Last updated on October 9th, 2023 at 10:05 am
Monuments serve as a reminder of a city’s (or a nation’s) illustrious past in addition to being architectural wonders that capture the creativity and architectural brilliance of bygone times. Mumbai, also known as ‘Aamchi Mumbai’ (as the locals prefer to call it), is one such metropolis that is home to several ancient structures. These buildings, which have endured several ages and stood tall and proud, are a tribute to Mumbai’s illustrious past. In order to get a glimpse into the history of this gorgeous city, whether you are a history geek or not, there are a few landmarks that you simply must visit. Let’s look at the top destinations in Mumbai to visit while on vacation. there are many Mumbai Historical Sites to see.
Mumbai’s historical sites include:
1. In Mumbai, the ‘Historic’ Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
The South Mumbai neighborhood is home to the genuinely historic train station Chhatrapati Shivaji, formerly known as Victoria Terminus. The fact that UNESCO designated this ancient structure a World Heritage Site in July 2004 speaks volumes about the importance of this structure. It’s no surprise that it’s one of India’s most Instagrammed landmarks. In actuality, Taj Mahal is the first most photographed monument in India (according to several accounts).
British architect Frederick William Stevens created Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, one of Mumbai’s most significant historical sites. The railroad station was given the name Victoria Terminus when it was constructed in the late 1800s to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.this is one of the Mumbai Historical Sites
The High Victorian Gothic-style edifice displays influences from traditional Indian architecture as well. The CST train station is a testament to the level of engineering skill that the British engineers attained some 15 years ago.
About the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, some interesting facts:
St. Pancras Railway Station in London served as inspiration for Stevens’ design of the railroad station.
Stevens received a staggering commission of $24,000 USD for creating the architectural wonder.
The station has had four name changes since it was first known as Bori Bunder.
One of the busiest train stations in the world, it serves an average of 3 million commuters per day.
How to Get There: Since both local and out-of-town trains stop here, getting to CST by train is the easiest option.
Opening Times: The entire day
Entrance Fee: Free
Visitors can visit the Gateway of India, Flora Fountain, and Marine Drive nearby.
2. Mumbai’s ‘iconic’ Gateway to India
The Gateway of India is one of Mumbai’s most recognizable structures. It was built in 1911 to honor King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to India. Interestingly, although though the building’s foundation was erected in 1911, it wasn’t until 1914 that the monument’s final design was approved. The construction of this historical monument required an additional ten years.this is one of the Mumbai Historical Sites
Ironically, the monument that served as the British King and Queen’s entryway into India eventually became their departure point from the country. The British forces left for home from the Gateway of India on February 28th, 1948, thus ending the war.
The closest train stations are CST and Churchgate. Take a taxi or a bus to go to the Gateway of India if you live in South Mumbai.
Hours of Operation: On a daily basis
Fee for entry:Free
The Taj Mahal Hotel, Marine Drive, and Flora Fountain are among of the nearby tourist attractions.
3. Mani Bhavan, Mumbai, Mahatma’s home
During his 17-year residence in Mumbai, from 1917 to 1934, the Mahatma called Mani Bhavan his home. The Satyagraha, the Swadeshi Movement, and the Civil Disobedience Movement were some of the most disruptive independence movements against the British Raj in India that Mahatma Gandhi conceptualized and started from this location.
It is now used as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and all things Gandhian. You’ll enter a library with a statue of the Mahatma when you happen to visit this location. The rarest photographs of Mahatma Gandhi, which show his life from his early years to his assassination, may be found at the photo gallery on the first level, which can be accessed by stairs leading from the library. In addition to viewing photographs of Gandhiji, the renowned Mani Bhavan also allows visitors to read letters written by him, listen to speeches he gave, and view his personal effects.this is one of the Mumbai Historical Sites
Mani Bhavan’s fascinating facts include:
Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, a friend of Gandhiji, was the property’s owner.
At Mani Bhavan, Gandhiji’s connection to the charkha first began.
