Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. Mumbai, is the capital of Maharashtra and one of the most important metropolitan cities of India. Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands. It was presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal. After India's Independence, Mumbai has evolved as a vital commercial and thriving city of India. It has a cosmopolitan nature, with many discotheques, restaurants, beaches, theatres, pubs and night clubs. The city has a free and vibrant spirit and is also known as a city that never sleeps. Here culture and traditions are keeping pace with modernity. It perfectly represents the ever-changing face of today's India, where old and new walk hand in hand in harmony.

The official language of Maharashtra is Marathi, but Hindi and English are also widely spoken and understood. Mumbai is also the glamour capital of India. It is the seat of Hindi film industry, which is also known as Bollywood, the largest producer of films in the world. The cultural life is quite happening here, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The city of dreams, Mumbai is also a shopper's delight, with exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. Mumabi's local junk food sold on the streets and beaches are very popular not only within the state but all over the country. Some of these deliciouses snacks are pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs.

Sightseeing in Mumbai
Gateway of India
What could be more appropriate a beginning than the 'entrance' to the port of Mumbai? The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to Commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Constructed in honey coloured basalt, the gateway was designed by George Wittet, inspired by 16th century Gujarat Style. The changing light of the rising and setting sun gives varied hues of gold, russet and pink to the imposing arch. Historically, the Gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left independent India by sea, marched through its portals.

Sir J. J. School Of Art
Built during the same period as the University, its importance is heightened by the fact that Rudyard Kipling was born and spent his early childhood here. His father, John Lockwood Kipling, was the Principal of the art school and under his tutelage, many local artisans received training. Some of their works were used to adorn the buildings being constructed in Mumbai during that period as sculptured panels and motifs.

Siddhivinayak Temple
One of the most revered temples of Mumbai is the Siddhivinayak Temple located at Prabha Devi. The temple was originally built in 1801 by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh who is represented here as Siddhivinayak (the granter of all wishes). Every Tuesday, devotees from different parts of the city throng Siddhivinayak Temple in the firm belief that their wishes and prayers will be fulfilled.

Church of Mount Mary
This is one of the most famous churches of Mumbai at Bandra. Up the hill, it is quite a sight at sunset, with the setting sun now barely visible behind ugly looking skyrises, the church itself is an escape. The reflection of the church over Mother Mary’s statue across the road is quite a sight.

Shivaji Terminus
One of the finest examples of high Victorian Gothic architecture, it is the headquarters of the Central Railways and is one of the finest railway stations in the world

Haji Ali Mosque (7.3 km)
The tomb of a Muslim saint who died while on pilgrimage to Mecca. It is believed that a casket containing his mortal remains floated and came to rest on a rocky bed in the sea, where devotees constructed the tomb and mosque.
Can be visited only at low tide.

Hutatma Chowk (1 km)
Formerly known as Flora Fountain. This is the business centre of Mumbai, surrounded by offices, banks, colleges and shops.

Jai Temple
Built in marble in 1904, the shrine is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankara or apostle. The walls of the temple are adorned with colourful paintings depicting various incidents in the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras of the Jain religion. On the first floor is a special shrine dedicated to Parsvanath carved out of black marble and the ceiling shows the different planets as personified in Hindu mythology.

MAHALAXMI TEMPLE (7.2 km)
An important Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth.

Juhu Beach in Mumbai
While on a tour to Mumbai, one can not miss out a visit to Juhu Beach. One of the largest and frequently visited beaches in India, Juhu Beach in Mumbai is an indispensable part of the city.
Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, 20-25km north of the city centre, Juhu Beach in Mumbai represents the pulse of the city. With its numerous vendors, food stalls, entertainment outlets, Juhu Beach is the best beach in Mumbai. It is a famous hangout zone of Mumbai

Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai
Chowpatty beach is among the most frequently visited beaches in Mumbai. Situated at the top end of Marine Drive, It is the only beach in the central part of Mumbai. Feel lucky to witness the annual thread-tying ceremony and Nariel Purnima at Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai. Here the idols of Ganesha are immersed on the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai is also famous for a huge line of stalls, selling Bhelpuri, Kulfi and Paan. The shooting galleries, snake charmers, monkey trainers, balloon sellers and masseurs- enjoy all of these at Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai Marine Drive, the Jewel of Mumbai .

Marine Drive in Mumbai
Located in the central Mumbai, Marine Drive is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai. It was built in the 1920s and 1930s on land rescued from the sea. Walk around or sit in the evenings- it's your choice. You can even play with sand or have fun watching children playing around the colorful beach. Owing to the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night surrounding the beach, it is also known as Queen's Necklace. Recently its name has been changed to Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road.