BEST OF MUMBAI WITH ALIBAUG

At a distance of 4 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Gateway of India is a national heritage monument located at the waterfront in Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai, facing Arabian Sea. It is considered to be the most famous monument in Mumbai and also one of the main tourist places visited as part of Mumbai Darshan.

The Gateway of India was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder, when they visited India in 1911. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the foundation stone for the Gateway of India was laid on 31st March 1911. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. The Gateway was later the ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay.

The architecture of the Gateway is a combination of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles; the arch is of Muslim style while the decorations are of Hindu style. The gateway is built from yellow .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and 1 km from Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, is one of the premier art and history museum situated on the southern tip of Mumbai on the Crescent Site near Gateway of India. The Museum is one of the most significant museums in India and also one of the best Mumbai places to visit.

The Prince of Wales Museum was built in order to honor and commemorate the visit of King George V to India. Although the idea for a museum was initiated in 1904, the foundation stone was laid down by the Prince of Wales in 1905. The Museum was designed by a prominent architect, George Wittet and was erected on this site in 1915. Initially the museum was used as a military hospital and a 'Children's Welfare Center' during the First World War. In 1922, it was transformed into Prince of Wales Museum and was renamed after the founder of Maratha Empire, Shivaji in 1990s.

The .....

At a distance of 1.6 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Jehangir Art Gallery is situated behind Prince of Wales Museum at Kala Ghoda near the Gateway of India in South Mumbai. It is one of the most prestigious art galleries of Mumbai and also one of the popular tourist places in Mumbai.

Built in 1952 AD, the art gallery was founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir at the urging of K. K. Hebbar and Homi Bhabha. The entire cost of this mansion was donated by Cowasji Jehangir. It was designed by G.M. Bhuta for G.M. Bhuta & Associates, while the building was designed by Durga Bajpai. At present, the gallery is managed by the Bombay Art Society.

Located in the famous Fort area of Mumbai, the Jehangir Art Gallery is a wonderful attraction for art lovers. It has four exhibition halls and serves as both an auditorium and an art gallery. A huge variety of modern Indian art is displayed here. There are also many temporary exhibitions from all over the world. The complex also encompasses .....

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is the most important train station & historical landmark situated in Dadabhai Naoroji Road in Mumbai. Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 2nd July 2004, it is one of the famous places of heritage in Maharashtra, and also one of the top tourist places in Mumbai.

The Terminus is the 2nd World Heritage Site of the Indian Railways after the Mountain Railways (of Shimla, Darjeeling & Ooty) which was inscribed in 1988, and the first functional administrative building to be put on the World Heritage list. Headquarters of the Central Railways, this station links Mumbai to the rest of India. It is one of the must include places in Mumbai tour packages.

Designed by Frederick William Stevens, a British architect, Victoria Terminus .....

At a distance of 5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Marine Drive is a 3 km long beautiful road in southern Mumbai of Maharashtra. This is one of the most visited places in Mumbai city and also one of the top tourist places in Mumbai.

It is a C-shaped six-lane road along the coastline of Arabian Sea, forming a natural bay. This road links Nariman Point to Babulnath, and is situated at the foot of Malabar Hill. Officially, it is named as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road. Marine Drive is also referred to as 'Queen's necklace', because the street lights make the road look like a string of pearls and create an illusion of a necklace, when viewed at night from any elevated point along the pathway of the drive.

Promenade is the main attraction of Marine Drive. The view of the sunset over the Arabian Sea from Marine drive is magnificent. The palm trees along the promenade make it more attractive. To the north of the Marine Drive is the Chowpatty Beach, which is famous among .....

At a distance of 4.5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Chowpatty Beach, officially known as Girgaon Chowpatty, is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai adjoining Marine Drive in the Girgaon area. This is a popular beach which attracts people of all age groups and also one of the top tourist places in Mumbai.

Chowpatty Beach has been an important center for many celebrations over the years, including Ganesh Chaturthi. During this festival, thousands of devotees gather at the beach to participate in the immersions of the Lord Ganapathi idols in the Arabian Sea. Another popular festival that is held here is Ramlila, which lasts for a period of 10 days. Processions, energetic dance performances and beating of the drums are an integral part of this festival.

The beach is not as famous for activities like sunbathing or swimming as for its street food. Every evening, the beach is crowded by people of all ages, along with food kiosks, ferries and balloon sellers. .....

About Sri Siddhivinayak Temple

At a distance of 10 Km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Sri Siddhivinayak Temple is a famous Hindu Temple located at Prabhadevi locality of Mumbai. Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is among the must include places in Mumbai Darshan Packages. With a history spanning over 200 years, it ranks among the wealthiest temples in India, attracting a diverse range of visitors, including celebrities, Bollywood figures, politicians, and everyday worshippers. It is estimated that the temple receives annual donations ranging from 100 to 150 million rupees from its devotees. A widely held belief is that Siddhivinayak Ganapati grants the wishes of those who pray sincerely at this sacred site. It is one of the sacred places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the must-include places in Mumbai tour packages.

History of Sri Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak Temple .....

