Top things to see & do in South Mumbai!

South Mumbai, or South Bombay as it is currently known, is Mumbai's southern district, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the city's colonial past. This part of Mumbai stands in striking contrast to the Northern suburbs, with British-era buildings, promenades, and colonial sites. This district includes both the oldest and newest parts of Mumbai, including the original Bombay, where Fort St George was built, and Nariman Point, which was reclaimed from the oceans in the 1970s. Mumbai's center is India's economic powerhouse, with several major corporations headquartered here. If you're in South Mumbai or planning to visit do read this complete blog to know what places you should not miss.

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

The Taj Mahal needs no introduction. This 5-star luxury hotel, built by Jamshedji Tata next to the Gateway of India, is as much a part of Mumbai's identity as the Gateway of India itself. This iconic monument, designed in Indo-Saracenic architecture, boasts several firsts in India, including the first steam lift, electric fans produced in America, and Turkish baths, not to mention English butlers working for Indian lords!

Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is a famous landmark in Mumbai, built in 1911 to honor King George V and Queen Elizabeth's visit. The last British ship sailed from the Gateway of India to England, penning the British Empire's final chapter. This 26-meter-high Basalt arch, located on the Apollo Bandar's beachfront, looks out over the Arabian Sea as if greeting the world to Mumbai. The best time to go is in the evenings when the area is bustling with activity.

Flora Fountain

Flora Fountain (formerly known as Hutatma Chowk) is a beautifully sculpted fountain in the Fort neighborhood of South Mumbai, located at the southern end of Dadabhai Naoroji Road. This monument, dedicated to the Roman Goddess Flora and built in 1864, lies at the intersection of five historic streets and was once a testament to the British Empire's colonial splendor.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)

CSMT formerly known as Victoria Terminus is a historic railway station. This majestic structure, designed by Frederick William Stevens and erected in the Gothic style, was created to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887.

UNESCO has designated Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus as a World Heritage Site.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum)

This stone monument is constructed in Indo-Saracenic traditions and integrates both Western and Indian architectural styles, including Hindu and Islamic styles.

Jehangir Art Gallery

The Jehangir Art Gallery, founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir in 1952 near the Gateway of India, is located in Kala Ghoda. This institution, which is linked to the renaissance of Indian art, has helped develop a platform for the works of many artists, as well as an identity for their patrons, and has brought art to the masses. In its galleries, one may find the best of Indian artists.

J.N Petit Library

J.N. Petit Library is a historic library in the Fort neighborhood of South Mumbai, housed in a lovely edifice dating back to the late 1800s. This huge library houses about 150,000 books, including some rare treasures such as an 11th-century copy of Firdausi, Shahnama, and other collections from the 16th and 17th centuries. The vast and airy reading room greets guests as they ascend the winding stairs, with vintage furnishings and the musky aroma of paper that only bibliophiles can appreciate.

Asiatic Library

The Asiatic Library, located in South Mumbai, is one of the city's most well-known and oldest libraries. The library, which has over 100,000 books and has influenced the intellectual growth of Mumbaikars for decades, has sparked the imaginations of millions of readers of all ages. Sir James Mackintosh founded the Asiatic Society of Bombay Library in 1804 in addition to the Literary Society of Bombay. The creation of a dust-free air-conditioned laboratory in 1991 for the preservation of old and rare books in the library is one of its unique features. It is unique in the country for its collection of rare ancient books and manuscripts.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is a 4.3-kilometer-long C-shaped boulevard that connects Nariman Point with Malabar Hill. This walkway, which runs parallel to the Arabian Sea, is known for its lovely promenade and Parsi buildings with excellent art decor evocative of the colonial era. This road is also known as Queen's Necklace because it resembles a pearl necklace when viewed from a high vantage point at night. Marine Drive is one of India's most affluent areas, home to a slew of superstars. The best time to go is in the evening when you can catch a breath of fresh air and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Cuffe Parade

Cuffe Parade is a posh neighborhood in Mumbai. The President's Hotel and the Mumbai World Trade Centre are also located in this region.