MUMBAI

The Gateway of India is open to public at all times of the day and on every day of the week. However, the most pleasant times for a visit happen to be early mornings and evenings. This is when the winds are cooler and the heat of the afternoon is absent. If you visit in the evening, stay until sunset. Not only will you love the view of the sun dissolving into the Arabian Sea, you will also be able to marvel at the beautifully lit form of the gateway. The lighting is switched on only when it is sufficiently dark.

On special occasions, the Gateway of India is lit up in thematic colours. For instance, the tricolour of the Indian flag adorns this structure on Independence Day, the walls turn pink on Breast Cancer Awareness Day, etc.

Entry to the Gateway of India is free of charge, even though the place is under continuous protection of guards and police. The excessive surveillance and barricading is to prevent any illegal activity, especially as this monument is located next to the sea.

You can also carry your camera and peripheral equipment with you, without having to pay anything, for photo shoots as the backdrop is gorgeous. You will find many photographers who sell their services to tourists. They specialize in trick photography and perspective shots such as a frame of you holding the Gateway of India or eating it. They quote anywhere between INR 100 and INR 1000. If you decide to opt for their services, make sure to bargain hard.

History Behind the Gateway of India

Although the foundation stone of the Gateway of India was laid in 1911, the actual construction of the impressive gateway began in 1915. The work was completed after almost a decade, in 1924. The primary reason for such a magnificent gate at the Bombay harbour was to celebrate the arrival of the English royalty in India. This fact is inscribed on top of the gateway itself.

The British King – Emperor George the Fifth, along with his wife, the Queen of England – Empress Mary landed at Apollo Bunder the same year that the foundation stone was laid. Subsequently, all the viceroys and governors who arrived from England to Bombay, used the Gateway of India to signal their formal entry into the country.

Architecture of the Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is essentially an archway. In architectural terms, the type of arch is triumphal, which is commonly seen in the major cities of most Commonwealth countries. The entire gateway was designed by George Wittet, a Scottish architect.

The structure stands 26 metres tall, with a 15-metre wide central dome flanked by four smaller turrets. The design is said to be Indo-Saracenic. This is a unique combination of traditional Indian and Muslim architecture with British styles from the Victorian Era such as Neo-Classical and Gothic Revival.

Another place to visit in Mumbai is the Marine Drive. Officially named as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, this is a 3 km long stretch with six lanes that runs by the coastline. It is located in the southern Mumbai while it runs towards the north of the city. Marine Drive forms a natural bay, which hypnotizes every visitor with its serene scenic beauty.

Marine Drive is a C- shaped road which is a place to visit when in Mumbai. The palm trees lined on the side make the pathway even more alluring. Its beauty is enhanced at night when a wide stretch of street lights is lit up, giving it a look of necklace. The view is especially breath-taking when seen from an elevated point. Owing to this, it is often referred to with the name of Queen’s Necklace. Marine Drive also links Nariman Point, which is also a popular place to visit in Mumbai to Babulnath.

Things to do at Marine Drive Mumbai

1. Art Deco Buildings: The art deco buildings run along one third of the stretch of the sea front. The art deco is a unique architectural style feature followed during the colonial times in what was then called Bombay and has prominence all over the city. The major chunk of art deco buildings in Mumbai are in Fort, Churchgate and Marine Drive.

Soona Mahal is the best preserved Art Deco building of Marine Drive which was built in 1937 and opened as a restaurant named ‘Talk of the Town’ in 1968, which is now famously known as ‘Pizza by the Bay’.

2. Experience Art and Culture at NCPA: The National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai is the country's premier institution dedicated to arts and culture and first of its kind in entire South Asia. The institution was inaugurated in 1969. One can book a play, dance show or live music show or even a film screening.

3. Chowpatty Beach and Street Food: Located at the northern end of Marine Drive and commonly called Girgaum Chowpatty, Chowpatty beach is famous for its line-up of local eateries and street food. The Chowpatty Beach is one of the oldest seafronts. One can also enjoy water sports on the beach.

4. Hanging Gardens: The hanging gardens are terraced gardens on top of Malabar Hill, and are also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens. One gets a beautiful view of the entire Marine Drive and is the best place to watch sunsets from.

5. Taraporewala Aquarium: Maintained by the Department of Fisheries themselves, Taraporewala aquarium is India’s oldest aquarium and host to numerous marine and freshwater fishes. One must visit the aquarium while visiting Marine Drive. After it was re-opened in 2015 after undergoing a renovation, the aquarium started attracting more visitors.

The aquarium is named after famous Parsi philanthropist, DB Taraporewala, who had donated the entire amount required to build it in 1951.

