Mumbai, or the good old Bombay, whatever appeals to you. Arguably, the best city in India, is not only a land of opportunities, but can also charm travellers. Home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a beautiful coastline and a vibrant cosmo-culture, Mumbai is a traveller’s delight. People often find themselves in Mumbai for many reasons without realizing how good a travel destination it is. And then wonder, how to explore the megapolis in a short time! If you are one of them, find in this article the best places to visit in Mumbai in two days. {To read about other great cities of India, check out: Kolkata ||| Delhi}
From a group of seven islands with a small sea port in the 2nd century BC to one of the largest cities in the world, Mumbai has gone through a sea change over the centuries. Today, it’s a melting pot of various cultures, and perhaps, it’s the most cosmopolitan city of India. Over the years, the nature of the city has kept evolving with the change in guard. The cityscape, architecture, culture and food have kept changing, but not without leaving behind a piece of it. So, today the city is a kaleidoscope of cultures and heritage.
How does one describe Mumbai?
Mumbai has no ‘one’ narration about it. They call it by many names: “Maximum City” (Suketu Mehta), “the city that never sleeps”, “city of seven islands”, and the “city of dreams”. However, perhaps, “city of dreams” is what majority of Indians connect with more than any other. Indeed, for millions of Indians, Mumbai is the city of dreams. {Read about the European city of dreams: Florence}.
Be it making a career in the world of glamour (movies and fashion), or Finance, or just a little enterprise. Mumbai offers something to everyone who looks up to it. Every year thousands of young Indians come to the Maximum City in search of their future. And Mumbai disappoints very few!
My experiences in the Maximum City
I visited Mumbai for the first time quite some time ago, for an interview in my college days. Coming from a small town, I must say, I was overwhelmed by its sheer size and grandeur. I kept coming back to Mumbai later as a professional. About a decade ago, I actually lived in Mumbai for sometime for work. I used to live in north Mumbai, quite far from south Mumbai where all the best places lie.
I must confess that during the time I lived there, I didn’t quite like the city. Mainly because, I felt it was too crowded for my liking, and the traffic was incessant! For a stretch of 8 kms, it would sometime take me an hour to reach the office! Typically, on weekends, I would like to visit south Mumbai, because it’s where all the best places in Mumbai are. But it would take me forever to reach somewhere.
So, at last, getting bored of the traffic, I decided to quit Mumbai for a less crowded place. I thought, Mumbai is a great place to visit, but not to live in, unless you are in south Mumbai.
Nonetheless, my cherished memories of Mumbai include exploring the Gothic architecture, late-night stroll at Marine Drive, and the Elephanta cruises. I really love the old world vibes of Mumbai, especially in the Fort area. Apart from the monuments, the neighbourhoods in Mumbai are quite good, at most places.
Mumbai for Mumbaikars:
Contrary to my experience, it’s a very different feeling for the millions that call Mumbai home. Most Mumbaikars swear by their home city; they just love everything about it. For most Mumbaikars, Mumbai is not a place, but an emotion! As a traveller, I too love the city, for sure. Especially south Mumbai, basically the fort area. Its old world vibes, great architecture, the sea front, art and culture, and great culinary options appeal to me. So, I realize, in Mumbai, where you live matters the most (perhaps true for most metropolis).
Now, let me focus on my recommendations of the best places in Mumbai to visit in two days. Two days, because typically travellers have other works to do, and generally keep a day or two on hand for visiting only the best places in Mumbai.
Best places to visit in Mumbai in two days
From history to architecture, from culture to nature, Mumbai has a lot to offer to all the different types of travellers. In this article, I would first discuss the best places to visit in Mumbai, and then in the next part, will suggest an itinerary. So, let’s first have a look at the best places to visit in Mumbai.
I. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mumbai is one of the cities with highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After Cordoba (4) and London (4), it’s among the few cities to have three such sites. Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles. Undoubtedly, these are the best places to visit in Mumbai. Do you know, India has another city with three such sites? It’s Delhi. So, one mustn’t miss these three sites in Mumbai. {For similar another UNESCO heritage site, check out: Ayutthaya}
1. Elephanta Caves:
Undoubtedly, this is among the best places to visit in Mumbai, if you have only two days. Located on an isolated island, 13 kms away from mainland Mumbai, it’s a great place for a half-day trip.
