(content by Amy J)
Mumbai, also known as the City of Dreams is India’s financial capital. People flock to this part of India to fulfil their dreams and make a name in the thriving Bollywood film industry. Mumbai does not have beautiful valleys and forests to boast about but if you want to visit an urban city that breathes life, you have to visit on a trip to Mumbai. So, make sure to secure your tickets here with direct flights from Singapore to Mumbai!
Though a metropolitan city, there is a blend of contrasting tales to see in Mumbai. It houses some of the largest slums on one hand and has one of the most expensive homes on the other. The city’s glamour quotient is unparalleled. Mumbai travel guide is incomplete if you do not treat yourself to the spicy street food.
Here are a few places that you should visit in the city-
1. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
This is the most iconic hotels in Mumbai. It was built by Parsi industrialist JN Tata, way back in 1903. The wide and grand facade of the building depicts a strong element of European architecture. The hotel had gained precedent worldwide when terrorists had gunned down hundreds inside the hotel, during the horrendous 26/11 terrorist attacks in 2008. The renovated hotel was opened again in 2010 on Independence Day. If you are feeling uncomfortable staying here, fret not as there are always other hotels readily available!
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Named after the valorous Marathi warrior, Shivaji Maharaj, the train station is one of the busiest in India. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is designed on the Victorian Gothic style concept. The structure boasts of spires, domes and glass panes that portrays an effulge of Hindu and Victorian architecture.
3. Marine Drive
This 3.6 km road in South Mumbai is one of the most popular landmarks in the city. It forms an arc shaped street that has its coastline adjoining the Arabian Sea. Marine Drive is the best place to see the sunset or take a stroll along the concrete walkway. Every trip to Mumbai is incomplete without a visit to this place. It truly comes alive during the late hours of the night.
4. ISKCON Temple
India is home to one of the most ancient civilisations. Here the people breath and live by their culture and traditions. If you want to experience a high devotional climate, you have to visit the Iskcon temple in Juhu. The founder of the Hare Krishna movement, Swami Prabhupada had spent a lot of his time here. The soulful singing is something that you should definitely not miss when you visit the temple
5. Gateway of India
Built in honour of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, this monument is adjacent to the Taj Mahal Hotel. The cool breeze and sea side setting will leave you overwhelmed. For the best experience visit this place in the evening and take a ferry ride to capture the perfect moment. Birds flying against the backdrop of blue sky and cool sea will captivate your mind, making it a popular destination for Mumbai travel guide.
6. Street Food
Mumbai experience is incomplete if you do not eat street food. You have such a wide variety of delicacies to try – Vada Paw, Bhelpuri, Paw Bhaji, Samosa and Chola, White Biryani, etc. The spicy food will leave your mouth watering and give you a run for water. But you will still not stop wanting for more!