6. Babulnath Temple: Babulnath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by millions of devotees on the Mahashivratri festival day. The premise of the temple is quite peaceful. The deity is in the form of Lord of Babul tree and hence the name, Babulnath.

7. Nilambari Open Deck Bus Tour: One can book the Nilambari Open Deck bus tour that takes around all prominent places of South Bombay including Marine Drive. This tour is an initiative of Maharashtra Tourism.

Facts and Trivia of Marine Drive Mumbai

The official name of Marine Drive is ‘Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Marg’

Marine Drive is believed to be the World's largest viewing gallery

The Marine Drive is the part of the failed Backbay reclamation project

The locals call Marine Drive by its original name, Sonapur

Marine Drive art deco buildings, along with the ones in Churchgate and Fort have been declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage Properties

As opposed to the sky high rates of the properties here, the rents are as low as INR 300 per month due to the Bombay rent control act

Entry Fee and Timings of Marine Drive Mumbai

There aren’t any prohibitions on visiting hours as the promenade is accessible all day long as Marine Drive is an open location. One can sit for hours and the best recommended time to visit Marine Drive is at sunset.

Being an open location and built for the public, there is no entry fee.

How to Reach Marine Drive Mumbai

Being the major attraction of Mumbai, Marine Drive can be reached from all parts of the city with ease through all modes of transport. One can either travel by bus, local trains or taxis. Visitors can also rent cabs (Ola, Uber, etc.) to reach here. You can also book a private cab from top car rental companies in Mumbai for a comfortable ride during your Mumbai tour.

Nearest Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Elephanta Caves are a group of Buddhist and Hindu caves, about 10 km away from Mumbai. It is located on Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri island.

The group has seven rock-cut caves, and it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of the seven caves, five are dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, and the other two caves are built in Buddhist style.

Although most of the artworks and inscriptions in caves are ruined, parts of it have been restored. And the Cave 1, also known as the Great Cave, is in the best condition among others.

Elephanta Caves Island is also popular as a place of worship among Hindus. They come here to worship Lord Shiva. It serves as a trekking destination too. On a clear day, you can even enjoy an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline.

So, get on a ferry and visit these historic caves.

History of Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves history is uncertain.

However, based on the excavations and similarities with other caves, historians date them to be built anywhere between 5th century CE and 8th century CE. And the credit for their construction goes to the kings of the Kalachuri dynasty. Some people also believe that Chalukya or Rashtrakuta rulers created these magnificent caves.

Many other rulers, including the Mauryas, the Shahis and the Marathas, administered the region afterwards. Portuguese came here in the 1500s and named it as Elephanta Island when they saw a huge elephant statue. That statue today is kept in Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai.

The caves suffered serious damages too, during the Portuguese rule. By the time the British arrived, in the 17th century, the caves were in poor shape.

The preservation of Elephanta Caves began in the 1900s, and during the 1970s, the Great Cave was restored to its present form. Other caves were mended too.

Architecture of Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves complex consists of seven caves, divided into two groups. And the caves are cut from solid basalt rock.

The first group has five caves, which are carved with Hindu sculptures. The Cave 1 is the most elaborate. Beautiful artwork covers the walls. The cave has a pillared mandapa too, which is home to a Shivalinga. A large hall is also part of the cave, which has different statues of Lord Shiva along the walls.

Other four caves are smaller, and not as detailed.

And the second group has two caves built in the Buddhist style. The larger cave has chambers for monks, a central shrine and a big hall.

Things to do at Elephanta Caves

The Grand Cave (Cave 1) is the largest in the complex and it has been preserved and restored as much as it could be. At the north entrance, you’ll find statues of Shiva, in his Nataraja form and Yogishvara form. And within the cave, you’ll find many sculptures and carvings from Hindu mythologies. Of those, the large 20 feet monolithic statue of Trimurti – a three-headed Shiva, is the most notable.

The Trimurti is one of the main attractions of the cave. And it is on the south wall, facing the entrance. The Shivalinga in the large mandapa hall is towards the west. And you’ll also find sculptures of Ardhanarishvara, Gangadhara and Ravananugraha on the walls.

Elephanta Caves Entry Fees and Timings

Elephanta Caves in Mumbai is open throughout the year, except on Mondays. It takes an hour for an Elephanta Caves ferry to reach the island from Mumbai.

The first ferry leaves the Gateway of India jetty at 9 AM, and the last one is at 2 PM. And the last ferry, to return to the mainland from Elephanta Island. leaves at 5.30 PM. You will get the return tickets from Gateway of India itself. The Elephanta Caves ferry costs between ₹100 and ₹200 depending on the boats you board. And a boat leaves the jetty every half an hour.

