Place

Dharavi

Dharavi, slated to be Asia’s biggest slum, lies on prime property right in the middle of Mumbai. Some travel operators offer guided tours through Dharavi showing the residential as well as the industrial parts. This area is home to a number of small scale industries and it is interesting to see how they operate from here. Some of these industries produce embroidered garments, export quality leather goods, pottery and plastic. Most of these products are made in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum and are sold in domestic as well as international markets. The annual turnover of business here is estimated to be more than $650m (£350m) a year. Dharavi has been featured prominently in a number of movies including Danny Boyle’s Oscar winning movie, Slumdog Millionaire!

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Overview & visitor information

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Gateway of India

road

The Gateway of India is the landmark of the city and its most identifiable building. It is located on the waterfront on the southern part of Mumbai. This arch, an architectural delight, was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary of England to Bombay in December 1911. Ironically, it is through this gateway that the last British troops passed to board their ship back to England after India gained Independence. The gateway is built of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The style of architecture is Indo-Saracenic with influences of Muslim architectural styles of the 16th century Gujarat. This monument is probably the most visited one in Mumbai. From here one gets a fantastic view of the Arabian Sea. The Gateway is also the boarding point for visitors taking the ferry to Elephanta Caves. From here, tourists can also enjoy cruises through the natural harbor of Mumbai. The Gateway of India is also the perfect place to hang around and do people watching as you nibble your way through the assorted snacks sold by roadside vendors.

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Hanging Gardens

Garden

This picturesque garden, also named Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens after a famous barrister of the yesteryears, is laid out in terraces on the slopes of Malabar Hill. From atop here, one can enjoy spectacular sunset scenes over the Arabian Sea. A major attraction of the gardens is the several hedges that have been pruned into the shape of animals. There is also a striking flower clock in the middle of the garden. The vast expanse of verdant green offers a soothing contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city below.

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Flora Flountain

Fountain

Flora Fountain is located in the Fort business district of South Mumbai. Its name originates from Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers. This stone fountain was built of imported Portland stone in the year 1864. The square where the fountain stands was named in 1960 as Hutatma Chowk or Martyr’s Square. Today, this well-preserved fountain has been declared as a heritage structure

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Churchgate

Town

Churchgate, South Mumbai’s downtown business district is a busy area filled with several banks and offices. This area gets its name from Churchgate Railway Station, a very busy and focal point as it is the terminus of Western Railway line of Suburban Railway and caters to an influx of a large number of passengers daily who com to this area to work. The Income Tax Office is located at Churchgate while Nariman Point is just about a kilometer away. This area is dotted with educational institutions like University of Mumbai, Government Law College, Jain Hind College, K.C. College, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Sydenham College, SNDT Women’s College and Indo-German Training Center. Wankhede Cricket Stadium, Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Brabourne Stadium and Oval Maidan are some of the prestigious sport complexes in the region. It is worth taking a stroll around this area to admire the architecture of the buildings and get a feel of the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Haji Ali

Mausoleum

Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and shrine on an island off the coast in Worli. It was built in memory of Haji Ali, a rich Muslim merchant who gave up all worldly pleasures before embarking on a pilgrimage. Popular not just with Mumbaikars but also people from all over the country and abroad, this mosque (dargah) is built in the Indo-Islamic style of architecture and looks stunning amidst the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. It is linked to the mainland Mahalaxmi area by a narrow walkway bereft of railings and is prone to sea water during high tide which makes it accessible only during low tide. A walk on the causeway with the sea on both sides is one of the highlights of a trip to the shrine. Haji Ali Dargah has a tomb that is always covered with a brocaded red and green sheet, supported by a delicate silver frame. The marble pillars inside the main hall are decorated with multihued mirrors and embrace the ninety-nine names of Allah. On Thursdays and Fridays, the shrine is visited by at least 40,000 pilgrims from all faiths who seek blessings of the legendary saint. This shrine is more than 500 years old.

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Victoria and Albert Museum

Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum, built in 1872, is the oldest museum in Mumbai. It has now been named as Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum. Here you discover the history of Mumbai through archaeological relics, maps and photographs. The museum also contains artifacts like clay models, costumes, finely shaped silver, copperware etc. Some of the most valuable articles relating to industrial and agricultural interest are housed here. The museum also serves as sort of reference center on the history of the country, with its compilation of over 4,000 books and manuscripts. This museum stands in the midst of the picturesque Jijamata Udyan, Mumbai’s beautiful botanical gardens.

