If you’re looking for the best historical places in Mumbai, you’re in the right place.
There are few cities in the world like Mumbai. In a country of 1.4 billion people it manages to stand out as one of the largest & most culturally significant, with a history that stretches back thousands of years.
The Mumbai metropolitan area has a population equal in size to my home country (Australia). To put this into perspective I think of all the events that have taken place in my country’s history – which span an entire continent. All the interactions & ideas shared between its people, all the social & cultural events, all the conflict. Mumbai has all of that history but compressed into one single city.
This rich heritage is apparent as soon as you arrive in Mumbai, as the city is full of life. It’s not a place you come to relax but it does offer countless things to do, especially for those interested in history.
There are a lot of ways to experience the history of this city but from my own personal experience I’ve narrowed it down to the absolute best. Here are the 18 best historical places in Mumbai.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Mumbai
Today Mumbai is essentially one large peninsula but from as little as 300 years ago it was an archipelago made up of 7 islands.
For a long time the islands were inhabited by local fishing communities, the Koli people, until around the first century CE when the islands were absorbed into the Mauryan Empire (one of the largest in India’s history).
The region became an important trade & religious centre around this time, with the first historical sites (the Buddhist Khaneri Caves) being built on the mainland next to the islands.
Because of their location on the western coast of India, the islands were on the trade route between India and the Middle East & Mediterranean. In fact, the islands were even noted in ancient Greek literature, being referred to as Heptanesia.
For the next 1500 years the area saw many changes to its political and religious landscape. It came under the rule of over 10 different empires, some regional powers like the Chalukya and Satavahanas dynasties, and a major power when the Delhi Sultanate annexed the islands in 1347.
Throughout this time Buddhism faded into the background as Hinduism became the dominant religion across the subcontinent. It was around this time that the Jogeshwari Caves were built. With the arrival of the Delhi Sultanate, the influence of Islam reached the islands and they were governed by Islamic rulers, who built multiple mosques like the Haji Ali Dargah.
The biggest change in the region’s history, and arguably across India, happened when the European colonial powers arrived. The islands were perfect for the Portuguese and their naval empire, as they sought to expand their influence in the East, and in 1534 the local Gujarati Sultan handed the islands over to the Portuguese with the signing of the Treaty of Bussein. They named them Bombay, stemming from the Portuguese ‘Bom Bahi’, which means ‘good harbour’.
For the next 127 years the islands remained with the Portuguese whose biggest mark on its history were their religious missions to spread Catholicism to the locals. By 1661 Bombay was handed over to the British as a marriage dowry between the King of England and a Portuguese princess.
For a hundred years following, Bombay remained fairly unimportant in the eyes of the British, being little more than a toehold on the west coast. At this time the British were no match for the other players in the region, like the Portuguese or the mighty Mughal Empire.
By the 1800s this had well & truly changed. With the other powers beginning to decline and the British Empire entering its golden age, trade began to prosper in Bombay and its population took off. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 fueled this growth even more.
Ambitious land reclamation efforts went underway to turn the 7 islands into one peninsular, allowing the city to expand further. Bombay became an economic powerhouse and a jewel in the crown of the British Empire until their withdrawal from India in 1947.
Since then the city has kept growing to a massive 20 million people and by 1996 it was renamed to Mumbai, the local Marathi-language name for the city.
Now that you know how the city came to be, let’s dive into the 18 best historical places in Mumbai.
The 18 Best Historical Places in Mumbai
1 | Gateway of India
This majestic archway is perhaps the most famous landmark in Mumbai, one you’ll see on any postcard.
On the site where ships would historically make landfall at the city, it was built in 1911 to welcome King George on his state visit, back when Mumbai was called Bombay and India was the British Raj. It was the first time the British monarch had visited the country.
As a symbolic gesture, the Gateway of India is also where the last British troops formally left India in 1948.
It’s an awesome sight, with a style of architecture that is a mix of the European Triumphal Arch (like the Arc de Triompe in Paris) and traditional Gujarati architecture. Undoubtedly one of the most iconic historical places in Mumbai, you can’t visit the city without seeing the Gateway of India.
Location: Colaba. Cost: Free Opening hours: 24/7 |
2 | Kanheri Caves
While the Elephanta Caves get all the attention due to being located downtown, there is an even more impressive 2000 year old site nestled deep in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, on the northern outskirts of Mumbai.
The earliest of the Kanheri Caves were built around the 1st century CE, when Buddhism was in its heyday and spread to this region. The site grew gradually over the next millennium with the latest, and most sophisticated, caves built around the 11th century.
The 109 caves are a mix of viharas (living space) which are impressive in scale but simple in architecture, and chaityas (worshipping spaces), which are covered in intricate carvings & sculptures.