As for Elephanta Caves entry fee, it is ₹40 per person for Indians and visitors from SAARC countries. For other foreign nationals, the fee is ₹600. Along with the entry charges, additional ₹10 is levied to enter the village. You are also charged ₹25 for the video camera. Photography is free.

Elephanta Caves Island also has a small toy train to take you from the jetty to the entrance of the cave complex. It costs ₹10 per person.

Best Time to Visit Elephanta Caves

The best time to visit the caves is between October and March, when the temperature isn’t high, and the sky remains comparatively clear. Also, if you visit Mumbai in February, you can attend the Elephanta Island festival. It’s a two-day cultural festival featuring regional music and dance programmes.

Elephanta Caves in monsoon are fascinating too. But the ferry services might be off when it’s raining, or the sea waves aren’t favourable for the short cruise.

So, visit the cave during winter, between November and February. And take one of the first ferries of the day to explore the caves without any hassle.

Time to Explore Elephanta Caves in Mumbai

You’ll need half of a day to explore Elephanta Caves Mumbai.

It will take you around two hours to visit the caves, the Cannon Hill and other structures in the vicinity. Then, the one-way ferry trip takes about an hour. So, add another two hours for the ferry rides. And if you love to trek, reserve some extra time to explore the small Elephanta Caves village.

Also, on a busy day, you might have to wait for half an hour on the jetties for your ferry.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Elephanta Caves

Plan your visit, keeping in mind the ferry timings.

Take Elephanta Caves guided tour from licensed guides only.

Beware of monkeys; keep food items inside your bag.

Have plenty of water.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Carry your hat and sunglasses.

Apply sunscreen lotion.

Places to visit near Elephanta Island Caves

1. Gateway of India – Gateway of India is the iconic landmark of Mumbai. It is a stone arch built to mark the first visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in December 1911. Gateway of India is the starting point for Elephanta caves tour and many other ferry rides around Mumbai. It is 10 km away from Elephanta Island.

2. The Asiatic Library – The Asiatic Society Library, also known as Town Hall Library, is one of the oldest libraries in the city. It has the original manuscript of Dante’s Divine Comedy and many ancient manuscripts written in Persian, Sanskrit and Prakrit. The library also has many other rare manuscripts, maps and artefacts. It is about 2 km from Gateway of India.

3. Flora Fountain – Flora Fountain is a heritage landmark with a sculpture of Roman Goddess Flora at the top. Flora Fountain is near Churchgate, about 2 km away from Gateway of India. It is an architectural marvel, surrounded by many renowned Victorian-era buildings.

4. Churchgate Area – Churchgate is the business district of Mumbai. And it is the hub for food joints and shopping destinations too. From international food chains to local restaurants and branded showrooms to budget street shops, it has them all. The Churchgate area also has many tourist spots. It is about 2 km from Gateway of India.

5. Marine Drive – Marine Drive is a sea-facing promenade, about 3 km away from the Gateway of India jetty. People visit this place to watch the sunset or walk along feeling the breeze from the Arabian Sea. Also, the area around Marine Drive is known for its lively nightlife, and the view of Marine Drive at night is spectacular too. And because of that view, it has been nicknamed Queen’s Necklace.

How to reach Elephanta Caves from Mumbai?

Elephanta Caves are on the Arabian Sea. And it would take a ferry from Gateway of India to reach the island. You can reach Gateway of India jetty easily from anywhere in Mumbai. State-run buses and local trains run at regular intervals throughout the day. Elephanta Caves nearest railway station is Churchgate.

You can also get hire a cab from top car rental companies in Mumbai to reach Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves Mumbai. And here are the different ways to go to Mumbai –

By Road – Mumbai is well-connected to other parts of India through a network of expressways and national highways. And public buses, as well as private buses, are available from neighbouring towns and major cities of the country. Mumbai Central bus stop is only 6 km away from Gateway of India jetty. You can also book a cab to reach Mumbai.

By Rail – As Mumbai is the economic hub of India and a major tourist destination, express trains are available from all corners of the country. Most of the trains stop at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (3 km away) and Mumbai Central (6 km away). Some trains to Mumbai also stop at suburban Bandra Terminus and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus.

By Air – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport connects Mumbai to major cities around the world. You’ll find regular flights from most of the countries including Australia, Dubai and the US. Daily flights from Indian cities are available too. Elephanta Caves to airport distance is around 25 km.

One of the most famous Hindu shrines in Mumbai, Siddhivinayak Temple is where the deity of Ganesha is worshipped. Originally built in 1801, the present-day building complex is a result of the renovations which were completed in 1993. While this temple gains most of its popularity from the vast amount of gold which covers the throne of the idol, there are several other facets of this building that attract visitors.

