MUMBAI TOP 10

The Mumbai streets are paved with gold. One needs to look close enough to find it. This is Mumbai; a city where dreams are made, a city that turns dust to gold. As I try to write about places that make Mumbai, I realise that it is this great mix of people across society that define Mumbai city. Bollywood, fashion, dining and shopping are just a few ingredients that make this city. 

10 Film City
Want to see Aishwarya Rai transform from one character to another? Film City is probably where you will see that…if you are lucky. Film City also known as Filmalaya Studio is situated in suburban Mumbai. This is where most of the Bollywood magic becomes reality. Set amidst lush green surroundings, this mini-city has its own recording studios, gardens, lakes, theatres and fabulous sets. Established in 1911 by legendary Indian cine-artist Dada Saheb Phalke, this city has state-of-the-art technology and can reproduce every film requirement.

Film City is open to guests but you will need prior permission to visit.

Maharashtra Film State
and Cultural Development
Goregaon – East
Mumbai, India – 400063
 
Tel: 0091 – 022 – 28401533
       0091 – 022 – 28401755

9  Elephanta Caves
Switch your Christian Louboutin’s with a good pair of Nike’s for a trip to the Elephanta caves. Hewn out of solid rocks, these caves are quite literally rock-cut temples on the beautiful Elephanta Island just 6 miles off the Gateway of India. The caves are believed to have been carved between 500 and 700 AD. The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, grand halls and porticos. The astonishing work includes a 20-foot-high triple-headed Trimurti and a host of Indian Gods and Goddesses. These caves are a must visit and will make for a spiritual, historical and architectural wonder.

There are regular boats that run daily from the Gateway of India. They start in the morning and run upto the early afternoon.

The Elephanta Caves
Off The Gateway of India
Apollo Bunder
Mumbai, India – 400005

Website: www.templetnet.com

8 The Haji Ali Mosque
The Haji Ali Mosque is located at the end of a long causeway in the Arabian Sea. This beautiful whitewashed mosque contains the tomb of the Muslim preacher Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The dargah (mosque) was built in 1431 in his memory. There are no railings on the causeway leading to the mosque. The path is lashed by the sea during high tide and can only be reached at low tide. The 500-yard walk along the causeway to the mosque is one of the many highlights of the visit. The mosque gets a minimum of 50,000 pilgrims visiting on Thursdays and Fridays.

The Haji Ali Mosque
Opp The Lala Lajpatrai College
Off Tardeo
Mumbai, India

Website: Wikipedia.com

6  Prince of Wales Museum
Get a glimpse of the beautiful and complex India art, culture and heritage right here. While one tour will not tell you all, it gives you an idea of how very complex and enthralling Indian culture truly is. George Wittet designed the Prince of Wales Museum in honour of the visit of the Prince of Wales. Even though the museum was built by 1914, it was converted to a military hospital during World War 1. Lady Lloyd, the wife of the then governor, formally opened it in 1923. This museum has now been renamed to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya.

K Dubash Marg Fort
Mumbai, Mumbai City, India 

Tel: 0091 – 022 - 22844484

Website: www.bombaymuseum.org

5  Jehangir Art Gallery
Fancy renaissance Indian art? The Jehangir Art Gallery is the answer to all your arty prayers. Art enthusiasts have Sir Cowasji Jehangir to thank. This man built the Jehangir Art Gallery in 1952. The Bombay Art Society now manages the place. The gallery also houses the natesans, India’s oldest antique dealers. With changing exhibits by Indian artists, you are quite literally spoilt for choice. In fact, the beautiful shaded path leading to the gallery is full of budding artists selling their works. Get a taste of the Indian art culture right here.

11, Dena Bank Building
Opposite Colaba Market
3rd Pasta Lane
Colaba Apollo Bunder
Mumbai, Mumbai City
Maharashtra, India 400005

Tel: 0091 – 022 – 22843989

Website: www.royalartsgallery.com

4  Taj Mahal Palace and Towers
Mick Jagger, Bill Clinton, the Beatles, the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the King and Queen of Norway, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis are just a few of the distinguished guests who love the Taj. This is where luxury meets even more luxury. This iconic ultra-luxury hotel is a landmark beyond its time. And to think Jamshedji Tata built it because he was refused entry into the ‘whites only’ Watson’s Hotel during British rule. Indian architects Sitaram Khanderao Vaidya and D.N Mirza designed the beautiful heritage building. However, W.A Chambers, an English engineer completed work on this landmark hotel. The famed Taj dome is built with the same steel used in the Eiffel Tower.

Apollo Bunder
Opposite Gateway of India Colaba, Mumbai, India 400005

Tel: 0091 – 022 – 66653366

Website: tajhotels.com

3  Blue Frog
Warehouses have never been as swish as this. Yes you read right, Blue Frog is a club, lounge, restaurant and recording studio all rolled in one, set in a warehouse! This place personifies visual drama at its contemporary, space-age best. The focus here is live music; you will get domestic musicians performing on weekdays and international musicians on weekends. This club was created by the musicians for the musicians. I am sure that Blue Frog is the only place where you actually dine in a pod! So whether you want to dance, enjoy the live music, nurse your cocktail or just eat, Blue Frog has an answer to everything. Go ahead and book your pod, this is one frog that promises you a royal night…prince or not.

Mathuradas Mills Compound
NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel,
Mumbai, 400013, India 

Tel: 0091 – 022 - 4033 2333

Website: www.bluefrog.co.in

2  Harbour Bar, Taj Mumbai
Harbour Bar, Taj Mumbai Enjoy a fine Cuban cigar with your drink ad the Arabian Sea for company. Whether you want to introspect alone or have a relaxed evening with the swish-set, the Harbour Bar has all the answers. An elegant and sophisticated retreat for a drink or an informal meal, Harbour Bar opened its doors in 1933. I am sure Sherlock will feel quite at home here…and why not, the erstwhile James Bond, Pierce Brosnan enjoyed his martini here. This bar offers you a classic old-world feel and has slight contemporary cues as well. A perfect blend of the old and the new. Speaking of blends, you can choose from a large selection of Champagne, Cognac, Martinis, Wines and rare Whiskeys.

Please note that the Harbour Bar is closed for renovation after the 26/11 2008 terror attacks.

Apollo Bunder
Opposite Gateway of India Colaba, Mumbai, India 400005

Tel: 0091 – 022 – 66653366

Website : www.tajhotels.com

1  Zodiac Grill, Taj Mumbai
Imagine eating delectable Filet Mignon, Lobster with wild pepper butter and the most heavenly Camembert soufflé with all the zodiac symbols for company…Zodiac Grill offers you all this and more. A meal here is not just a meal, it’s an experience. Subdued lighting, handsome chandeliers, Riedel hand blown from Austria, gilt-edged cutlery from Christofle of France and the Bernardaud Porcelain from France only enhance your dining experience. The Zodiac Grill now has a menu specifically designed for each zodiac sign. This restaurant won the Wine Spectator- Award for Excellence and makes sure that it lives upto its name. So, come and dine with the Gods.

Apollo Bunder
Opposite Gateway of India Colaba, Mumbai, India 400005
 
Tel: 0091 – 022 – 66653366  

Website: www.tajhotels.com