Sightseeing
The long history of Mumbai means it is home to a number of fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as important cultural and religious sites.

Elephanta Cave – Elephanta Island
Located northeast of the Gateway of India off the coast of Mumbai, Elephanta Island or Gharapuri Island holds the ancient secret of Lord Shiva. The main attraction on the island, Elephanta Cave, is an architecture masterpiece dated back between AD 450 and 750. This labyrinth of cave temple is carved out of a single solid basalt rock, which represents some of India’s most impressive temple carving. The heritage site has two groups of caves in the rock cut architectural style, with the main temple showcasing an intriguing latticework of courtyards, halls, pillars and shrines. The caves are filled with beautiful stone carvings of Hindu gods and goddess, including a 6m-tall statue of Sadhashiva, depicting a three-faced Shiva as the destroyer, creator and preserver of the universe. The Elephanta Caves is also the site of the annual Elephanta Festival. Held every year in February, the festival showcases classical performances and aims at promoting Indian classical dance and heritage

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Constructed in the 18th century, the imposing architecture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (or Victoria Terminus) is the city’s most extravagant Gothic building and a reflection of colonial India. The exuberant structure of beautiful walls, domes, and statues is a joyful dance of Victorian, Hindu, and Islamic styles blended into one timeless performance.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is one of a few UNESCO World
Heritage Sites that is still in use by the public. Over 3 million people pass through the station every day and almost all travelers visit this iconic landmark to connect to another city, take the CST Station tour organized by the railway authorities, or simply take photos.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Formerly Prince of Wales Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya has the biggest and best collection of artifacts from the whole country. Its architecture is a mélange of charming Islamic, Hindu, and British architecture by George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India, and perhaps a great piece of art within itself. Not only is the architecture of the museum spell-bounding, the museum exhibits a vast collection of impressive Hindu and Buddhist sculpture, terracotta figurines from the Indus Valley, Indian miniature paintings, porcelain and weaponry.

Tip: The museum opens from 10.15 to 18.00 with a foreigner entry fee of Rs500 (with complimentary audio guide)

Colaba
Colaba is the name on every international traveler’s lips. It is definitely one of the most famous places on the tourist map in Mumbai and a street shoppers’ paradise. Located down the city’s southernmost peninsula, Colaba is a bustling district packed with street stalls, markets, bars and budget to midrange lodgings. Colaba Causeway makes it to the top of the list when it comes to shopping. From antique and vintage trinkets to clothes, shoes and accessories, you can always find something to spend your money on here. After a good exploration, stop by at Leopold Café or Café Mondegar, the 2 iconic spots in town, if you’re looking for a relaxed place to enjoy a few beers,