Heritage in Mumbai
MUMBAI

HERITAGE

Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Elephanta Caves, Art Deco buildings, and Mumbai's architectural heritage. What to see and the history behind it.

Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, Elephanta Caves, Art Deco buildings, and Mumbai's architectural heritage. What to see and the history behind it.

Mumbai's architecture tells its story — Portuguese churches, British Gothic, Art Deco apartments, and modern skyscrapers. Here's your heritage guide.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus)

Built: 1888 Style: Victorian Gothic UNESCO: 2004

India's most spectacular railway station. Designed by F.W. Stevens, blending Gothic Revival with Indian elements. Stone carvings, stained glass, turrets. Still functions as a major station — 3 million daily commuters.

What to see:

  • Exterior facades and domes
  • Main hall with its vault
  • Stained glass windows
  • Stone carvings of Indian motifs

Tips:

  • Best viewed morning light (east facing)
  • Go inside during off-peak hours
  • Photography allowed

Elephanta Caves

Created: 5th-7th century CE UNESCO: 1987 Entry: ₹40 Indians, ₹600 foreigners

Rock-cut temple complex on Elephanta Island, dedicated to Shiva. The main cave houses the famous Trimurti — three-headed Shiva sculpture, 6 metres high.

What to see:

  • Main cave with Trimurti
  • Shiva as Nataraja
  • Carved panels of Hindu mythology
  • Smaller caves on the island

Getting there:

  • Ferry from Gateway of India
  • ₹150-250 return
  • 1 hour each way
  • Boats 9 AM - 3:30 PM

Tips:

  • Closed Mondays
  • Closed during monsoon
  • Wear comfortable shoes (climb involved)
  • Allow half day

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles

UNESCO: 2018

A collection of buildings around Oval Maidan — Victorian Gothic on the east, Art Deco on the west. The ensemble tells Mumbai's architectural evolution.

What's included:

  • Bombay High Court
  • University of Mumbai
  • Elphinstone College
  • Art Deco apartments along Marine Drive
  • Buildings around Oval Maidan

Best way to see: Walking tour. Various operators offer heritage walks.

Major Heritage Buildings

Gateway of India

Built: 1924 Style: Indo-Saracenic

Stone arch commemorating King George V's visit. Views of harbour, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Busy tourist spot, but iconic.

Tips:

  • Early morning for fewer crowds
  • Evening for atmosphere
  • Be wary of photographer touts

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Built: 1903 Style: Indo-Saracenic

Landmark luxury hotel facing the harbour. The original wing predates the Gateway of India. Walk through the lobby (non-guests allowed).

Bombay High Court

Built: 1878 Style: Gothic Revival

Impressive building near Horniman Circle. Stone carvings, arched windows. Best viewed from Flora Fountain.

University of Mumbai

Built: 1874 Style: Gothic

Clock tower, Convocation Hall, Rajabai Tower (modeled on Big Ben). The tower is 85 metres tall.

Flora Fountain

Built: 1869

Ornamental fountain in the heart of the Fort district. Named after the Roman goddess. Surrounded by Gothic buildings.

Art Deco Mumbai

Mumbai has the world's second-largest collection of Art Deco buildings (after Miami). Most were built in the 1930s-40s.

Where to See

Marine Drive: Apartments facing the sea Oval Maidan: Western edge Churchgate area: Cinema halls, residential buildings

Notable Buildings

Eros Cinema — Classic Art Deco cinema (being restored) Regal Cinema — Still functioning Soona Mahal — Residential building The Oval buildings — Row of apartments

Art Deco Tours

Book through Art Deco Mumbai or various heritage walk operators. ₹500-1,500.

Museums

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Formerly: Prince of Wales Museum Entry: ₹85 Indians, ₹500 foreigners Hours: 10:15 AM - 6 PM, closed Monday

Mumbai's main museum. Indo-Saracenic building (1922). Collections include Indian art, Himalayan art, archaeology, natural history.

Highlights:

  • Miniature paintings
  • Buddhist sculpture
  • Natural history section
  • The building itself

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Entry: ₹100 Indians, ₹500 foreigners Hours: 10 AM - 5:30 PM, closed Wednesday

Mumbai's oldest museum (1857). Beautifully restored. Focus on Mumbai's history and decorative arts.

Highlights:

  • Mumbai maps and models
  • Traditional crafts
  • Building restoration

National Gallery of Modern Art

Entry: ₹500 foreigners Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM, closed Monday

Indian modern and contemporary art in a heritage building.

Religious Heritage

Haji Ali Dargah

Built: 1431 Location: Causeway into the sea

Mosque and tomb of Sufi saint, accessible by causeway at low tide. Beautiful at sunset.

Tips:

  • Check tide timings
  • Dress modestly
  • Remove shoes

Mount Mary Church (Bandra)

Built: 1640 (current structure 1904)

Basilica atop Bandra hill. Annual fair in September draws millions.

Mahalakshmi Temple

Major Hindu temple dedicated to goddess of wealth. Busy with devotees.

Siddhivinayak Temple

Mumbai's most visited Ganesh temple. Long queues, especially Tuesdays.

