Mumbai/South
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South Bombay
"South Bombay" or "South Mumbai" is a commonly used term, but the extent of this district is not commonly agreed upon. This article uses the term to denote the areas of Fort, Colaba, Malabar Hill, Nariman Point, Marine Lines, Kalbadevi, Pydhonie, Mahalaxmi, and Tardeo. On the north it borders the South Central Mumbai. |
South Mumbai is a hub of tourist spots including two UNESCO World Heritage sites. These are Elephanta Caves and Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai. Most of the city's famous landmarks, including the iconic Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Hotel, and Marine Drive (Queen's Necklace) are found here.
Understand
This district contains some of the oldest parts of the city. For a long time, this was the city. One of the seven islands that were joined to form Mumbai, then called Bombay. This is where the British started on their long quest to build the docks and the city. They built Fort St. George, which no longer exists, but the area is still called "Fort". The Fort area contains many corporate offices and most of the administrative offices of the city and Maharashtra state governments.
Paradoxically, this district contains one of the newest areas of the city, Nariman Point, which was built on land reclaimed between the 1940s and the 1970s. This is Bombay's downtown, where the offices of India's topmost corporate houses are located. This area serves as the business capital of the country. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have there headquarters in this location. Major banks from all over the world opertaes from this region of Mumbai. Most of this buildings follow different architectural style including the Victorian gothic, art deco and last of all the modern day skyscraper.
Since the place have been a hub of business activities for over a century it has attracted business communities from far and wide. Business cummunities like the Parsis, Jews, Marawaris, Gujratis have made South Mumbai their home. This lead to places of worships for each of the community and south Mumbai does have its share of temples, Parsi fire temples, churches, synagogues and even a Chinese temple.
Malabar Hill, the most affluent residential neighborhood in the city is also located here. Most industrialists have their bungalows here. This is also where the official residences of Maharashtra's chief minister and Governor are located. Altamount Road is another affluent area that features the residences of Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani, amongst others, the latter of which is the most expensive residence in the world. The other famous location is Colaba, which was an island until it was connected to Bombay by a causeway. This area contains a naval base.
South Bombay was the centre of terrorist attacks between the evening of Nov 26 & 29, 2008.
Get in
Map of Mumbai/South
By taxi
This is the best way to reach South Mumbai whether you have arrived by air, train, or bus. The taxi should be able to get you straight to your hotel.
By train
All three lines of Mumbai's local train network terminate here. The Central and Harbour lines end at 
Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) or Victoria Terminus (VT). The Western line ends at Churchgate. Most tourist areas can be reached most easily from VT and Churchgate stations. The best way to get here from the airport is to make your way to Vile Parle station and take a southbound train to Churchgate, though this method is not recommended during peak hours, especially if you have luggage.
By bus
BEST serves this area exceptionally well. During peak times buses have standing room only, but at other times it is a comfortable option. Buses in the series 1-199 serve this area.
By car
It is best to avoid getting your car here, especially on a weekday. While all highways terminate here and traffic discipline is better than almost anywhere else in India, the extraordinary amount of traffic and the near impossibility of finding parking close to your destination make this a bad option to take. Even if you drive down, it is a good idea to park your car at one of the paid parking areas run by the Municipal Corporation (look for "MCGM" on the streets) and then take other means of transport to your destination.
Getting around
By train
Since Mumbai has an extensive local railway network short train rides can save a lot of time. The area is the terminating point of Mumbai's three local lines. The Central and Harbour lines end at ends at Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) or Victoria Terminus (VT).
Important stations on Western Line
- 1 Churchgate. The railway station
provides access to a lot of places in South Mumbai 
- 2 Marine Lines. Railway Station provides easy access to Marine Drive.
- 3 Charni Road. Railway Station provides easy access to Taraporewala Aquarium, Royal Opera House and Chowpatty Beach.
- 4 Grant Road. Railway station provides easy access to Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahal, Babulnath Temple, Tower of Silence, Hanging Garden and Kamala Nehru Park.
- 5 Mumbai Central. Railway station provides easy access to Haji Ali Dragha and Mahalakshmi Temple. Also the Central Mall, Heera Panna Shopping Centre and Breach Candy Mall are nearby.
- 6 Mahalakshmi. Railway station provides easy access to Tephereth Israel Synagogue.
Important stations on Central Line and Harbour Line are
- 7 Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) (Victoria Terminus (VT)). The railway station is a grand building and a UNESCO Heritage Site . It provides access to lot of places in south Mumbai.
- 8 Masjid (Masjid Bunder). Railway Station provides easy access to Shaar Harahamin Synagogue. Shaare Rason Synagogue, Jumma Masjid and Mumbadevi Temple. The station also provides access to some important markets like Cowford Market, Manish Market and shop like Musafir Khana.
- 9 Sandhurst Road. Railway station provides access to Raudat Tahera.
Important stations on Central Line are
- 10 Byculla. Railway Station provides easy access to Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum (Victoria & Albert Museum), the Gloria Church, Magen Hasidim Synagogue and Magen David Synagogue.
Important stations on Harbour Line are
- 11 Dockyard Road. Railway Station provides access to Kuan Kung Chinese Temple.
On foot
Since the area is not very spread-out walking is a good option. This allows the opportunity of admiring the architecture, interacting with locals and tasting street food.
See
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- 1 Gateway of India (भारतीय प्रवेशद्वार), Shivaji Marg. 24/7. Gateway of India was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the foundation stone for the Gateway of India was laid on 31 March 1911. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. This arch is the most recognizable symbol of the city. The structure is a basalt arch, 26 m high. It lies at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg at the water's edge in Mumbai Harbour. It was a crude jetty used by the fishing community which was later renovated and used as a landing place for British governors and other prominent people. In earlier times, it would have been the first structure that visitors arriving by boat in Mumbai would have seen. Ferries to Elephanta are available from Gateway of India. Free.
- 2 Taj Mahal Hotel (Marathi: ताजमहाल हॉटेल), Shivaji Rd, Apollo Bandar (from Churchgate station 1.6 km south). The landmark hotel close to the Gateway of India, along with the Oberoi is one of the oldest five-star hotels in India. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel original building was commissioned in Indo-Saracenic style by Tata and first opened its doors to guests on 16 December 1903. The builder was Khansaheb Sorabji Ruttonji Contractor who also designed and built its famous central floating staircase. The cost of construction was £250,000 (£127 million today). During World War I, the hotel was converted into a 600-bed hospital. The dome of the hotel is made from steel as used in the Eiffel Tower. Jamsedji Tata imported the same steel during that time. The hotel was the first in India to install and operate a steam elevator. The hotel imported American fans, German elevators, Turkish baths and English butlers, for the first time in India. In 2008, four gunmen attacked the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower. In 2003 was two more terror attacks near here, at the Gateway of India
- 3 Elephanta Caves (एलिफेंटा द्वीप), Gharapuri Village, Shet Bandar, Elephanta Island (take a ferry from the Gateway of India; the boat round trip costs ₹200 (luxury class, boat every 15 min, or ₹145 economy and wait for the boat to get full) and will take about 1 hour one way). Check out these fine examples of rock sculptures dedicated to Shiva. Even though many of them have been vandalized by Portuguese invaders, their grandeur is hardly diminished. The island has two groups of caves in the rock cut architectural style. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All caves were painted in the past, but only traces remain. The larger group of caves, which consists of five caves on the western hill of the island, is well known for its Hindu sculptures. The primary cave numbered as Cave 1, is situated about 1.6 km up a hillside, facing the ocean. It is a rock cut temple complex that covers an area of 0.56 ha, and consists of a main chamber, two lateral chambers, courtyards, and subsidiary shrines. It is 39 m deep from the front entrance to the back. The temple complex is the abode of Shiva, depicted in widely celebrated carvings which reveal his several forms and acts. The northern entrance to the cave, which has 1,000 steep steps, is flanked by two panels of Shiva dated to the Gupta period. The left panel depicts Yogishvara (the Lord of Yoga) and the right shows Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance). The central Shiva shrine (see 16 in plan below) is a free-standing square cell with four entrances, located in the right section of the main hall. Smaller shrines are located at the east and west ends of the caves. The eastern sanctuary serves as a ceremonial entranceOn the eastern part of the island, on the Stupa Hill, there is a small group of caves that house Buddhist monuments. This hill is named after the religious Stupa monument that they display. One of the two caves is incomplete, while the other contains a Stupa made in brick. Every year around February, the Elephanta Festival of music and dance takes place on this island in the backdrop of the sculptures. The caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. See Elephanta Island for more details.
- 4 Chowpatty Beach (Girgaum Chowpatty, Marathi:गिरगाव चौपाटी). This is the city's most famous beach. It's at one end of Bombay's most famous promenade. This is not a place to sunbathe, however. Go here to watch the crowds enjoying themselves and have Bhel puri, as a moderately famous Hindi song asks you to. Chowpatty in Marathi means "beach". So you may hear people referring to other beaches suffixed with Chowpatty. (For example, "Juhu Chowpatty"). But if they say "Chowpatty" without qualification, they are referring to this place. The beach is famous for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations when hundreds of people from all over Mumbai come to immerse the idols of Lord Ganapati in the Arabian Sea. It is also one of the many places in the city where the Ramlila is performed on a stage every year. An effigy of Ravan, that is erected on the sand, is burnt by the end of the 10-day performance.
- 5 Marine Drive. Marine Drive is a 3.6-km-long C-shaped Promenade along the cost of a natural bay. The six-lane road connects the Nariman Point on the south to the Chowpatty Beach on the north. it is popularly known as the Queen's Necklace, because when viewed during the night, preferably from an elevated spot, the lights on the road resembles the string of pearls in a necklace. There are walkways and benches along the bay and is a favorite hunt for both tourists and locals. During weekend evenings the place gets very crowded. The road is officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. It is also the venue for several well known events including Mumbai Marathon and Indian Air Force (IAF) air show.
