Mumbai may seem modern at first glance, but its ancient sites make for an enjoyable sightseeing trip. Spend an enjoyable day at Sanjay Gandhi National Park exploring Kanheri Caves; these Buddhist monuments carved into rock are sure to bring out your inner historian.
Kala Ghoda is home to some of the city’s finest museums and cultural spaces, such as the Jehangir Art Gallery. With Cathay Pacific, you can easily enjoy the Los Angeles to Mumbai trip fast.
1. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of India’s premier tourist spots, drawing thousands of tourists each year. Boasting lush green forests and abundant wildlife (leopards, boars and migrating birds), including ancient Kanheri Caves which date back over 2000 years – Sanjay Gandhi Park serves as an oasis of relaxation near Mumbai for city residents looking for nature-related rest and recreation.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is famous for both its safari drives and trekking trails, the latter of which can help visitors explore more of its fauna and flora. If interested, guided tours from local conservation groups like Bombay Natural History Society and WWF-India provide more insights into the park’s ecosystem. Cyclists should adhere to safety precautions and avoid entering restricted areas when cycling through it’s 104 square kilometer area.
Within the park lies a butterfly garden, filled with an assortment of blooming flowers designed to attract and nurture butterflies. This spot makes an ideal location for taking photographs and getting up close and personal with these stunning creatures; opening hours range from 9 am to 5:30 pm with admission costing Rs 15 per person.
For maximum impact and wildlife viewing pleasure, visit the park early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and wildlife more active. It is wise to bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no restaurants within the park itself. Furthermore, renting a bike from them provides a fantastic opportunity to explore more freely!
2. Essel World
Essel World is one of Mumbai’s premier attractions and is famous for its thrilling rides and shows. Perfect for family trips to Mumbai, Essel World’s theme park provides hours of family fun. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, bring sunscreen with you, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen if it is needed, wear shades when appropriate, visit on weekdays for less crowding, large bags or outside food are not permitted due to safety reasons; lockers are available to store personal belongings securely.
Essel World offers visitors a pleasant outdoor experience between October and March when temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation. Essel World can also serve as an oasis from city life!
Mumbai attractions feature thrilling rides aimed at thrill-seekers looking for an adventure rush, as well as family-friendly attractions that will appeal to visitors of all ages. Additionally, those wanting a more relaxing experience will find plenty of relaxation spots around the park, including its lagoon-style pool.
For those in search of thrills, the park offers 10 adult-only rides guaranteed to set their pulse racing. Choose between Shot-n-Drop and Top Spin rides or test your nerves on either Xtreme Zipper or Zyclone rollercoasters for some adrenaline pumping fun!
For those who prefer more leisurely attractions, the park has 13 rides ideal for family outings – such as Alibaba Adventure Maze and Copper Chopper rides – with each offering different experiences to enjoy together. Furthermore, their ice skating rink features stunning lights as well as high definition audio.
3. Marine Drive
Marine Drive is one of the city’s most iconic and well-loved spots, famous for its stunning sea-facing promenade with breathtaking seaside views and tranquil atmosphere. Connecting Nariman Point, Babulnath and Malabar Hill in south Mumbai along its course.
The promenade features a wide walkway and is popular among locals who like to go for leisurely walks, jogs, cycles or picnics along its length. Benches are also provided so visitors can sit back and take in its tranquil surroundings.
Many buildings along this stretch feature stunning Art Deco architecture, with rounded corners, sunburst motifs, and zigzag patterns. Tree-lined streets create a lovely ambience ideal for relaxing by yourself or spending quality time with loved ones.
Marine Drive features numerous small-scale vendors offering delicious snacks and beverages such as tea, coffee and bhel puri. To maximize enjoyment and relaxation when visiting Marine Drive it’s best to go during winter when temperatures are cool yet not too humid and crowds have subsided a bit more; making for easier sightseeing experiences and relaxation.
Marine Drive is known for its beautiful sunsets, which offer an amazing spectacle to behold. As you stroll along, watch as the sun slowly sets with vibrant hues of reds, pinks and golds as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon. After dark comes illumination when all those lights light up Marine Drive into an exquisite spectacle of lights!
Other attractions near Marine Drive include Taraporewala Aquarium, which is India’s oldest and features various fish species; Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and tomb dedicated to Haji Ali, while nearby is Lokmanya Tilak, Ramon Magsaysay, R.K. Laxman statues honor their memory as well.
4. Mahalakshmi Temple
Mahalakshmi Temple is one of India’s most revered Hindu shrines and draws visitors from across India to witness its beauty. Offering an eye-opening insight into Indian culture and history – its breathtaking shrine will leave any visitor spellbound – whether interested in ancient mythology, Hindu traditions, architecture or architecture itself!
Mahalakshmi Temple stands on Bhulabhai Desai Road and is dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth, Mahalakshmi. Surrounded by sea on three sides and city commercial districts on four, its precinct also holds Mani Bhavan – Mahatma Gandhi lived here from 1917-1934!
The Mahalakshmi Temple features a stone archway adorned with decorative grilled screen walls. At its main entrance are statues of Jay and Vijay – Hindu gods of victory – guarding its doors. Inside its Garbhagriha are statues representing Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati and their idols that are beautifully embellished with necklaces, earrings and gold bangles for added decoration.
As part of their devotion, devotees often gather at Mahalakshmi Temples during special occasions or festivals in order to observe and perform this tradition known as Kumkumarchana – applying vermilion on an image of Goddess Durga inside her sanctum, otherwise known as Kumkumarchana. Devotees gather here during these occasions and festivals as part of this ritual called Kumkumarchana and to offer prayers during it.
Make time during your trip to Mumbai to visit this magnificent temple. You can easily get there via train, bus or taxi; the closest railway station being Mahalaxmi; however buses also depart regularly from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Mumbai Central bus depot for this location.
5. Kanheri Caves
Sanjay Gandhi National Park boasts a remarkable complex of over one hundred Buddhist caves called Kanheri. This unique rock-cut architecture represents both the rise and fall of Buddhism in India. There are currently 109 Kanheri Caves spread out along a ravine; these feature viharas (monasteries), chaityas (chapels), dwellings and viharas as well as paintings, carvings, inscriptions and architectural styles from simple cells to grand prayer halls – offering visitors an experience like no other can do.
Cave 34 contains some stunning unfinished paintings depicting Buddha in Bhumisparsha mudra (earth touching posture).
As part of your guided tour, an expert guide will share all about the history and culture of Kanheri Caves as well as other temples and viewpoints within Sanjay Gandhi National Park’s forest. Be sure to dress comfortably as there will be lots of walking and climbing involved – wear a hat, sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes for optimal experience!
Kanheri Caves should be visited between February and March when temperatures are at their most pleasant, as summer months can reach up to 40degC. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you, along with light food options during your visit, and respecting its sacred space by refraining from smoking, littering and making noise during your trip. When dressing appropriately be sure to wear long pants with sleeves; long hats are a must and sunglasses too – plus bring along an umbrella should a sudden shower come unexpectedly!
