Mumbai, an energetic metropolis brimming with vibrancy, boasts a rich tapestry of history. From iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India to sacred Elephanta Caves, historical places offer travellers an immersive travel experience.
Victoria Terminus, now named Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, stands as an iconic landmark of Mumbai’s colonial past and is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Victoria Terminus
Victoria Terminus (CST), situated in Mumbai’s Fort area, is one of the city’s iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boasting an attractive blend of Victorian Gothic architecture with traditional Indian styles, over three million passengers use CST each day – designed by architect Frederick William Stevens it took 10 years from 1878-1887 for construction to begin before opening as part of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1887.
This beautiful building stands as an outstanding example of Indian and British Gothic Revival architecture, boasting pointed arches, turrets, and stained glass windows. Additionally, its location allows visitors to get an appreciation for Mumbai’s vibrant culture and history.
Mahakali Caves
The Mahakali Caves are an exceptional example of Mumbai’s Buddhist heritage, located in western Mumbai and popular among both residents and visitors due to their exquisite beauty and architecture.
Caves were also home to monks who recited Buddhist scripture in Pali, an early language. Cave VIII is an old partially-ruined verandah leading into a hall with a semicircular shrine that resembles a granary; Cave IX contains several statues that had been severely injured or disfigured over time resembling those in Cave VIII.
These 19 rock-cut caves can be found across Mahakali Hills in Andheri East and were previously known as Kondivite or Kondivti Caves due to their closeness to Kondivite village; however, their modern moniker comes from their proximity to a Hindu temple nearby, with one cave once housing a stupa now revered as Shiva Lingams.
Haji Ali Dargah
On an islet in the Arabian Sea near Worli lies this sacred religious space: a mosque and tomb for Sufi Saint Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Once an avid merchant who traveled the globe, this Saint gave up everything he owned to become Muslim and spread Islam around.
He was on his way to Mecca for a pilgrimage when he died, telling his followers to bury his coffin at sea; its flotation brought it ashore on this islet where it was later interred as well as mosque and Dargah built on top of it.
Architecture at this unique place reflects styles and patterns from both Indian and Islamic traditions. Every year this dargah welcomes thousands of visitors from across India; every evening the edifice is lit beautifully, making for a stunning sight; further adding to its appeal is its proximity to an expanse of sea which extends past it – adding another beautiful aspect. Furthermore, this location also boasts its own Qawwali Khana!
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, comprise an ancient collection of Hindu cave temples situated on a 10 km east of Mumbai island named Gharapuri (The City of Caves) within Maharashtra in India.
As no archeological evidence remains, no one knows who constructed the Elephanta Caves; however, they may date back as far as 6th century AD. Their name was coined by Portuguese because of a stone elephant sculpture on the island that can be found there.
Visitors to the caves can reach them via local trains running between Churchgate and CST stations or taxi services available from these stations, or they may hire one directly. Winter months from November to February offer the ideal conditions for visiting, as this is when temperatures remain mild and pleasant; visitors should avoid visiting during monsoon season as sea currents will become unpredictable, leading to disruption in ferry schedules.