On some days, there are as many as two lakh people queuing up to get a glimpse of the stone sculpture of Ganapati. Don’t be surprised if you spot celebrities going into the temple to give their offerings! (The Siddhivinayak Temple is a popular haunt for Bollywood actors seeking to be blessed before taking on a new project.) Even though this house of worship is more than two hundred years old, renovations and active management have kept the premise gleaming.

Siddhivinayak Temple Timings, Aarti Schedule & Entry Fee

The Siddhivinayak Temple is open on all days. Entry begins at 5:30 AM on all days except Tuesdays and special days such as Vinayaki Chaturthi, Sankashti Chaturthi, Maghi Shree Ganesh Jayanti and Bhadrapad shree Ganesh Chaturthi. The temple closes after the last aarti of the day at 9:50 PM from Wednesday to Monday. On Tuesdays, the doors to the temple open early at 3:15 AM and close after midnight.

Entry to the Siddhivinayak Temple is free for regular visitors. However, if you wish to skip the long queues that are a common site on Tuesdays, weekends and bank holidays, you can pay INR 50 to stand in a special queue for “paid darshan”. If you opt for this, your waiting time is cut down from several hours to 20 - 45 minutes.

Who is Siddhivinayak?

The Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to the deity of Siddhivinayak. This is one of the many names of the commonly known Hindu god – Ganesha or Ganapati. ‘Siddhivinayak’ literally means ‘lord over obstacles’.

The idol of Ganesha is distinctly identifiable by its elephant head over a human body. He is known to have four hands. He holds a small axe in his upper right hand, a lotus in his upper left one, blesses with his lower right hand and holds modaks (a type of Indian sweet) in his lower left one. Also easily recognizable is Ganapati’s large belly which marks him as a voracious eater.

History Behind the Siddhivinayak Temple

This temple was first established in 1801 at the behest of a wealthy lady named Deubai Patil, and consecrated for worship on the 19th of November that year. The structure was significantly smaller than the one which stands in its place today. The idol, however, is the same monolithic statue carved from a black stone. Although today, it is painted in a bright shade of orange, with gold plating some of its elements.

The Siddhivinayak Temple received a vast transformation after the Government of Maharashtra decided to renovate it in 1990 and regulate the flow of tourists to ease congestion. The refurbishment works were completed in 1993.

Architecture of Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak Temple is a 6-storey building with a dome at its apex. This prominent dome is plated with gold and adds to the attraction of the temple. The edifice is mainly built of marble and pink granite while the multiple domes in the premise are made of either gold or a combination of five metals.

There are three entrances to the inner shrine on the ground level. It is this floor that visitors throng for pooja and darshan. The idol of Ganesha sits in the inner sanctum on an opulent throne of gold. He is flanked on either side by the idols of Hindu goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi.

Things to do at Siddhivinayak Temple

There are a lot of activities to keep you occupied at the Siddhivinayak Temple, whether you are a devotee of Lord Ganesha or not:

Marvel at the intricate architecture of the temple exterior, especially if you are waiting in a queue.

Indulge in some people-watching as you wait your turn to enter the shrine. You will find worshippers, tourists, students and even celebrities who hope to receive some blessing or have their problems solved by Lord Ganesha.

You can buy some sweets or fruits from the sellers inside, which can later be eaten as prasad.

Observe the elaborate decoration of the golden throne of the central idol and study the features of Lord Ganesha and Goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi.

Look at the giant statue of a mouse who is believed to be the mythological vehicle of Ganesha. A lot of devotees whisper their wishes into its ear, anticipating those to be granted.

Experience the rush as crowds gather to watch the priests perform the ritualistic aarti every few hours.

Head up to the fourth floor to the free library that houses books not only on mythology and religion but also economics and engineering, among several other genres.

Interesting Facts About Siddhivinayak Temple

Here’s some trivia about the temple that will awe you:

The Ganesha idol is only 2 feet wide and 2 feet 6 inches tall, even though the temple is 6-floors high.

This is a rare Ganesha which has its trunk on the right, unlike most other idols which have the trunk to the left.

The pinnacle of the temple weighs 1500 kg.

The present-day temple cost 3 crore rupees to be built.

The library inside the temple can accommodate a maximum of 500 students, although the general seating capacity is 150.

If you can’t physically visit the temple, you can do an online darshan through the live telecast on their official website.

There is also a Hanuman temple near this Ganesha temple.

Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Siddhivinayak Temple

To ensure you have a smooth visit, don’t forget the following:

Dress conservatively. You are not required to cover your head, but avoid excessively revealing clothing.

If you have opted for the special darshan package, meant only for NRIs and foreigners, remember to carry a proof that establishes your status as a foreign national or a foreign resident.

There are free and paid toilets in the premise, but if you are in a long queue, plan your bio-breaks carefully.

