Sightseeing in Bombay - what to see. Complete travel guide

Many locals still keep calling this city Bombay; this is a wonderful Indian city, full of riddles and mysteries.

The oldest district of the city is known as South Mumbai. It is home to the richest people of the country, so you can see their luxurious homes that are more like fairy-tale palaces. This area is considered the most popular among tourists because here you will find a big part of restaurants, bars, museums and galleries. South Central Mumbai district is considered the business center of the city. In this part of Mumbai you will see modern business centers, high-rise office buildings, but tourists may consider the local zoo as the most interesting place. The Western Suburbs district is the location of one of the most significant architectural attractions of Mumbai - the Christian Church, which was built several centuries ago. The lovers of beach rest will definitely like this place as they will find two spacious and well equipped beaches located just one near another. In Harbour Suburbs area you will find one of the most important scientific centers of the country - Mumbai Centre of Atomic Research. Of course, the center is closed for public, but even the appearance of the building is pretty solid and impressive. Northwest Mumbai quarter is the location of truly remarkable historic monuments; visit this part of the city to see the ruins of temples, which were built yet in the 1th-5th centuries.

The city offers numerous exciting excursions to its guests. You should definitely visit Elephanta Island, where you can walk through caves, which walls are decorated with ancient drawings. During the journey you will visit the area of Kala Ghoda, where are located several galleries and museums dedicated to works of art. Finally, diversify the tour program by visiting the market named Chor Bazaar. This is one of the largest markets of the country.

An important natural attraction is Sanjay Gandhi National Park with a beautiful hilly terrain covering its large part. This area is interesting not only for its natural beauties but also for Buddhist sights. Here you can find Kanheri Caves where a Buddhist shrine was created in the 1st century BCE. Like many years ago, pilgrims from all over the world flock to this place. In the park, you can take a walk through beautiful forests presenting more than a thousand species of plants. They have become home to rare endemic animals. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the city's brightest architectural attractions is Victoria Station, the construction of which was completed in 1888. The station building represents an amazing combination of Gothic and Victorian architectural elements. It looks more like a chic palace than a railway station at first sight. The building is decorated with many elegant arches and tall columns, as well as thematic sculptural compositions. The interior is equally exquisitely decorated with beautiful tiles and carved wooden panels.

The world-famous local landmark is the Taj Mahal Palace. It stands on the shores of the Arabian Sea and accommodates a prestigious hotel. The construction of the palace was completed in 1903, it was built by the famous magnate Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata. The seven-story, European-style building was originally built as a palace that was supposed to be the city's most luxurious hotel. The idea was a success and today the hotel's walls keep a unique collection of works of art, antique furniture, and precious jewelry.

Among the Christian religious sites, the Cathedral of St. Thomas stands out. This Anglican church was built by the British colonialists in 1718, its construction lasted more than 50 years. Today, the splendid colonial-style cathedral is a world heritage site that has preserved many original elements of decor, including beautiful narrow stained glass windows. Near the church, there is an old cemetery where prominent artists, military leaders, as well as representatives of noble families were buried in colonial times.