5 Must Visit places in Colaba, Mumbai

If you have ever been on a short visit to a place, you will want to know the best places to visit. This post is about the places you can explore by foot at Nariman Point, Mumbai in just under a day!

I call it the Spirit of Defiance Route

Sidewall of Gateway India with Taj Hotel in the background

I have a special reason to pick this route. This was the sad route taken by terrorists when they went on a spree shooting several people during 26/11 attacks of 2008. This is therefore an emotional route for me.This was my way to pay tribute to their souls. Nevertheless, this route is vibrant with life and bravery of the people of Mumbai who have turned the sad memory to a memorial of courage. 

1) Gateway of India:

Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century.The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911.

It is designed in Indo-Saracenic style with traces of Muslim architectural styles. The central dome of the monument is about 48 feet in diameter, with a total height of 83 feet.

This is an extremely crowded place at all times of the day, throughout the year. It is located at the Bunder and opposite to the grand Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The best time to visit is during the evening.

2) Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel

Opened in 1903, This grand structure is considered to be the best hotel in India. This is truly a palace than a hotel. It is said that the hotel consists on 560 rooms and 44 suites. It was originally built for Europeans, Kings and Eliltes only. The often photographed windows from the ocean side is really the back side of the Hotel. The design of magnificent dome of the hotel is said have been inspired by the crown of Lord Sri Krishna.


3)Leopold cafe: 

Delicacy served at Leopold cafe, Mumbai

Established in 1871 by the Iranis, this is a popular restaurant and bar. It has a very simple ambiance of musical icons and rebellious cultural pictures adorning the restaurant walls with some rock music always playing in the background. The place has been a hangout of Iranis and foreigners until the 2008 attacks. But now, it is mostly visited by the locals. It offers some lip-smacking bakery items and mouth watering multi-cuisine dishes while you enjoy a good drink with your family and friends. The restaurant is busy at all times of the time. You might have to wait a while to find a table. 


4) Mumbai art museum and Library:

View of the Old Library as seen from the Museum's terrace. 

If you are fond of Modern Art and Painting, you must visit the Art Museum at the centre of Colaba. It has huge range of art forms and you will be spending nearly 3 hours if you looked around at every master piece in the museum. Opposite to the art museum is the Library which was opened in 1929. It is now open only to members. But take a peek inside to be taken back into historical times of when people decorated their aristocratic homes with rosewood bookshelves and teakwood tables and chairs. 

If you have a long, exhaustive day walking around these places, take a cab to the Marine drive to spend the rest of your day or night. A worthy day at Mumbai. Trust me. :)