There are guards manning the entire walk from the entrances to the main idol to the exit gate. They regulate the flow of visitors to avoid excessive crowding at a place. Make sure you do not stop too long in front of the main idol, especially on Tuesdays and holidays.

Wheelchairs are available upon request for the physically challenged or elderly people facing difficulty in walking.

Girgaon Chowpatty (or Girgaum Chowpatty) is a quaint beach in the southern part of Mumbai. Known widely for its street food, Girgaon Chowpatty is not very popular for sunbathing or other water activities. In the morning, you’ll find local people doing yoga, taking a soothing stroll or sweating out for their health in this long stretch of white sand. But as the day passes and evening peeks in, Girgaon Chowpatty seaface is flocked with tourists and street food vendors.

Girgaon Chowpatty is one of the most crowded tourist attractions in Mumbai. And locals too frequent this place with family and friends after a tiring day at work.

Things to do at Girgaon Chowpatty Mumbai

1. Watching the sun set at a distance – Many local people go to Chowpatty beach to sit and relax. It isn’t one of the tranquil tourist destinations but has a charm of its own. Rent a mat from one of the vendors and enjoy the breeze, while relishing popcorns and cotton candies. Watch the sun sink into the Arabian Sea. You can also opt for an open-air massage, known as maalish locally.

2. Indulging in fun activities – Like Mumbai, Girgaon Chowpatty never sleeps. Whenever you go, you’ll find yourself to be part of a carnival. Wake up the kid inside and you can have a great time at Chowpatty. Sellers of colourful balloons and toys roam around the beach. The beach also has ferry wheels, merry-go-rounds and gun shooting galleries.

3. Going for a ride on horses and camels – If you don’t want to stroll or take part in fun activities, you can hire a horse or camel and cover the length of the beach. Watch people of Mumbai at rest, rejuvenating after a hectic day at work. You will also see kids making their dream castles out of fine white sand.

4. Getting charmed by street artists – Chowpatty beach is an arena for street-style entertainment. While monkeys dance at their trainers’ instructions, snakes abide by the orders of their owners. People also enjoy the shows put up by the magicians and fortune-tellers. The street food sellers also display their mesmerising art of cooking at work.

5. Dipping your taste buds in street food – Apart from the incessant chatter of the visitors and vendors, street food hawkers also holler repeatedly. Bhelpuri, pav-bhaji and barf gola sold at Chowpatty are loved by many. Girgaon Chowpatty food stalls also have chaat, chana masala and milk kulfi among other local snacks of Mumbai.

6. Driving along the seafront – Girgaon Chowpatty lies along the popular Marine Drive promenade. And the drive along the sea with cool winds blowing on the face will be a memorable experience for the years to come. You can also walk along, capturing the scenes in your lenses.

Timings and Entry Fees of Girgaon Chowpatty Mumbai

Mumbai never sleeps and the same holds true for Chowpatty. The beach is open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. And you’ll never find it empty. Take a space in a quiet corner and watch the life of Mumbai going by at its pace. You don’t have to pay any entry fee or camera fee.

Best Time to Visit Girgaon Chowpatty Mumbai

You can get an unobstructed view of Girgaon Chowpatty beach in the morning when only a few are there for their morning jogs and yoga asanas. But during the rest of the day, it buzzes with people. However, those jam-packed evening hours display enthusiasm of Mumbai at its best. Months between October and March are suitable for a comfortable trip to this beach.

Also, the festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi and Dussehra take place around September-November. Be there if you want to witness the chaos at Girgaon Chowpatty during visarjan. Girgaon Chowpatty Ravan Dahan and Ramlila events are also worth watching.

Time to Explore Girgaon Chowpatty Mumbai

Chowpatty beach is a place to visit at leisure. You’ll find hours slipping by, while you’re sitting and pondering over your life’s choices. So, keep aside 2-3 hours to spare when you visit Girgaon Chowpatty and gorge on spicy lip-smacking snacks and delicacies of Mumbai.

The Bandra Worli Sea Link of Mumbai, which was officially named ‘Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link’, is 5.6 kilometres long, 8-lane architectural, engineering and infrastructural marvel of India. It is the first cable-stay bridge built on open seas in India.

The Bandra Worli Sea Link has become one of the prominent landmarks of Mumbai and has also made it to the top 10 Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice awards of 2018, under the category of architecture and modern infrastructure structures.

When it comes to driving through Mumbai’s roads, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is the Bandra Worli Sea Link. The bridge was designed in such a way that it can allow a little over 37,000 vehicles per day.

The view and beauty of the bridge at night is a sight to behold as the stay cables are entirely lit and the vehicles running on the bridge make an amazing photo opportunity for all photography enthusiasts.