Though its exact date of construction still remains a mystery, archeologists agree to a period between 2nd BC to 5th century AD. The first monuments that came up were Buddhist stupas, maybe in the Maurya/ Gupta period. However, the five major caves, devoted to Lord Shiva, are from 5th century AD, attributed to many Hindu Kings. One can visit similar prominent sites in India in Ajanta-Ellora, Bhubaneswar, and Gwalior.
I have been there twice. It was in monsoon 2009, I visited the Elephanta Caves for the first time with a close friend- Deepak. Though the caves looked similar to those of Bhubaneswar, the sculpture was at a much higher level. A few years later, I visited again; this time with Parina and Lina (sister). We had a great time exploring the caves, and soaking in the ancient vibes. I especially remember that visit for the beautiful sunset that we enjoyed from the boat while coming back.
What to expect at the caves:
The most impressive cave is the cave-1 that houses a stunning rock-cut, 23 feet high sculpture of Sadashiva, or Lord Shiva. It’s quite amazing how it has survived almost in its original shape all these years! However, not all the other sculptures are so lucky. Carved out of solid basalt rock, they are heavily damaged.
UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1987. To know more, here’s the link: Elephanta in UNESCO list.
Accessibility:
One can visit the Elephanta island from the Gateway of India by taking a 1 hour ferry cruise. The cruise itself is a lovely experience with hundreds of seagulls chasing your ferry through the ride. And from the ferry, one gets an amazing panoramic view of the Mumbai skyline and Marine Drive.
- Travel tip: It’s closed on Monday
- Ferry timings: First from Gateway: 9 AM, last: 3.30 PM; last from Elephanta: 5.30 PM.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT):
One of the most beautiful railway stations in the world, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. I have seen a few of these beautiful stations, like the ones in London, Paris, Milan and Amsterdam. But I found none better than this one. Owing to its grandeur and beauty, it entered the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2004 (read: CSMT in UNESCO).
Built in 1887 by the then British rulers, designed by F. W. Stevens, it was previously known as Victoria Terminus. Even though the name has been changed, Mumbaikars still call it “VT”, short for “Victoria Terminus”.
With 18 platforms, CSMT is one of the largest, and busiest railway terminus in India. While travelling across south Mumbai, it’s difficult to miss the enormous building, anytime of the day. However, it looks its best under evening lights. Impressive domes, huge spires and marble statues make the station look really grand.
3. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensembles:
Mumbai can get rid of its colonial name, but not its colonial architecture. In fact, today they are the most venerable symbols of Mumbai. When the British were building the city in the 19th century, they wanted to make it the ‘first city of India’. And the architecture they chose was Victorian Gothic, or Neo-Gothic style. Art Deco style came a little late, in the 20th century.
In my earlier days of travelling in Mumbai, I used to notice three types of impressive buildings. First the modern-day buildings in glass and steel; second, older, classic, plain looking buildings; and third, older, ornamental buildings. Little did I realize then that the older, heritage buildings have characters of their own. While the plain heritage buildings are called the art-deco style, the ornamental heritage buildings are called gothic style. Since I’m no expert in architecture, here are links to know more about them: Art Deco ||| Gothic.
I’m sure, if you have been to Mumbai, you would have seen Mumbai this way. Knowing the characters of the buildings makes the experience so much better. When I understood these architecture styles a bit, I remember seeing Mumbai completely differently. One day, I just went around south Mumbai discovering all these buildings. They are mostly around the big oval maidan in the center of south Mumbai, and on the Marine Drive. So, one wouldn’t find it difficult to locate them.
Which are these buildings?
While most of the public buildings (like station, university, etc) were in Gothic style, private buildings were in Art Deco style. So, one would find a large number of Art Deco buildings around south Mumbai. In fact, as per estimates, Mumbai has the second-highest number of Art Deco buildings in the world, after Miami.
