Mumbai Landmarks, Caves and Museums

Mumbai’s landmarks sit in a few clusters: the Gateway and the Fort district in the south, shrines and a stepped tank around Malabar Hill and Worli, museums in Byculla and a harbour island with ancient caves. All amounts are in Indian rupees (INR). Hedged figures come from secondary sources, so confirm before you go.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

CSMT is a Victorian Gothic Revival station designed by F. W. Stevens and completed in 1887-88. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. It is a working station used by huge numbers of commuters, so view it from outside and do not block the concourse. It was one of the places attacked in November 2008, and visitors should be respectful.

Gateway of India

The basalt arch marks the 1911 royal visit and was completed in 1924. The promenade is free and reported to be open round the clock. It is also where boats leave for Elephanta.

Elephanta Caves

The rock-cut Shiva caves on the island are a UNESCO site. Cave 1 holds the Sadashiva sculpture. The caves and the ferries are closed on Mondays. Ferries from the Gateway take about an hour each way, are often cancelled or delayed from June to September, and need a same-morning check. Life jackets are mandatory on boats leaving the Gateway. The cave ticket is about INR 600 for foreign visitors, so confirm at the counter. There is no diving or snorkelling here, since the island lies in a working shipping area.

CSMVS

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is open daily from 10:15 to 18:00, with the counter closing at 17:45. It closes only on 26 January, 1 May, 15 August and 2 October. Foreign adults pay INR 700, and the audio guide is free. Indian adults pay INR 200, or INR 250 with an audio guide. A handheld camera pass costs INR 500, and selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed. Some galleries may be closed for works. Details are on the museum’s visit page .

Haji Ali Dargah

The dargah was built in 1431 on an islet about 500 m offshore, reached by a causeway with no railings. The causeway is covered at high tide and the dargah is reachable only at low tide, so check the tide table; monsoon spring tides and rough seas can close access. Entry is free and hours are typically about 05:30 to 22:00, though sources differ. Dress modestly, and women usually cover their heads. Women have been allowed into the sanctum since 29 November 2016. Sources describe the site as open to all faiths, but access to the inner tomb for non-Muslims is not confirmed, so follow the staff.

Banganga Tank and Walkeshwar

On Malabar Hill, Banganga is a stepped tank of 12th-century origin with shrines around it. It is free. Treat it as a place of worship, keep voices low and ask before photographing people.

Museums and Mani Bhavan

The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla reopened in January 2025 and is open 10:00 to 17:30; listings disagree on which weekday it closes, so confirm first. The National Gallery of Modern Art in the Fort district is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, and is listed at INR 500 for foreign visitors and INR 20 for Indian visitors, per the Incredible India page . Mani Bhavan was Gandhi’s Mumbai base from 1917 to 1934. Most sources report free entry with a donation box and hours from about 09:30 to 17:30 or 18:00.

Pedestrians are reported not to be allowed on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, a toll expressway. See it from Bandra Bandstand or Worli Seaface.

Guided options are listed on GetYourGuide .

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