History of Bandra-Worli Sea Link Mumbai

Earlier, Mumbai’s central suburbs, main business district and the western suburbs were connected only by the Mahim Causeway. That being the only road connecting the two business districts of Mumbai, added to the woes of the commuters during peak hours when moving from one end to another took a minimum of 70- 90 mins. In order to reduce the inconvenience caused due to the traffic congestion at Mahim Causeway, the construction of a sea link was proposed.

The proposed bridge would connect Bandra and Worli, reducing the travelling time from 60- 90 minutes to 10 minutes. The Bandra Worli Sea link Mumbai was planned to be built over the Mahim Bay which would serve as the alternative route to Mahim Causeway.

Architecture of Bandra-Worli Sea Link Mumbai

The marvel that Bandra Worli Sea Link is was built by Hindustan Construction Company (HCC).

The structure of the bridge is defined in 3 parts namely, the north end viaduct, the central cable-stayed pans and the south end viaduct.

The construction of the Sea Link was a joint effort of talents wherein engineers from all over the world came together to create a marvel that it is today. The construction was carried out in five phases, right from construction of the flyover above Love Grove junction in Worli to modifications to Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Road.

The seabed that fell under the route of the proposed bridge was surveyed even before designing the bridge structure. The geology of the seabed was a mix of basaltic boulders to volcanic tuffs to weathered fractured rocks and calcareous sandstone with thin bed of coarse grainy mix of the same.

Looking at the complex geology, it was clear that the design of the bridge pylons would have to be sturdy with a complex geometric engineering. This was the greatest challenge faced by the design team as they also had to match their design complexities with the aesthetics of the bridge.

As a result, the concrete deck span over the Bandra channel, which is also the main span, is the longest of the spans attempted, while the pylon towers have a complex geometry. A total of 0.1 million metric tonne of cement was utilized for the project. The Bandra end concrete deck span alone weighs 20,000 tonne and is supported by high- tension stay cables. The highest pylon towers measure 128 metres with their heights gradually decreasing in cross-section.

The viaducts on either side are the heaviest concrete-steel mix precast superstructure segments built in India using span by span method.

Entry Fee and Timings of Bandra-Worli Sea Link Mumbai

Timings: The Bandra Worli Sea Link Mumbai remains open all year round and 24/7

Entry Fee: The Bandra Worli Sea Link has a toll plaza with 16 approach lanes (both ways) at the Bandra end that collects the toll.

Two and three-wheelers are not allowed on the Sea link.

Toll rates range from INR 70 to 145 for a single journey depending on the vehicle type (Car/LCV/Heavy vehicle). The rates for return journey ranges from INR 105 to 215 and a day pass costs between INR 175 to 360.

Best Time to visit Bandra-Worli Sea Link Mumbai

It is best recommended to go for a long drive across the sea link during early mornings or late nights when the traffic is at its leanest.

A drive on the sea link during the monsoon months is best.

How to Reach Bandra-Worli Sea Link Mumbai

The best way to access the sea link is to drive. One can hire a private cab from top car rental companies in Mumbai or rent a cab (Ola, Uber. etc.) from any part of the city and drive through the Bandra Worli Sea Link.

Alternatively, get down at Bandra Local Train Station and hire a taxi or rent a cab to experience the drive across the Sea Link.

Nearest Railway Station to Bandra Worli Sea Link Mumbai - Bandra Local Train Station. It can be reached from Churchgate station via western line trains and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus via harbour line trains.

Nearest Bus Depot to Bandra Worli Sea Link Mumbai – Bandra Bus Depot

Places to visit Bandra-Worli Sea Link Mumbai

Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Dargah, Worli Fort, Mahalakshmi Temple, Mahalakshmi Race Course and Dhobi Ghat are located nearby.

To ensure a great holiday experience in Mumbai, we at Mumbai Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA have designed Mumbai Tour packages that include a tour of popular sightseeing places of Mumbai. You can choose the package accordingly and have a great time exploring the city. For further details, please fill the Contact Us form and we will get back to you.

Mumbai is synonymous to Bollywood and when in Mumbai, a visit to the Film City becomes must for any traveller. The entire film city is spread across an area of 520 acres with 16 air-conditioned indoor studios and 42 outdoor shoot locations, all located within the city premises.

The official name of Film City Mumbai is ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Chitra Nagari’ and is operated under the administration of Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited, a government organization undertaking.

Some of the iconic sets of the film city Mumbai are from movies like Sholay, Happy New Year, Josh, Amar Akbar Anthony, Hera Pheri, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, No Entry, Devdas and many more. The iconic water tank scene from the movie Sholay was shot here wherein Dharmendra gets on top of a water tank to jump off for Hema Malini. The water tank still stands here.

The indoor studios include a total of 16 studios which have sets of a court, hospital, police station, helicopter landing area, a building complex, etc.

