India’s biggest city is also packed with history. Here are Mumbai’s five best historical sites.
Mumba Devi Temple
This 18th-century temple is dedicated to Mumbadevi, the local incarnation of Mother Devi, and patron goddess to the agri (salt collectors) and kolis (fishermen) of Bombay. Legend has it, the temple was built in protection from Mumbaraka, a menacing giant who terrorized the city. Once vanquished, Mumbaraka begged for Mumbadevi to take his name and he built a temple in her honor.
Gateway of India
The classic Indo-Saracenic architecture makes it one of the most recognizable monuments in Mumbai, located on the Apollo Bunder waterfront overlooking the Arabian Sea. It was built to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s first visit to India in 1911, though construction began in 1915 so they only got to see a cardboard model. The gateway was later used as a ceremonial entrance for officials of the British Raj.
Haji Ali Dargah
Located off the coast of Worli in South Mumbai, Haji Ali is a tiny islet housing a mosque and tomb to Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. It was built in 1431 in memory of the merchant who gave up all his worldly possessions and made pilgrimage to Mecca. The mosque is connected to the coast by a narrow causeway that is only accessible during low tide. Legend has it, after his death, the Saint’s casket was released into the sea, only to float back and get stuck in the rocks off the coast, thus inspiring his followers to build his tomb there.
Elephanta Caves
Gharapuri, known as the “city of caves,” is home to the famous network of sculpted caverns in Mumbai Harbour. Created between the 5th and 8th centuries, the network contains two Buddhist caves and five Hindu caves dedicated to the god Shiva. The identity of the original stoneworkers remains a mystery, but they left behind an architectural wonder filled with statues, reliefs, courtyards, chambers and shrines.
Mani Bhavan
This historical landmark house is located in downtown Mumbai, serving as the headquarters to Mahatma Gandhi’s political activities during India’s struggle for independence. Mani Bhavan houses a collection of photographs, books and historic artifacts illustrating Gandhi’s life. The house is famous for having been visited by Martin Luther King in the 50s and by Barack Obama in 2010.
Read This Next
Riding a Rickshaw in Mumbai
Destination
Jan 31, 2015All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 21, 2024Art Basel Happenings at Miami’s The Ritz-Carlton Hotels
Art Basel Miami Beach takes place Dec. 6–8. This iconic international art fair features works from worldwide established and emerging artists. To celebrate the event, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, host special programming with a focus on female artists.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Travel Goods
Nov 21, 2024Never Lose an Item Again with Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature
It’s your worst nightmare: Your plane is taxiing and you’re looking out the window, only to realize you’ve left your iPad or laptop in the airport. Thanks to a new feature from Apple, these fears can be allayed, ensuring we always know where our valuables are, whether traveling or at home.
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
ShareThis