The site also had its own water management system, with small crevices carved into the hillside to collect rainwater in these large tanks, which are still filled with water today.
If you’re interested in history, or you’re unable to visit the famous Ellora & Ajanta caves, then you must visit the Kanheri Caves when in town. Combined with a day trip to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, they are absolutely one of the best historical places in Mumbai.
- READ MORE: Complete guide to KANHERI CAVES
Location: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm (Caves) & 7:30am to 6pm (National Park). Cost: National Park: 15INR (Indians) or 200INR (foreigners). Kanheri Caves: 5INR (Indians) or 100INR (foreigners). The entrance to the National Park is on a main road, easy to access, but the caves are located about 5 kms into the park, on a hilltop. You pay 60INR for the shuttle bus from the entrance to the caves, which takes about 15min, or you could pay 30INR per hour to rent a bicycle and explore the National Park more slowly. Just beware of the monkeys! |
3 | Taj Mahal Palace
If you’re standing in front of the Gate of India, you need only turn around to see the next entry on this list and another historical place from India’s colonial era.
Built in 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace was the fanciest & most prestigious hotel in the East. It was built by Indian industrial mogul, Jamsetji Tata, the founder of Tata Group, the largest corporation in India today.
Ever since then the hotel has become an important part of Mumbai’s history, hosting some of the most influential people of the past century, from world leaders to pop stars. It’s the only historical place on this list that you can actually stay in.
If you’re interested in staying or dining at the Taj Mahal Palace, check out their website to book.
Location: Colaba, Mumbai. You don’t have to stay at the hotel to go inside and appreciate its beauty. Members of the public are welcome to dine at its many restaurants and cafes. Although expect it to be pricey, even by western standards. |
4 | Elephanta Caves
From the same ferry that arrives at the Gateway of India you can catch a ride across the bay to one of the oldest historical places in Mumbai.
The Elephanta caves are a series of ancient Buddhist & Hindu temples & religious sites constructed thousands of years ago.
The history of the caves is a little fuzzy, but it’s generally believed that people first inhabited the island around 2200 years ago and, sometime within the next few hundred years, constructed the first temples, dedicated to Buddhism. This makes it quite possibly the holdest historical site in Mumbai.
Somewhere around the 6th century CE, when the religious climate had changed, more caves were carved into the island, this time being Hindu and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Today these caves are a must-see historical place when visiting Mumbai. They host some beautiful stone-carved architecture, with the walls being covered in intricately designed reliefs and a massive 7-metre tall sculpture of Shiva in Cave 1.
The way these ancient caves sit on an island surrounded by a bustling, modern city makes for a unique experience.
Location: Elephanta Island, Mumbai Bay. Opening Hours: Ferries run from the Gateway of India every 30min from 9am to 3:30pm, with the last boat returning to the mainland at 5:30, everyday except Mondays. The ferry hour takes about 1 hour. Cost: The ferry will cost about 260INR return, while entry to the site will cost 600INR |
5 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Have you ever seen a more magnificent train station?
You’d think it’s a royal palace if you happened to pass by but this building is one of the busiest train stations in the whole country and is the headquarters for India’s entire rail network.
When it was built in 1887 it was known as Victoria Station, but like with a lot of colonial sites after the British withdrawal, the name was changed to represent Indian culture and it is now named after a famous warrior king from the region’s history (a name you’ll see a lot when visiting Mumbai).
Unlike some other colonial-era buildings on this list, the terminus’ architecture did not incorporate any traditional Indian style but was built in a European Gothic style and looks like it was taken straight from mediaeval Europe and placed in downtown Mumbai.
Location: Fort, Mumbai. Cost: Free Opening hours: 24/7 |
6 | Mani Bhavan (Ghandi’s house)
Gandhi was such an influential figure in India’s modern history that there are multiple historical places around the country dedicated to his life or his peaceful resistance movement, and one can be found right here in downtown Mumbai.
From 1917 to 1934 Mani Bhavan was Gandhi’s Mumbai headquarters during his independence movement. He did not live here permanently (he had a more stable residence in Ahmedabad) but would visit often in his efforts to force the British to withdraw.
It was from this 2-story building that Gandhi launched many of his political campaigns which now makes it an important part of India’s history. Today, Mani Bhavan serves as a museum, a library and a re
Today this 2-story building serves as a memorial to the independence movement, hosting a museum, a library and research centre on Gandhian thought. Here you see Ghandi’s living quarters, which have been preserved, a photo gallery depicting his life, and view old films of his most famous speeches.
Visually, it may not compare to most other entries on this list, but thanks to Ghandi’s influence in India it’s become one of the most popular historical places in Mumbai.
