5 Memorable Things to Do in Mumbai
Popularly known as a city that does not sleep, Mumbai, the financial capital of India, constantly pulsates with life. Formerly known as Bombay, it offers a perfect glimpse of its past legacy while amazing you with its modernity. So, while you may witness many World Heritage Sites, you also get to enjoy the Marine Drive facing the Arabian Sea, and the breathtaking views of the over 5-kilometre-long Sea Link. Mumbai mesmerizes you with its culture and cuisine, encapsulating India in a nutshell.
Sailing Near the Gateway of India
The cool breeze from the Arabian Sea, with the Mumbai shoreline as the backdrop, makes sailing one of the most sought-after activities in Mumbai. With the pickup point just opposite the magnificent Gateway Of India, you can experience Mumbai’s beauty in all its glory. As you sail away from the teeming crowd into the calmness of the Arabian Sea, with the sun setting down on you, you can witness the harmony between the city and nature. From private yachts to sailboats, this experience is the perfect way to explore the city from a distance. The services are available from 7 in the morning to 10 at night, giving you a wide timeline. Enjoy a motorboat ride that transports you from the jetty to your yacht, and then ride the waves with a trained sailor as you drift away from the humdrum of urban cacophony to enjoy the unending beauty of the azure sea.
The Taj Palace Hotel
If luxury had a landmark, the Taj Palace, situated in the most historic location in Mumbai, would be worth reckoning with. With unmatched opulence and spellbinding views of the historic Gateway Of India and the Arabian Sea, this edifice has transcended from being a hospitality giant to a place of historic proportions. Having hosted almost everyone from royalty to dignitaries, heads of state, and celebrities, the Taj Palace is the perfect place for a meal worth remembering.
Experience fine dining in style as you are presented with delectable cuisines from India and around the world. Order authentic Indian cuisine at Masala Kraft, or savour Japanese dishes at Wasabi by Morimoto. Taste exquisite Eastern Mediterranean food at Souk and savour Chinese delicacies at Golden Dragon. Alternatively, spend the day at Shamiana and choose from their exotic range of sumptuous desserts at La Patisserie. You can also enjoy the spread at Aquarius, the poolside restaurant, or visit the signature Harbour Bar and let the good times roll. For unique experiences, you can indulge in afternoon tea at Sea Lounge or enjoy private dining at the Chef’s Studio, making every meal a celebration to remember.
Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
A trip to Mumbai offers experiences that are unique in many ways, including a visit to Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundromat. What started in the British era is still something that Mumbai has kept alive and thriving. Hundreds of washermen, women, and their families clean the city’s dirty linen in synchronized chaos, creating an unforgettable experience for tourists. Loads of laundry from all over the city are brought here, where manual flogging, rinsing, and drying occur with unimaginable ease and finesse. The colourful tapestry of clothes drying is a sight to behold, and it is amazing how even the most mundane of things can leave a lasting impression of beauty.
Marine Drive
They say Marine Drive is where the sea comes to kiss the bustling city of Mumbai, almost in an attempt to pause it. This C-shaped concrete promenade started out as a Back Bay Reclamation project undertaken by the British Government to extend the city on the western side. Ever since its completion in the 1930s, it has become one of Mumbai’s iconic landmarks. The promenade attracts people from all walks of life to breathe in the sea breeze, sit along the sides, have a chat with a friend, or even melt in the embrace of love. This place embodies the emotion of Mumbai. At night the street lights illuminate the Mumbai skyline, resembling a string of sparkling jewels, rightfully earning the name the ‘Queen’s Necklace’.
Elephanta Caves
Off the coast of Mumbai lies Elephanta Island, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its majestic cave temples. These temples represent a confluence of Hinduism and Buddhism, and their distinct sculptures are like poems chiselled in basalt. Among the innumerable sculptures, the magnificent 17-foot statue of the three-faced Lord Shiva is one of the most iconic. Dating back to the 5th and 9th centuries, there are 7 caves, with Cave 1 being the largest. A visit to Elephanta Island, just a short distance of 7 miles from Mumbai, is like a journey through time where one sails off from the bustling city to transcend into the glorious yesteryears of India at its cultural and spiritual zenith.