- 6 Nariman Point (Manhattan of Mumbai, नरिमन पॉईंट) (at the southern end of Marine Drive). The area is on land reclaimed from the sea. Nariman Point is the business hub of Bombay. However, with the change in economic conditions, many companies have shifted to other areas of Bombay like Parel, Worli, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Andheri-Kurla Road, and Powai. There are many airlines offices and luxury hotels here. Don't miss out the Air-India building. It is widely regarded as the 'Manhattan' of Mumbai and it boasts of a spectacular skyline and pricey residential condos. It is also the main financial district of Mumbai and houses most of the financial services and brokerage companies—both Indian and international. It is also the location for the Vidhan Bhavan which is the political headquarters of the state of Maharashtra.
Colonial architecture
The southern part of Mumbai (then Bombay) was a British stronghold. The area houses several colonial buildings which can be best explored on foot. Today the buildings serve as railway stations, office buildings, departmental stores, museum and libraries. Interior of office buildings and libraries are usually out of reach of ordinary tourist but the museums do allow visitors (see Museum, galleries, libraries & societies section below). Although the colonial buildings are scattered all over the area, they can be classified under certain gegraphical areas, like Around Oval Maidan and Around Wellington Fountain.
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- 7 Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजी टर्मिनस, Hindi: छत्रपति शिवाजी टर्मिनस, Victoria Terminus, VT), Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, Azad Maidan, Fort. It is the disembarking station for Central Railway local trains and long-distance trains. Adjacent to VT station is General Post Office, a grand building which is open 24 hours. The road goes further up to Ballard Estate where a lot of corporate offices and Mumbai Port is situated. About the architecture: the station building is designed in the High Victorian Gothic style of architecture. The building exhibits a fusion of influences from Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Indian architecture. The skyline, turrets, pointed arches, and eccentric ground plan are close to traditional Indian palace architecture. Externally, the wood carving, tiles, ornamental iron and brass railings, grills for the ticket offices, the balustrades for the grand staircases and other ornaments were the work of students at the Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy School of Art. The station stands as an example of 19th-century railway architectural marvels for its advanced structural and technical solutions. The VT was constructed using high level of engineering both in terms of railway engineering and civil engineering. It is one of the first and is considered as one of the finest products of the use of industrial revolution technology merged with revival of the Gothic Revival style in India. The centrally domed office structure has a 150m long platform connected to a 500-m-long train shed, and its outline provides the skeleton plan for building. VT's dome of dovetailed ribs, built without centring, was considered as a novel achievement of the era. It has a C-shaped plan which is symmetrical on an east-west axis. All the sides of the building are given equal value in the design. It is crowned by a high central dome, which acts as the focal point. The dome is an octagonal ribbed structure with a colossal female figure symbolizing Progress, holding a torch pointing upwards in her right hand and a spoked wheel in her left hand. The side wings enclose the courtyard, which opens on to the street. The wings are anchored by monumental turrets at each of their four corners, which balance and frame the central dome. The façades present the appearance of well proportioned rows of windows and arches. The ornamentation in the form of statuary, bas-reliefs, and friezes is exuberant yet well controlled. The columns of the entrance gates are crowned by figures of a lion (representing Great Britain) and a tiger (representing India). The main structure is built from a blend of India sandstone and limestone, while high-quality Italian marble was used for the key decorative elements. The interior of the building was conceived as a series of large rooms with high ceilings. It is a utilitarian building and has had various changes required by the users, not always sympathetic. The main interiors are also decorated: the ground floor of the North Wing, known as the Star Chamber, which is still used as the booking office, is embellished with Italian marble and polished Indian blue stone. The stone arches are covered with carved foliage and grotesques. Internally, the ceiling of the booking hall was originally painted blue, gold and strong red on a ground of rich blue with gold stars. Its walls were lined with glazed tiles made by Maw & Co of Britain. Outside, there are statues representing Commerce, Agriculture, Engineering and Science, with a statue representing Progress on the central dome of the station. A statue of Queen Victoria beneath the central dome has been removed. CST has 18 platforms - 7 are for locals trains and 11 are for long distance. This is one of World Heritage List.
- 8 Municipal Corporation Building, 5, Mahapalika Marg, Dhobi Talao (South west corner of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). The V shaped building built in Victorian Gothic style houses the office of Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC), the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai. BMC was formed in 1865, the building came up in 1893 and ever since it serves as the head quarters of BMC. The building was designed by the civic body that governs the city of Mumbai, and is classed as grade IIA heritage. The building is dominated by a 255 ft (77.7 m) tall tower, which is crowned with a massive dome. The pediment of the building is crowned with a statue of a Winged allegorical figure representing the 'urbs prima in Indis'. The pediment also houses the coat of arms of Bombay
- 9 Fort George ruins, Fort area (to the east on the site of the former Dongri Fort). This was an extension to the fortified walls of Bombay (now Mumbai) built in 1769. The hill on which the Dongri fort stood was razed, and in its place Fort George was built. In 1862, the fort was demolished. A part is visibble near St. George Hospital. The fort was 1 mile (1.6 km) long and about a third of a mile in breadth (500 m). Its length was from NNE to SSW, and it was named in honour of George III of the United Kingdom.
- 10 Flora Fountain, Hutatma Chowk (Martyr's Square). Flora Fountain is a ornamental fountain dedicated to the Roman Goddess Flora. The walls of the Bombay Fort were demolished in 1862 and the gate leading to the church was replaced by the Flora Fountain in 1864. It was built at a cost of ₹64,000 or £9,000. The Flora Fountain is surrounded by several Victorian era buildings. From 1860 to 1960 the chowk was known as the "Piccadilly Circus of Mumbai". In 1960 the chowk was renamed Hutatma Chowk (Martyr's Square) in memory of the people who laid their lives during the birth of the state of Maharashtra. Next to the Flora Fountain stands a stone statue in the memory of the martyrs. The statue consists of a pair of martyrs holding a torch.
- 11 Esplanade Mansion (formerly Watson's Hotel), Library Marg, Mantralaya (from : Churchgate station 0.8 km south). Esplanade Mansion was one of the most posh hotels in the area until Jehangir Tata was refused entry and he went on to build the Taj Mahal Hotel which went on to become the most popular hotel in Mumbai. The building is in a pathetic condition, due to negligence but has been listed in the "World's 100 Most Endangered Monuments" list and hopefully shall be restored soon.
- 12 General Post Office. General Post Office (GPO) is the central post office for city of Mumbai. The building was designed by John Begg and was completed in 1913. It is modelled on the lines of Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka. The building is complete with domes and tirrets and follows the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
Around Oval Maidan
Oval Maidan is a large open space in the heart of Mumbai (for details see the Parks and gardens section). It is flanked on all sides by a series of Colonial buildings
- 13 Rajabai Clock Tower (Marathi: राजाबाई टॉवर), Fort precinct, Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil Marg (in Mumbai University, close to Flora Fountain; from : Churchgate station 0.6 km south). Similar to the Big Ben of London. The tower was built in a fusion of Venetian and Gothic styles. It is built out of the locally available buff-coloured Kurla stone. The tower has one of the best stained glass windows in the city. The ground floor has two side rooms, each measuring 140 m². The tower forms a carriage porch 2.4 m², and a spiral staircase vestibule of 2.6 m². The tower, over the carriage porch, has a square form up to the gallery at the top of the first level which is at a height of 20.7 m from the ground. The form changes from a square to an octagon and the height from this gallery to the top of the tower is 36m and the third stage to the top of the finial is 28.7m, thus making a total height of 85m. Chimes every 15 minutes. The Rajabai Clock Tower is best view and photographed from the Oval Maidan.
- 14 Bombay High Court. The massive building of Bombay High Court lies on the north-eastern side of the Oval Maidan. It follows the Victorian Neo-Gothic style of architecture and was constructed by Col. James A. Fuller of the '
Royal Engineers. The building was completed in 1878, and is 562 feet (171 m) long and 187 feet (57 m) wide. The central part of the western side as a elevated section flanked by two octagonal towers. The towers are crowned with the statues of Justice and Mercy. The Bombay High Court is best view and photographed from the Oval Maidan. 
- 15 Western Railway Headquarters. The massive grey and white sandstone building stands opposite the Church Gate Railway station and on the north-west corner of the Oval Maidan. The building was constructed in 1899. Although the gothic architecture building dominates Mumbai's skyline but on account of its location at a busy intersection it is often passed by unnoticed in the waves of humanity.
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk
This road crossing consists of a series of colonial buildings centred around the Wellington Fountain.
- 16 Wellington Fountain. A small elegant marble fountain dating back to 1860s..
- 17 Majestic Guest House. Once the majestic hotel it was designed by W.A. Chambers, who was also the designer of Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, Completed in 1909 it follows the Indo-Saracenic architectural style complete with domed minarates. Today it is known as Majestic Guest House and houses a government co-operative store and a hostel for Members of Legislative Assembly.
- 18 Waterloo Mansion. An Indo-Gothic style residential apartment. The ground floor houses several stores including cafes and restaurants.
- 19 Maharashtra Police Headquarters. The grand building dates back to 1876 and was built as home for the sea men and was known as Royal Alfred Sailors Home. Built in Gothic style it was designed by Frederick William Stevens. The giant pediment at the centre of the building contains a statue of Neptune, the guardian of the seas. The sculptures on the other faced of the building were designed by the students of J J School of Art under the guidance of John Lockwood Kipling, father of well known writer Rudyard Kipling. In 1928 the building was acquired by the government and in 1930 it served as the office of the Legislative Council. In 1982 the building was handed over to the Mahrashtra Police for setting up its headquarters. In 2019 the building underwent an extensive renovation and restoration.