Location: Laburnum Road, Gamdevi, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6pm. Cost: 20INR |
7 | Siddhivinayak Temple
With over 13 million Hindus, Mumbai has a lot of temples dedicated to this religion, but without a doubt the most impressive of them is Siddhivinayak.
This temple was originally a relatively small structure, big enough to hold 10-15 people. It’s unclear exactly how long ago it was built, but it’s assumed to be around 500 years. The original temple is still standing, and used, to this day.
However, in 1801 a wealthy woman named Deubai Patil commissioned the large, white structure that it’s known for today. It is said that this woman was infertile and built the temple for the Hindu god Ganesh in the hopes that he would grant children for others like her.
Hindu temples are some of the architectural highlights of travelling India, and Siddhivinayak has been among the most famous & popular temples in Mumbai for the past 200 years.
Location: Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 5:30 to 9pm. Cost: Free Temple etiquette applies. Ensure you wear appropriate clothing and remove your shoes before entering. |
8 | Haji Ali Dargah
In the 15th century a wealthy merchant from Uzbekistan abandoned his riches and made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Rather than return home, he continued travelling and eventually settled on the island of Worli, in what is now Mumbai, to spread the teachings of Islam.
He became a renowned holy man with many followers and before his death he asked them to throw his coffin in the sea and bury him wherever it lands. It landed on a small islet just off the west coast and so on this site his followers built him a tomb.
Or at least that’s how the legend goes. Regardless, this island is now among the most significant Islamic sites in Mumbai and sees thousands of worshippers & tourists every day.
The structure was originally built in 1431 although significant renovations have taken place, mostly in the 20th century, to keep the structure suitable for use. So while it is old, it’s not preserved in its original state.
However, the Haji Ali Dargah is still a beautiful site to visit, with its Indo-Islamic style of architecture made even more stunning by seemingly floating on the Arabian Sea.
Location: Haji Ali, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 5:30 – 10pm, 7 days. Cost: Free (but donations encouraged. These help maintain the site) Haji Ali Dargah is only accessible by a small causeway that’s submerged during high tide. So check the tides before you visit to ensure you arrive when it’s low. |
9 | Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum
If you really want to get to know the history of a place, you have to visit a museum, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum is Mumbai’s best.
This impressive gothic-style building was completed in 1915, during the British Raj. It was originally named the Prince of Wales Museum, after the future King George. As with many colonial sites after the British withdrawal, the name was changed to reflect India’s own history.
The museum features art, archeology & natural history, with its galleries made up largely of sculptures, paintings, tools & weapons from India’s history, from prehistoric times until today, and an extensive taxidermy collection showing off India’s diverse wildlife.
This is certainly the biggest & best museum in Mumbai. However, don’t expect it to be on par with the likes of the British Museum.
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm. Cost: 30INR (Indians) or 650 (foreigners). |
10 | Worli Fort
On the western coast of Mumbai, not that far from Haji Ali Dargah and Siddhivinayak Temple, lies one of the city’s lesser known historical sites.
Built in 1675, this fort is among the city’s oldest colonial sites, built around the time the islands of Bombay were handed over to the British. There’s some dispute over who exactly built this fort. Some say the Portuguese, others the British. In any case, the vast majority of its 350 life-span were in the hands of the British and it was used by then to defend against attacks from the Portuguese and the Maratha Empire in the 1700s.
Alongside Mahim Fort & Bandra Fort (both on this list), it was one of 3 primary defensive batteries that the British operated along this coastline and one of the top colonial historical places in Mumbai.
Location: Worli, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm. Cost: Free |
11 | Mahakali Caves
You don’t need to travel outside of the city to find ancient historical sites. Thousand year old caves can be found hidden within the sprawling metropolis of Mumbai. One such place is the Mahakali Caves.
These caves were carved into a basalt hillside in the modern-day suburb of Andheri between the 1st century BCE and the 6th CE. The 19 caves are made up of a mixture of living quarters & worshipping halls, covered in carvings & sculptures depicting buddhist mythology.
These caves are of a similar style to others in the region and are not as impressive as the more famous Kanheri or Elephanta caves, but if you’re looking to see all the history that Mumbai has to offer then they are worth a quick visit.
Location: Andheri East, Mumbai Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm Cost: 20INR |
12 | Jogeshwari Caves
If you’re not tired of seeing thousand year old caves already (how could you be?) then there’s one more ancient site you’ll want to visit and it’s located very close to the previous entry on this list.
Unlike most other caves in Mumbai, Jogeshwari is not Buddhist but rather is Hindu. In fact, it’s among the oldest Hindu caves in the region, built during a time when Buddhism was the dominant religion in India.
The caves, which date back to the 5th century CE, are somewhat unassuming from the outside due to erosion, but when you enter the main hall you’ll find yourself in a massive underground Vihara with rows of pillars and beautiful sculptures along the walls.
