5 Best places to visit Mumbai

1. Gateway of India

• Famous for: British, Architecture.
• Tickets: No fee.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days.
• Duration: 30 mins.

About Gateway of India

The objective of this 85 feet tall structure was to commemorate King George, the Fifth’s visit to Mumbai. Incidentally, the last of British soldiers that were to leave India after independence, departed through Gateway of India. The architecture is a perfect blend of three styles, namely Hindu, Islam and European Gothic styles. You could take ferry from here to visit Elephanta Caves.

Things to Do near Gateway of India

• Enjoy the sea breeze.
• Eat some street food.
• View The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

2. Elephanta Caves

Photo by Chinmaya Panda, CC BY-SA 3.0

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Sculptures, Art, History, Caves.
• Tickets: Charges for ferry rides :130 INR or 150 INR for round trip, based on the type of boat. Entry Tickets: 10 INR (Indians) and 250 INR (foreigners).
• Opening Timings: Open on all days except Monday. Check ferry timings before leaving.
• Duration: 3 hours.

About Elephanta Caves

Elephanta caves are in Elephanta Island, which is roughly around 40 minute ferry ride from Gateway of India. UNESCO has declared Elephanta Caves, belonging to 600 AD, as World Heritage Site. The stone sculptures of the Hindu and Buddhist gods are damaged because of the Portuguese who used them in their sword practice. Regardless, the artwork in the sculptures speak of the artistic excellence of the bygone era and no wonder, Elephanta Caves is considered one of the seven wonders of India.

Things to Do at Elephanta Caves

• Explore the caves.
• Visit the museum.
• See the Stupas.

3. Marine Drive

Photo by Nimish Gogri, CC BY 2.0

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Sea, Sunset, Walks, Views.
• Tickets: No fee.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days.
• Duration: Depends on the visitor.

About Marine Drive

Marine Drive is in the heart of Mumbai and hence you can have easy access to it from anywhere in Mumbai. It is 3km long and it borders Arabian Sea forming a bay. The stretch is ‘C’ shaped that links Nariman Point and Babulnath. The place offers spectacular view of sunset. Tourists are attracted to Marine Drive where they could stroll in the walkway and experience the cool breeze.

Things to Do around Marine Drive

• Have street food at Chowpatty.
• Relax or enjoy walks around.
• View the sunset here.

4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Photo by Honza Soukup, CC BY 2.0

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Gothic Architecture, Colonial, Railway Station.
• Tickets: No fee.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days.
• Duration: Depends on the visitor.

About Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

This was earlier known as Victoria Terminus. The construction was completed in the year 1897. UNESCO has declared the terminus as World Heritage Site in the year 2004. The building is a representation of architecture of various cultures including traditional Indian, Victorian and Gothic. Though it is a terminus to board and get off trains, you cannot help marveling at the stunning architecture of the building. Whether you intend to take a train or not, this is a must visit site in Mumbai.

Things to Do near Victoria Terminus

• Pay a visit to St. Thomas Cathedral Mumbai
• Buy books at Kitab Mahal.

5. Haji Ali Shrine

Photo by Humayunn Peerzaada, CC BY-SA 2.0

Visitor Information

• Famous for: Dargah, Islamic Architecture, Qawwali, Sufi
• Tickets: No fee.
• Opening Timings: Open on all days.
• Duration: 1 hour

About Haji Ali Shrine

Located in the heart of Worli, Haji Ali Shrine reflects the Indian Muslim architecture. The 85 feet tall structure is located in 4500 meters area of land. The Shrine is constructed with marble that matches the marbles used in the construction of Taj Mahal. The pillars of the Shrine are artistic and the mirror work in the monument is stunning. The stupendous architecture of the Haji Ali Shrine attracts people of various religions and beliefs.

Things to Do at Haji Ali Shrine

• Pay your respects at the shrine.
• Attend the qawwali session on Fridays.

5 Best places to visit Kerala

1. Munnar

Get ready to be lost in the chanceless beauty of the place where three rivers meet, namely Kundalay, Mudrapuzha and Nallathanni. Situated at 1524-metre altitude on the Western Ghats, the tourist places in Munnar makes you wonder if it is the birthplace of beauty. The lush green landscape, waterfalls, lakes, forests and tea plantations make this place a heaven on earth. The place offers spectacular view of misty valleys and lakes. You might never have believed that watching tea plantations continuously might be so absorbing and interesting. You can have your share of adventure here as you can go paragliding, trekking and rock climbing.

• Atukkad Waterfalls
• Muniyara Dolmens
• Echo Point
• Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park
• Mattupetty Dam
• Chithirapuram
• Top Station
• Marayur

2. Kumarakom

Photo by Sarath Kuchi, CC BY-SA 2.0

Kumarakom is located near Kottayam. It is one of the famous attractions of Kerala. It is bird watchers’ paradise owing to the 14-acre bird sanctuary, a favorite ground for migratory birds. Kumarakom is also a spectacular backwater destination and hence you can go on a boating ride here. As Ayurvedic massage is done here, the place is a favorite for everyone who seeks to relax body and mind. The Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom is a favorite tourist spot. It is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India. It is a great place to spend a relaxed day watching sunrise or sunset depending on the time of cruise.