- 20 Elphinstone College. Eliphinstone College is affiliated to the Dr. Homi Bhabha State University since 2019. The college was established in 1856 and was part of the Mumbai University till 2019. The grand building housing the college came up in 1888. The building was designed by Trubshaw, supervised by Khan Bahadur Muncherjee Murzban. It follows the gothic architecture and is Grade I heritage building.
The area also includes the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and National Gallery of Modern Art (see details in the Museums, galleries, libraries & societies section). It also houses Regal Cinema (see details in Theatre and Cinema Halls).
Museums, galleries, libraries & societies
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- 21 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Marathi: छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज वस्तुसंग्रहालय, formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India), 159-161, M.G. Road, Fort precinct (next to Jehangir Art Gallery, near Regal cinema), ☏ +91 22 2284-4484, +91 22-2284-4519, fax: +91 22-2204-5430, crescent@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in. Tu-Su 10:15AM-5:45PM. Housed in a wonderful example of Indo-Saracenic architecture the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya was established in 1904. The museum building, built of basalt and kurla stone, is a three-storied rectangular structure, capped by a dome set upon a base, which adds an additional storey in the centre of the building. The building accommodates a central entrance porch, above which rises a dome, "tiled in white and blue flecks, supported on a lotus - petal base". A cluster of pinnacles, topped with miniature domes surround the central dome. The building incorporates features like Islamic dome with a finial along with protruding balconies and inlaid floors, inspired by Mughal palace architecture. The architect, George Wittet, modeled the dome on that of Golconda Fort and the inner vaulting arches on those at the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur. The interior of the museum combines the columns, railings and balcony of an 18th-century Wada (a Maratha mansion) with Jain style interior columns, which form the main body of the central pavilion below the Maratha balcony. The ground floor contains a small, but representative collection of sculpture from ancient and medieval India. A mezzanine floor has exhibits on the Indus Valley civilization that is not particularly well organized but worth a stop, especially if your visit to India does not include the National Museum in Delhi. The First Floor has an impressive collection of Buddhist (Nepal and Tibet) thangkas and bronzes and a smorgasbord of medieval Indian court and religious painting. The Third Floor houses an indifferent collection of European art and medieval weaponry that is best skipped. Opened new galleries: Krishna Art Gallery, Indian Miniature Painting Gallery, Textile or Indian costume gallery. The excellent audio guide and the building itself make this museum a must on any visit to Bombay. ₹15 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners Audio guide worth ₹150 complimentary with the price for foreigners.
- 22 National Gallery of Modern Art. Tu-Su 11AM-6PM (closed on Monday). The gallery came up in 1996 but the building housing it dates back to 1911. The building housed an auditorium known as the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall (popularly known as Sir C J Hall). The interior is centred around a central stairway with semi - circular galleries at different levels. The gallery was an initiative of art connoisseur Kekoo Gandhy and sculptor Piloo Pochkhanawala. The gallery exhibits modern art of the last 150 years. It exhibits works of famous contemporary artists like S H Raza and M F Husain. ₹ 20 for Indians.
- 23 Jehangir Art Gallery, 161 Kalaghoda, ☏ +91 22 22843989. Free. The building has been designed by Durga Bajpai and is one of the early concrete structures in the city. The gallery has been turned inwards due to a combined function of an auditorium and an art gallery. Daily 11AM-7PM.
- 24 Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum (Victoria & Albert Museum), 91 A, Rani Baug, Veer Mata Jijbai Bhonsle Udyan, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Byculla East precinct, Byculla, ☏ +91 22 2373 1234. Established in 1855 as a treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts. This museum houses a large number of archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai, clay models, silver and copper ware and costumes. Its significant collections include a 17th-century manuscript of Hatim Tai. Outside the museum is the installation of the monolithic basalt elephant sculpture recovered from the sea, which originated from Elephanta Island (Gharapuri Island). Collections in six galleries: Industrial Arts Gallery, 19th-Century Paintings, Origins of Mumbai Gallery, Founders' Gallery, Kamalnayan Bajaj Special Exhibitions Gallery, Kamalnayan Bajaj Mumbai Gallery.
- 25 Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya (Gandhi Memorial, Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya), 19, Laburnum Road, Gamdevi precinct (From : Grant Road 0.5km SW), ☏ +91 22-2380 5864, fax: +91 22-2380 6239, info@gandhi-manibhavan.org. Museum daily 9:30AM-6PM, closed on 2nd & 4th Saturdays and public holidays. Library: M-F 9:30AM-6PM. The house where Mahatama Gandhi often stayed when he visited the city between 1917-1934. The two-storeyed structure standing on the Laburnum Road is the city's pride. Gandhi's Museum & Library: once you enter the place, there is a library with statue of the Mahatma where people offer their tributes. Then a staircase dotted with Gandhi's pictures depicting his life leads visitors to the first floor which has big photo gallery where photographs of his childhood till his assassination are displayed along with press clippings. The room that Gandhi used during his stay here is on the second floor - there is a glass partition and you can see through two of his spinning wheels, a book and floor bed still preserved. Right opposite the room there is a hall where photographs and paintings of his lifetime are on display. And finally you reach the terrace where he was arrested on Jan 4, 1932.
- 26 Taraporewala Aquarium, Marine Drive, Girgaon (~92, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Rd, Churchgate; from : Churchgate station 0.6 km SW). It has an exotic collection of marine and fresh water life. An interesting section demonstrates various stages in the growth of a pearl and also displays exquisite pearl, and mother-of-pearl jewellery. ₹50?.
- 27 Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) (Hornbill House, Prince of Wales Museum), Fort, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, (Opp.Lion Gate, Eastern Wing of Prince of Wales Museum. - From : Churchgate station 1 km south), ☏ +91 22 2282 1811, fax: +91 22 22837615, info@bnhs.org. This is a massive source of information for those interested in flora and fauna. Houses collections of beetles and butterflies. There is another floor which has embalmed reptiles, birds, and animal pelts. Here is the Natural History section of the Museum of Mumbai or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (former Prince of Wales Museum). The Bombay Natural History Society aided the Museum Trust in creating the natural history section. The museum's natural history section makes use of habitat group cases and dioramas, along with diagrams and charts, to illustrate Indian wildlife, including flamingoes, Great Hornbill, Indian bison, and the tiger.
- 28 Asiatic Library at Asiatic Society, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, (Next to Horniman Circle, Hutatma Chowk), ☏ +91 22 22611994. The Asiatic Society of Bombay is a learned society in the field of Asian studies. The library of the Society has over a 100,000 books out of which 15,000 are classified as rare and valuable. It also has priceless artifacts and over 3,000 ancient manuscripts in Persian, Sanskrit and Prakrit, mostly on paper but some on palm leaf. The numismatic collection of 11,829 coins includes a gold coin of Kumaragupta I, a rare gold mohur of Akbar and coins issued by Shivaji. Its map collection comprises 1300 map. The Town Hall (colloquially called "Tondal" in the 19th century) that houses the Asiatic Society of Bombay was not built in 1804, the year in which the Literary Society of Bombay was formed. Though Sir James Mackintosh mooted the proposal for a grand edifice, it was not completed until 1830 (year to be confirmed with tablet on the entrance) after many fits and starts, when the Bombay Government agreed to make up for the shortfall in funds in return for office-space. The after-effects of this compromise can still be seen in the unseemly crowds gathered at the Stamp Office and other government departments in the Town Hall. It is now classified a heritage structure. Heavily influenced by Greek and Roman architecture, it has a portico with eight Doric columns. A flight of 30 steps lead up to the town hall and a wrought iron divided Regency staircase leads to the vestibule. In 1830 Sir John Malcolm, governor of Bombay stated: "It is the most magnificent structure that taste and munificence combined have as yet erected in India."
- 29 David Sasoon Library, 152 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda (Opposite Kala Ghoda statue), ☏ +91 22843703. This is a famous library and heritage structure. The idea for a library to be built in the centre of the city was the brainchild of Albert Sassoon, son of the famous Baghdadi Jewish philanthropist, David Sassoon. The building was designed by architects J. Campbell and G. E. Gosling, for the Scott McClelland and Company, at a cost of ₹125,000. David Sassoon donated ₹60,000, while the rest was borne by the Government of Bombay Presidency. The building, completed in 1870, is built using yellow Malad stone, much like the abutting Elphinstone College, Army and Navy Buildings and Watson's Hotel. Above the entrance portico is a white stone bust of David Sassoon.
Theatres and cinema halls
- 30 Regal Cinema, Colaba Causeway. This Art Deco cinema hall at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk dates back to 1933. Today, it is a multi-use building combining a cinema with shops at street level.
- 31 Eros Cinema, Cambata Building, 42, Maharshi Karve Rd, Churchgate. Eros Cinema is a defunct cinema hall built in Art Deco style. The hall started functioning in 1938 and had a sitting capacity of 1204. It closed down in 2016 but the Cambata Family, who owns the hall have some plans for adoptive reuse without harming the heritage status of the building.
- 32 Royal Opera House. Royal Opera House, or "Opera House", is the hub of social, artistic and cultural activity in Mumbai. The Opera House was inaugurated by King George V in 1911, but it was still under construction. It was finally opened to public in 1916. It follows the Baroque style of architecture with a a blend of European and Indian detailing. In 1917 it started showing films. Th entire area near it came to be known as Opera House. In 1993 the Opera House was closed down. In 2016 it was opened after a restoration that lasted 8 years.