Have look at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation office, Mumbai University, Police HQ, Rajabai Clock Tower near the oval maidan. And then come to the Gateway of India, then proceed to the Marine Drive. You will be thrilled and mesmerized by their beauty.
Considering their universal value, UNESCO has granted them the status of a World Heritage Site in 2018. To know more, here’s the link: Mumbai- Gothic & Art Deco: UNESCO. For your convenience, here’s a comprehensive list of all the 94 impressive buildings: UNESCO precinct. If you want to explore the Gothic and Art Deco architecture in Mumbai, check out: Travel Buddies Guided Tour.
II. Gateway of India, Colaba, Marine Drive and Nariman Point
The Gateway of India and Colaba:
The most iconic symbol of Mumbai, the Gateway of India was built in 1924 to welcome King George-V. But ironically, George-V could never see it in person, since it was still under construction when he arrived! Coincidentally, this is the centenary year of its completion.
Made of basalt, standing 85 feet high, its an imposing structure by the sea. When it was built, it was actually used as a gate to enter the city, and thus, the name. However, now it serves as a pier for boats leaving for Elephanta Caves.
Flanked by the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Arabian sea on each side, it’s a great photogenic location. Besides, a nice courtyard in front of it, and the sea front present a lovely ambiance. How can this be not anyone’s list of the best places to visit in Mumbai!
A little walk from the Gateway, is the Colaba market. It has amazing old world vibes with great shopping and culinary options. Crossing over from Colaba, one would come to the most popular hang out place in Mumbai: Marine Drive.
Marine Drive and Nariman Point:
The 3-km long seafront promenade stretches from the Nariman point in south to the Malabar Hill in north. With all the Art Deco buildings lined up on one side, Marine Drive is a delightful place to take a leisurely stroll. At night when all the lights come up, the crescent-shaped road looks like a necklace. Hence, it’s also popular as the Queen’s Necklace. At the south end, Nariman point is famous for its business district, cafes and restaurants. At the Malabar Hill end, one can visit the Girgaon Chowpatty/ Beach as well.
Men and women, young and old alike, everyone just loves this place. On most of my visits, I definitely try to spend an evening here. It feels at its charming best during the monsoon. People hanging out, sitting on the walls, or chairs facing the sea are a common sight. No trip to Mumbai is complete without visiting the Marine Drive! Absolutely among the must visit places in Mumbai.
III. Beaches of Mumbai
I am not a big fan of Mumbai’s beaches; they are blackish, dirty and crowded. But if you love beaches in general, and need to spend some time relaxing at the seashore, there are a few options. So, otherwise, they won’t find place in my list of best places to visit in Mumbai.
- Juhu Beach (Juhu): Especially famous for its Ganpati immersion festival. Maybe, you come across a celebrity here one evening!
- Versova Beach (Andheri): Contiguous to the Juhu beach, but it’s relatively less crowded. Popular for its big fish market, and fishing hamlet.
- Girgaum Chowpatty Beach (Girgaum, off Marine Drive): Popular as “Chowpatty”, this is the most touristy beach in Mumbai.
IV. Popular places of worship
If you are religious, or seek some spiritual solace, Mumbai has some good options. Unlike Hindu temples of India elsewhere, temples in Mumbai are not rich in architecture. However, the churches and mosques have beautiful architecture, especially the ones I have listed below.
- Mumba Devi Temple (Bhuleswar): The temple that lent Mumbai its name should be among the best places to visit in Mumbai. Respecting the local sensibilities, it’s good to wear modest dress. They don’t allow photography.
- Shree Mahalaxmi Temple (Bhulabhai Desai Road): After darshan, witness a great view of Mumbai skyline from its precincts. Here too, no photography.
- Siddhi Vinayak Temple (Prabhadevi): Devoted to Lord Ganesha. Again, no photography!
- Basilica of our Lady of the Mount, or simply Mount Mary Church (Bandra West): Perhaps the most beautiful church in Mumbai, in Gothic architecture style (1570 AD)
- St. Thomas’ Cathedral (Horniman Circle): Built in 1718 in Gothic architecture. In its earlier days, it used to be the center of Mumbai
- Mughal Masjid (Bhendi Bazaar): Built in 1860, by Haji Muhammed Hussain Shirazi, an Iranian merchant
- Haji Ali Dargah (Worli): Built in 1431, located on an islet, it houses the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.