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Mount Mary's Basilica

Churches

Mount Mary’s Church, a Roman Catholic church, is probably Mumbai's most famous church. It is visited by people of all faiths. Perhaps the oldest church in Mumbai, it was built by the Portuguese around 1640 AD. It is situated on a hillock about 80 m above sea level and from there one can get magnificent views on the waters of the Arabian Sea. A week-long fair held annually on the Sunday following September 8 (which is the Feast of Our Lady of the Mount) draws visitors from all religions. At this time the whole area is gaily decorated with festoons and buntings. The current structure is about a hundred years old but the current statue of Our Lady was bought from Portugal by Jesuit priests in the 16 century when they placed it in a chapel which was constructed at the present location. The exquisite interiors and stunning architecture also make this place worth visiting.

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Film City

Building

Want to see your favorite stars in flesh and blood? Then head to Film City of India, the venue for the shooting of many Bollywood movies. The movie sets there are sure to fascinate you with authenticity of construction that you can hardly manage to distinguish fake from real. Sprawled over a large area, Film City has fountains, gardens, lakes, helipads and real looking buildings. In addition, there are well appointed indoor and outdoor shooting facilities, editing and recording rooms. To visit you need prior permission from relevant authorities. Some tour operators organize trips to Film City so be sure to contact them.

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Juhu Beach

beach

Juhu Beach is located in the central suburb of Mumbai. The beach is clean and the waters are a beautiful shade of turquoise blue which turn into shades of red and orange as the sun dips into the Arabian Sea. This spectacular sight is worth watching. Every evening, hordes of people converge at Juhu Beach and enjoy local snacks as they watch dancing monkeys and acrobats while children buy toys and balloons from the vendors or go on horse or donkey rides. Juhu Beach has also been featured many a time in Hindi movies so don’t be surprised if on your visit there you find a film shooting going on!

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National Gallery of Modern Art

Gallery

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is the premier institute in the country that houses modern and contemporary Indian art. The rich and varied collections comprise of more than 17,000 art objects - paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs. Coupled with modern facilities of display, conservation, auditorium and library, the NGMA aims to make the viewing and understanding of modern and contemporary Indian art a joyful and enriching experience across all levels of audiences. The Gallery also brings an interesting program of visiting exhibitions from around the world.The building, resembling a miniature Albert Hall, itself is worth seeing. From within, it has a winding Guggenheim-like staircase linking the floors.

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180 Degrees

If the salad is anything to go by, this place is amazing with over 25 varieties. The desserts too are exceptional with a lovely blend of Indian and Western. The buffet is a great hit with diners.

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Asia 7

This restaurant offers a wide range of pan Asian delicacies. The Dimsums are above average and the sushi delectable. Highly recommended are the Singapore Chilly Crab, Chicken in Black Bean (Chinese) and Phad Thai Noodles.

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The Dome at the Intercontinental Marine Drive

The terrace area of the hotel serves as an open area cocktail lounge. The view from here is breathtaking and one can enjoy spectacular sunsets and exotic views of the Arabian Sea and Marine Drive. The bar located in the center of the Dome serves an international selection of cigars and wines. In the evening guests can enjoy an international selection of grilled items cooked live in the open. The stylish combination of white sofas with blue skies and the sun reflecting off the glass of the dome gives this place a romantic and intimate air.

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Aurus

This celeb frequented, fine dining place has an open air beach facing lounge and an indoor restaurant. Head there for partying out the night. Aurus means ‘gold’ in Latin and the place is certainly very elegant and sophisticated with crystal chandeliers, blue and gold silk wall tapestries and warm ambient lighting. The bar has a dance floor and unusual drinks tangerine caipiroshka and an over-chilled cucumber and melon cooler. For dinner, the chef recommends chilled zucchini soup with sun dried tomato sorbet, beef ravioli infused with wasabi mash or grilled chicken stuffed with spinach and feta and dusted with Zatar, a Middle Eastern spice. Everything from duck and quail to escargot is featured on the menu.

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Wasabi by Morimoto

The ultimate in Japanese dining experience courtesy celebrity chef Masahuru Morimoto, Wasabi has been rated as one of the world’s top 100 eateries. The extensive sushi and sashimi menu features sea urchin, flying fish roe, sweet shrimp, jackfish and fatty tuna. There’s extensive vegetarian selection too. Other dishes worth trying are miso marinated black cod and the Chilean sea bass in black bean sauce, ginger and shaved scallion. They have a good selection of sake as well. End your meal with the tofu cheesecake. Some of the newly added dishes are Shimaji Salad, Enoki Tempura, Snow Crab and Kobe Beef Green Tea Tiramisu and Wahabi Crème Brulee. No doubt this place is way expensive but it’s definitely worth a visit. Cuisine: Japanese Address: Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Bunder Colaba, South Mumbai Tel: +911-22-6665 3366 Timings: Daily 12:30 – 2:45 pm and 7:00 – 11:45 pm Reservations essential for dinner

