Mumbai Magic - "A Conglomeration of Seven Islands"

Quote of the Post: "The place where every place is renowned and famous landmark for one or the other reason." - Quote about 'Mumbai (Bombay)' - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Welcome to the Gateway of India, Hollywood of India, most electrical city of India - Mumbai, the city that never sleeps. Searching for the best places to visit in Mumbai or a day experience in Mumbai. Here you have my experience with family. Starting the journey from CST railway station, to the most visited places like religious Siddhivinayak temple, Haji Ali Dargah, Mahalaxmi temple. Then going to "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill, following amazing Ganesh visarjan at Girgaon Chowpatty and Marine Drive sunset point kept our mouth open. At the end of the day we spend some time near the Taj hotel and splendid Gateway of India, the most popular destination in Mumbai. 

The capital city of India, Mumbai, where all were set to bid farewell to its favorite god Lord Ganesha idols on Saturday, I just visited with family. We reach Mumbai CST railway station, and booked the cab for the whole day. The below road-map was covered by the expert drivers in Mumbai, who helped us covering major landmarks in a day.

Mumbai Visit Map

Siddhivinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is one of the most popular temples of Mumbai city. It is located in Dadar and you can easily get a taxi to go to the temple from the Dadar railway station. No photography is allowed inside the temple premises. 

We paused for sometime at Bollywood's favorite actor's home - Mannat (SRK's home). Cab driver stopped at this place for a while, and as per the tendency of the place people slow down their vehicle here.

Bandra-Worli sea-link bridge which links Mumbai’s suburbs to South Mumbai. It’s a very prestigious bridge which was opened in 2009.

Haji Ali: In the waters of the Worli bay, The Haji Ali Dargah, located in a small island in the big island city of Mumbai is the most popular tourist destination and more importantly a pilgrim site for people from all over the world. 15 minutes of small walkway, which connects the sandy shore to the holy shrine. The rocks exposed during low tide at the rare end of the mosque are a favourable spot to catch some cool sea breeze. In spite of being a Muslim shrine, people of all beliefs, religions and coming from all strata of society are found here. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to see and hear the kawali sunged by the professionals. I hear that during my last visit. It is the faith of these people that bring them here. Some new construction also going on at this place. 

Mahalakshmi Temple: This temple located on Bhulabhai Desai Road is a very famous temple of Goddess Mahalakshmi. The idols of Goddesses Mahakali and Mahasaraswati are also enshrined at this temple. You have to walk 5 mins off the road to reach this holy place. 

I will call it "The Heaven for Dating Couples". The "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill offers stunning vistas of the Marine Drive. Another interesting feature comprises of its several hedges that have been fashioned into different shapes of animals. From the park one can have the best possible views of the Marine drive and the Chowpatty beach.

Chowpatty Beach is known not only as a beach for Mumbai but it is heart of the city. Though the beach is not for sunbathing or swimming, But It is always pleasure to watch sun-rise or sun-set. There are delicious snacks available at the various food stalls on the beach. You can enjoy having some delicious Chaats, Bhel Puri or Pav Bhaji, the choice is ultimately yours! Some people may remember the bollywood song "Chowpatty Jayenge Bhel Puri Khayenge". 

Marine Drive, a popular promenade of the city, is also referred to as the Queen’s Necklace. Also, Marine Drive is home to many celebrities, mostly bollywood stars. The place has become so popular among the local as well as the international travelers that people love visiting this place again and again. We enjoyed the road full of Ganpati Visargan, and walk across the sea during wonderful sunset.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: India's most beautiful railway station is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with stained-glass windows, towering spires, domed arches and buttresses and pillars with animal images carved into them.

Gateway of India: The symbol of Tourism in Mumbai. This famous landmark attracts all of us like a magnet. At the backside, There are steps in this monument which will lead you to the sea. Many people used to travel to Elephanta Caves from this point and view the skyline of the city from the sea. Another landmark Taj Mahal hotel is situated across the road from the Gateway of India which is very beautiful.

It was an superb but tiring day with Meenal, Saloni, Manish, Anmol, and other family members. Some places still to visit in my list are: Elephanta Caves, Essel World, Water Kingdom. Keep enjoying My Mumbai Diary ...