Mumbai is home to many historical monuments that reflect its vibrant past, from colonial-era architecture to ancient caves – each telling an amazing Mumbai tale.
The Gateway of India stands out on the Arabian Sea and commemorates King George V’s visit to Bombay. Today it serves as an iconic tourist attraction and popular tourist spot.
Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) is an historic railway station constructed by the British. Featuring Victorian Gothic architectural influences, this station dates back to its original opening date of November 2, 1880.
Gateway of India
Gateway of India stands as an architectural wonder in Mumbai and was constructed as a ceremonial entrance for British dignitaries like Viceroys and Governors to enter. Furthermore, this monument marked the end of colonial rule when its last ships left from this landmark in 1947.
Gateway of India features a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who used guerilla warfare to establish his empire in Sahyadri mountain range. A popular gathering spot for locals, street food vendors, photographers and other visitors alike, it has come to symbolize cultural importance for generations.
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be found on Elephanta Island (known also as Gharapuri) within Mumbai Harbor.
According to experts, different dynasties such as Mauryas of Konkan, Silaharas, Badami Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas all contributed significantly towards creating this marvel of architecture.
Though desecrated by Portuguese colonists, the Trimurti of Lord Shiva in the main cave still survives and deserves to be visited.
Haji Ali Dargah
This shrine stands on an island in the Arabian Sea and honors Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy merchant from Bukhara who gave up everything he owned to become a Sufi Saint before going on pilgrimage to Mecca.
The Dargah is an oasis of spiritual strength where people from different faiths and backgrounds come to seek blessings from its saint.
Prince of Wales Museum
The Prince of Wales Museum (also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) in Mumbai is a heritage structure. Situated on its southern tip, this museum consists of beautifully designed hallways that show off India and Maharashtra’s rich cultural history.
The museum boasts an exquisite collection of ancient artwork and sculpture, particularly stone carvings and intricate paintings from various Indian art schools. Furthermore, 2000 rare miniature paintings are housed here.
George Wittet designed this magnificent heritage building using both Indian and British architectural design elements for its construction.
Flora Fountain
The Flora Fountain mesmerizes visitors with its spellbinding beauty. Crafted of Portland stone and painted oil white, this fountain depicts Roman Goddess Flora.
Kala Ghoda Square has become part of Mumbai’s cultural legacy, becoming an open-air gallery during its annual arts festival.
Bombay Stock Exchange and Mumbai High Court can also be found here, along with many historic buildings like Hutatma Chowk (square) where Flora Fountain can be found renamed Hutatma Chowk to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives fighting for a unified Maharashtra State.
Victoria Terminus
Victoria Terminus or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai is one of the world’s most renowned railway stations, serving as headquarters for Central Railways in this coastal city and featuring Victorian Gothic style architecture.
Frederick William Stevens designed and oversaw its construction between 1878 and 1888 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee. It stands as an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture blended with themes drawn from Indian architectural traditions.
Carved monkeys and tigers adorning walkways and tympana above doorways appear to have emerged from an Indian garden, suggesting these creatures represent something from this particular region of India.
Mahakali Caves
Mahakali Caves or Kondivite Caves can be found west of Mumbai and comprise nineteen rock-cut landmarks dating from between the 1st and 6th centuries, dedicated to Buddhism with Buddha figures carved onto stone surfaces.
Caves at Aluwan Cave Park are formed of volcanic device breccias and contain several broken reservoirs. Cave 9 is particularly important; it houses a temple, chaitya and additional residential spaces as well as serving as a popular spot to meditate and take photos. Capture this beauty of this place! Bring along a camera and capture its splendor!
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is an impressively unique wild park often referred to as “the lungs of Mumbai.” Covering approximately 20% of Mumbai’s geographical area and home to many species of plants and animals alike.
SGNP is home to the famed Kanheri Caves, with their 109 rock-cut monolithic excavations featuring stupas, chaityas, viharas and cells from different periods in Buddhist history.
The park features several monuments that honor the history of its city.