At a distance of 18 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, officially called Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, is a cable bridge linking Bandra in the Western Suburbs of Mumbai with Worli in South Mumbai. This is one of the famous picnic spots in Mumbai.

Bandra - Worli Sea Link is an eight-lane bridge which has pre-stressed concrete-steel viaducts on either side. The bridge is a part of the proposed Western Freeway that links the Western Suburbs to Nariman Point in Mumbai's main business district. The 16 billion bridge was commissioned by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation and built by the Hindustan Construction Company. The first four of the eight lanes of the bridge were opened to the public on 30th June 2009. All eight lanes were opened on 24th March 2010.

The sea-link reduces travel time between Bandra and Worli during peak hours. Whole journey of 8 km, which earlier used to take 45 to 60 minutes, can now be completed in just 7 to 10 .....

At a distance of 3 km from Haji Ali Dargah and 7 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Nehru Science Center (NSC), Mumbai is India's largest interactive science center located in Worli. It is one of the most famous science centers of India and also one of the best Mumbai places to visit.

Nehru Science Center, first conceived as a Science & Technology Museum in late sixties, took final shape as India's largest interactive science center in 1977. The center opened its first semi-permanent exhibition `Light & Sight' in 1977 followed by the world's first ever Science Park in 1979. The full- fledged science centre was finally opened to public on 11 November 1985 by late Rajiv Gandhi the then Prime Minister of India.

Nehru Science Centre, the largest Science Centre in the country has a sprawling 8 acres of Science Park with varieties of plants, trees and shrubs. More than 50 hands-on and interactive science exhibits on energy, sound, kinematics, mechanics, transport, etc. .....

About Mahalakshmi Temple

At a distance of 9 Km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mahalakshmi Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mahalakshmi area of Mumbai. Situated on a hillock alongside the Arabian Sea, the Mahalakshmi Temple is dedicated to the Devi Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. The temple houses the idols of the Hindu Tridevis - Shri Mahalakshmi, Shri Mahasaraswati and Shri Mahakali. This is one of the most famous temples of Mumbai and among the must-include places in the Mumbai family packages. Managed by the 'Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Trust', the iconic mandir receives thousands of devotees in the month of Margashirsha as they believe Mahalakshmi Mata gets alive or 'Jagrut' during this time.

History & Mythology of Mahalakshmi Temple

According to legend, the three idols predate the construction of the temple, which took place between 1761 and 1771 .....

At a distance of 4.5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, formerly the Victoria and Albert Museum, is ancient museum situated inside the Jijamata Udyan in Byculla East, Mumbai. The museum earns recognition as the oldest museum in Mumbai and the third oldest across India. It is also one of the best tourist places in Mumbai.

The Victoria and Albert Museum was originally established in 1855 CE as a treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts. The present site of this museum came into existence in 1872 CE, when it was known as Victoria & Albert Museum. It was renamed as Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in 1975 CE to honour the visionary who significantly contributed to its formation. After an extensive restoration process by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), this museum was opened in 2008.

There are six main sections in this museum, namely Origins of Mumbai, 19th Century Paintings, Industrial Arts, Kamalnayan Bajaj .....

About Sri Babulnath Temple

At a distance of 5 Km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Sri Babulnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated at the end of the Marine Drive near Girgaum Chowpatty in Mumbai. Situated on a small hillock, Sri Babulnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors come to this sacred site to receive blessings from Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, hoping for the realization of their desires. The temple is considered very unique and fascinating. Situated at an altitude of 1,000 feet, the temple offers a beautiful view of the city, and the Arabian Sea. It is one of oldest temples in Mumbai and among the must-include places in Mumbai pilgrimage packages.

History of Babulnath Temple

The Babulnath Temple was established and the idols were consecrated in the 12th century by King Bhimdev. Over time, it was destroyed by Muslim invaders, leading to the burial of the idols. .....

At a distance of 7.5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and 2 km from Sri Babulnath Temple, Hanging Gardens, also known as Perozeshah Mehta Gardens, are the beautiful terraced gardens that are situated on the western side of the Malabar Hills in Mumbai. These gardens are one of the best sites in Mumbai and also one of the top Mumbai visiting places.

Established in the 1880s, this garden was designed by Ulhas Ghapokar to protect a nearby reservoir from getting polluted. These gardens are named after the famous lawyer, Perozeshah Mehta, who is also the father of Mumbai's Municipal Charter. These terraced gardens located just opposite Kamla Nehru Park.

The garden has a vast area and well-laid pathways. The colourful flower clock at the center and numerous animal-shaped hedges are the unique features of this park. One can also enjoy spectacular views of the Arabian Sea from the Hanging Gardens. Its well-maintained pathways are perfect for a jog or stroll around the park.

Situated .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Alibaug Bus Stand, Alibaug or Alibag Beach is a serene beach situated at Alibaug in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It is one of the top tourist places in Alibaug, and among the prominent beaches to visit as part of Lonavala packages.

Alibag Beach is the main beach of the town, and is well known for its clean coastline. The beach has primarily blackish sand and a lot of rocky stretches. Alibaug Beach is one of the most popular beaches with the sight of Kolaba Fort providing the perfect view during sunset as part of Alibaug Packages.

