Mumbai

Many of us known Marine Drive as the 'Queen's Necklace', but the locals still prefer to call it as Sonapur. However, there is a good reason why it has been named as the Queen's Necklace if you visit Marine Drive, Mumbai in the evening, the streetlight creates a pearl-like appearance. The yellow lights from the cars make it look like jewelry. If you want to experience such a lovely sight, you can trek to the Malabar Hills and get a panoramic view of the city, Marine Drive and the Arabian Sea. Speaking of the name, Marine Drive’s official name is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, but whatever it is called, this C shaped road is one of the most beloved attractions for many youngsters and tourists. At any time of the day, you’ll find people from across the country stroll along the 3-kilometer stretch road connecting Nariman Point to Babul Nath.

Marine Drive Timings: 24 hours for public

Marine Drive Entry Fees: Nil

Haji Ali Dargah is perched on the backdrop of a pristine view of the Arabian Sea. This shrine is dedicated to the wealthy merchant who turned into Muslim Sufi Saint and gave up his worldly belongings after a trip to Mecca. People come here to seek blessings. The devotees use the unique way of offering prayers to Allah through the means of Qawallis that are the melodious invocations to the Almighty. It is the perfect place for God lovers, Nirvana seekers, and experience seekers, especially on Thursday and Friday.

The tourists can reach by using several modes of local transport. This place is well-connected by local trains. People can stay somewhere near the shrine and can easily get a comfortable accommodation at Hotel Crystal, Hotel Kemps Corner, The St. Regis Mumbai, Central Guest House, Hotel Royal Castle, and The Shalimar Hotel, etc. The nearby attractions of Haji Ali Dargah are Dadar Market, Jehangir Art Gallery, Girgaum Chowpatty, Essel world, Gateway of India, Kanheri Caves, Gateway of India, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, etc.

Haji Ali Dargah Timings: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM on all the days of the week.

Haji Ali Dargah Entry Fee: Nil

Mumbai has many beaches, some secluded and some jam-packed with tourists on beaches like Juhu Beach and Versova Beach. But Chowpatty Beach is amongst the most popular and crowded beaches at the same time one of the most vibrant as well. It is the main venue for the famous festival, Ganesh Visarjan where the idol is submerged into the sea. During this time of the year, millions of devotees from across the country come to celebrate and see the vibrant procession. The beach is also the venue where Ramlila is performed every year. Besides that, because of its proximity and easily accessible from the city, Chowpatty Beach is visited by many people from all age groups. Families come to entertain themself, vendors come to sell snacks and grow their business, and young people come to soak in the sun, sand and the beach. It creates an oasis in the middle of the metropolis. Often people come after work to overlook at the setting sun on a distant horizon.

Chowpatty Beach Entry Fees: Nil

Mumbai is a metropolitan city that has a rich and varied cultural background. Mumbai is overflowing with architectural wonders and magnificent monuments and also has grown exponentially in all spheres of industries over the years. So, Mumbai is the perfect mélange of the old and the new. Elephanta Caves, Mumbai is a specimen of the rock-cut art and exemplifies the Indian style of architecture from the times of medieval era of India. As Hindu beliefs, these caves were built by Pandavas. It is considered as one of the most prominent UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Elephanta Caves Mumbai Timings are between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM and open on all days of the week except Monday.

Elephanta Caves Entry Fees: INR 40 for Indians while INR 600 for foreigners.

Elephanta Caves Ferry Timings: 9:00 A.M (first boat) and 2:00 P.M (last boat)

Elephanta Caves Ferry Cost: INR 130 to 150 as per the type of ride the travelers choose.

India’s beloved attraction overlooking the Harbour is the Gateway of India, Mumbai. Incorporating the Islamic style of design, this early-twentieth-century structure, Gateway of India was commemorated in the year 1911. It was built to welcome King George V and his wife Queen Mary (Mary of Teck). However, the Gateway of India wasn't completed until 1924, hence, the inauguration year. It took approximately three years to complete the structure which was designed by the architect George Wittet. The idea behind the design of the structure is from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The archway of this impressive monument is 26 meters in height. It is decorated with beautiful latticework carved on the stones joined with four turrets on each corner. Back then, when India was under the rule of the British government, the Gateway of India was the main arrival point for the visitors. And the last British ships that were set to sail was in the year 1947 when the British were to leave the country.

Gateway of India Timings– 24 hours open for public

Gateway of India Entry Fees- Nil