Parks and gardens
- 33 Hanging gardens (Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens), Babulnath, Simla Nagar, Malabar Hill (from : Charni Road Railway Station 1.3 km W). 5AM-9PM. Officially known as the Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, this terraced garden is visited on top of Malabar Hills. The park was laid out in 1881 by Ulhas Ghapokar over Bombay's main reservoir, probably to protect it from the contamination originating from the Parsi Tower of Silence. The park was renovated in 1921. The park is beautifully laid out with flower beds and hedges along with walkways. The park also provides a great sunset over the Arabian Sea. free.
- 34 Kamala Nehru Park (opposite Hanging Gardens). The Kamala Nehru Park, named after the wife of Jawaharlal Nehru covers an area of 16,000 m² (4 acres) and is located atop Malabar Hills. The park has well maintained lawns along with walkways. The shoe-shaped structure known as the Boot House is the park's prime attraction. The Boot House is inspired by the nursery rhyme "There was an old woman", where an old women lived inside a shoe. The elevation of the park offers great view of the Marine Drive and the Queen's Necklace.
- 35 Oval Maidan. Oval Maidan is a large urban open space in the heart of Mumbai. It covers an area of 22 acres (8.9 ha) and is ovel in shape and hence the name Oval Maidan. The Oval along with Cooperage Maidan, Cross Maidan and Azad Maidan once from the Esplanade, an open area that lay beyond the ramparts of the fort. After the demolition of the fort, several streets were constructed across the Esplanade, fragmenting it into several separate patches of green. It is a a recreational ground with cricket and football being the most popular sports. The ground is also used by morning and evening walkers. The park is maintained by the Oval-Cooperage Residents Association, and all sorts functions, picnic and political rallies are banned in the park. The park has been fenced off and a jogging track added along the inner periphery. A paved lane cut through the diameter of the ground to facilitate a smoother thoroughfare. On the northern side of the Oval Maidan lies the Western Railway Office. The eastern side is flanked with the Old Secretariat Building, Rajabai Clock Tower of Mumbai University and the Mumbai High Court. The eastern side of the Oval Maidan is lined with a series of Art Deco buildings.
- 36 Horniman Circle Garden. Horniman Circle Garden is a circular open space covering an area of 12,081 square yards (10,101 m²) at the heart of Mumbai's Fort Area. Construction of the garden started in 1921 and was completed after 12 years. After 1942 the garden lost its glory and was used as a dumping area of coconut shells. In 1872 the park was given a new lease of life by the then governor Lord Elphinstone, Trees were planted and walkways were laid out. The garden came to be known as Bombay Greens and the circle surrounding it came to be known as Elphinstone Circle. After independence the park was renamed in honour of Benjamin Horniman, editor of The Bombay Chronicle. An ornamental fountain was placed in the centre, but it was replaced by a modern art deco iron pipes design. Today the park is surrounded by office complex, including some offices of premium banks. The office of the Asiatic Society of Bombay and the St.Thomas Cathedral are in the circle surrounding the park.
Places of worship
Temples
- 37 Babulnath Temple (Babulnath Mandir), 16, Babulnath Road, Charni Road, Khareghat Colony, Malabar Hill (near Malabar hill, from : Grant Road station SW 1 km), ☏ +91 22 2367 8367, info@babulnath.com. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a well-known temple in south Mumbai. This temple is close to the beach and there is a climb of around 100 steps
- 38 Mahalaxmi Temple (Mahalakshmi, Marathi: महालक्ष्मी मंदिर), Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Mahalaxmi area. (1 km from : Mahalakshmi railway station), ☏ +91 22-2351 4732, fax: +91 22-2351 3831, mahalakshmitemple.mumbai@gmail.com. The temple dedidated to Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is one of the most popular shrines of Mumbai. The temple contains images of the goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. All three images are adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. The image of Mahalakshmi is shown riding a tiger and a demon (Mahishasur) in tandem. The compound of this temple contains several stalls that sell flower garlands and other paraphernalia used by devotees for worship and as offering.
- 39 Mumbadevi Hindu Temple (Mumba Devi Mandir, or Mumba Devi Temple (Marathi: मुंबा देवी मंदिर, Gujarati: મુંબાદેવી મંદિર, મુંબઈ), ~69, Shaikh Memon St, Mumbadevi Area, Bhuleshwar (from : Masjid Bunder Railway Station 0.7 km W), ☏ +91 22 2242 4974. Tuesday is the main day of worship. Mumbai is named after the goddess Mumbadevi or Mumbā, the local incarnation of the Devi (Mother Goddess), the patron goddess of the city. The shrine dedicated to Mumbadevi is believed to have been originally built by Koli fisherman in the 1st century BCE on the site now occupied by Victoria or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. This temple is now at Bhuleshwar. The structure is about six centuries old, believed to be the handiwork of Mumbaraka, a sadistic giant who frequently plundered the city at the time. Newly married Hindu couples visit the shrine soon after marriage, seeking blessings from the goddess for a happy married life.
- 40 Walkeshwar Temple (Sri Walkeshwar, Baan Ganga Temple), Banganga Cross Lane, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill (near Malabar hill). This is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. According to legend, Lord Rama came here on his way to Lanka to reclaim his consort Sita, who was kidnapped by the Demon King, Ravana. The temple also has a tank called the Banganga. A quiet place amidst all the bustle.
Churches
- 41 Afghan or St. John's Church (Marathi: अफ़ग़ान चर्च), Bakery Ln, Navy Nagar, Colaba (from : Churchgate station or Regal theatre take Bus 153 and get off at the Afghan church stop). Daily dawn-dusk; the verger who lives next to the church will open the door if it is locked. This is an Anglican Church in Colaba district, built by the British to commemorate the dead of the disastrous defeat in the First Afghan War of 1838. This church is believed to have hosted members of the White Brotherhood who believe that Lord Jesus visits them from the Cave of Light in the Dauladhar Mountains even today. The imposing edifice was constructed using locally available buff-coloured basalt and limestone. Inside it is known for its wide gothic arches and beautiful stained glass windows. The chapel has a nave and aisle with a chancel 15 m in length and 7 m in width. Butterfield's tiles used for the geometric floor pattern were imported from England. The east and west windows were designed by William Wailes, a nineteenth century stained glass expert. The stained glass used is superior to that in the Rajabai Tower and Victoria Terminus. Eight large bells in the bell tower came from the Taylor bellfoundry of England in 1904, and are acknowledged to be the best in western India. The tower and spire are 60 m high. Free.
- 42 The Gloria Church (Church of Our Lady of Glory (Portuguese: Nossa Senhora de Gloria)), Sant Savta Marg, Byculla West, Mustafa Bazar, Byculla (from : Byculla Station 0.3 km SE). This is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Mumbai built by the Portuguese Franciscans in 1632. The present structure dates back to 1913. The grey stone steeple of the church rises to a height of 160 feet. It is the tallest church steeple in Mumbai. The church follows the Gothic style of architecture with pointed arches. The church is 205 feet long and 65 feet broad and the interiors contain 5 altars.
- 43 St. Thomas Cathedral, 3 Veer Nariman Road, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400023 (Loacted west of the Horniman Circle Garden), ☏ +91 22 2202 4482. Daily 7AM-6PM. Completed in 1718, it is the first Anglican church in Mumbai, to improve the "moral standards" of the growing British settlement. One of the gates in the Fort which the East India Company had built to protect their settlement was the entrance to the St. Thomas Church. It was called Churchgate. That is why the whole area towards the West of the Church is called “Churchgate” even today. The church was consecrated a cathedral in July 1837. The tower and the clock at the western end were added in 1838. About 25 years later a major renovation scheme was launched to enlarge the chancel. This was completed by 1865. The cathedral marks colonial Bombay's point zero, the exact centre of the city. Today a plaque at the entrance of the cathedral narrates the history of zero point. Free entry.
- 44 Cathedral of the Holy Name, 19, Nathalal Parikh Marg, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001. Cathedral of the Holy Name is the Catholic Cathedral of Mumbai. It is the headquarters of the Archdiocese of Mumbai. It is the seat of Archbishop of Mumbai. The Mumbai (then Bombay) Catholic Christian life of was centred around the Fort Chapel in Medows Street, which was constructed in 1767. In the beginning of the 20th century the little Chapel was unable to accommodate the large congregation during the Sunday Masses. The foundation stone of the church was laid on 9 July 1902 by the then archbishop Dalhoff and it was opened to public on 15 January 1905. The church was designed and constructed by W.A. Chambers, an established architect of the firm of Messrs. Gostling, Chambers and Fritchley. The complex consisted of therre similar styled buildings. At the centre was the church, the school on the north side and the residence for the clergy on the south side. On 3 March 1964 it was granted the status of a Cathedral. The cathedral follows the gothic style of architecture, with two towers containing the belfries surmounted by octagonal spires which, like the main roof are covered with Mangalore tiles. The interiors are well laid with ceiling and walls are covered with frescoes and geometrical designs. The beautifully carved marble alter is surrounded by intricately designed stained glass window. In 1998 the cathedral received status of a heritage building.
