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Known as the City of Dreams throughout the country, Mumbai is the melting point of several cultures, traditions and religions. The place is renowned for its rich and diverse history. One of the world’s most populous and busy cities, it is known for its cosmopolitan culture, colonial-era architecture, ancient caves and temples. With so much to offer, a lot of tourists and business persons travel to Mumbai on a daily basis.
Most people think of the stunning skyline, Bollywood stars, and the Indian film industry at the mention of Mumbai. However, the city’s historical landmarks and heritage sites speak volumes about its fascinating past. In this post, we tell you about Mumbai’s top four Heritage Sites.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus building, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, boasts impressive Victorian Gothic architecture. Constructed in the late 1880s to honour Queen Victoria, the building remains a functional railway station, serving thousands of passengers with both local and long-distance trains every day. Its exceptional cultural significance has earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The station’s grand façade, intricate carvings, and other details reflect the skilled craftsmanship of its builders. Beyond its function as a transportation hub, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is also a popular tourist destination. During your sightseeing in Mumbai, be sure to include a visit to the station’s museum, where you can view artefacts and images of the city’s transport systems.
Another famous World Heritage Site in Mumbai are the famous Elephanta Caves, located on the island of Elephanta. Believed to belong to the 5th and 8th centuries, the caves speak volumes about our country’s excellent artistic roots. You can explore the caves containing several intricately carved sculptures of many Hindu gods and goddesses and several scenes from Mahabharata.
In order to reach Elephanta Caves, one needs to first take a ferry ride from another UNESCO recognised Heritage site in Mumbai, i.e. The Gateway of India. Anyone who wants to witness or explore India’s rich history, art, and architectural beauty, Elephanta Caves are the perfect place to visit.
No one leaves Mumbai without visiting The Gateway of India. When you go for top sightseeing in Mumbai, the first stop on your Mumbai Darshan list will undoubtedly be this iconic landmark constructed in 1924. It was built in honour of King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to Mumbai, which was then known as Bombay.
Several Indian and Western architectural styles can be observed on the archway, which overlooks the Arabian Sea. Such is the beauty of the Gateway of India, which is called The Taj Mahal of Mumbai.
Apart from its cultural and architectural significance, the landmark holds a lot of historical importance as well. It was from here that the British troops who ruled the country for more than 200 years departed in 1948 after declaring India as an independent country. The Gateway of India also marks the end of British rule in India. Besides being one of Mumbai’s most popular tourist spots, it is also a hub for small boat rides, especially to nearby locations, such as the Elephanta Caves.
The Haji Ali Dargah, a famous mosque and shrine in Mumbai was constructed in 1431 in memory of Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. He was a Muslim merchant from Uzbekistan who gave up all his possessions and worldly pleasures and became a Sufi saint after a pilgrimage to Mecca. The stunning monument was made on an island near the coast and connected to the mainland through a narrow causeway which can only be accessed during low tide.
Thousands of people from all faiths visit this place daily to seek blessings and pay their respects. The crowd during the Urs festival, which marks the death anniversary of Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, becomes the top sightseeing in Mumbai. The structure was damaged by a storm and was rebuilt during the 19th century. In the main hall of the dargah sits the tomb of the Sufi saint, decorated with intricate carvings and surrounded by a marble courtyard.
Known for its unique location and beautiful architecture, the Haji Ali Dargah not only symbolises religious harmony but also serves as one of Mumbai’s many Heritage Sites.
There are many heritage sites in Mumbai. No matter which ones you want to visit, you need accommodation from where you can easily reach your destination. OYO family hotels in Mumbai are divided into categories such as OYO rooms, Capital O, Collection O, Townhouse Oak, Flagship and Spot On. While each type of hotel has its benefits, choosing Flagship hotels lets you stay in prime locations so that you can reach your destinations quicker, even in the city’s famous traffic. For spacious rooms and extra privacy, you can opt for homestays, villas or Capital O hotels.
OYO family hotels in Mumbai provide all essential amenities such as hot water, TV, Wifi, room service, complimentary breakfast, CCTV, etc. Due to its budget-friendly hotels, helpful staff and excellent hospitality, comfortable rooms and reliable services, OYO has become one of the leading names in the hotel industry. OYO provides hassle-free and relaxing stays to everyone, whether you are a local, solo or business traveller, couple or family.
The four heritage sites mentioned in this post help maintain India’s cultural and historical legacy for future generations. Therefore, they become must-visit destinations for tourists all around the world. Choose OYO family hotels in Mumbai for convenient locations close to major attractions, business districts, and transportation hubs.
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April 15, 2024 