Over 900 films have been shot in film city Mumbai till date and hence, it is apt to call it an iconic landmark of Mumbai city and also deserves to be on top priority list of the visitors. Apart from feature films, there are numerous television shows and TV commercials that have been shot here in the film city. Both Hindi and Marathi television series are shot here.

History of Mumbai Film City

The history of India being introduced to Cinema dates back to the year 1896, when the very first feature film was screened at the Watson Hotel in Bombay (Mumbai was then known as Bombay). Although it wasn’t an Indian language film, it still managed the Indian creative minds to be fascinated and trigger intrigue and get into learning the craft of filmmaking.

The first full length motion film of Indian origin was produced by Dadasaheb Phalke, who is considered as the pioneer of Indian Cinema. He had produced the epic Raja Harishchandra, a silent feature film starring a cast of all male actors since females weren’t considered for acting jobs back then. The film was released in 1913.

Coming to the history of Film City Mumbai, the seed that was sown in 1913 after the release of Raja Harishchandra, kept on growing and prospering. It was during the year 1977 when visionaries of Indian Cinema like Late Shri V. Shantaram, Late Shri B. R. Chopra and the legendary actor Dilip Kumar came together and persuaded for the establishment of Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation Ltd., which was also called Filmcity.

This was done by the Department of Cultural Affairs Government of Maharashtra under the Company Act 1956, on 26th September 1977. It was given the name Film City and was later renamed as Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari in 2001 to recognize the contribution of the founder of Indian Film Industry.

The Film City was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Yashwantrao Chavan.

Since then, Indian Film Industry has become the highest number of feature films producing entities followed by Nigerian Film Industry, followed by Hollywood. The numbers are as of 2013.

Tours at Mumbai Film City

Bollywood Dream Tour

The Film City Bollywood dream tour is a two-hour guided tour wherein one gets to see the live shoot sets, studios, reserved gardens, Khandala lake, temple, church, court house, jail, hill view, kaliya maidan (total 3), Appu Pappu maidan (total 4), jungle outdoor, adlab complex, and other places.

One can actually witness the backend work that goes behind the making of a film. The guide takes the visitors through the history of film city and also the post- production activities that are a mandate in making a film.

The film city tours are very time specific and the guides strictly abide by the timelines. The visitors are told about the history of Indian cinema and its evolution.

Mumbai Film City Tour

This tour is about visits to live shoots.

Also, photography is prohibited on the sets of a live shoot. One can get a sneak peek into the shooting and their beloved actors however, most of the time, the actors prefer staying inside their vanity vans.

Many television series are also shot here in film city and the visitors can come across such a shooting while on their Bollywood tour. Tourists can as well participate in some reality shows being a part of the live audience like ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’.

Combination Tour

The combination tour is a mix of Mumbai film city tour and Bollywood dream tour wherein, the visitors are given a tour of external and internal shoot locations, sets, session on history of Indian Cinema, the details on post production processes and activities and witness them too.

All above tours include snacks for the visitors.

Half Day Bollywood Tour

This is an exclusive Bollywood tour that is customized for visitors wherein they could witness live shoots along with a Bollywood dance show being shot live. The visitors are also given a tour of post-production facilities wherein they can witness the behind the scene details.

The tour includes snacks and lunch for the visitors.

Timings and Entry Fees of Mumbai Film City

Timings: The film city studios are open for general tourist visits from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Film City Ticket Booking and Cost: The tickets for the film city guided Bollywood dream tour cost INR 599. The cost of a 5-hour Mumbai Film City Tour is INR 1699. Combination tour costs INR 1099. Half day Bollywood tours cost INR 6000.

Best time to visit Film City Mumbai: The winter months (November to February) are the best months to visit. Morning tours are recommended as the weather is usually pleasant during the mornings then.

Rajabai Clock Tower is an 85-metre tall tower in the Fort Campus of the University of Mumbai. Sir George Gilbert Scott designed it in the 1860s, and Premchand Roychand, a businessman and a stockbroker, financed its construction.

But why was Rajabai Clock Tower built?

Roychand wanted to ensure his blind mother would be able to have her food on time. And that’s why he got the clock tower built, with a bell to keep track of the time. The tower was named Rajabai Clock Tower after Roychand’s mother. It has visual similarities to London’s Big Ben.

Take a walk towards the Rajabai Clock Tower, admire its captivating Venetian Gothic architecture, and listen to the chimes which fill the air every 15 minutes.

Architecture of Rajabai Clock Tower

Rajabai Clock Tower has an amalgamation of Gothic and Venetian architectural styles. It is 85-metre-high, 3.8-metre-wide, and has a huge clock, which is visible from a distance.

