Previously known as Bombay, Mumbai is the largest city in India and the capital of the state of Maharashtra. Originally, this cosmopolitan metropolis was a conglomeration of 7 islands on the coastline of Konkan that joined to form the island city. It was then joined with the neighboring Salsette Island to form Greater Bombay. It is one of India’s predominant port cities and the country’s commercial capital, with its most notable feature as being the home of Bollywood and the center of the Hindi TV and film industries.
Sightseeing destinations in Mumbai
If you are gearing up for a trip to Mumbai, then you should brace yourself for a challenging experience. This does not mean that it is a threatening place, but rather one with a furious energy, accompanied with pollution and limited public transport. First, you can go to the city’s center, which contains some of the world’s grandest colonial-era structures, as well as hidden temples, unique bazaars, hipster enclaves, premier restaurants and great nightlife hubs. Moreover, the city has some of the biggest slums in Asia (though it is also where the world’s most expensive home is found) and the largest tropical forest you will find in an urban area.
Top tour activities in Mumbai
There is a lot of things to do in this grand city, but the following should top your list.
- Go on a camping adventure - The city offers easy access to a lot of safe and great camping grounds, such as the Tungarli Lake, Lonavala, Rajmachi, Valvan Lake, Mahableshwar, Kashid, Panchgani, Phansad and Rusticville, which particularly offers excellent hilltop camping.
- Experience Bollywood - You can plan a trip to enjoy a first-hand experience of Bollywood shooting or watch a popular and new Bollywood movie in a cinema and see fans whistling and clapping in admiration of their celebrities on screen.
- Take a slum tour - There are tours in the city that guides you to walk through Dharavi, which is one of the largest slums in Asia and the center of the city’s small-scale industry.
Top tour attractions in Mumbai
While you will find everything from Bollywood to beaches in Mumbai, there are attractions that you just cannot miss for a more memorable trip in the city.
- Gateway of India - This is regarded as the most recognized monument in the city, which was constructed to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to the place. As the first thing that visitors would see when approaching Mumbai by boat, it is a great place to begin exploring the city.
- Haji Ali - This imposing mosque and tomb was constructed in 1431 by the Sufi saint and wealthy Muslim merchant Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari; basically it contains his body. Situated off the seashore, you can only access it during a low tide through a long and narrow walkway.
- Elephanta Caves - These ancient rock-cut caves are definitely worth visiting, with the massive main cave devoted to Lord Shiva listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will find spectacular rock formations that attract tourists all year round.
Mumbai sightseeing tours and activities
There are plenty more to experience in this marvelous city, and to make sure you will have the best of them in your itinerary, check out all Mumbai sightseeing tours and activities here at La Vacanza Travel.