Walking a few metres from the busy streets of one of the world’s largest cities and into this ancient structure really is like stepping through time.
Location: Jogeshwari West, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 6am to 6pm Cost: Free |
13 | Mount Mary Church
Officially named the Basilica of our Lady of the Mount Badra, this church is one of the most famous in Mumbai.
The current structure was built in 1902 but this site is much older, dating back to the 16 century when Mumbai was a series of islands under Portuguese control.
The Portuguese, being Roman Catholic, built the church for the Virgin Mary and used it not only for their own worship but also in their missions to spread Christianity to India.
The church has been raided and destroyed multiple times throughout its history. First by a group of pirates from Muscat (Oman), then again in 1761 during an invasion by the Maratha Empire.
So while the current structure is only a century old, an infant compared to most historical sites in India, this site has a storied history and many of the items inside the church are much older, like the statue of Mary which was a part of one of the original structures, likely 16th or 16th century.
Location: Bandra, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 8am to 1pm and 2pm to 8:30pm. Cost: Free |
14 | Rajabai Tower
Designed as the Big Ben of India, the Rajabai Clock Tower is another of the most famous historical places in Mumbai.
This 85m tall, venetian-gothic structure was designed by a renowned British architect and commissioned by a local Indian businessman in 1869. At the time it was the tallest building in the city.
Today it towers over the University of Mumbai and Oval Maiden as a reminder of the city’s colonial past.
Tourist entry into the tower was stopped years ago for safety reasons, but the tower is worth checking out as you explore downtown.
Location: Fort, Mumbai. Cost: Free |
15 | Sion Fort
Right in the middle of Mumbai is another hidden historical gem.
In the 1660s the islands that would become Mumbai were controlled by the British East India Company, while the land to the north remained in the hands of the Portuguese Empire.
Sion Fort was built by the British to mark the border between these two territories, on top of a hill overlooking what is now a vast metropolis.
It may not have the same grandeur of some of the other places on this list and is certainly in need of some preservation, but with its amazing views of the city it’s definitely among the best historical places in Mumbai.
Location: Sion, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 6am to 8pm. Cost: Free |
16 | Mahim Fort
Mahim Fort is known as a colonial site but its origins date back much further. The original structure is generally believed to have been built in the 12th century by a local ruler, back when this site was the island of Mahim.
In 1516 the fort was conquered by the Portuguese and became a hotly contested site for the following couple of centuries. The Portuguese fended off multiple attacks from local Gujarati rulers until the islands were ultimately ceded to them in 1534.
Only 150 years later Mahim Fort was handed over to the British as part of a marriage dowry, and would soon be re-constructed, giving it a more European style of architecture. It wasn’t long before the British would be defending the fort from the very same Portuguese. In 1775 the fort was once again under attack once again, this time by the rising Maratha Empire.
Unfortunately today the fort is a lot less sought after. It is in dire need of restoration and gradually being swallowed up by the sea, but still makes for a fascinating visit if you’re interested in the city’s colonial history.
Location: Mahim West, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 24/7 Cost: Free |
17 | St John’s Baptist Church
Ever wanted to visit a 440-year-old haunted Church in India?
St John’s Baptist Church might be the most unique entry on this list. It can hardly be considered a tourist site but is certainly one of the most fascinating places to visit.
The church was built in 1579 by the Portuguese, making it among the earliest colonial sites in the city. The site was abandoned in 1840 after a plague decimated the area. The church fell into disrepair and was never used again.
Local folklore states that the church is heavily haunted, and that it was used for an exorcism gone wrong in the 1970s. This reputation has caused people to stay away from it as much as it attracts young people looking to explore the ruins.
Despite many locals still exploring the site, entry is technically not allowed. So to be clear, this is not a typical tourist site you can just rock up to. The only way you can visit this centuries-old church properly (as in legally), is on the 2nd Sunday of May each year, when the gates are opened and a religious festival is held among the church ruins.
Location: Andheri East, Mumbai Opening Hours: Only on the 2nd Sunday of May Cost: Free |
18 | Bandra Fort
Along with Worli Fort and Mahim Fort, Bandra Fort makes up the last of the string of defensive structures along Mumbai’s west coast.
Officially called Castella de Aguada, the fort was built in 1640 by the Portuguese. Its name (Aguada) was given to it because of a nearby spring of fresh water. The fort became a place where passing Portuguese ships would stop and re-supply.
In 1661 the site would become even more important after the islands of Mumbai, which lay just to the south of the fort, were handed over to the British, making the fort a frontline defence against their arch rivals in the region.
Like Worli Fort (and unlike Mahim), this site is well maintained by the Archeological Survey of India and is in pretty good shape.
Location: Bandra, Mumbai. Opening Hours: 6am to 6:30pm Cost: Free |