Mosques
- 45 Haji Ali Dargah (Urdu: حاجی علی درگاہ ,), Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, (from : Mahalakshmi Station or Mumbai Central Station, or from : Byculla Station take a B.E.S.T. bus / Taxi. - Bus 33, 37, 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, 92, 93, 124, 125, 351, 357, 385, 521 stop near here), ☏ +91 22 23529082, fax: +91 22 23524221, mgt@hajialidargah.in. M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM. The Haji Ali Dargah was constructed in 1431 in memory of a wealthy Muslim merchant, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up all his worldly possessions before making a pilgrimage to Mecca. The Dargah Sharif is built on a tiny islet 500 m from the coast, in the middle of Worli Bay, in the vicinity of Worli. The edifice is a brilliant specimen of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The islet is linked to the city precinct of Mahalakshmi by a narrow causeway, which is nearly 1-km long. The accessibility to the dargah is very much dependent on the tides. As, the causeway is not bound by railings, when the causeway gets submerged during high tide it becomes inaccessible. Therefore, the dargah is accessible only during low tide. This walk on the causeway, with the sea on both sides, is one of the highlights of a trip to the shrine. The whitewashed structure occupies an area of a marble courtyard contains the central shrine. The tomb within the mosque is covered by a brocaded red and green chaddar (tomb cover sheet). It is supported by an exquisite silver frame, supported by marble pillars. The main hall has marble pillars embellished with artistic mirror work: blue, green, yellow chips of glass arranged in kaleidoscopic patterns interspersed with Arabic patterns which spell the ninety-nine names of Allah. As per the Muslim traditions separate praying rooms for ladies and gents are provided here to pay their respects. During the high tide, the dargah seems completely isolated with no access. It looks more like a little island.
- 46 Jumma Masjid (Jama Masjid), Sheikh Memon street, Kalbadevi neighborhood, (near Crawford Market, from : Masjid Bunder Railway Station 0.5 km W). The date of its completion (AD 1802)/(AH 1217). It was constructed on the tank. In the eighteenth century, this tank was situated in the midst of gardens and open land and belonged to a Konkani Muslim merchant trading in Goa, and Calicut, who, about 1778, agreed to the erection of a mosque on the spot, provided the tank was preserved intact. A one-story building was therefore erected over the tank and formed the original nucleus of the present Jama Mosque. The Jama Mosque is a quadrangular pile of brick and stone, encircled by a ring of terrace roofed and double storeyed buildings, the ground floors of which are let out as shops. The chief or eastern gate of the mosque leads directly across an open courtyard to the ancient tank, which is now furnished with masonry steps and embankments, built in 1893, and contain about three meter of stagnant water, filled with gold and silver fish. From the depth of the tank rise sixteen black stone arches, constructed in 1874, which support the whole fabric of the mosque, the upper story being upheld by five rows of wooden pillars, each of which contains a receptacle for sacred books. The arches in the tank were built in 1874.
- 47 Raudat Tahera (Arabic: روضة طاهرة Rawḍatu Ṭāḥiratu), Raudat Tahera Street, Ibrahim Rahimatullah Road, Bhendi Bazaar, Dhaboo St, Kumbharwada, Kamathipura, (from : Masjid Bunder Railway Station 1km NW - in the midst of Bhendi Bazaar). This is a white-marble Fatemi shrine. The marble used in the mausoleum was quarried from the Chosira and Ulodi quarries of the famed Makrana quarries in Rajasthan, from where marble for Taj Mahal was quarried. - The mausoleum rests on 92 piles. The number 92 is significant in that it represents the Arabic isopsephical value of the name of Muhammad. The complete structure weighs 5000 tons. The mausoleum rises to a height of 33m, which is the Arabic isopsephical value of the word Ḥaqq. The dome is 16m high as its crowning feature. The very first brick laid down for the construction of the dome was done by Mufaddal Saifuddin in the presence of his father. A 3.7m high gold finial stands sentinel over the dome. There are four smaller domes, one at each corner of the central dome, each with a gold finial to match its larger prototype, and perfect the setting against the azure sky. The dome and cornice are inspirations from the Juyushi Mosque, Cairo. The four walls of the mausoleum have a 1.2-m- and 15-cm-thick masonry wall, with 7.6-cm cladding on both sides, making its final thickness of 1.5 m, which reflects the members of Ahl al-Bayt. The outer walls are decorated with the names of the Ahl al-Bayt and the Fatimid Imams as well as the Duʿāt Mutlaqīn in the Kufic script. The four entrance doors to the shrine have been specially designed to match the entrance gate of Aqmar Mosque in Cairo built by Imam-Caliph Manṣūr al-Āmir bi'Aḥkāmi l-Lāhi. The entrances are adorned with four silver doors of Fatimid style and lead to the sanctum sanctorum of the tomb. There are five arches above each of these four doors, called Raudat Tahera; Bab-e Hakimi, so named after his ancestor, Abdul Qadir Hakimuddin, whose mausoleum is in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh; Bab-e Zaini, so named after the 45th Da'i al-Mutlaq, Tayyab Zainuddin, his great-grandfather, whose tomb is in Surat. The entrance facing north is called Bab-e Fakhri, so named after his ancestor, Fakhruddin Shaheed, whose mausoleum is in Galiyakot, Rajasthan.
Agiaries
- 48 Tower of Silence, Dungar Wadi Rd, Simla Nagar, Malabar Hill (from : Grant Road, 1.2 km west). This is where the Parsis practice their famous burial custom of leaving bodies out in the open to be devoured by vultures. However, as the name hints, the site is within a tower where non-Parsis are not welcome, so there is nothing to be seen. There are several other Parsi (Fire) Temples in Mumbai. These are located at Church Gate, Princess Street, New Queen's Rd, Gowalia Tank, and Bandra. The Agiary, located at Fort, was built in 1790 and is considered to be the oldest Parsi temple in Mumbai.
Synagogues
- 49 Kenesseth Eliyahoo Synagogue (בית הכנסת אליהו), 55, Dr. V.B. Gandhi Marg, Kala Ghoda precinct, Fort (Behind the Kala Ghoda statue), ☏ +91 22 831502 22 839617. M-Th 10AM - 4PM. Synagogue built in 1884 by Jacob Elias Sassoon and his brother Albert Sassoon in memory of their father Eliyahoo David Sassoon, who was the son of David Sassoon. It was designed by the British architectural firm Gostling & Morris. The exterios are a combination of blue and white and it is known as Mumbai's Blue Synagogue. The synagogue is a combination of Neo-Classical and Gothic-Victorian architecture. The exterior faced contains corinthian columns and triangular pediments. The interior contains beautiful stained glass windows with floral motifs. The floor is laid out with beautiful tiles and there are ornamental pillars. The women gallery is on the first floor. The central platform have metal ornamental railings. The Ark facing Jerusalem has a beautiful ornate wooden door and inside there are several torah scrolls. ₹300 entry, ₹500 entry + photo, ₹1000 entry + video.
- 50 Magen Hasidim Synagogue (Shield of the Pious), Morland Rd, Agripada (West of : Byculla Stations), ☏ +91 022 26047390. The Magen Hasidim Synaggoue is the largest Bene Israel (Children of Israel) synagogue in Mumbai, it remains functional with a small congregation. The Bene Israel congregation of Mumbai (then Bombay) started in 1904. Initially they operated from makeshift facilities for their prayer and community service. Later a member of the community Benjamin Samson Dandoolkar establlished a prayer hall, which came to be known as Dandoolkar’s Prayer Hall. Later in the early 1930s the community was in need for a larger prayer hall and this led to the construction of the present building. It was consecrated on 29 March 1931 and was named the Magen Hasidim Synagogue (Shield of Pious). The two-storey structure has a vaulted ceiling, a recessed entry porch with a low set of steps. The centre has a Hebrew inscription of the ten commandments.The interiors are more lively with a decorative wooden central platform. The women's gallery is on the first floor balcony. Decorative chandeliers lit up the interior with the large windows allowing the natural light to filter in.
- 51 Magen David Synagogue (Shield of David), 340 Sir J. J. Road, ☏ +91 22 23006675, solomon.ijc@gmail.com. Built in 1861 this is the first Bagdadi Jew Synagogue in Mumbai. The Bagdadi Jews started arriving in Mumbai (then Bomay ) in the early decades of the 19th century. During that time they are welcomed by the Bene Israel (Children of Israel) community to pray in their synagogue. By the middle of the 19th century the Bagdadi Jew community was large enough to have their own congregations along with their own synagogue. The Magen David Synagogue was completed in 1861 and was funded by David Sassoon. Unlike the Mumbai's previous synagogues, whcih were built in local or middle eastern style, Magen David was built in European style and was complete with a clock tower, something unusual for a synagogue. The synagogue was extended in 1910 with the addition of matching side bays on both sides. The synagogue was built in neo-classical style with freely conceived local elements. Four slender columns support the flat-roofed porch. The porch contains the ten commandments written in Hebrew and the Magen David Synagogue written in English is flanked on either side by two stars of David. The interior of the synagogue is a double-height sanctuary with women’s gallery wrapping around three sides of the upper floor. The four corners of the brass fabricated central platform is fitted with brass light sheds. In the 2010s the exterior and interior of the Magen David Synagogue have been painted blue and white. The white florescent white ligh in the blue - white backdrop creates a feast for the eyes. The large complex of the Magen David Synagogue also houses two schools run by Jewish trust (students of other religion are also welcome) and the warden house.
- 52 Shaar Harahamin Synagogue (Gateway of Mercy Synagogue), 245 Samuel Street, samuelwasker@hotmail.com. Shaar Harahamin Synagogue, literally meaning the "Gateway of Mercy Synagogue" is the oldest synagogue in Mumbai. It dates back to 1796 and is a Bene Israel (Children of Israel) Synagogue. For the first few decades the Bene Israel Jews carried out their prayers in private places and burrowed hall but with growing number of members they need a proper synagogue. A proper synagogue, which not only will serve them with a physical place for prayer but also serve as a spiritual, educational, and social center for Jews of Mumbai. The synagogue was constructed by the sole efforts of Jewish military officer Samuel Ezekiel Diveker of the Bombay Army. It came to be known as the Samaji Hasiji, or Samuel’s Synagogue. As members grew the synagogue was short of space and by mid-19th century they need a bigger synagogue. The old building was demolished and a was replaced with a larger building and it was consecrated as a new synagogue on 24 March 1860. During the centenary celebration of the Synagogue it was renamed as the Shaar Harahamin Synagogue. The two-storey synagogue is located in a veru congested area of south Mumbai and two marble plaques on the walls and a couple of stars of David on the walls and gate are the only signs of a synagogue. The interiors have grey marble floor and large windows. The plans are same as other synagogues with a central pavilion and first floor ladies balcony.