This tower was the tallest structure in Mumbai for decades.

The arches have the influence of Islamic architecture along with Victorian-Gothic style. And the sculptures on the clock were made by Indian artisans and the students of Sir JJ School of Art. Sir Lockwood Kipling guided them.

The tower is made up of locally sourced Kurla stones. And the material for the top was brought from Porbandar. Porbandar stone sculptures also decorated the sides of this heritage clock tower. The structure is also known for its colourful stained-glass windows, intricately carved spiral staircase, and the latticework on its surface.

History of Rajabai Clock Tower

Premchand Roychand, the 19th century Cotton King and Bullion King of Mumbai bore the entire cost of building Rajabai Clock Tower in Mumbai. And it was named after his mother.

British architect Sir George Gilbert Scott designed the tower. The construction work began in 1869 and was completed by 1878. The structure though started losing its shine with time because of lack of maintenance, and it underwent a planned restoration between 2013-2015.

Today, the tower stands magnificently in the University of Mumbai campus, and tourists gape at its architectural details.

The Rajabai Clock Tower restoration project received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2018. But it is closed to visitors, because of multiple suicide attempts.

Image Gallery of Rajabai Clock Tower Mumbai

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What to do at Rajabai Clock Tower?

Although the clock on the tower is functional, the public is not allowed to enter the tower and go to its top. However; you can admire it from the street.

Rajabai Clock Tower is among the tallest structures in the area, and it is a glorious blend of Venetian-Gothic architecture. Some designer windows have lost their shine over the years, but still, this tower has one of the best stained-glass works in the city. You can see detailed stonework on the tower, and carved statues along the façade, which depict the life of common people of that time.

During the British era, Rajabai Tower played sixteen tunes throughout the day. Britannia, God Save the King, and Home! Sweet Home! were among those tunes. Today, the bell chimes only one tune every fifteen minutes.

Rajabai Clock Tower Entry Fee and Timings

You don’t have to pay any fee to admire the beauty of Rajabai Clock Tower and click its photographs. You’re free to explore the streets, munch on local snacks, and click selfies with one of the oldest clock towers of the city. It is accessible from 9 AM until 10 PM.

Best Time to visit Rajabai Clock Tower

The best time to visit Rajabai Clock Tower is during the evening hours. Street food stalls line up as the sun sets down. Also, you can get better photographs in the evening than mid-day.

And schedule your Mumbai trip during the winter season, which starts around November and remains until early February. The weather is pleasant, humidity levels are low, and the temperature is lower than other months.

Time to explore Rajabai Clock Tower Mumbai

You can spend about 30-45 minutes at the clock tower. But if you have time, you should also explore the area nearby. Apart from the tower, you can wander around the university campus, check the library, and visit other places of tourist interests. Places like Jehangir Art Gallery, Flora Fountain and the Book Street are at a walking distance from Rajabai Clock Tower.

Interesting facts about Rajabai Clock Tower

Sir George Gilbert Scott, the architect of the tower, never visited India. His advisor saw the construction as per the designs.

The clock at the tower was designed by the popular watch company Lund & Blockley.

Rajabai Clock Tower has 24 statues, portraying the life of common Indian people during the British rule.

How to reach Rajabai Clock Tower in Mumbai?

Rajabai Clock Tower is in the Fort area, in the heart of the city. So, it has easy accessibility from all parts of Mumbai. Taxis, cabs and autos are available to take you to the tower. You can also get regular public buses and local trains to go to Rajabai Clock Tower. It is at a walking distance from the iconic Churchgate Railway Station.For a more comfortable ride, you can hire a cab from top car rental companies in Mumbai and visit all the popular sightseeing places of Mumbai.

And here are the various ways to reach Mumbai –

By Road – Mumbai is the financial hub of the country, and it has strong road connectivity with all the towns and cities. You can drive your car on the highways or rent a cab to be in Mumbai from anywhere. Regular public and private luxury buses, too, run between Mumbai and nearby towns like Pune and Nagpur. Buses from far-off places like Ahmedabad and Panaji also are available at regular intervals to Mumbai Central Bus Depot. It is about 6 km away.

By Rail – Apart from roadways, railway travel is also a convenient option to go to Mumbai. Daily express trains run from the metropolitan cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad among other towns of India. Most of the trains stop at one of the two key railway stations – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (about 1 km away) and Mumbai Central (about 7 km away). Some trains also connect Mumbai to other parts of the country through one of the suburban railway stations.

By Air – Mumbai is connected to all the major tourist destinations and business capitals of the world. Whether you’re in the US, the UK, or the UAE, you’ll find regular flights to Mumbai. Those flights arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which is only around 20 km away from Rajabai Clock Tower. Flights from all the major airports in the country also land at this airport.