During his official visit to India in 2010, former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama paid a visit to Mani Bhavan.
Martin Luther King was another well-known foreign visitor who came here in the 1950s, in addition to Barack Obama.
How to Get There: The closest train stations are located on Grant Road and Charni Road.
Opening Times:
9:30 am –
6:00 pm (2nd and 4th Saturdays the library is closed)
Entrance Fee: Free
Girgaum Chowpatty, Mahalakshmi Temple, and Kamala Nehru Park are three nearby tourist attractions.
4. Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a Symbol of Magnificence
The TajMahal Hotel, built by Sir Jamshedji Tata, debuted as India’s first five-star establishment on December 16, 1903. Since that time, the hotel has entertained a number of dignitaries and well-known figures from throughout the globe. The most well-known individuals include Lord Mountbatten, Rattanbai Petit, Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s second wife, Sarojini Naidu, jazz great Micky Correa, former US Presidents Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton, another former US President Barack Obama, and Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton. this is one of the Mumbai Historical Sites
The hotel’s construction is the subject of various tales.
According to one of the legends, Sir Jamshedji Tata was inspired to construct the hotel after being turned away from the Watson’s Hotel, one of the most opulent accommodations in Mumbai at the time, because it was exclusive to white people. However, many historians dismiss the tale, claiming that a man of his stature wouldn’t be impacted by such little matters. They claim that he was inspired to develop the hotel by his love of Mumbai and the editor of The Times of India’s demand.
The Taj Mahal Palace, the company’s signature building, was created by Indian architects DN Mirza and Sitaram Khanderao Vaidya. The constructor, Khansaheb Sorabji Ruttonji Contractor, was also Indian.
A few interesting Taj Mahal Palace Hotel facts include:
It is the first structure in India to be protected by intellectual property laws for its architectural style.
Room fee was 13 per day when the hotel first opened its doors in 1903 for business.
The first hotel in India with English butlers, electricity, American fans, German lifts, and Turkish baths.
It was also the very first hotel to obtain a permit to operate a bar and a disco.
During World War I, a hospital was constructed inside the Taj Mahal Palace hotel.
How to Get There: The Taj Mahal Palace is easily accessible by bus and cab, while CST is the closest railway station.
Time of Opening – In the course of the day
Entry Fee: Free
Tourist attractions nearby – Gateway of India, MarineDrive, and Flora Fountain, among others
5. Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, which is Mumbai’s wealthiest temple
A Hindu temple devoted to Lord Ganesha, Siddhivinayak Temple was constructed in 1801 by Deubai Patil and Laxman Vithu. The temple was originally constructed as a little, 3.6 m by 3.6 m-sized house of worship. The temple didn’t become the magnificent temple that you see now until the second half of the 20th century.
One of the wealthiest temples in Mumbai is the 200-year-old Siddhivinayak Temple, which receives donations of between $100 million and $150 million annually. The temple first began to experience an increase in visitors during the 1950s and 1960s. And the enormous increase in followers occurred in the latter half of the 1970s. Approximately 25000 worshippers attend the temple each day in the present. People travel from all over the world to the Siddhivinayak Temple to ask Lord Ganesha’s blessings.this is one of the Mumbai Historical Sites
Interesting information about the Siddhivinayak Temple includes:
Tuesday morning aartis draw massive crowds of people, with lines often stretching for two kilometers.
There is a myth that you must talk into the ears of the two enormous silver mice statues here in order to communicate your intention to Lord Ganesha.
The black stone Lord Ganesha idol has his trunk on the right side rather than the left.
The temple is known as Siddhivinayak Temple due to the presence of idols of Goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi on either side of the Lord Ganesha’s statue.
How to Get There
The two closest railroad stations are at Dadar and Elphinstone Road.
Opening Times
5:30 am – 10:00 pm
Entrance Fee: free.
Tourist attractions close by –Beach in Shivaji Park, Worli Fort, and Nehru Science Center