- 53 Shaare Rason Synagogue (Gateway of Desire Synagogue), 90 Tantapura Street, judah2001@yahoo.com. Constructed in 1843, the Shaare Rason Synagogue, literally meaning the "Gateway of Desire Synagogue" is the second oldest synagogue of Mumbai and belongs to the Bene Israel Jews. It is near the older Shaar Harahamin and with the construction of the new synagogue Shaar Harahamin Synagogue came to be known as the Old Synagogue and Shaare Rason the New Synagogue. The New Synagogue was constructed by voluntary contribution raised by a group formerly affiliated with the Old Synagogue who have become dissatisfied with its management. This group is set out to establish their own, independent congregation. The Sharee Rason Synagogue is in a congested area and is surrounded by high walls. The main gateway is detailed with a pediment with an inscription and a pair of wooden doors opening into the synagogue compound. The building's ornamentation includes simple modeling, unardoned pilasters, and recessed paneled roof parapet crowned by a swooping feature that reflects the one atop the gate pediment. The projection includes a Hebrew verse, the name of the synagogue in Hebrew and a Star of David. The sloping roofs are framed with flat ceramic tiles. As the synagogue has only one floor the ladies gallery lies on the east. The wooden central pavilion is fitted with brass ornamentation corners were fitted with miniature menorah.
- 54 Tephereth Israel Synagogue (Glory of Israel), 92, K K Road, Vaishali Nagar, Kasturba Quarters, Jacob Circle, toll-free: +91 22 23053713. Tephereth Israel Synagogue or Tifereth Israel Synagogue, literally meaning the "Glory of Israel", is the third Bene Israel (Children of Israel) synagogue of Mumbai. The original building dates back to 1896 and it was shifted to the larger present location in 1924, due to the efforts of community member Aaron Benjamin Kandlekar. In Kandlekar's honor for his generosity, the synagogue also became known as Kandlekaranchi Masjid or Kandlekar's Synagogue. The present building has undergone several renovation over years with the latest one coming in 2000. The ladies gallery lies on the northern side of the synagogue. Hanging brass and glass lanterns, ceiling fans, decorative metal window grilles and wall scones are part of the grand interior. The central pavilion is surrounded by wood and brass balustrade, with brass lamp shades on four corners. A special fixture seen in synagogues in the ner tamid, or light that always burns to indicate the presence of God. Fabricated from brass, it hangs in front of the hekhal.
- 55 Chabad Nariman House (בית חבד מומבאי), Azad Nagar, Colaba Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005 (: Churchgate station 2.3 km), ☏ +91 97 69060840. Chabad Nariman center at the site of the 2008 terror attack, is home to the one of a kind Jewish tour of tolerance and hope. Through visceral footage and displays, visitors witness the heart-wrenching story of the Murder of Rabbi and Mrs. Holtzberg, the founders of the centre. The visitor faces the stark reality of modern day terror and is challenged to assume personal responsibility for positive change. The centre is the vibrant heart of the Jewish community of Mumbai and provides support for tourists and backpackers. At the premises is a kosher restaurant, a coffee corner with Wifi, a library and a synagogue.
Chinese temples
- 56 Kuan Kung Temple. Mumbai once had a flourishing China Town, today the Kuan Kung Temple in Mazagaon is the only remaining trace of the once vibrant Chinese community of Mumbai. The temple is housed in a two-storey building, with bright red entry doors. A woden stairs leads to the first floor housing a shrine of Kwan Ti, the Chinese god of war. There is a panting above the altar of the Chinese gods of justice, protection, and courage.
Do
- Harbour cruise — If money is no object, rent the Taj's private yacht (has two sun decks and three bedrooms) for a cruise around the Mumbai harbour, US$300/hour (including drinks and meals).
Buy
- 1 Central Mall (Sobo Central Mall), Tardeo Rd, Malviya Nagar, Tardeo (: Mumbai Central Stn). At the site of Crossroads, what used to be Mumbai's first mall. Nothing to write home about. Chinese Food: China Gate Restaurant (Heavily Indianized, spicy Chinese food. ₹300 per person.)
- 2 Breach Candy, Bhulabhai Desai Rd?, Breach Candy area (from : Mumbai Central 1.5 km west). Home to Premsons and Amarsons department stores.
- 3 CR2 Mall, Barrister Rajni Patel Marg, Nariman Point (Bus 5, 19LTD, 25LTD, 45, 87LTD, 111 to stop Mantralaya). Houses the INOX multiplex.
- 4 Colaba Causeway souvenirs, Colaba Causeway, Railway Colony precinct. The street is the most frequented by tourists. You can buy many pretty trinkets from the street vendors at prices that an Indian would consider exorbitant and a foreigner cheap.
- 5 Crawford Market (Marathi: क्रॉफर्ड मार्केट, officially Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Market, Marathi: महात्मा ज्योतिबा फुले मंडई), Central Line? Lokmanya Tilak Marg, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area (10 minutes walking distance north from the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, west of the J.J. flyover at a busy intersection). Earlier it was the major wholesale trading market for fruits & vegetables. Now it houses shops selling imported items such as food, cosmetics, household and gift items. The market was designed by British architect William Emerson, in Norman and Flemish architectural styles. The friezes on the outside entrance depicting Indian farmers, and the stone fountains inside, were designed by Lockwood Kipling, father of novelist Rudyard Kipling. The market covers an area of 22471 m², of which 5515 m² is occupied by the building. The structure was built using coarse buff coloured Kurla stone, with redstone from Bassein. It has a 15-m-high skylight awning designed to allow the sunlight brighten up the marketplace.
- 6 Fashion Street, Fort district, Mahatma Gandhi Rd? (from : Chruchgate Station start walking towards Flora Fountain make a left turn and its a block down). These are street shops lined alongside the road starting from VSNL building. Decent stuff at good prices, bargains for clothes and accessories. Best place in Mumbai to buy cheap clothes. Bargaining/haggling skills are a must if you want to shop here! Offer to pay 1/4 of the asking price or less and then work your way upwards. Look around the first few shops and try to estimate the going price. If you decide to walk away (during a negotiation), sometimes the vendor will try to hail you back. Don't go back to the same vendor, he will not discount it to the price you asked and might try to humiliate you. Just walk away, you will find another shop with the same merchandise down the street.
- 7 Heera Panna Shopping Centre, Tardeo Road, Malviya Nagar (near the Haji Ali Dargah), ☏ +91 22 2351 6318. 10AM–11PM. It's a popular shopping destination for locals and shops usually deal in imported goods and electronics.
- 8 Kashmir Oriental Carpet Showroom, 20 Crush Hall, the World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, ☏ +91 22-22183284, fax: +91 22-22188851, contact@carpetsofkashmir.com. One of the finest places where you can get exquisite hand-knotted carpets and rugs from Kashmir with genuine certification of authenticity. This store has an amazing range of breath-taking carpets in wool and silk with very reasonable prices and a personalized service.
- 9 Manish Market, Ramabai Ambedkar Marg, (ahead of Crawford Market on the other side of JJ flyover). Very famous for its electronic goods, especially cell phones. Shops usually deal in grey goods though.
- 10 Musafir Khana, Musafir Khana Rd.? (ahead of Crawford Market on the other side of JJ flyover, next to Manish Market). Shops here deal in imported goods and electronics.
- 11 Bungalow eight, Inside Wankhede Stadium, North Stand, E & F Block, D Road, Churchgate (on D road, go to the stadium through Vinoo Mankad Gate - it is a free access except on match days; walk straight ahead, the shop unter the stands. Its entrance is between the staircases 9 & 10 to the Sachin Tendulkar Stand, just after the real estate developers Ameya Properties), ☏ +91 22 22819880, contact@bungaloweight.com. Daily 10:30AM to 7:30PM. Very nice fashion shop, creative women clothing from young indian designers (Abraham & Thakore, for example); Bungalow Eight is a (very elegant) brand but also sells clothes from other designers. Furniture is also sold here. Prices quite high.
- 12 King's, Florence House, Mereweather Road, Colaba (very small shop under the archway, behind the Taj Mahal hotel, on the other side of the street), ☏ +91 98333 13658, +91 98203 60610, kingfabric@gmail.com. High-quality tailors at affordable prices. The place to get a bespoke suit in Mumbai - no ready-to-wear clothes here! Sunil and Gopal, the two brothers that own the place, have a good taste and commit themselves to fitting your tailor-made suit perfectly. King's is also a shirtmaker and does sell some accessories like cufflinks, ties, pocket squares. These are under the desk and you have to ask for them. King's suits are elegant, and their owners are very efficient also: urgent jobs undertaken. If you really are in a hurry, your shirt can be made in a few hours and your suit for the next day.
Bookshops
- 1 Art & Design Book Store, 104 Ramnimi, Mandlik Road, Colaba (off Colaba Causeway), ☏ +91 22822211. M-Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 1-8PM. Moderate choice of books from international publishers on various art topics. Some magazines.
- 2 Oxford Bookstore, Apeejay House, 3 Dinsha Waccha Road, Churchgate, ☏ +91 56339309, fax: +91 22 2202 9967, oxfordmum@apeejaygroup.com. 10AM-8PM.
- 3 Search Word, Metro House, S.B. Singh Rd, Apollo Bandar, Colaba Causeway, ☏ +91 22852521.
