful Gothic-revival architecture, and the Bombay High Court is one of the city's best examples. Dating to the 1870s, the courthouse features two octagonal towers. Visitors are allowed inside and may even sit in on court cases, but most just come to view the architecture from the outside.

The Basics

Bombay High Court is one of the oldest high courts in the country. While the court itself may be of interest to law buffs, it’s the architecture that attracts most visitors; the 19th-century building is part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Bombay High Court is a stop on some full-day tours of Mumbai, as well as on tours focused on the city’s architecture and colonial heritage. Most tours stop outside the building rather than leading participants inside, but you can enter independently.

Things to Know Before You Go

Admission to the Bombay High Court is free, and visitors may sit in on court cases.
Visitors must pass through security to enter, and cameras are not allowed inside.
The courthouse is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Bombay High Court is located in South Mumbai's most touristy area, sandwiched between the Colaba and Fort neighborhoods and overlooking the Oval Maidan, a popular cricket ground. It's about a 15-minute walk from the Gateway of India and only five minutes from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station (aka Victoria Terminus).

When to Get There

Bombay High Court is open weekdays throughout the year, and entrance is free. However, many visitors come just to see the architecture from the outside, in which case it’s often best visited in the early morning when temperatures are cooler or after dark, when the building is illuminated with soft flood lighting.

The Sculptures of Bombay High Court

Bombay High Court is full of interesting sculptural work, including life-size statues of Justice and Mercy and tucked-away depictions of forest creatures. There's also a sculpture of a monkey holding the scales of justice unevenly; according to legend, an Indian subcontractor working on the building sued the English contractors for money they owed him. He lost and added the monkey in retaliation.

High Court Building, Dr Kane Road, Fort Mumbai, Maharashtra 400032, India

From $ 34

Adlabs Imagica

Adlabs Imagica, located outside of Mumbai, is an international standard theme park with 21 rides and attractions spread across various themed zones. Adrenaline junkies have three coasters to choose from, including India’s biggest roller coaster as well as a space-themed dark coaster. The park also has a vertical drop ride and a giant rotating pendulum to satisfy thrill seekers.

Bumper boats, spinning tea cups, dark rides, a flume and a 4D motion simulator cater to visitors of all ages, while little ones will find their own selection of pint-sized attractions. In-park dining options include everything from an Indian buffet to an American diner. Adlabs Imagica is also home to a waterpark and India’s largest snow park.

Practical Info

For an additional fee, you can take an air-conditioned bus directly to the park and back from Mumbai, Pune or Thane.

Khopoli-Pali Road, SH 92, Mumbai 410206, India

9:30am to 8pm

1,999 rupee

From $ 17

Bombay Panjrapole

Bombay Panjrapole is easy to miss among the bustling bazaars and crowded lanes of the Bhuleshwar neighborhood, but once you find it, the shelter's bright blue exterior is unforgettable—as are the sprawling two acres that house about 300 cows and an array of various other animals, including donkeys, hens, birds, dogs, goats, and even ducks and parrots.

Dating back to the 1830s, the shelters takes in the stray and unwanted animals of Mumbai. The site was first established as a response to a British decree that all dogs and pigs on the streets of Bombay should be killed, and although it's thought that cows were only brought in later to provide milk, they have become the main attraction, outnumbering all of the other animals.

A charitable trust and non-profit institution, Bombay Panjrapole allows visitors to wander the shelter, pet the cows, and, for a small donation, feed them some greens. The site is a strangely peaceful and spacious haven in the center of the crowded streets of Bhuleshwar.

Practical Info

With an entrance down an ordinary lane surrounded by shops, Bombay Panjrapole is located in the Panjrapole Compound on Panjarapole Road in Bhuleshwa near the Madhav Baug Post Office. It's open from 7am until 6pm daily but closes for an hour at lunch.

Panjarapole Road, Mumbai, India

7am-6pm daily, closed for an hour at lunch

From $ 18

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) is one of the most prestigious and extensive art and history museums in India. Located near the Gateway of India in South Mumbai, the museum is set in a domed Grade I Heritage listed building, built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style.

The museum itself is home to an impressive collection of more than 60,000 artifacts, encouraging visitors to take a journey through India’s rich history and varied culture. Its vast collection includes such items as ancient artefacts from the Indus Valley Civilization and some spectacular Hindu and Buddhist sculptures.

As well as its permanent collection and rotating exhibits, CSMVS hosts regular cultural activities and educational programmes. There’s a cafe at the building’s entrance, as well as an excellent museum shop.

Practical Info

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is located at 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road in South Mumbai. The museum is open daily from 10:15am to 6pm.

159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mumbai, India

Open daily from 10:15am to 6pm

Adults: 300 rupees

From $ 28

Banganga Tank

In the heart of Mumbai’s most exclusive district, Banganga Tank is one of the oldest and holiest sites in the city. First built in 1127 AD during the Silhara dynasty, this natural freshwater spring is surrounded by the stone-turreted temples and colorful shrines of Walkeshwar Temple Complex. As you sit on the pool’s surrounding steps, notice the wooden pole which appears like an arrow in the middle of the water. Said to point to the center of the earth, legend has it that, 5,000 years ago, while the Hindu god Ram was searching desperately for his kidnapped wife, Sita, he stopped at this spot and begged his brother Lakshmana for a little water. Lakshmana threw an arrow into the ground, and immediately an eruption of water burst forth.

Said to be a tributary of the Ganges, which flows 1,000 miles away, on a visit to Banganga Tank you may well see religious pilgrims bathing themselves in the spiritual healing waters. An especially good time to visit Banganga Tank is in January, when the annual two-day Banganga Festival celebrates classical music performed by Indian musicians from across the country.

Practical Info

On the southern tip of Malabar Hill, in Walkeshwar Temple Complex, Banganga Tank and the temple complex is around a 10-minute walk from Walkeshwar Bus Depot. Entrance is free, and the holy site is open year-round.

Walkeshwar Road, Mumbai, India

Year-round

From $ 18