Mumbai is well known as the 'pot pourri' of varied cultures. Because of its vivid facets the city is no less than a travelers paradise for you get to see striking contrasts of varied natural beauty, not to forget its people who make the place more friendly for the tourists who come in large numbers all through the year to explore the vast natural beauty of the place.
Be it the grand edifice of Gateway of India or the well designed natural parks like the Kamala Nehru Park the city has lot to offer to the visitors. Erst while known as Bombay the city is now popularly renamed as Mumbai and its home to Bollywood the Indian film industry one of the most widely cherished identity of the city others include the Bombay Stock Exchange well responsible for turning the financial fortunes of the country and therefore its known as the “financial hub of the country”. With such exciting features you would be definitely tempted to visit the city not only for its varied tourist spots but also for its world famous cuisines available at the prominent hotels and food joints of the city. The city of Mumbai offers round the clock flight services from the major cities of the world. There are also trains and buses connecting to and from the city. Since the place attracts considerable travelers round the year it has some of the best luxury hotels of the world offering world class hospitality services. For foreign tourists there are discount Mumbai Tour packages and fascilities for car rentals.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Mumbai:
Gate Way of India- A visit to the city of Mumbai remains incomplete without a visit to Gate Way of India as with the passage of time this fort has invariably become symbolic identity of the city. While you stand beside this grand architectural landmark you would be amazed at its wonderful artistic designs meticulously done on stone walls. If you're visiting Mumbai via boat or ship you will be welcomed as you need to enter the city through this particular gate, official doorway for the tourists. Historical facts indicate that Gate Way of India was constructed in commemoration of the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. The construction of this great edifice started in 1911 and finished in 1920. Located on the waterfront in Colaba it lies opposite to the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.
Chowpatty Beach- Exotic natural scenic views along with the presence of innumerable Mumbai chat houses, this beach is the favorite tourist destination for tourists. While you sit beside the beach you will feel as if you have been transformed to a virtual circus land with children playing with sand dunes, colorful stalls selling beautiful artistic home decors and hawkers shouting selling small items. Along side is the famous Juhu Beach and the scintillating Marine Drive. As the sun dawns, the serene calm waters of the Arabian Sea wearies away your fatigue with cool breeze blowing and you would end up sending hours sitting beside the beach. However, if you end up visiting the beach during the festive seasons of Ganesh Puja you will witness unique images with large idols of Lord Ganesha worshipped and immersed in the waters of Arabian Sea and lakhs of people gather on those festive events dancing and singing to pay their last hommages to Lord Ganesha.
Hanging Gardens- Unlike other gardens that you usually see around, Hanging Gardens is spread of huge acres green field offering the visitors a taste of natural beauty located on top of the Malabar Hilland lying opposite to Kamala Nehru Park. While you take your morning stroll down the park you will enjoy soft cool caresseing wind blowing from the nearby Arabian Sea. Also during the evening time, a walk at the 'Ferozeshah Mehta Garden' ( another name of Hanging Gardens) will offer you unmatched panoramic views of the nearby Chowpatty Beach and the illuminated Marine Drive.
Essel World- Regarded as one of the finest amusement parks of South Asia region. Located on the outskirts of Mumbai known as Gorai on a vast landscaped area spread out over 64 acres of land. The best time to visit this amusement park is during the monsoons as you get to enjoy many water rafting sports activity. A freaky ride Crazy Cups, Road Train, Riki's Rocking Alley, Tilt-a-Whirl, Zipper Dipper, Highway Cars, Hedge Maze, Fun Net, Haunted Hotel will enthrall you the core as you're made to go through some of the exhilrating rides sometimnes over the top while other times its through dark tunnels. It just leaves you breathless.
Mahalaxmi Race Course- If you're a horse rider and love to see hoardes of horses riding around the race courses then this the place you need to be. With innumerable horses riding through the place its a sight worth seeing.
Malabar Hill- One of the most posh areas of Mumbai, it also houses some of the most widely visited parks of the city as Kamala Nehru Park. To get a scenic view of the attractive skyline of Mumbai you need to pay a visit to this place for the vast the landscaped area is also an added attraction of the place.
Hazi Ali's Tomb- For devout religious minded people, this mosque offers you the perfect ambiance for a deep spiritual journey. Situated very close to the Mahim Bay, its a place which is also known to reflect the varied facets of Islam religion. The Haji Ali Dargah is around 500 yards from the coast of Worli Bay, near Worli. It is connected through Hindu Mahalaxmi Temple via a small road and usually accessible during low tide.
Elephanta Caves- What makes this place so favorite among the tourists is the fact that it is home to some of the ancient sculptures. When you visit the place you will be bowled over by the exquisite architecture of the caves and while you enter the Elephanta Caves you will get to see mammoth figurines of women adorning the walls of the Mahesha-Murti Cave.
Shri Siddhivinayak Temple- If you want to get a glimpse of Hindu Temples and the varied cultural facets related to Hindu worshipping rituals then a visit to this temple is a must. On a day basis thousands of devotees throng in huge numbers to seek their blessing from Lord Ganesha. Its commonly believed that if you have a wish then you need to pray before this temple and your wishes will be fulfilled.
Prince Of Wales Museum- Just a few minutes walk from the Gateway of India, its a museum with a difference as the domb structured edifice of the repository is a reflection of the Gothic style architecture. While you enter the museum, you will get to see ancient artifacts dating back to 2000BC. If you're a lover of art then you will be emthralled to see the vivid collection of nearly 2000 paintings.
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