No matter the iconic Gateway of India or ancient temples and mosques of Mumbai, each magnificent structure tells an impressive tale. Here are just a few.
Colaba Arch Monument has long been one of the city’s iconic landmarks since it was constructed nearly one hundred years ago to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s visit in 1911, becoming an instantaneous icon of Mumbai itself.
The Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is an enchanting architectural masterpiece located on Apollo Bunder and built to mark King George V and Queen Mary’s visit in 1911. A marvel of Indian, Arabic and Western design alike!
Once known as Victoria Terminus, this historic railway station is now recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and stands as one of the country’s most beautiful stations with its Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture and Indo-Saracenic Revival style architecture.
Siddhivinayak Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, should be on every traveller’s itinerary when visiting Mumbai. Notably, Mahatma Gandhi initiated his Quit India movement here.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, better known by its acronym CST, is an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee in 1887 and later renamed after Maratha King Shivaji after 1996.
This building features gargoyles, griffins and domes reminiscent of palaces, political capitols or grand hotels; its design represents an excellent example of Mumbai’s East-meets-West aesthetic.
This landmark has been featured in several classic Bollywood movies and is one of the city’s premier tourist attractions.
The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
Mumbai’s oldest museum, initially known as the Victoria and Albert Museum, was established in 1872. Later it was renamed in honour of Dr. Bhau Daji Lad, a renowned historian, physician, and philanthropist who played an instrumental role in its founding and establishment.
The museum houses a comprehensive collection of maps, plans, photographs and relics that document Mumbai’s development from an archipelago of seven islands into an ‘Urbs Prima in India’ by the nineteenth century. Furthermore, this museum presents its cultural traditions.
As it has been the setting of many Bollywood movie shoots, this landmark is also a popular tourist attraction.
The St. Thomas Cathedral
Horniman Circle in Mumbai was home to India’s inaugural church established in 1718; built through vision, dedication, and generous donations from Christian families living at that time.
The Gateway of India at Apollo Bunder is an architectural masterpiece. Combining Indian, Arabic and Western styles into its design, the structure was originally intended as an official welcome for King George V and Queen Mary when they visited India in 1910.
Today, this monument has become a famous tourist destination and hotspot for youth and Bollywood movies alike. You may have even seen its entrance in movies like Wanted or 102 Not Out!
The Town Hall of Asiatic Society
This neoclassical structure stands guard over Horniman Circle and represents one of the last vestiges of Victorian Bombay. Additionally, it holds an invaluable collection of ancient books and manuscripts.
Colonel Thomas Cowper was one of India’s foremost engineers at that time and designed this impressive building featuring 8 Doric styled pillars in its portico. It truly represents architectural masterpiece.
The Asiatic Society library holds some rare treasures, such as an original 14th-century Sanskrit manuscript of Dante’s Inferno written in Sanskrit and Mughal coins and gold mohurs from their time period – making this place perfect for anyone interested in history! It makes a perfect destination to visit for those wanting a rich historical experience.
Mahim Fort
The Mahim Fort is an important landmark in Mumbai. One of the oldest remaining structures from its past, it has played an instrumental role throughout its history and currently houses the revered Mumba Devi Mandir.
At its time, Bombay consisted of seven islands. This fort held immense significance when Bombay was still just seven islands, as it overlooked both Worli Fort and Bandra Fort on two sides and served as a venue for battles between Portuguese and British forces. Now deemed an historical structure under Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation supervision.
The Mount Mary Church
Mount Mary Church is an increasingly popular pilgrimage site for people of all faiths, drawing large crowds who visit its statue of the Virgin Mary to express their thanks or seek favors from her. Additionally, it becomes even more appealing during Bandra Fair, held every August 8th and commemorating Mary’s birth.
The current structure is over 100 years old; however, its history can be traced back to 16th-century Jesuit priests bringing a statue from Portugal during that era. Unfortunately, Sunni Arab pirates attacked and raided it again in 1700, however; later reconstruction took place.