Heritage Walks

Best way to understand Mumbai's architecture:

Art Deco Mumbai — Specialist Art Deco tours INTACH Mumbai — Monthly heritage walks Reality Tours — Combined heritage and food Walking Mumbai — Various themed walks

Cost: ₹500-1,500 Duration: 2-3 hours

Kala Ghoda

Mumbai's art district. Colonial buildings converted to galleries, cafes, boutiques.

What to see:

  • Jehangir Art Gallery (free)
  • Various contemporary galleries
  • Street art
  • Architecture walk

Events: Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (February) — 9 days of art, performance, food.

Fort Heritage District

The heart of colonial Mumbai. Walkable precinct with:

  • Flora Fountain
  • Horniman Circle
  • St Thomas Cathedral (1718)
  • David Sassoon Library
  • Bombay High Court

Best explored: On foot, 2-3 hours

For a complete visit guide, see our things to do guide.

More in Mumbai

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Mumbai's UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

Mumbai has three: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus, 2004), Elephanta Caves (1987), and the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles (2018). The last is a collection of buildings around Oval Maidan.

What is the best museum in Mumbai?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum) is the primary museum — art, archaeology, natural history in a beautiful Indo-Saracenic building. Dr. Bhau Daji Lad is excellent for Mumbai history and decorative arts.

Is Elephanta Caves worth visiting?

Yes. The 7th-century Hindu cave temples have remarkable Shiva sculptures, especially the famous three-headed Trimurti. The ferry ride adds to the experience. Allow half a day. Closed Mondays.

How much does the ferry to Elephanta Caves cost from Gateway of India?

Ferry tickets to Elephanta Caves cost ₹200-300 (.40-3.60) for return journey. Luxury ferries charge ₹300 while regular ferries cost ₹200. Journey takes 1 hour each way and ferries run from 9 AM to 2 PM.

What is the best time to visit Gateway of India for photography?

Early morning (6-8 AM) and evening (5-7 PM) offer the best lighting for photography. Morning has fewer crowds and softer light, while evening provides golden hour lighting with the monument beautifully lit.

What are the main attractions near Gateway of India?

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is directly opposite, Colaba Causeway shopping street is 5 minutes walk, Regal Cinema and Prince of Wales Museum are nearby. Apollo Bunder waterfront offers great views of Mumbai Harbor.

Can you take photos inside Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus?

Photography is restricted inside CST station platforms and railway areas. You can photograph the exterior facade and main entrance hall, but security guards will stop you from taking pictures on platforms or near trains for security reasons.

How many people use CST station daily?

Approximately 3 million passengers use Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus daily, making it one of the busiest railway stations in the world. The station serves both suburban and long-distance trains connecting Mumbai to major Indian cities.

What architectural style is CST built in?

CST showcases Victorian Gothic Revival architecture with Indian decorative elements. British architect Frederick William Stevens designed the building, incorporating pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses with Indian motifs and carvings.

How much does the ferry to Elephanta Caves cost?

Ferry tickets cost ₹200-300 (.40-3.60) return for regular boats. Deluxe boats charge slightly more. Purchase tickets at Gateway of India jetty counters before boarding.

What are the opening hours for Elephanta Caves?

Elephanta Caves open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed on Mondays. Last ferry typically departs Mumbai around 2 PM to ensure return before dark.

How long does it take to explore Elephanta Caves?

Plan 4-5 hours total including ferry rides (2 hours) and cave exploration (2-3 hours). The main cave complex takes 1.5-2 hours to see properly with all sculptures.

How much do guided Art Deco tours in Mumbai cost?

Guided Art Deco tours cost ₹1,500-2,500 (8-30) per person. Self-guided tours are free, requiring only transport costs and entry fees where applicable.

What's the best time for Art Deco architecture photography in Mumbai?

Early morning (7-9 AM) and late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer the best natural lighting. Marine Drive looks spectacular during golden hour for facade photography.

How long does an Art Deco architecture tour take?

A complete Art Deco tour takes 4-6 hours covering Marine Drive, Oval Maidan, and Fort areas. Focus tours of single areas take 2-3 hours.

Which Mumbai museum has the best collection?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya offers Mumbai's finest museum collection with ancient sculptures, miniature paintings, and natural history exhibits. Entry costs ₹70 (/bin/sh.85) and it's closed on Mondays.

Are there any free museums in Mumbai?

Most Mumbai museums charge entry fees ranging from ₹15-70. However, some galleries within cultural centers occasionally offer free exhibitions. Check individual museum websites for special free entry days during festivals.

How long does it take to visit major Mumbai museums?

Plan 2-3 hours for Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum, 3-4 hours for Nehru Science Centre, and 1-2 hours each for Mani Bhavan and Bhau Daji Lad Museum. You can comfortably visit 2-3 museums in a full day.

When is the Kala Ghoda Festival held?

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival takes place every February for 9 days. It's Mumbai's largest street art festival featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, and food stalls across the entire district.

Which art galleries in Kala Ghoda have free entry?

Jehangir Art Gallery offers completely free entry and showcases contemporary Indian artists. The gallery has four exhibition halls and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.

How do I reach Kala Ghoda by public transport?

Take the local train to Churchgate Station (Western Line) or CST Station (Central Line), then walk 10-15 minutes. You can also take buses to Regal Cinema or Fort Market stops.