Mumbai Darshan

The Siddhivinayak Temple in the Prabhadevi area is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the most significant and frequented temples in Mumbai.

This temple was built in the year 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. The couple did not have any children of their own and decided to build the Siddhivinayak temple so as to fulfil the wishes of other infertile women. Interestingly, the statue of Lord Ganesha here is believed to be self-manifested and grants wishes.

The Gateway of India is, without doubt, one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mumbai. Sitting proudly on the Apollo Bunder, it overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is one of the defining monuments of the city of Mumbai and was built in the year 1924. The construction was undertaken by the famous architect George Wittet, to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai.

The imposing structure of the monument is a beautiful confluence of Indian, Arabic and Western architecture and has become a popular tourist hub in the city. It is also the starting point of a number of ferry services that ply to the historic Elephanta Caves.

The Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the oldest temples situated in the city of Mumbai. Located on the Bhulabai Desai Road in Mahalaxmi West, it is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi or the 'Goddess of Wealth'.

The temple was built sometime around the 16th - 17th century and the main presiding deity here is Goddess Laxmi, while Goddess Kali and Saraswati are other two deities worshipped here. Together, the three idols are known as Mahalaxmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. Thronged with devotees and tourists in large number throughout the year, the temple is a must visit if you are visiting Mumbai.

Juhu beach is the longest beach in Mumbai and the most popular among tourists as well. It is renowned for its wide variety of street food that has a typical Mumbai flavour and is sweet and sour.

The surrounding area of Juhu is one of the poshest localities in Mumbai and is home to a lot of famous Bollywood and TV celebrities - the most famous being Amitabh Bachchan's bungalow - and it is not rare to spot a celebrity jogging on the beach.

Situated on the backdrop of a beautiful view of the Arabian sea is the shrine of Haji Ali, dedicated to the wealthy merchant turned who gave up his worldly belongings and turned into Muslim Sufi saint after a trip to Mecca.

Haji Ali Dargah is located on a small islet that is off the southern coast of Mumbai near Worli. People from all walks of life and religions come here to seek blessings. The Dargah can only be accessed during the low tides via a causeway that is surrounded by the sea on all sides. At night, the view of the shrine lit up in the distance with nothing but the sea around it, is a divine sight.