The beach is very lively with bathers in the morning and many food stalls in the evening. The beach has no facilities for water sports like boating, diving, or snorkeling. Walking and sunbathing, riding in the six seated horse-driven .....

At a distance of 1.5 km from Alibaug Beach and 3 km from Alibaug Bus Stand, Kolaba Fort or Kulaba Fort is an old military fortification situated in the Arabian Sea near the shores of Alibaug in Maharashtra. It is one of the must include places in Alibaug Tour, and among the famous heritage sites near Mumbai.

Kolaba Fort was built by Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj in the year 1680 CE after the entire south Konkan came under his control. In 1662 CE, he strengthened and fortified Kolaba fort to make it one of his chief naval stations. The command of the fort was given to Darya Sagar and Manik Bhandari under whom Kolaba fort became the center of the Maratha attacks on British ships. It is one of the prominent places of sightseeing in Alibaug.

Later in 1713 CE, Kolaba Fort along .....

At a distance of 3.5 km from Alibaug Bus Stand 11 km from Kihim Beach, Varsoli is a beautiful beach situated at Varsoli village in Raigad district of Maharashtra. This is one of the popular beaches in Maharashtra and also one of the top places to visit in Alibaug.

Varsoli Beach is located on the outskirts of Alibaug at Varsoli, which is a small hamlet. The beach is 2 km long and is more beautiful than Alibaug Beach. It is clean and less crowded beach in Alibaug region. Though this beach serves as a naval base, tourists can enjoy the white sand and clean water. Moreover, the beach is dotted with numerous coconut and casuarina trees.

Varsoli Beach is a popular tourist spot for those who want a quiet and serene atmosphere. At this wonderful beach, there are many water sports available both for adults .....

At a distance of 3.5 km from Akshi Beach, 8.5 km from Alibaug and 12 km from Revdanda Fort, Nagaon Beach is a scenic beach situated at a small hamlet of Nagaon in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is the best places to visit in Alibaug and also one of the popular weekend getaways from Mumbai and Pune.

Nagaon Beach is a 3 km long flat beach with soft fine mixture of white and black sand. The beach is mainly a sandy beach unlike most other beaches in Alibaug and is lined with Casurina trees which give romantic atmosphere to the beach. Nagaon Beach is a quiet and secluded beach compared to Alibaug and Kashid Beach.

Nagaon is the hub of water sports in Alibaug with the highest number of water sport operators functioning at the beach who also offer parasailing in the Sea. Visitors will find parasailing, jet skies, motor boat rides, banana rides and .....

At a distance of 5 km from Korlai, 18 km from Alibaug and 15 km from Kashid, Revdanda Fort is an ancient Portuguese fort located at Revdanda in Raigad district of Maharashtra. The fort is located at the mouth of the Kundalika River.

Revdanda Fort, also known as Revdanda Aagarkot, was built by Portuguese Captain Soj in 1558 CE. In 1740 CE, Revdanda along with the Korlai Fort came under Maratha kingdom as per the treaty signed by the Portuguese. Angres defeated the fort in 1817 CE but it came under the British Raj in 1818 AD.

The periphery of the fort is around 5 km. The entire fortification has two main doors one from north and the other from south. Of which the northern gate was for land connection and the southern gate was used as a passage to the sea. This route opens to the main sea through the Revdanda creek. Portuguese built a dock over here which had become non-existent over time. The north and south gate is connected directly by a long road made of stones. Now, only .....

At a distance of 32 km from Alibaug, 20 km from Murud - Janjira Fort, and 133 km from Mumbai, Kashid Beach is a beautiful beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Kashid. It is one of the popular beaches in Maharashtra and also a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune.

Kashid Beach is tucked between two hillocks and is known for its clear waters, white sand and casuarina groves that line the shore. The 3 km long white sand beach is the most beautiful and alluring in the Konkan region. Kashid Beach is a quiet and soothing place and a perfect getaway from the busy city life. Kashid is not as commercially popular as most other beaches in the state. Most tourists stop over at Kashid en route Alibag or Murud.

Kashid Beach is also perfect for surfing with waves rising as high as six feet almost throughout the year. However swimming is not recommended at Kashid. Kashid is also a popular destination for water sports like water scooters, parasailing and banana boat rides. The .....

At a distance of 5 km from Murud, 21 km from Diveagar, 53 km from Alibaug, 84 km from Raigad Fort, 170 km from Mumbai, and 162 km from Pune, Murud - Janjira is an island fort situated near Murud in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. This is one of the top places to visit in Alibaug, and also one of the popular heritage places to Maharashtra.

Janjira Fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides and is one of the strongest marine forts of India. The name Janjira is derived from the Arabic word Jazeera which means island. The original structure was built in the 15th century by a Koli chief as a defense against pirates and thieves. Originally a small wooden structure, Janjira Fort was later captured by Siddi Sirul Khan an Abyssinian Siddi of Ahmednagar kings in the 17th century. During its construction, the fort structure collapsed thrice. Siddi realized that a sacrifice is needed, so he offered his .....