Other interesting places to visit/ things to do in Mumbai
Two days are never enough to explore Mumbai’s best places, or experience all it has to offer. The list of places to visit/ things to do in Mumbai are the most popular ones. However, I wouldn’t know if someone is looking for things beyond this list. So, check out below a few more interesting places to visit/ things to do in Mumbai.
- Take a stroll around Kala Ghoda area, a nice market place with old world vibes
- Explore Mumbai’s Dhobi Ghats (washing areas); especially interesting for foreigners
- Dive deep into the largest slum in the world, Dharavi; especially interesting for foreigners
- See how Mumbai’s iconic Dabbawalas (lunch box suppliers) operate
- Chill out at Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Buddhist caves in its precincts
- Explore the Buddhist heritage site of Mahakali/ Kondavite caves
- Mumbai fort; only ruins exist now. But it offers a great view of the Bandra- Worli sea link, and the impressive Mumbai skyline
- If you love museums, visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalay.
Itinerary to cover the best places in Mumbai in two days
Since this itinerary is to visit the best places in Mumbai in two days, one should keep two full days on hand. So, it’s good to reach Mumbai on day-0. Keeping this in mind, here’s my suggestion:
- Day-0 evening: Reach Mumbai
- Day-1:
- First half: Start at Mumba Devi Temple (optional)
- Or, start the morning at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Then explore the other Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles around the Oval Maidan, and Fort area
- Second half: Siddhi Vinayak Temple; Mount Mary Church; end the day at Haji Ali Dargah. Or, choose your temples/ mosques/ churches (from the above list)
- Evening: Shop and eat in Fort area/ Colaba/ Kala Ghoda
- Day-2:
- First half: Gateway of India | Elephanta Caves (cruise)
- Second half: CSVS Museum, Nariman Point, Marine Drive
- Evening: Girgaum Chowpatty beach, Prithvi Café. If you staying over for day-2, take a late night stroll at Marine Drive
- Late evening/ Day-3 morning: Leave Mumbai.
Mumbai Best Places: Travel Tips
How to reach:
It’s easy! No one needs my suggestion here!
How to get around:
- As all the best places to visit in Mumbai are in south Mumbai, getting around is easy
- Since in south Mumbai area, auto-rickshaws are not allowed, one has to take black-yellow taxis; they aren’t costly.
- Or, of course, book a taxi (Ola/ Uber) for the day. I guess, this is the best option, because one will save a lot of booking/ transit time. Besides, the total cost wouldn’t be much different.
Where to stay:
Budget Hotel suggestions: Bentley Hotel (Marine Drive) ||| Hotel Ashray International (near BKC). ||| Elphinstone Hotel | Hotel Suncity Apollo ||| Hotel Landmark Fort | Residency Hotel Fort ||| Hotel Suncity Apollo. ||| Regency Hotel Malabar Hill ||| Hotel Diplomat ||| YMCA.
What/ where to eat:
Being in south Mumbai, and not visiting the Leopold Cafe is a crime! So, find your way to the famous cafe sometime in the two days. Besides, there are lots of cool restaurants/ cafes in south Mumbai. For suggestions, do check the list below.
- Places to eat: Carter’s Blue ||| Kala Ghoda Café (KGC) ||| Pizza By the Bay ||| Bagdadi Restaurant ||| The Goose and Gridiron. For more suggestion, check out: Where to eat in Mumbai.
- Must try dishes: Vada-pav ||| Irani Chai (tea) ||| Pav-bhaji ||| Misal-pav ||| Gola (granita) ||| Bombay Sandwich ||| Bhel-puri ||| Tikki-chaat.
Best time to visit Mumbai:
- From weather point of view:
Being a coastal city, Mumbai has a moderate weather through out the year. However, summer months (March- June) are hot and humid. In fact, very high humidity level is a major problem. But once monsoon arrives in June- July, it becomes manageable. Rains are enjoyable at the seafront, especially at the Marine Drive. Though there is no real winter in Mumbai, December and January months are pleasant.