- 4 Strand Book Stall, Sayed Abdullah Brevil Road, Borabazar Precinct, Ballard Estate, ☏ +91 22661994, info@strandbookstall.com. Daily? 10AM-8PM. Many books of all types, reliable book seller. Warning: not to be confused with the (poor) Modern Book Stall, on Sir Pheroze Shah Mehta Road just nearby, with has very few books, mainly second-hand.
- 5 Mozeb Books, Podar Chambers, S.A. Brevli Road, Fort, ☏ +91 22822660273, mozeb.books@gmail.com. Wide choice of books upon architecture, interior designing, stained glass. Amazing place with qualified booksellers. Categories : architectural monographs, architectural rendering & competition, architectural theory, architecture, architectures & interiors of commercial spaces, design books and so on. Publishers from Actar to Wiley, including Arquitectos mexicanos, Dover, El Croquis, Rizzoli, Shotenkenchiku Sha, Schiffer and many others.
- 6 Wayword & Wise, Strategic House, 44 Mint Road, Fort, ☏ +91 2266349946, virat@waywordandwise.com. Very good bookseller ; has new releases and classics. Literature, non-fiction, crime, gardening, arts and so on. Could be located in any english-speaking country. But offers a good choice of local literature.
- 7 Sterling Book House, 181, Dr. Dadabai Naoroji Road, Fort (In front of D Sukhadwala Road), ☏ +91 22-22612521, admin@sterlingbookhouse.com. Many scientific books in this little shop. All disciplines covered. Reliable vendors, the catalog is displayed on the website, updated daily.
- 8 Computer Bookshop, Dr. Dadabai Naoroji Road, Fort (close to the corner of D Sukhadwala Road). Reliable bookseller for computing. All aspects of computing covered, many publishers here, Packt and O'Reilly being the prominent ones.
- 9 Kitab Khana, Somaiya Bhavan, Ground Floor, 45/47 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, ☏ +91 22 61702276, enquire@kitabkhana.in. Very good bookshop with a large selection of Indian and international literature in English. Some Hindi books. Non-fiction also, plus a children's corner.
Eat
You can also eat from the various carts and hawkers if you feel your stomach can take it.
Budget
- Ayubs, lane ? (near Horniman Circle). Very similar to Bademiyan. Great kababs, especially the Tangri Kabab. Open until late and extremely popular among clubbers. It's a street joint and the only place to sit down and eat is your car.
- 1 Britannia and Co, Sprott Road, Ballard Estate, Fort (next to New Custom House.), ☏ +91 22-2261-5264. 10AM-3:30PM. This rundown restaurant, run by a partnership of geriatric brothers (by the name Kohinoor), is a South Bombay institution, having been in existence since 1923. The signature dish is berry pulav, the recipe for which the late Mrs. Kohinoor found in Teheran while she was working with Iranian Airways. The Parsi favourite dhansak is of course available and tastes great. Try the caramel custard for dessert. The waiter may con you into trying the Raspberry soda. The first sip is sweet, but the whole bottle is cloying. ₹400 will buy you a good lunch.
- Crystal, Marine Dr (at Girgaum Chowpatty opp Wilson College). Crystal is famous for its Parathas and North Indian fare. The food is very affordable and one will always find a line outside waiting to eat at Crystal.
- Gokul, behind the Taj. It is frequented by anyone who wants an inexpensive drink served quickly.
- Martin's, Strand, Colaba. Great Goan food. Order a drink quickly before your food is delivered to your table. Not for vegetarians.
- Pancham Puriwala. Road opposite GPO/ VS or CST station - corner building. Serve the best Puris as the same implies with some side dishes. Not the greatest in ambience, but a very good hole-in-the-wall restaurant around here.
- Swati Snacks, Tardeo. A safe way to try Indian fast food and street food.
- Kelkar Vishranti Gruha (One of the oldest restaurants in Mumbai), D.N.Road, C.S.T. (near C.S.T. Railway station). Authentic Marathi cuisine.
- 2 Bademiya Kebab Restaurant (Horniman Circle), 7,8 & 9, Botawala Building, Horniman Circle, Kala Ghoda, ☏ +91 22 22655657. Eat on the road or in your car. Open until the early hours of the morning. The rolls are a favourite
- 3 Bade Miyan (Behind Taj Mahal Hotel), Tulloch Rd, Behind Hotel Taj Mahal, Apollo Bandar, Colaba. Eat on the road or in your car. Open until the early hours of the morning. The rolls are a favourite
- 4 Kailash Parbat, Sheila Mahal, 5, 1st Pasta Ln, Colaba (Colaba Causeway), ☏ +91 22 22841972. This is a basic restaurant, serving excellent vegetarian Indian food.
- 5 Baghdadi, Tulloch Rd (Behind the Taj Mahal Hotel), ☏ +91 22 22028027. Food is a mix of Indian and Mughlai. Simple decor.
- 6 Cafe Samovar, Inside Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda near Colaba Causeway. A favourite with the Bombay art community, serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian food.
Mid-range
- The Bayview, Hotel Marine Plaza, 29, Marine Drive, ☏ +91 22-2285-1212, fax: +91 22-2282-8585. 24 hours. This has a lunch, dinner, and midnight buffet worth trying. Also has a great view of Marine Drive and Malabar hill. Ask for the "Cafe Viennoise" and get extra chocolate flakes. It's not on the menu, so you have to ask the waiter for it. ₹222 for the midnight buffet.
- Bhagat Tara Chand. Kalbadevi. Great Indian Curry and 'home food'. Must visit for Indian food lovers, but you have to walk a bit.
- 7 Cafe Basilico. off Colaba Causeway, near Strand cinema ☏ +91 22 5634 5670. This is not a budget restaurant, but it's not expensive either. Very popular with white immigrants who live in the city. Offers non-alcoholic drinks and coolers, Mediterranean-inspired food, and great dessert. Open all day. The rawas (local kind of fish) and the cheesecake is recommended.
- 8 Cafe Churchill, East West Court Building, Colaba Causeway, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, ☏ +91 22 22042604. 11AM - midnight. Serves a mix of world foods (sandwiches, burgers, pasta, soups) in a very cramped location. The food is pretty good, especially the pastas. The desserts here are the best and one should not miss the Irish Baileys Chocolate Cake, which is highly recommended.
- 9 Cafe Leopold, Colaba Causeway. Mumbai landmark, and badly damaged in the 26/11 terrorist attack. This place requires no introduction and is a favourite with travellers and locals alike. Serves a mix of Indian, Chinese, Persian, and Continental Food. Also serves great breakfast round the clock; it is renowned for fresh fruit juices.
- Cafe Mocha, Churchgate. It is a relaxed Sheesha restaurant serving heavy snacks. Very popular for dessert and coffee.
- Cafe Mondegar Colaba Causeway, has a live jukebox and functions as a bar (beer and wine served) and restaurant. Food is a mix of Indian, Continental and Parsi, and the ambience is fun and low-key. Variety of TVs around showing sports games.
- Cafe Royal/CR, across from the Regal Cinema. Bill Clinton chose to eat here on his visit to India. Famous for sizzlers and other continental food. It now goes by the name CR after being renovated.
- 10 Chetana Vegetarian Restaurant, Kala Ghoda, K Dubash Marg, ☏ +91 22 2288 1159. A great Gujarati and Rajasthani food restaurant. Service is OK, atmosphere decent. They also serve cocktails and beer. ₹450 for two.
- Food Inn, Opp Colaba Police Station,
- Gable's, on Colaba Causeway.Restaurant that serves good array of goan food besides delicious Leg of Ham,Pork Chops and Steaks. Frequented by travellers, has a good British breakfast of ham,sausage,eggs and bacon.
- Gallops, Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai (first entrance of the Mahalaxmi Race Course while coming from Haji Ali). Continental and Indian food restaurant. It's expensive, but worth it for the ambiance, service, and food.
- Indigo Deli, Colaba, off Colaba Causeway, on the way to Gateway of India. Excellent food by the Indigo people at cheaper-than-Indigo prices. Very popular with locals and expats for lunch and brunch on all days, so there can be quite a wait.
- Mahesh Lunch Home, 8-B Cawasji Patel Street, ☏ +91 22-2287-0938, +91 22-2202-3965. The most famous seafood place in the city. Definitely try the crab. ₹90 upwards.
- Moshe's, Cuffe Parade. Mediterranean food. Extremely popular with locals, and a good, classy mid-range option.
- Oh! Calcutta, Tulsiwadi, opp.A/C Market, Tardeo (Nearest landmark is Crossroads Mall, M M Malviya Road. You have to turn left at a little lane a couple of blocks down from Crossroads.), ☏ +91 22-2496-3114, rosewood@vsnl.com. noon-3PM and 7PM-midnight.. A Bengali place which naturally means that it has an extensive seafood menu. It also has a good vegetarian selection. A meal for two would come to ₹800.
- Paradise, on Colaba Causeway. Paradise serves Parsi food and is extremely popular amongst locals, especially those who have been eating here since they were kids. The place is family owned and one must try the chicken steak, the chicken dhansak, and a really nice chicken salad.
- Rajdhani, near Crawford market serves excellent unlimited thalis. Strictly vegetarian. It has been rated one of the best places to eat in Bombay. ₹250.
- Royal China, Sterling near VT. Good Chinese food and a special Dim-sum menu.
- Thrishna, Kala Ghoda. It's famous for its seafood and patronized by locals, as well as expats.
- 11 Status, 208 Regent Chambers, Nariman Point, ☏ +91 22 40318722. Very good vegetarian restaurant with a nice atmosphere. No meat nor alcohol here, but you won't miss it: the food is exquisite.
- 12 Pizza by the Bay, Soona Mahal, 143, Marine Dr, Churchgate (On the junction of Churchgate Road and Marine Drive). Serves a popular soup and salad buffet lunch. Frequented by locals, both families and young adults, in the evening. Decorated in Art Deco style.
