Mumbai is a vast city and you can’t get enough of it in one visit. There is so much to see and experience that even if you try, you can’t witness it all. That is why we are sharing with you the top 10 art and cultural spots in Mumbai that you should not miss! And in today’s era where you can book hourly hotels in Mumbai, we recommend that you plan each day properly and keep changing hotels to stay near your chosen destinations for that day. This will keep you ahead of your fellow travelers!
Here are the 10 best art and cultural spots in Mumbai that deserve a visit for the avid artist in you.
1. Jehangir Art Gallery
Housed in the art capital of Kala Ghoda, this gallery was built in 1952 by Sir Cowasji Jehangir. The gallery showcases some of the most talented Indian and International artists. The thing that sets this gallery apart is that it has a collection of promising historic items and the visit is free to all. Every year this gallery hosts the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Also, the gallery is host to some 300 annual shows. Their annual exhibition named ‘Monsoon Art Show’ gives an open space to local artists to showcase their work.
Since the gallery supports Indian artists, you can actually meet some artists outside the gallery, in in-person. Also, while leaving, do not forget to shop for some souvenirs for yourself, from shops outside and check out the artworks being sold outside the gallery!
Tip: You can book day use rooms in Mumbai here since there are many artistic spots around! This will save you from getting stuck in the unapologetic traffic of Mumbai!
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Initially, this museum was known by the name of the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. It is known to be established in 1905 but came into being in 1922. It is a dome-shaped building made in Indo-Saracenic style and houses incredible pieces from Chinese porcelain, Tibetan art and Rajput and Mughal miniatures. Jewelry and glass pieces are remarkable too.
If you are traveling with your partner do not forget to check out couple-friendly hotels in Mumbai before booking.
3. Gateway of India
It would not be wrong if we say, Mumbai is known by the name of this iconic monument. It is one of the major tourist attractions of the city and is bestowed with beautiful views of the Arabian Sea. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style, this monument was built to display the power and wealth of the British Empire.
You will definitely love the architecture of this monument and the vibe of this spot as it is full of street vendors, locals and photographers.
Day use rooms in Chennai are a very budget-friendly option to visit a costly city like Mumbai. So you can just check in your luggage and roam around freely and not spend a hefty amount as such.
4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Located in the heart of the city, this marvelous structure properly blends the Victorian and European styles of architecture. It also features ancient Indian architecture and the design adapts to the local aesthetic and climate. Be there and witness this gigantic structure, luckily you can find some of the best hourly hotels in Mumbai here, to explore nearby spots too!
5. Kanheri caves
Just like how you book day use rooms in Delhi or any other city, the area around this artistic structure has ample such hotels. Located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, there are a group of 119 caves and rock-cut monuments here. You can find some exquisite Buddhist sculptures, paintings, relief carvings and inscriptions from the 1st century BCE over here. This spot is blessed with a lot of natural beauty.
6. ISKCON Temple, Juhu
Indulge in the divine, by visiting this aesthetically and religiously beautiful temple. The temple lies in a 4-acre campus housing a white marble finish temple and you can relish a delectable buffet in the vegetarian restaurant inside. The temple has a beautifully-inscribed entrance that adds to its glory. The main building has three floors and the temple is built in Hindu-temple architecture with a Shikara (spire) on top. Inside the temple, you can find incredible murals, adapted from the popular scenes of the Mahabharata.
Juhu is one of the most happening areas of Mumbai. Juhu has some amazing cafes, a beautiful beach, great properties, great shopping options and a lot more. You can visit this temple and then explore the nearby places by booking hourly hotels in Mumbai.
7. Elephanta Caves
Experience the magnificence of Lord Shiva by visiting these caves situated on Elephanta Island in the Oman Sea which lies close to Mumbai. You will be taken in a boat to the caves and you can enjoy a good boat ride before reaching the caves. The caves consist of seven caves and hold an eclectic collection of rock-cut architecture styles in India. Each of the caves has a commonality. Each cave looks like a rock-cut temple and will consist of a single main huge chamber, two lateral chambers, courtyards, and some minor shrines. Inside the cave, there is a seven-meter-tall Sadashiva idol at the entrance. It represents that Shiva is the creator, the destroyer and the preserver. You can find carvings of the glory of Lord Shiva in the main cave.
It will be a great idea to book hotel rooms in this area, just like how you book hotels for a few hours in Hyderabad.
8. Galerie Mirchandani Steinruecke
There is something strikingly beautiful about this art gallery! Maybe it is the white walls with masterpiece paintings on them. Situated just behind the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and in the in-vogue district of the town, Colaba; this art gallery is a must-visit for the artist in you. You will particularly witness Indian art here. It has some stunning art pieces both from established artists as well as budding talents.
Colaba is the most popular tourist area of Mumbai. Think of anything you will find here. From street shopping to high street malls, from delectable street food to high-end restaurants and from Mumbai’s heat to Mumbai’s cool sea breeze, this area is a must-explore. So do book hourly hotels in Mumbai here and explore!
9. Film City, Goregaon
The right kind of art stands here; the living art. India’s largest film industry Bollywood runs from here. Many shootings of serials and films happened over here. People visit this place to witness different artists and also to see the film sets of the films being shot here. This place inspires a lot of budding artists!
You will find good hotels nearby, just like how you find couple-friendly hotels in Pune.
10. Bandra Fort
Some of the biggest Bollywood stars live nearby this place. Bandra fort was built by the Portuguese near Mahim Bay. It was built to look over the Arabian Sea and guard the seaway to Mumbai. Later, during the British reign, they demolished some parts of it. Renovations and repairs in recent times have somehow managed to keep this historic place intact. Go and witness the European-style architecture here. Also, enjoy the magnificent views of the Arabian Sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea link.
Don’t forget to stay close to this area by booking rooms just like you book hourly hotels in Noida.
Closure
Mumbai is an experience in itself. The hustle-bustle, locals, street food, restaurants, street shopping, everything about this city is so likable. Even if you spend a day just roaming around your hotel you will have a lot to experience and love about this city. Do proper planning about hotels and places to visit on a day, by booking the right hotels like how you find day use rooms in Bangalore.