- From festival point of view:
Ganesh Utsav is the main festival of Mumbai. All of Mumbai reverberates in festive vibes. With Ganpati pandals all over the city, there’s a lot of cultural experience to have during this time.
Ganesh Utsav:
Ganesh Chaturthi, a traditional Hindu festival, used to be a household celebration in India since time immemorial. However, it became a public festival in 1893 when Lokmanya Tilak gathered public as a strategy for freedom movement. Since then, Ganesh Utsav is celebrated with much fervour on public platforms across India, but especially in Mumbai/ Maharashtra. One needs to see it in person to believe the Ganpati fever in the Maximum City.
In Sumit’s words:
Sumit, a close friend of mine, is a resident of south Mumbai. Agreeing to my suggestion, here he is sharing his feelings of Ganpati (~Ganesh) festival. In his words now:
“I’m a third generation Mumbaikar. Long back, my grandpa came here from Ratnagiri with dreams in his eyes. And now I and my family are living that dream in this great city. I clearly remember, Ganpati festival used to be a much more traditional festival in my childhood. Our extended family and relatives from Ratnagiri would visit us in Mumbai.
We would celebrate the festival together with a lot of traditional vibes. We would visit neighbours’ homes, and offer prasad to Lord Ganesh. Public Ganpati pandals were there, but not too extravagant like now-a-days. However, now a days, the festival has gone through a significant cultural shift. A subtle celebration has given way to a grand celebration”.
“Further, Ganpati immersion itself is a big event for Mumbaikars. The Ganesh idols used to be made of mud in old days, which was environment friendly. But sometime back, cheap Plaster-of-Paris (POP) made idols were introduced, which polluted the water bodies during immersion. However, now with efforts from various quarters, people are going back to idols made of mud. Government is trying to create awareness, regulate, and minimize the environmental effects. So, things have become more systematic and are changing for the better in recent times”.
Final Words
For millions of Mumbaikars, Mumbai isn’t only a city, it’s an emotion. Long back, my friend Raju (Shahnawaz), who lives in Mumbai, echoed this sentiment. He came to Mumbai as a struggler, trying to set up his small enterprise. After a few hard years’ struggle, now he is doing well. Sometime back, he told me that Mumbai grows on you. In spite of the daily struggle, once you have internalized its anatomy, you will fall in love with it. Once you start enjoying Mumbai, you will not like any other city!
As said earlier, I actually lived in Mumbai for some time. But I left the city before I fell in love with it. Maybe, I should have given the relationship a little more time. Nonetheless, I can safely say that it’s one of the best large cities in India. It gives opportunities, it’s safe, and it’s vibrant. I have lived in many cities, and have first-hand experience of a few more. But I can’t compare any other city with Mumbai. It has a charm of its own.
It’s difficult to explore a mega city like Mumbai in two days. But as a tourist, if you plan well, and stay in the right area, you can visit all the best places in Mumbai easily in two days. I hope this article is helpful to you. Have a good time, and thank us later. Yes, don’t forget to share your experience with us; we would love to hear.
Elizabeth Louros
I absolutely love Mumbai. On my last trip to India I visited Mumbai for a couple of weeks and then went to Kerala. While in Kerala I lost my passport ( traumatic !) so I had to stay another week in Mumbai to visit the consulate. I stayed at the Residency Fort, a comfortable reasonably priced hotel with the best staff. Since I had already been to the major sites in the city I decided to take a local train every day without a plan of where I wanted to end up. I just got off at a stop that looked interesting and wandered around for a few hours. It was the best week ever except for the hours spent at the consulate in BKC. Also, BKC is the strangest place- no soul, just a lot of big buildings.
stampedmoments
Yup, I have heard this many times over, from hundreds of people; Mumbai is lovable.
But it’s interesting that you could travel in the local train!
Generally, foreign travellers find it very difficult/ scary to take the local trains in Mumbai!
Yes, BKC is such a weird place! It’s hub of the rich, the corporates, but it’s hardly interesting!
Thanks a lot for sharing your perspective. Keep connected; cheers!