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Things to See in Mumbai

By Chris Boyle

With more than 4,000 years of history, this dynamic city is packed full of wonderful experiences for the Elite Traveler.

Take a tour around some of the city’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites, or, if architectural marvels aren’t your thing, indulge in Mumbai’s two contemporary loves: cricket and Bollywood.

GATEWAY OF INDIA

Standing majestically on the waterfront, The Gateway of India is one of Mumbai’s most spectacular and historical monuments.

Built in 1911 to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to the city, the Gateway is an imposing processional archway where royalty, heads of state and other notaries have disembarked onto Indian soil since the beginning of the last century. Fashioned from yellow basalt and decorated with intricate carvings, the structure is a perfect synergy of Hindu and Islamic architecture, combined with all the pomp and circumstance one would expect from the days of the British Raj.

ELEPHANTA CAVES

These ancient Hindu and Buddhist shrines situated on the island of Elephanta are one of the must-see attractions for Elite Travelers to Mumbai.

Gracing the interiors of the caves are large sculpted depictions of the Hindu God Shiva, hewn from the sheer basalt walls during the 5th and 8th centuries. To visit these mesmerizing and haunting wonders, hire a yacht from the steps of the Gateway to India and enjoy an incredible experience indicative of India’s spiritual soul.

+91 98 1044 3944

India Escorted Tours, 154, Sector 29, Noida

www.india-escorted.com

CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ VASTU SANGRAHALAYA (FORMERLY PRINCE of WALES MUSEUM)

This architectural marvel stands near The Gateway to India, and is notable for its similar mix of Gothic and Moorish styles.

Underneath the sparkling white dome lies a fine collection of artifacts from the civilizations that flowered in the Indus Valley more than 4,000 years ago. The museum holds many marvels, from priceless pieces of Nepalese art to entire galleries devoted to Tibetan bronzes and Buddhist tankha scrolls. Its main attraction, however, is a collection of more than 2,000 miniature paintings, handpicked from Indian art schools.

Manisha Nene

+91 22 2284 4484

159/61 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 023

www.themuseummumbai.com

FILM CITY BOLLYWOOD

No trip to Mumbai is complete without a pilgrimage to Bollywood, the Indian film industry’s spiritual home.

Private tours of the studios can be arranged, where the Elite Traveler can meet and greet some of India’s hottest screen stars. Alternatively, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can audition for a part in one of over 100 movies being shot at any one time in the city, and make your mark on the next box-office hit.

+91 22 4343 8134/123

4/5, New Udyog Mandir No. 1 Bhagoji Keer Marg, Mahim-W, Mumbai 400 016

www.bollywoodtourism.com

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

In India, cricket is king.

A remnant of the Raj, the game has been played here for over a century, with the country’s favorite sporting sons assuming the status of demi-gods and enjoying the kind of fanatical support more often reserved for Hollywood A-listers. The recent emergence of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has turned the game on its head, from a staid leisurely pursuit into a high octane extravaganza. Captained by homegrown legend Sachin Tendulker, the Mumbai Indians are one of the most exciting teams in the League, featuring some of the best players from India and around the world. Enjoy the corporate hospitality on offer, and watch this sporting event in style.

Poorna Patel

JEHANGIR ART GALLERY

Founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, the prominent Parsi activist and reformer, Jehangir Art Gallery is Mumbai’s most famous art institution.

Managed by the Bombay Art Society the gallery has been pivotal in the renaissance and appreciation of Indian art since its inception in 1952. The institute is located in the city’s art district, opposite the National Gallery of Modern Art and moments away from the Prince of Wales Museum. The onsite café, Samovar, is popular with members of the art community, while the gallery also houses Natesans, India’s oldest antique dealer. Stroll through the four exhibition halls and admire the exceptional talent on display.

Gaytri Mehta

+91 22 2284 3989

Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mumbai 400 023

www.bombayartsociety.org

HAJI ALI DARGAH

Lying just off the coast of Worli in the south of Mumbai, the mosque at Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most popular and most unusual religious shrines in the city.

Built in memory of the Muslim saint Syed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari (R.A.) in 1431, it serves as both a mosque and a tomb, and is only accessible via a 1,500ft walkway during low tide. Thousands of pilgrims walk the causeway each year to receive the saint’s blessings. An exquisite example of Indian Islamic architecture, the Dargah is an iconic landmark and should not be missed. Non-Muslims are also allowed to visit the tomb.

+91 22 2352 9082

Haji Ali Dargah Trust, Above Kinara Masjid, Haji Ali, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, Mumbai 400 026

www.hajialidargah.in

NEHRU CENTRE AND NEHRU PLANETARIUM

Boasting a wealth of cultural pursuits and family friendly attractions, the Nehru Centre caters to every taste.

The permanent Discovery of India Exposition depicting the artistic, cultural and philosophical achievements of India is particularly recommended. Would-be astronomers should head to the Planetarium to learn about the mysteries of the solar system, while those of a more artistic disposition will enjoy the various concerts and shows regularly staged at the Auditorium. The Art Gallery is dedicated to promoting young talent, which is displayed alongside more established artists.

Satish Sahney

+91 22 2496 4676

Nehru Centre, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 018

www.nehru-centre.org

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