Mumbai, the pulsating capital city of Maharashtra is known to be the city of dreams where thousands of people come to achieve their dreams every day. A city that’s filmy, a city that never sleeps, a city that’s welcoming, a city that calls out to everyone. While some hear the waves crashing against the Marine Drive, some hear the first call of prayer at Haji Ali, some even get mesmerized by the loud city sound. The city has attractions for anyone and everyone. It also forms an incredible blend of both history and modernization. On one side, you get to see the ancient colonial buildings while on the other the ultra-modern skyscrapers.
From refreshing walks in the beach to traditional cafes, from local vada pav to street shopping, from the historic tour during the day to pub hopping at night, you have to be here to catch up the true colours of Mumbai. But what if you just get to spend only a day in this city? And what if you don’t want to miss out anything? Sounds impossible? Well not quite. This article will help you with a sorted list of places to visit and design your itinerary according to your interests and get the whole experience of the dream city in just 24 hours. So, hop in to begin the journey and I guarantee that the experience will not disappoint you!
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Table of Contents
The Busiest Stop – Victoria Terminus
Local trains are the sole lifelines for Mumbaikars and so are the stations. And the station that rules over the other is definitely Victoria Terminus. It’s said in Mumbai if you need to get somewhere you need to board the local train from Victoria Terminus. It connects you to every nook of the city. Even those who visit Mumbai via railway, get to begin their journey from here only. The architecture of this station takes you into a different world. Then there is the inevitable boarding of the train which is the ultimate traveller’s test of endurance. And the crowd of people inside the station and around will give you an estimation on how big the city is and how people chase around it every day. The station is renamed to Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus after the infamous shooting incident of 26/11 took place. The bullet holes from the incident can still be seen at the entrance of the station which is sure to send chills down your spine.
The One Shop Stop – Colaba Causeway, Pali Hill And Others
Who wouldn’t love to shop when exploring a new place or a new city? Well the shoppers can make their way towards Colaba Causeway. It’s a treat to the eyes. This street will make you wish you had more than a week’s time to explore and maybe even then you would miss something. From beautiful jhumkas to stylish flip-flops, from Bollywood trends to authentic takeaways, get the shopping taste of the city right here. And the best part is you can savour it all at an affordable price. All you have to do is – bargain! While shopping you can grab some quick bites at Mc. Donald’s, Cafe Coffee Day or Cafe Leopold, all lined up one after the other. You can even head to the Candies restaurant near the Bandra Reclamation or on Pali Hill. While you are at Pali Hill you can have a look at the second street market of Mumbai which is famous for bags and shoes. You can also head to some famous malls like the Palladium, Phoenix Marketcity, R-City, Inorbit, etc. and indulge in shopping, spa, entertainment and other activity. Needless to say, all will surely burn a hole in your pocket.
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The Historic Stop – Gateway of India
Take a heritage walk around the Gateway of India complex. You can simply pass through the security check on the Northern end to enter the complex. As you enter the complex you will be greeted by the massive yellow basalt and reinforced concrete arched gates. The complex is always bustling with locals and tourists alike. When you walk around the monument, you get to look into Mumbai’s deep harbour and the ever-growing collection of yachts. Once you turn around, you can enjoy the majestic beauty of the Taj Mahal Hotel.
Stop By The Queen’s Necklace – Marine Drive
Well thanks to our Bollywood movies who for many years have been showcasing the beauty of Marine Drive. But to experience the magic it has, the emotions that flow in here, the vastness, the craze, you will have to just drop by. It is the perfect place to relax after a day spent going around the city. You can let your hair down, unbuckle your shoes and just enjoy the breeze while staring at the vast endless sea. Marine drive is the one place in the city where you can be slow in the fast city and not feel guilty about it. At night, the street lights along the edge of the marine drive look like pearls on a string justifying Marine Drive’s other name – Queen’s necklace. This city never sleeps and this can be truly seen at Marine Drive, where you see people no matter the time of the day or night.
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More Stops At A Glance
If you have more time and you realize the city of dreams’ wonders are calling out to you, you may head to the following spots. Drive down to Haji Ali, to see Mahalakshmi Temple and Haji Ali Mosque. You can drive a little ahead to visit Siddhivinayak Temple (where the Bappa of Mumbai resides). You can also stop by Malabar Hill, to take a look at the Banganga Tank (and old and quaint pilgrimage area), the Hanging Gardens, the Bandra Worli Sea Link, and the Parsi Towers of Silence. Take a ride down to Bandra to indulge in pub hopping.
All it takes is a day to fall in love with this city and since all you have is a day – make the most of it!