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Indigo

With a number of awards tucked under its belt (including Conde Nast’s World’s Hottest 60 Tables and Times Food Award for Best Continental Restaurant 2010), Indigo offers you a unique dining experience. Tucked in a little lane near Gateway of India, Indigo offers fine dining in an aura of warmth and style in a restored Colonial bungalow. This place is hugely popular with international celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and the Clintons to name a few. The aura of hospitality and restrained elegance and refinement punctuated with sunlit spaces and chic interiors makes dining at Indigo a memorable experience. Indigo offers a varied menu which changes frequently to avoid boredom. Some of the dishes on the first course are saffron ravioli of curried pumpkin, gravid of tuna loin, tea-grilled quail with basmati biryani, seared balsamic mushrooms. The second course offers risotto of fennel, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes flavored with chili vodka, curried leek, Camembert soufflé sun dried tomato, etc. The desserts served are also scrumptious and include Indigo’s famous hot dessert soufflé (changes daily, allow 20 mins), espresso bitter chocolate flan hazelnut ganache, crème brulee with biscotti, chocolate fondant with jalapenos crème Anglaise, etc.

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Kandahar

For those who love traditional rich cuisine of the northwest frontier, Kandahar is the place to go. Kandahar restaurant is also known for its beautiful view of the sea. It has a display kitchen where you can see your food being cooked. The restaurant seats 82 people. The soft, fragrant and succulent Kabuli Raan served here is considered the best in the city. It is prepared a day in advance allowing the meat to simmer in the juices and assorted spices. The kebabs are also very popular. The vegetables served here have their own special flavor. Try the dahiwali bhindi, okra cooked in yogurt or lasuni palak which is the delicately flavored garlicky spinach dish. The butter-soaked Kandahari or kaali daal is best eaten with pudina paratha (mint bread) or zaafrani naan (bread cooked with saffron and poppy seeds). Kandahar regularly hosts food festivals where you’re sure to get some lip-smacking surprises. For dessert there’s malpua with rabri, a variety of homemade kulfis…… Indian classical instrumental music creates the perfect ambience.

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Olive Bar & Kitchen

Yummy food on offer here. You must try their great salads- grilled vegetable Caesar salad in a parmesan cheese dressing, traditional Greek salad with feta and olives with dill vinaigrette. One of the favorite dishes is Gambas Piccante, prawns in a spicy tomato cream. and butter sauce. Also popular is the Tomato, Basil and Garlic Bruschetta, a garlicky bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil and feta.

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Gaylord

Half a century after opening, Gaylord restaurant continues to be the ‘talk of the town’ for its ostentatious décor which is very much Raj-era its Indian and club-style continental fare and its immense popularity which has never waned in all these years. This is the place where yesteryear actors of Bollywood used to frequent for a casual rendezvous. Chef Gilbert Gomes continues to dish out exotic fare. Some of the all time favorite dishes are Chicken a la Kiev, creamy, buttery, stuffed boneless chicken breast rolled and deep fried and served on a bed of rice. This dish is also called Chicken Bomb referring to the explosion of butter upon slicing it! Another favorite is Lobster Thermador, poached and shelled lobster baked with a mixture of white sauce, cheese and mushrooms. Chicken Chasseur, Chicken with bacon, Mutton Rogan Josh and Fish Meuniere are as good as ever. Recently added dishes are Spaghetti Carbonara, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Moussaka. Baked Alaska, the traditional old dessert, retains its charm even today.

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Trishna

Touted as the best seafood restaurant in town, Trishna specializes in Magalorean seafood dishes and its signature dish, Butter Pepper Garlic King Crab promises to be as delectable as it sounds. Other hot favorites are Pomfret Hyderabadi and Kholapuri Prawns. While you wait for your order, spend your time ‘people watching’ as this place is popular with Mumbai’s ‘in’ crowd. A lot of tourists also frequent this place.

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Hotel Godwin

Budget Hotels

Hotel Godwin is conveniently located near the popular shopping malls, business centers and tourist attractions in Mumbai. Besides its convenient location, the 52 well-furnished rooms are equipped with all modern amenities for a comfortable stay. The homely ambience adds to the charm of this hotel. Here you can be sure to get full value for money. Additionally, the hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines. The Business and Convention Center afford all conveniences for the business traveler.

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Suba Palace

Suba Palace is a well-known hotel in Mumbai. It is a favorite with tourists as it is located on prime location, near the Gateway of India. Its warm ambience and hospitality add to its popularity. The stunning views of the Arabian Sea from the hotel rooms are an added attraction. The hotel has 50 well-appointed luxurious guest rooms all of which are elegantly furnished and equipped with modern amenities. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves a mouth-watering range of delicacies.

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Hotel Manama

Hotel Manama situated very close to CST railway station and Marine Drive is known for its distinctive services and wide range of facilities including excellent facilities for business travelers. It is also suitable for leisure travelers seeking to enjoy a holiday in pleasurable accommodation. The hotel offers 45 well-appointed rooms, categorized into Standard Non A/C, Standard A/C, Deluxe A/C Room, and Super Deluxe Room. All rooms are equipped with modern conveniences.