- 13 Fountain Sizzlers, 57, Mahatma Gandhi Road (Near Flora Fountain), ☏ +91 22 40647777. As the name suggests, it is famous for its sizzlers, especially among the office crowd.
Splurge
- The Dome, Hotel Intercontinental, Marine Drive. It is an open air bar and snack restaurant with a beautiful view of Bombay.
- Fenix, The Oberoi, Marine Drive. Located in the lobby of The Oberoi hotel, it serves a selection of pan-Asian cuisine. Excellent breakfast standards both Indian and Western with brunch served on the weekend. Breakfast: ₹1500 pp, Dinner: ₹4000 for two
- Golden Dragon, Hotel Taj Mahal, Colaba. The upscale Chinese choice for locals and expats.
- Indigo, located in a bylane of Colaba behind the Taj hotel. This is an upscale restaurant serving global food. It also has a bar that gets lively after 9PM. Fantastic Sunday brunch (food+drinks+live music) at about ₹2000.
- Kebab Corner in the Intercontinental Hotel - High class Indian food in a stylish restaurant with superb views over Back Bay
- Khyber, Kala Ghoda. Nice Indian food at steep prices.
- Lings Pavilion, Colaba behind Taj Hotel. High-end Chinese.
- The Sassy Spoon, Express Towers behind Air India building. A mix of cuisine including Indian, Asian, and Continental dishes. Eclectic decor. Bakery associated with the restaurant next door. Dinner: ₹4000 for two with drinks
- Tendulkar's, in Colaba, near the Royal Bombay Yacht Club. Cricket player Sachin Tendulkar's restaurant. A mix of continental and Indian cuisine including Sachin's favourite dishes.
- Thai Pavilion, The Taj President, Cuffe Parade near Colaba. The only legitimate Thai restaurant in the city.
- Trattoria, Taj President, Cuffe Parade. 24 hour coffee shop. Excellent pizzas. Can get extremely crowded on Sundays.
- Wasabi, Hotel Taj Mahal, Colaba. Japanese restaurant with a Nobu Chef.
If you know someone who is a member of the Willingdon, Bombay Gym, Radio club, or CCI beg them to take you there for cheap, good food, and dirt-cheap drinks.
Drink
- The Bayview Bar, at the lobby level of The Oberoi. Mumbai has an arresting view of the Arabian Sea and the finest range of single malts and Habanos cigars. “George and Soft Rock Revolution” perform at the bar and sooth you with their charming renditions of Jazz Classics. Open from 5PM-1AM. ☏ +91 22 6632 6220.
- 1 Bootlegger's, Colaba Causeway. A small popular pub off Causeway. Reasonable drinks, ask for Jenga or Scrabble to play as drinking games.
- 2 Cafe Mondegar, Colaba Causeway. Mondy's, as it's popularly called, serves excellent pitchers of Kingfisher, and at rock-bottom prices. Beer and wine are the only alcohols on the menu. Again extremely popular with local college kids with. Suffers from a regrettable tendency to cram as many tables into a small space as possible and sports a stereo system whose power isn't flattered by the echoey acoustics.
- The Ghetto (near Mahalaxmi temple) is pretty good and has its usual media/arts college crowd and is completely filled with ultraviolet light.
- Indigo — An exclusive lounge and bar at Colaba causeway behind Hotel Taj Mahal in South Mumbai is a not to miss destination. ☏ +91 22 56368980. On the expensive side with an average drink costing ₹250 upwards. Boasts of a large wine collection and also serves superb fusion food. Excellent alcoholic Sunday brunch.
- Opium Den, ☏ +91 22 6632 4343. At Hilton Towers Mumbai. Serves a vast array of martinis, daiquiris, and home infused vodkas. Quiet and convenient, this bar is a break from the ordinary. Open: 12:30PM-1:30AM.
- Prive, Behind Radio Club. open til 3 on weekends unlike most Bombay nightclubs. One of the poshest and most popular nightclubs where you can watch the swish set prance around in their Blahniks and Ferragamos. Beware of long queues to get in, and a strict dress code and guestlist. Fights in this nightclub are a regular feature. Get a drink at the more chilled lounge Tetsuma next door before Prive.
- Sports Bar, Colaba Causeway. Come unwind at Sports Bar after haggling for trinkets on Causeway. Cheap (₹150 or so) drinks, pool table, games on all screens.
- Tavern at Hotel Fariyas in Colaba shows music videos and is pretty packed, but don't go there if you don't like Linkin Park, etc.
- Tetsuma. The bar and restaurant is pretty and has some nice cocktails. A great place to pre-drink before heading off to Prive, the only good nightclub in (south) Bombay.
- Wink, At the Taj President. A chill lounge at a nice 5-star hotel. Drinks are ₹400 up
- 3 Woodside Inn, Wodehouse Road, Colaba (Opposite Regal Cinema), ☏ +91 22 22875752. Across the road from Sports Bar, minus the sports. Cocktails are about ₹300, and ambience is chilled. Good, reasonably priced food too.
Sleep
| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹ 3,000 baht |
| Mid-range | ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 6,000 |
| Splurge | Over ₹ 6,000 |
Budget
- Apollo Guest House, Colaba Causeway ☏ +91 22 2204 5540.
- Anupam Guest House, V. Bhai Patil Rd. ☏ +91 22 2386755.
- Arya Nivas, Kalbadevi Rd. ☏ +91 22 2201 1011.
- Bentley's is a great budget hotel, but often booked up.
- Hotel Moti International 10 Best Marg, off of Colaba Causeway. Clean, safe and quiet.
- 1 Hotel Lawrence, ITTS House, 33 Saibaba Rd, ☏ +91 22 2284 3618. Check-out: noon. Family-owned, this hotel - the only hotel in Kala Ghoda - offers only basic amenities (no WiFi, shared bathroom, and the only place to charge your phone is in the manager's secure office). The rooms are clean and in good shape, and the manager and his mother are always friendly to chat with. ₹Single, ₹1000 Double.
Mid-range
- Ship Hotel, 3 Rd Floor, Bharti Bhavan (walk out CST Station's south exit, turn left until you hit PD Mello road, it's on PD Mello road's east side, immediately east of CST.), ☏ +91 22 22617613. Check-in: 9AM, check-out: 9AM. 3 Rd Floor, Bharti Bhavan Opp Govt Dental College, Mumbai G.P.O(Fort). One of the, if not "the", cheapest place in Mumbai. Advertised rates as of 28/03/2009 are ₹140 for basic dorm bed, ₹180 for A/C Dorm Bed, ₹220 for Single (no A/C, Shared Bathroom), and 330(!)for double (non A/C) Shared Bathroom. The cheap prices make it extremely popular with Indian businessmen and tourists. Arrive at 9AM for the best chance to bag a room, but it's extremely close to CST make it easy to check first when you get off the train, if it's full, the surrounding Fort area (between CST and Colaba) is a much better option to find cheap hotels instead of Colaba. ₹140-₹320.
- Sheel Hotel, 23 Manohardas St (immediately south of CST station's south exit; exit the south exit of CST, before you cross Walchand Hirachand Marg, look up and you should see a sign for this hotel), ☏ +91 22 22615465. Check-in: 10AM, check-out: 10AM. The is likely to be the cheapest hotel in Mumbai, and offers a lot to complain about. The bathrooms are non-flush squat style, and the showers suck, but the price is right and the sheets are clean. This is a particularly good option given it's extremely proximity to CST (5 minutes walk, at the most), saving you the hassle of a taxi ride, and putting you in the spectacular Fort area, and sparing you from the lameness of Colaba. Dirty rooms, dirty sheets, mice. ₹900.
- Hotel Rosewood, Tulsiwadi opp. A/C Market, Tardeo (nearest landmark is Crossroads Mall, M M Malviya Road. You have to turn left at a little lane a couple of blocks down from Crossroads.), ☏ +91 22 2494 0320-29, ☏ +91 22 2496 0318, ☏ +91 22 2498 3568-69 (rosewood@vsnl.com, fax: +91 22 2498 3567). The location is somewhat inconvenient, but has a good restaurant called Oh! Calcutta. ₹1750-4500 (exclusive of tax).
- Bombay Luxury Apartments, Colaba causeway. Rent entire flats priced at ₹7000 upward. ☏ +91 22 22845004.
Splurge
- 2 The Oberoi, Nariman Point, ☏ +91 22 6632 5757, Natasha.Mehta@oberoihotels.com. Reserved luxury hotel on the waterfront.
- 3 Taj Mahal Palace, Apollo Bunder, ☏ +91 22 6665 3366, tmhbc.bom@tajhotels.com. One of the finest grand old hotels in the world, favored by visiting presidents and premiers since its opening in 1903. Built in grand Victorian style in and complemented by an adjoining highrise in 1973. Expect five star amenities and a hefty price coming with it. The hotel was damaged in the Mumbai bombings in 2008 but has now been reopened and fully restored.
Learn
Yoga
- Jehangir and Dhan Palkhivala Spark Centre, Sleater Road, Near Grant Road Station, ☏ +91 23517112, +91 23511309. Classes Tu—Sa.
- Kaivalyadham, Netaji Subhash Rd, Marine Dr (Marine Lines railway station), ☏ +91 22818417.
Sign language
- Mystical Experience (Thru Sign Language + Oral English) (around CST Taxi Stand, Azad Maidan), ☏ +91 9323121949, tarasnake@gmail.com. Based on the universal principle - “Treat others as we would like to be treated,” Silo’s Message is a message of active nonviolence and non discrimination; peace and reconciliation. It is an inspirational message for all those looking for meaning, hope, future, positive changes in life and to make the asking. Complimentary.