Gateway of India
Initially constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city, the iconic Gateway of India monument also happens to mark the spot from where British soldiers last departed India after centuries of colonial rule. It was designed by Scottish architect George Wittet and inspired by Indo-Islamic, Indian and Roman influences.
Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue
Established in 1884, the Knesset Eliyahoo Orthodox Jewish Synagogue is among the city’s oldest. Featuring a striking sky-blue façade and impressive Victorian stained glass, the synagogue was built under Jacob Elias Sassoon, the grandson of David Sassoon, who was a leader of the Jewish community in Bombay after emigrating from Baghdad while fleeing persecution.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Undoubtedly among the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus features stunning High Victorian Gothic and Indian architectural styles and is one of the country’s most famous railway stations. It’s a lively place and integral to Mumbai, so is a must-visit location for any visitor.
Elephanta Caves
Dating from the 5th century CE, the Elephanta Caves are a group of five Hindu and two Buddhist caves, some of which served as places of worship until the 1500s. They are located about 10 kilometers, or an hour’s ferry ride, into the Mumbai Harbour from the Gateway of India.
Haji Ali Dargah
The Haji Ali Dargah was built in 1431 in the memory of Sayyed Peer Jaji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy merchant from present-day Uzbekistan. After giving up all his worldly possessions to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, he traveled the world and eventually settled in Mumbai. The pristine white building is located on an isle off the coast of Worli, and is linked to the mainland by a narrow pathway that appears only during low-tide.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park isn’t just the largest park in the world located within city limits, but also one of Asia’s most visited. Dubbed the ‘lungs of the city’, this rich stretch of nature is home to diverse flora and fauna, including tiger and lion populations.
Mount Mary Church
Among the most historic churches in the city, Mount Mary’s Basilica was first built around 1570 and later rebuilt several times. The current edifice dates to 1904, but houses a statue of Mother Mary that is said to have been brought to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
The Taj Mahal Palace is much more than just a hotel: it is among Mumbai’s most celebrated landmarks. Built in 1903, the iconic dome served as the first clear marker of the Bombay Harbour until the Gateway of India was built next to it, a couple of decades later. More than a century after its construction, the hotel continues to remain one of the finest in the country.
Global Vipassana Pagoda
With the world’s largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars, the Global Vipassana Pagoda is among Mumbai’s most striking architectural works. Modeled after the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, this massive pagoda was built to express gratitude to Gautama Buddha, and to serve as a reminder of his teachings.
The Town Hall
Its stunning neoclassical architecture notwithstanding, this historic building houses the Asiatic Society of Mumbai whose library is home to one of the two known original copies of Dante’s Divine Comedy, as well as 13th century Sanskrit texts. Built in 1833, the Town Hall is among South Mumbai’s highlights.