Gateway to India: A Mumbai Sightseeing Tour to Explore the City's Best-Kept Secrets
When you jet out to Mumbai on India’s Konkan coast, you’ll be full of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead. Imagine enjoying a cooling drink on your flight as you chat through your India Multi Centre holiday plans with your loved ones or friends. From the moment you touch down in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), you’ll enter an exciting new world of adventure.
You may already be aware of many of the city’s most famous places, including the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, the Taj Mahal Palace, and the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple. With a population of over 20 million, Mumbai is a bustling city that never stops. When you’re looking for a Mumbai sightseeing tour away from the masses and off the beaten track, there’s a huge amount to explore.
Away from the city’s Bollywood buzz and bountiful shopping, we’d like to share seven of the city’s lesser-known but equally brilliant attractions with you.
Carter Road
Carter Road may not enjoy the same high profile as Marine Drive in Mumbai, but that’s a good thing if you’re looking for some of the best-kept secrets in the city. With an abundance of delectable street food, restaurants and bars, it’s the ideal spot to sit, enjoy the ocean views and do some people-watching.
A leisurely stroll along the promenade is just the ticket after a large lunch or evening meal. Mingle with the locals and live your best life at a more leisurely pace.
Chhota Kashmir Park
Our second stop is the idyllic Chhota Kashmir Park. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic and unwind away from the crowded streets and shops. The pristine gardens will not only soothe your soul but allow you to appreciate some of India’s finest flora and fauna.
For the ultimate in relaxation, we highly recommend a boat ride on the park’s 4-acre lake. There are rowing boats and paddle boats available to choose from. Once you’re out on the water, you’ll not have a care in the world and enjoy all the time and space you need to reflect on your holiday so far and plan the next exciting part of your journey.
Gilbert Hill
There aren’t many places that boast an ancient rock formation made from frozen molten lava, but that’s exactly what Mumbai has in the form of Gilbert Hill. It’s estimated to be 65 million years old and is well worth the climb because of the magnificent views from the top, 200 feet above sea level.
There are also two temples (the Hanuman Mandir and Gaondevi Durga Devi Mandir) at the summit, which add to the serenity of the Mumbai sightseeing experience. Gilbert Hill is a gorgeous place to spend time and admire the panoramic vistas with your partner, especially at sunrise or sunset. The steps to the summit are steep, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.
Jogeshwari Caves
You’ll find the Jogeshwari Caves in the Mumbai suburb of the same name. The caves are around 1,500 years old and are home to several Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. They’re smaller than other caves in the area, such as Kanheri and Mahakali, but if you’re a fan of history, there’s plenty to appreciate here.
The Jogeshwari Caves are off the beaten path in terms of tourism, so you’ll have plenty of time and space to have a good look around without feeling rushed.
Monetary Museum of the Reserve Bank of India
A part of India’s history and culture that’s not often talked about is its currency. There’s an interesting array of coins, banknotes and even neolithic axes on display in the museum, which paint a picture of how the country’s economy has evolved over centuries.
Whether you’re a keen collector or just taking a passing interest, you can buy a range of coins and souvenirs in the shop, which you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
Let your hair down with a pub crawl
The Colaba district of South Mumbai is a great destination for a pub crawl. Whether you want to be part of a larger organised event or just make your own way to discover the best bars and drinks in the city, the seafront provides a stunning backdrop to a night on the town.
While beer is probably the most popular tipple, there are lots of incredible cocktails on offer you might want to try. The Friday night vibe at many bars is lively, welcoming and fun. So if you want to experience nightlife like a local, a Mumbai pub crawl will lift your spirits. As with drinking anywhere abroad, make sure you’re sensible with your alcohol intake and have a designated meeting place in case you get split up from the rest of your group.
Cathedral of the Holy Name
You should visit the Cathedral of the Holy Name for a more cultural and sedate experience in Colaba. The church, as it was initially, opened in January 1905, becoming a cathedral in 1942.
The cathedral has so much to marvel at, including the stained-glass windows, statues, Gothic side altars and murals. If you’re interested in history and architecture, you won’t regret visiting this beautiful building.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our insight into a different side of Mumbai. These hidden gems are all worth seeking out during your Mumbai sightseeing tour.
If you’re still deciding which Indian cities to visit, we have great value India Holiday packages to many stunning destinations you can choose from, contact us today.
