Greetings fellow wanderers, Karan Mudaliar is here.

I’m your enthusiastic guide to the enchanting city that pulses with life and stories. I’m excited to share a detailed travel guide for anyone planning to visit Mumbai in the future.

Mumbai is India’s financial hub, with impressive infrastructure and a rich lifestyle. But it’s more than that. It’s the city of dreams, hard working people, and delicious street food. Let me guide you on how to travel around, what to eat, and places to see.

Top-Tier Accommodation Suggestions for Mumbai:

Many travellers prefer to stay in South Mumbai. It has grand colonial-era buildings and an impressive Art Deco heritage. Also, Mumbai has the second-largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world, after Miami. Moreover, walking from Fort and Colaba to Marine Drive felt like going from Cambridge to Miami.

Luxury Seeker:

• The Lalit Mumbai Airport
• Trident Bandra Kurla
• ITC Grand Central, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Mumbai
• Holiday Inn
• JW Marriott Mumbai, Juhu

Budget Traveller:

• Hotel Time Square
• FabHotel Admiral
• Elite Continental
• Residency Park
• Rang Sharda

Iconic and must-see sights in South Mumbai:

• Gateway of India 

The Gateway of India is a stunning arch monument in Mumbai, completed in 1924. Located on the waterfront, it commemorates the visit of King George V in 1911. Marking the first visit by a British monarch to India. Also, designed by architect George Wittet in the Indo-Islamic style with Gujarati influences It stands 26 metres (85 feet) tall and is built from basalt. Moreover, this iconic structure is a frequent backdrop in Bollywood films.

• Marine Drive, or Nariman Point 

Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s Necklace, is a 3-kilometre-long promenade in Mumbai, offering stunning sea views and sunsets. Best visited in the evening or at night, the streetlights resemble a string of pearls. Also, it’s a favourite spot for locals and celebrities, including stars like Shahrukh Khan during their struggling days.

• Girgaon Chowpatty

It is a popular beach in Mumbai, near Marine Drive and close to Charni Road station. Famous for Ganesh Visarjan, it attracts thousands during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival for idol immersion. Also, during Navratri, it hosts Ramlila performances and the burning of Ravana’s effigy on Vijayadashami.

• Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Museum) 

It is located on Laburnum Road in Mumbai and is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. It was Gandhi’s hub for political activities from 1917 to 1934. Hosting key movements like Non-Cooperation and Satyagraha. Also, the mansion belonged to Gandhi’s friend, Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri. Notable visitors include Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1950s and Barack Obama in 2010.

• Babulnath Temple

It is a temple in Mumbai that is an ancient Shiva temple atop a hillock near Girgaum Chowpatty. It’s among the oldest in the city. Devotees climb to seek blessings from the Shivling. An elevator is available for convenience. During Mahashivratri, it sees lakhs of visitors. Also, the temple’s origins trace back to the 12th century, under King Bhimdev. Moreover, the idols were lost and later rediscovered between 1700 and 1780. Historical texts have limited mentions due to yogis frequenting the temple for quiet meditation near the Shivling’s vibrations.

• Hanging Garden

It is a garden in Mumbai that sits atop Malabar Hill. Offering terraced beauty and stunning sunset vistas over the Arabian Sea. Designed in 1881 by Ulhas Ghapokar, they cover Bombay’s main reservoir and feature a walkway spelling out “PMG” from above. Among its attractions is the iconic Shoe House, reminiscent of a character from children’s rhymes.

• ISKCON Girgaon (32)

It is also known as Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple, which is a cherished spiritual destination in South Mumbai. Also, it’s a hub for Hare Krishna devotees dedicated to bhakti-yoga, or loving service to Krishna. For a memorable experience, visit the temple at 8:30 p.m. to witness the divine blessings of Radhe Krishna.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

CSMVS, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. It is a Mumbai museum showcasing India’s history from ancient times. Established in the early 20th century to honour the Prince of Wales, it’s situated near the Gateway of India. Renamed in 1998 after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It’s housed in a Grade I heritage building and is praised for its upkeep.

• Mahalaxmi Temple 

This Temple devotes to Mahalakshmi, the central deity of Devi Mahatmyam. Built in 1831 by Dhakji Dadaji, it’s one of the city’s most renowned temples.

• Mumba Devi Temple 

It is an ancient temple devotes to the goddess Mumba, the local incarnation of Devi. Mumba Devi is the city’s goddess, and the name “Mumbai ” comes from her.

• Haji Ali Dargah

It is a mosque and monument to Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, situated on an islet off the Worli coast. Also, it’s a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture and houses the tomb of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a Sufi saint and wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan. Also, known for the legends of doomed lovers, it’s a prominent landmark near Mumbai’s centre.

• Jahangir Art Gallery 

It was founded in 1952 by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, at the encouragement of K. K. Hebbar and Homi Bhabha, and is located in the Fort area at Kala Ghoda. Also, fully funded by Cowasji Jehangir, it’s managed by the Committee of Management.

Unveiling Mumbai’s Perfect Season:

The best time to visit Mumbai is during the dry season, from November to February. Also, the weather is pleasant during this time, with mild temperatures and low humidity. Even  Mumbai is a popular tourist destination year-round, so you can expect crowds no matter when you visit.

Mumbai Packing List:

• Pack light, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing.
• Also, keep comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of sightseeing on foot.
• Moreover, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Likewise, keep a water bottle and snacks while travelling.

Savour the flavours of Mumbai. South Bombay’s Diverse Delights:

• Khau Gallis, or food lanes, bustle from lunch to late at night with carts serving up tasty, affordable eats. Also, it’s a prime spot for people-watching, with locals enjoying shawarma and grilled Bombay sandwiches.
• Aram Vada Pav, a famous joint in Mumbai near CST Railway Station. Also, it has been serving delicious Maharashtrian fast food for over 30 years. Moreover, their vada pav is huge and incredibly tasty, making it a must-try if you’re in the area.
• Leopold Cafe & Bar in Mumbai’s Colaba area, opposite the Colaba Police station, gained fame as a site of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
• Pancham Puriwala started as a puri-bhaji stall by Pancham Sharma in the 1840s near Victoria Terminus. Today, it’s a bustling eatery offering North Indian delights. Also, their must-try puri-bhaji plate includes plain, stuffed, and spinach puris with a variety of curry sides like potato, chickpeas, and mixed vegetables.
• Bademiya started in 1946 as a makeshift seekh kabab counter by Mohammad Yaseen. Today, it’s an iconic food stall and restaurant chain in Mumbai, with multiple outlets and a permanent stall at its original location. Also, It’s a must-visit landmark and tourist attraction in the city.

Tips for Travellers :

• Plan your travel to avoid getting stuck in jams.
• Also, Mumbai’s weather can be humid, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Moreover, be sure to bargain when shopping at markets.
• Even keep your belongings secure and be mindful of pickpockets.
• Furthermore, Mumbai’s weather can be unpredictable. Even expect heavy rainfall and carry umbrellas or raincoats.

So, fellow wanderers, are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Mumbai? Pack your bags, sharpen your senses, and get ready to unravel the myriad marvels of this vibrant metropolis.

Discover captivating travel tales at https://sowl.in/stories. Ignite your wanderlust and embark on unforgettable journeys.

Bon voyage, adventurers!!!