Mumbai is a fascinating city, a compact mix of the traditional and the modern. A lively and varied place, this waterfront city, also the capital of Maharashtra, boasts a vibrant and cosmopolitan identity. Few cities in the world leave the tourists with such vivid impressions, whether it's the glitz and glamour of 'Bollywood', the spectacular array of Victorian buildings of the British Raj, the seaside rendezvous on the Juhu Beach, or the maze of alleyways and atmospheric streets of Mumbai. For many tourists, however, its world-class museums and galleries - notably the superb Prince of Wales Museum, with its collection of the antiquities, - are reason enough to visit.

This blend of old and new worlds makes for a fascinating exploration of the city's streets. An orientation of Mumbai is best begun from the Gateway of India, the most famous colonial landmark While Mumbai itself could take a lifetime to explore, it's also ideal as a base for visiting beautiful rock-cut Shiva temple on Elephanta Island - a short trip by launch across the harbor offering some respite from the frenetic activity of the city.

Sights to See

Bombay Natural History Society
Established in 1883, The Bombay Natural History Society is a famous NGO engaged in conservation and biodiversity research.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, is an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with themes deriving from Indian traditional architecture. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, now in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the westernmost end point of the

Central Railways of India.
A magnificent building, completed in 1888, the Victoria Terminus was named after the then Queen Empress (Queen Victoria) on Jubilee Day, 1887. Construction started in 1878 based on a design by F. W. Stevens, and took 10 years to complete. The Victoria Terminus was renamed Chhatrapati Sivaji Terminus on March 4, 1996. In September 1999 pedestrian access to the suburban railway terminus was moved underground.

Prince of Wales Museum
One of Mumbai's finest example of Victorian architecture, the buiding was built to commemorate King George V's visit to Mumbai (while still Prince of Wales). Designed by George Wittet and completed in 1923, it is undoubtedly one of India's finest museums and houses treasures, artefacts, paintings and sculpture from the many periods covering India's history, including the Indus Valley Civilization.

Gateway of India
Mumbai's most striking monument, it was also designed by George Wittet. It has an imposing gateway arch in the Indo-Saracenic style with Gujarati and Islamic elements such as wooden carvings. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. This area is also the departing point for ferries plying to Elephanta Island and other beaches across the port. Behind it is the beautiful old (and new) structure of the Taj Mahal Hotel.

Global Vipassana Pagoda
A peaceful haven for meditators, Global Vipassana Pagoda is the world's largest pillar- less dome with a capacity to seat 8,000 peoples. In it are also enshrined Buddha's genuine relics, thus becoming the first such pagoda in India after King Ashoka's era.

The Pagoda radiates peace and harmony and encourages one and all to learn Vipassana to transform oneself into a peaceful, powerful and pure person, based on the experience of millions around the world.

Jehangir Art Gallery
Adjacent to the Prince of Wales Museum, this gallery is the showcase for contemporary art. The displays change regularly. Outside is the Artist's Plaza with more paintings on display and sale.

National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA)
This is the former Cowasji Jehangir Hall, of the Institute of Science. It has been renovated to serve as a four-storey exhibition hall, displaying the best of Indian contemporary art. Open daily except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty Beach is a teeming mass of people, vendors, masseurs and roadside restaurants with its specialties being bhelpuri and kulfi. Across the Chowpatty Beach area is the Taraporewala Aquarium. Marine Drive is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night.

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market (Crawford Market)
A busy market area, this is best visited early on in the day. The fruits and vegetable section offers the best of produce. Depending on when you visit, the fruits of the season are always a good buy.

Haji Ali Mosque
Haji Ali Shrine Further along the seashore, at the end of a long pathway surrounded by seawater is the shrine dedicated to Haji Ali, a Muslim saint. Access is only at low tide via the pathway.

Flora Fountain
The Flora Fountain stands on the site of the old church gate of the Bombay Fort, now a major crossroad named Hutatma Chowk. It was erected to honor Sir Bartle Frere, a former governor of Bombay and named after the Greek goddess Flora.

Mani Bhavan
This simple and charming museum was where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. Gandhi's room and belongings including his books are on display. Mani Bhavan is situated on Laburnam Road, near the August Kranti Maidan, where the 'Quit India' movement was launched in 1942. Open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm

Mahalaxmi Temple
The Mahalaxmi Temple is a popular sacred site. Dedicated to Mahalaxmi, it is situated at one end of Breach Candy - a trendy residential and shopping area, now known as B. Desai Road.

Siddhivinayak Temple
Located in the Prabha Devi area of Mumbai, this popular temple dedicated to Ganesh was rebuilt on the site of a 200-year old temple. Built of black stone, the idol of Ganesh is two and a half feet in height and two feet in width. An unusual feature of the statue is that the trunk turns to the right, not often found on Ganesh idols. Tuesday is the main day of darshan and puja, but this temple is frequented by hundreds of devotees every day.

Juhu Beach
This suburban beach is great favorite with Mumbaites, and has plenty to offer everyone. Like Marine Drive's Chowpatty, Juhu 'Chowpatty' is a vendor's delight with innumerable food counters. It is a wonderful place to bring kids, as it doubles up as an amusement park, play ground, and open-air restaurant. An unusual sight at this beach is the camel ride, which is both fun and popular.