Magical and mysterious Bombay, unusual architecture, unusual monuments… If you have long dreamed of going to Mumbai, but have absolutely no idea how to organize it all, read the guide from our expert.
How to get there and where to live
You can fly from Moscow to Mumbai on a direct flight with Ural Airlines. Travel time will be just under 7 hours. There are also flights with transfers, for example, through Istanbul or Abu Dhabi. Find current prices and convenient flights on OneTwoTrip.
In Mumbai we have selected three hotels for you, different in price and style:
- Sofitel Mumbai BKC
- The Taj Mahal Tower Mumbai
- The St. Regis Mumbai
We recommend taking a taxi from the airport to the hotel. You can calculate the cost of an Uber taxi ride to your chosen hotel here.
Things to do in Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the largest cities in India, located on the west coast of the country. Due to the fact that the city is currently the economic center of India, you can see both the features of a developed metropolis and the original poor areas.
Fort
One of the most colorful areas of the city is Fort. Ancient buildings, colonial architecture and the spirit of the once existing city of Bombay have been preserved here.
The main attraction of the Fort is the India Gate – a stone arch located on the embankment. In front of the gate lies a vast square on which a monument to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is erected.
A must visit is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum. It occupies a building in the Indo-Saracenic style, surrounded by gardens and flower beds. The halls of the museum display exhibitions dedicated to culture and history, as well as ancient artifacts. Another notable monument is the Buddha Head Statue located in the garden.
Opening hours: daily from 10:15 to 18:00
Ticket price: 650 INR
Address: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai
Official website: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Not far from the museum you will see the impressive Rajabai Clock Tower and the wonderful Flower Fountain.
Marine Drive
After exploring the Fort, take a walk along Marine Drive, a four-kilometre promenade with stunning views of Back Bay and the city. It’s especially great to walk here at sunset, when the sun sets into the water of the bay.
The promenade starts from the Tata Theater and runs to Girgaum Chowpatty Beach.
Chor Bazaar
Chor Bazaar is the most famous market in the city, selling clothes, antiques and souvenirs. Come here to feel the spirit of the city and the rhythm of life of the townspeople.
The market is located in a triangle between MS Ali Road, PB Marg and 6th Kumbharwada. When walking around the bazaar, be vigilant and keep an eye on your personal belongings.
Elephanta
Photo: VetraKori/Shutterstock.com
Elephanta is a complex of ancient temples and caves located on the island of Gharapuri near Mumbai. The main attraction of the island is the Elephanta Caves with rock paintings and sculptures. The caves also house a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
To reach the island, take the ferry from India Gate. The journey will take about 1 hour, and along the way you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of Mumbai and nature. Once you arrive, head to the caves. From the pier you can reach the caves in 10 minutes on foot.
The picturesque Elephanta Lake Park is located not far from the caves.
Kanheri Caves
The Kanheri Caves are carved into the rocks of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. They contain Buddhist temples and shrines with images of Buddha.
To get to the caves, we recommend taking a taxi. The one way trip will take about 30 minutes.
Tickets will cost 200 INR (+ 53 INR for entry to the national park).
In addition to the caves in Sanjay Gandhi Park, you can also walk along hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and valleys. You can find a detailed map of the park here.
Official website of the park: Sanjay Gandhi National Park
World Vipassana Pagoda
The World Vipassana Pagoda is a large-scale complex with an impressive dome and colorful sculptures. The complex houses a meditation center and an art gallery dedicated to the life of Buddha.
The most convenient way to get to the pagoda is by taxi. The journey will take about 1 hour.
Entrance to the territory is free.
Expert advice
- The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). 1 rupee is approximately equal to 0.91 rubles.
- To plan your movements in and between cities, use the Rome2Rio service.
- Use offline maps Citywalks.me and Maps.me.