• Vembanad Lake
• Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Kumarakom Beach
• Kumarakom Backwaters
• Bay Island Driftwood Museum
• Pathiramanal Island
• Juma Masjid

3. Thekkady

Photo by Sumeet Jain, CC BY-SA 2.0

Thekkady offers a great chance to view wildlife while on a cruise. You can find various wild life species here including elephants, tigers, deer, bisons and many more. Elephant rides are available here to take you inside the forest. Plantations and hill stations offer a picturesque setting to the place. You can go on a trek here. Some of the most important tourist attractions in Thekkady are Periyar River, Murikkady and Chellarkovil.

• Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kurisumala
• Murikkady
• Pullumedu
• Mangala Devi Temple

4. Varkala

One of the most important features about Kerala is the Ayurvedic massage given at Varkala Beach. Varkala is famous for Ayurvedic massage and the place itself is in a wonderful setting. The beach and the mountain make the place attractive. You would not want to miss the sight of sunset here. The beach is clean and offers a great relaxation. You could stretch and let your eyes feast on the tranquil atmosphere or go for swimming and enjoy a great physical exercise. One of the most important aspects about the beach is that it is less crowded and hence you can have your space without being disturbed. Let the beauty of the beach and the atmosphere sinks in as you spend a quite evening here.

• Shree Janardhanaswamy Temple
• Sivagiri
• Papanasam Beach
• Edava Beach
• Varkala Tunnel

5. Kovalam

Kovalam is yet another stunning location in Kerala. Situated 16 kms away from the city of Trivandrum, Kovalam has three enchanting beaches. The largest of all the three beaches is the Lighthouse Beach. Hawah Beach is the second largest one here and the third beach is Samudra. Kovalam is one of the most sought after destinations in Kerala.

• Lighthouse Beach
• Hawah Beach
• Samudra Beach
• The German Bakery
• Karamana River
• Edakallu
• Vellayani Lake
• Halcyon Castle
• Valiyathura Pier
• Vizhinjam Village

5 Best places to visit Goa

1. Panaji

Photo by Premnath Thirumalaisamy, CC BY 2.0

Located on the banks of Mandovi river, Panaji, the capital of Goa, is a picturesque land with spectacular views to offer. The historical significance and serenity add magic to the air. Influences of Portuguese are still evident. Goa Medical College in Panaji, which was built by Portuguese, is the first ever medical school in India and it also ranks amongst the oldest medical colleges in the whole of Asia. Here are the top destinations in Panaji.

• Old Goa
• Reis Magos Fort
• Fort Aguada
• 18th June Road
• Goa Archaeological Museum
• Secretariat
• Dona Paula Beach
• Miramar Beach
• Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
• Panjim Heritage Walk
• Goa State Museum
• Idalcao
• The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
• Shanta Durga Temple
• Jama Masjid

2. Vasco Da Gama

Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Founded in 1543 by Portuguese, Vasco Da Gama has evolved into an important industrial center in Goa. This largest city in Goa is named after Vasco Da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer. To have an insight in to the culture and lifestyle of Goa, you need to visit this city. Here are some important tourist destinations.

• Bogmalo Beach
• Velsao Beach
• Mormugao Port
• Pilot Point
• Goa Kayaking-Day Tour
• Japanese Garden
• Zuari River
• Naval Aviation Museum

3. Calangute

Photo by Sankarshan Mukhopadhyay, CC BY-SA 2.0

Calangute, situated in the north of Goa, is an excellent destination to stretch and rejuvenate your tired spirits. Calangute beach, which had earlier witnessed the dominant presence of hippies, greets you to enjoy the brilliant beauty of the land. Such is its beauty that nature lovers consider this a heaven on earth. Here are the leading destinations you need to visit on your tour.

• Calangute Beach
• Baga Beach
• Se Cathedral
• Aguada Fort
• St. Alex Church
• Medicinal Springs
• Baga Retreat House

4. Mapusa

Photo by Prayash Giria, CC BY-SA 3.0

If the beaches attracted you here, you would love Mapusa, which is closer to the most popular beaches in Goa. The weekly market in Mapusa set up every Friday is famous as you can find a wide range of products sold here. Here are some top tourist destinations in Mapusa.

• Kalacha Beach
• Mascarenhas Mansion
• Arpora
• Aldona
• Chapora Fort
• Sri Kalika Temple
• Mapusa Friday Bazaar
• Basilica of Bom Jesus

5.  Margao

Photo by Dheeraj Dwivedi, CC BY 2.0

Margao – the oldest city in Goa is also the second largest city in the land. It is also the commercial center in Goa. It was earlier known as Madgaon before the Portuguese colonization. This is an important religious center in Goa with many places of worship. Given below are some of the top tourist attractions in Margao.

• Canopy Goa
• Colva Beach
• Loutolim
• Caves of Aquem
• Velsao Beach
• Town Square
• Monte Hill
• Jorge Barreto Park
• Colonial Style Villas

Goa has many more beautiful destinations. Beaches, ancient monuments and a lot more that deserve mention are left out owing to the limited time I happened to spend there. I would be glad to hear about more tourist attractions in Goa. Suggestions are most welcome.