Sightseeing in Mumbai by Area

Mumbai’s main sights are grouped by area, so it works best to take one area per outing. This page goes through South Mumbai, the shrines of the south-west coast, the museums of Byculla and the harbour caves. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR), and hedged amounts come from secondary sources.

South Mumbai

Gateway of India

Completed in 1924, the basalt arch recalls the royal visit of 1911. The waterfront promenade is free and reported open at all hours. Boats to Elephanta depart from here.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

F. W. Stevens designed this Victorian Gothic Revival station, finished in 1887-88 and inscribed by UNESCO in 2004. Thousands of commuters use it daily, so view it from outside. The terminus was one of the sites attacked in November 2008, and a quiet, respectful manner suits the place.

CSMVS museum

The museum keeps long hours: daily from 10:15 to 18:00, with last tickets at 17:45. It is closed on four dates only (26 January, 1 May, 15 August and 2 October), not on Mondays. Foreign adults pay INR 700, including a free audio guide, while a foreign child up to 15 pays INR 200. Indian adults pay INR 200, and students or seniors with ID pay INR 100. Handheld cameras need an INR 500 pass. Selfie sticks and tripods are banned. See the official visit page for any gallery closures.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Reported entry is INR 500 for foreign visitors and INR 20 for Indians.

Shrines on the coast and hill

Haji Ali Dargah

A shrine from 1431 stands on an islet roughly 500 m out in the bay. The causeway has no railings and disappears at high tide, so the dargah can be reached only at low tide. Check tide tables first, because spring tides in the monsoon and rough seas can close the path. Entry is free, and hours are usually given as about 05:30 to 22:00. Dress modestly, with heads covered for women. Women have entered the sanctum since 29 November 2016. Sources call the site open to all faiths, though the status of the inner tomb for non-Muslims is unconfirmed.

Banganga Tank

This stepped tank on Malabar Hill dates from the 12th century and is ringed by small shrines. Entry is free. It is still a place of worship, so ask before taking photos of worshippers.

Mani Bhavan

Gandhi lived here between 1917 and 1934 while working in Mumbai. Most sources say entry is free with a donation box, and the usual hours are around 09:30 to 17:30 or 18:00.

Museums in Byculla

The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum reopened in January 2025 after restoration and opens from 10:00 to 17:30. The Incredible India listing gives INR 200 for foreign adults, but another source reports a different closing weekday, so confirm before you travel.

Elephanta Caves

The ferry takes about an hour from the Gateway. The caves and boats are shut on Mondays, and in the monsoon boats are often cancelled or delayed. Life jackets are required on the boats. Cave 1 holds the Sadashiva sculpture. The ticket is about INR 600 for foreign visitors.

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a toll expressway where pedestrians are reportedly not allowed. Photograph it from Worli Seaface or Bandra Bandstand instead.

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Read more: Mumbai walking routes and attraction tours in Mumbai .