'Atithi Devo Bhava' - The guest is God is the slogan of Indian tourism. The country welcomes and treats its visitors with utmost respect and hospitality. Incredible India is a vast country with a unique culture. No state in India is like the other. Language, practice, dress, culture - you get to see myriad hues when you travel to India.
Mumbai, the largest city of India, is like a melting pot where all diverse elements of Indian culture meet. Mumbai, India's financial hub, is an insomniac cosmopolitan city with a bursting cultural life. To the travellers, Mumbai has a lot to offer. From visiting exciting places in the city to street-shopping and eating local food, be prepared for an unmatched experience if you visit Mumbai for the first time.
Explore The Splendid Architecture of Mumbai
Mumbai boasts of rich architectural history. The city's stunning architectural offerings reflect its historical past. The iconic landmarks of Mumbai are a fusion of Gothic, Victorian, Art Deco, and Indo-Saracenic styles. Some of the gems include:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Constructed to toast Queen Victoria's Jubilee, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a busy rail station where you can find millions of busy Mumbaikars rushing to their workplace. Designed by a British architect named Frederick William Stevens, CST, as it is popularly known, is a remarkable specimen of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India. With its solid granite columns, carved wood ceiling, and Italian marble, the stately building can compete with any famous gothic building in the world. The elaborate detailing of this heritage building is mind-blowing.
Gateway Of India
The Indo-Saracenic architectural beauty is associated with the British Raj period in Mumbai. This monumental archway memorial immortalizes the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai.
Haji Ali Dargah
One of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, the dargah was constructed in 1431 to honor Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy Muslim businessman.
The Taj Mahal Palace
Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata built this iconic hotel in 1903. The grand building is a testament to Victorian Gothic, Romanesque and Edwardian architectural influence.
Global Vipassana Pagoda
built-in a distinctive Burmese architectural style, this pagoda has the world's largest stone dome. The sky-kissing spire is covered in real gold. This stunning building has a central hall that accommodates 8,000 people and teaches Buddhist lessons.
The city has many other jaw-dropping architectural marvels. If you want to explore them all, hiring a guide or signing up for a heritage walk would be ideal for experiencing the city's rich history.
Visit Kanheri Caves
If you find ancient history interesting, head towards the Kanheri Caves. Over 100 Buddhist caves are located deep inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai. The caves are testimony to Buddhism's growing popularity from 1st century BC to the 11th century AD.
Take a Trip To Elephanta Island
One of the hotspots for tourists, the extraordinary 2,000-year-old Hindu and Buddhist cave temples sit in Elephanta Island. The hour-long ferry ride, the exquisitely intricate cave sculptures, and the caves' grand scale will make you feel stunned.
Visit A Parsi Cafe
Parsi cafes are unique features of Mumbai and have stories to tell. Mumbaikars are crazy about delicious Iranian food. Though many Pari Cafes have shut their doors, you can please your tastebuds at Britannia & Co, one of the oldest Parsi cafes.
Spend some time at Dhobighat
Dhobighat is an enormous outdoor laundry you won't find anywhere in the world. Photographers frequent this place. Watch the dhobis at work in the early morning or afternoon.
Taste Mumbai Street Food
If you are a food lover, a trip to Mumbai will be incomplete if you don't taste the typical Mumbai dishes - pav bhaji, kheema pav, Pani-puri, Frankie, and dosas.
Sign-up for a Bollywood Trip
You can't miss a trip to the heart of Bollywood while here in Mumbai. The largest film industry in India, Bollywood beats Hollywood in terms of the yearly film release. Many tour operators offer Bollywood tours for a behind-the-scenes sneak peek. Compare rates and join one.
Reaching Mumbai
If you want to fly in a premier carrier while traveling to Mumbai, Cathay Pacific has luxurious flights to offer. The airline is famous for providing its passengers with the best inflight experience. Book direct from Cathay Pacific and enjoy the finest hospitality the leading Hong Kong-based carrier offers.