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The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower

Expensive Hotels

The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower is a stunningly beautiful building whose architecture incorporates a blend of different styles including Moorish, Oriental and Florentine. The hotel is situated on the waterfront in Colaba, near the Gateway of India. It is ideally located near the major commercial and shopping centers of Mumbai. Luxury, comfort and convenience are the by words of this hotel where guests are treated nothing short of royalty. The Taj hospitality is legendary! The 565 rooms of the hotel offer luxurious accommodation and all modern amenities including internet connection, mini fridge, safe deposit box, direct dialing STD/ISD facility, tea/coffee maker, Jacuzzi tub, etc. Other hotel facilities include currency exchange, doctor on demand, spa, travel desk facility, swimming pool, golf and gymnasium. The hotel also offers conference facilities and secretarial services.

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The Leela Kempinski Mumbai

Luxury Hotels

The Leela Kempinski Mumbai is a renowned luxury hotel located in the heart of Mumbai's industrial belt. The lush green landscaped gardens of the hotel along with cascading waterfalls, lotus pools and fountains are a treat to the eyes. The interiors are as sumptuous with 423 luxuriously appointed rooms with all the amenities that befit a hotel of this class. The Leela Hotel offers superb business facilities too. The conference venues are equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment that ensure your business is a success.

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Sun-n-Sand Hotel

Luxury Hotels

The Sun –n-Sand Hotel is India’s premier beachfront 5-star hotel preferred by leisure tourists and business travelers alike. It is situated close to the business hub of the city. The hotel maintains a high standard of service and facilities. It is no wonder then that it has been regularly winning the Government of India's Regional Tourism Award for Excellence in the Hospitality Industry. Sun-n-Sand has 120 rooms including 9 theme based suites and a Presidential suite, each equipped to cater to the most discerning traveler. There is also a room for persons with special needs, which allows access to wheelchairs and is designed to adapt to individual requirements. Amenities include: Dataport for the Internet and email connectivity, complimentary high speed broadband connectivity, electronic safe large enough to accommodate a laptop, LCD Television with cable/satellite TV, International Direct Dial (IDD) telephones with voicemail facility, a well appointed bathroom with a separate shower, daily newspaper, tea and coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, weighing scales, minibar, refrigerator, 24 Room Service, 24hr laundry Service, complimentary cocktail hour.

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Trident

Trident hotel is located at a vantage position at Nariman Point from where guests can get a marvelous view of the 3km sweep of Marine Drive, a beautiful promenade encircling a natural bay. Also being in the heart of the financial and business district it enjoys proximity to major corporate houses, entertainment, recreation and shopping centers. Trident Hotel has a 541 rooms in different categories. Some of the rooms are sea-facing and guests can enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Sea. All rooms are equipped with standard features like central air conditioning, wired & wireless Internet access, direct dial dual line telephones, personal bar, tea & coffee maker, 24 hour room service, electronic safe, hair dryer (Voltage 110-220).

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Oberoi Towers

Luxury Hotels

The Oberoi is a 5 star deluxe hotel located in the heart of Mumbai’s commercial and banking district. The city’s main shopping center is close-by. Being located on Marine Drive, the hotel rooms offer stunning vistas of the Arabian Sea. The 333 rooms of the hotel are furnished in style, comfort and luxury with all modern amenities and services like newspaper, internet connection, cable TV, safe, refrigerator, tea/coffee maker, bathroom with hairdryer and Jacuzzi tub. The shopping complex of the hotel has over 200 shops. Other facilities include a beauty parlour, health club, swimming pool, tennis, discotheque, travel desk service, money changer and doctor on call. The hotel has a number of restaurants: Tiffin: An all day dining restaurant Vetro: An authentic Italian cuisine restaurant Kandahar: An Indian cuisine specialty restaurant Bayview Bar: A bar to enjoy single malts and Habanos cigars. The Tea Lounge: A cozy lounge to have snacks and beverages. Gourmet Shop and Snack Bar: A place to have snacks, cakes & pastries.

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Quality Inn Parle International

A part of the renowned US-based Choice Hotels Group, Quality Inn Parle is located across the street from the Parle Railway Station, and less than a kilometre from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport.

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Hotel Bawa Continental

Budget Hotels

This hotel, frequented by both business and leisure travelers, is located near the popular Juhu Beach and is only a mere 10 km from the international airport. It provides its guests comfort, elegance, convenience and value for money. First class amenities combine with excellent services to provide comfortable accommodation in a homely ambience. The 31 lavishly appointed rooms are categorized into Economy Room, Standard Room, Deluxe Room and Suite Room.