'''South Bombay''' is a commonly used term, but the extent of this district is not commonly agreed upon. This article uses the term to denote the areas of Fort, Colaba, Malabar Hill, Nariman Point, Marine Lines, Kalbadevi, Pydhonie, Mahalaxmi, and Tardeo.
South Bombay was the center of terrorist attacks between the evening of Nov. 26th & 29th 2008. The situation is improving but significant damage led to the temporary closure of the Taj Mahal and Trident-Oberoi Hotels. These hotels re-opened on 21st December, 2008.
Understand
This district contains some of the oldest parts of the city. For long, this ''was'' the city. One of the seven islands that were joined to form Mumbai was called Bombay. This is where the British started on their long quest to build the docks and the city. They built Fort St. George, which no longer exists, but the area is still called "Fort". The Fort area contains many corporate offices and most of the administrative offices of the city and state governments.
Paradoxically, this district contains one of the newest areas of the city, Nariman Point, which was built on land and reclaimed between the 1940s and the 70s. This is Bombay's downtown, where the offices of India's topmost corporate houses are located.
Malabar Hill, the most affluent residential neighbourhood in the city is also located here. Most industrialists have their bungalows here. This is also where the official residences of Maharashtra's chief minister and Governor are located. The other famous location is Colaba, which used to be an island by itself, until it was connected to Bombay by a causeway. This area contains a naval base.
Most of the city's famous landmarks, including the iconic Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Hotel, and Marine Drive (Queen's Necklace) are located here.
Get in
By taxi
This is the best way to reach South Mumbai whether you have arrived by air, train, or bus. The Taxi should be able to get you straight to your hotel.
By train
All three lines of Mumbai's local train network terminate here. The Central and Harbour lines end at Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (commonly known by its former name of Victoria Terminus, or VT). The Western line ends at Churchgate, though long-distance trains stop at Mumbai Central. Most tourist areas can be reached most easily from VT and Churchgate stations. The best way to get here from the airport is to make your way to Andheri station and take a southbound train to Churchgate, though this method is not recommended during peak hours, if you have luggage.
By bus
BEST serves this area exceptionally well. During peak times buses have standing room only, but at other times it is a comfortable option. Buses in the series 1-199 serve this area.
By car
It is best to avoid getting your car here, especially on a weekday. While all highways terminate here and traffic discipline is better than almost anywhere else in India, the extraordinary amount of traffic and the near impossibility of finding parking close to your destination make this a bad option to take. Even if you drive down, it is a good idea to park your car at one of the paid parking areas run by the Municipal Corporation (Look for "MCGM" on the streets) and then take other means of transport to your destination. For Car Rentals and Airport transfers, [http://www.travels.sanver.com Sanver Travels] provides professional Car Rental Services from Mumbai National and International Airports.
See
'''Gateway of India''' ? This was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. This arch is the most recognizable symbol of the city.
'''Elephanta Caves''', Elephanta Island, Mumbai [http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=244]. Check out these fine examples of rock sculptures dedicated to Shiva. Even though many of them have been vandalized by Portuguese invaders, their grandeur is hardly diminished. Every year around February, the Elephanta Festival of music and dance takes place on this island in the backdrop of the sculptures. Take a ferry from the Gateway of India. The round trip costs Rs. 100 and will take 45 minutes one way.
Prince of Wales Museum. 59-161, M.G. Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 023. ocated near next to Jehangir Art Gallery, near Regal cinema" phone="+91-22-2284-4484, +91-22-2284-4519. rescent@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in. 91-22-2204-5430. u-Su 10:15AM-5:45PM. s. 15 for Indians, Rs. 300 for foreigners.Audio guide worth Rs. 150 complimentary with the price for foreigners. ttp://www.bombaymuseum.org/. Housed in a wonderful example of Indo-saracenic architecture and now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, the Prince of Wales museum was established in 1904. The ground floor contains a small, but representative collection of sculpture from ancient and medieval India. A mezzanine floor has exhibits on the Indus Valley civilization that is not particularly well organized but worth a stop, especially if your visit to India does not include the National Museum in Delhi. The First Floor has an impressive collection of Buddhist (Nepal and Tibet) tankhas and bronzes and a smorgasbord of medieval Indian court and religious painting. The Third Floor houses an indifferent collection of European art and medieval weaponry that is best skipped. The excellent audio guide and the building itself make this museum a must on any visit to Bombay.
Hanging gardens. alabar Hill, Mumbai, 400 026. AM-9PM. ree. Officially known as the '''Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens''' this terraced garden is worth visiting less for the carved hedges and fountains and more for the spectacular view of Mumbai that it affords. Right across the street is '''Kamala Nehru Udyan''', which is another garden whose most famous attraction is a structure shaped like a shoe, which one can enter and climb on top and look out. Visit Kamala Nehru park late in the evening to see a beautiful lit up view of Marine drive.
'''Jehangir Art Gallery''', M.G. Road, Mumbai 400 023 (''Local Stn. Churchgate''), ''+91 22'' 2204 4058. Entrance: Free, Open daily 11AM-7PM.
'''Marine Drive Chowpatty''' (''Local Stn. Marine Lines or Charni Rd'') is the city's most famous beach. Situated at one end of Marine Drive, Bombay's most famous promenade. This is not a place to sunbathe, however. Go here to watch the crowds enjoying themselves and have Bhel puri, as a moderately famous Hindi song asks you to. Note that ''Chowpatty'' in Marathi means "beach". So you may hear people referring to other beaches suffixed with ''Chowpatty''. (For example, "Juhu Chowpatty"). But if they say "Chowpatty" without qualification, they are referring to this place.
'''Taj Mahal Hotel''' [http://www.tajhotels.com/Palace/THE%20TAJ%20MAHAL%20PALACE%20&%20TOWER,MUMBAI/default.htm]. The landmark hotel close to the Gateway of India, along with Oberoi is one of the oldest five star hotels in India.
'''Flora Fountain''' ? Known as Fountain area which is a prominent hub for commercial activity of Bombay as all the Major banks are located here. You may cash your Traveller's Cheques here. Also country's premier stock exchange Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) is situated here. This tall building is visible from anywhere in VT/Churchgate and makes a prominent part of the skyline of Bombay.
'''Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus''' (V.T.) ? At the other end of Flora Fountain is Victoria Terminus, previously known as "Victoria Terminus". It is the disembarking station for Central Railway local trains and long-distance trains. Adjacent to V.T. station is General Post Office, a grand building which is open 24 hours. The road goes further up to Ballard Estate where a lot of Corporate Offices and Mumbai Port is situated. The V.T. station building is a fine piece of architecture.
'''Nariman Point''' ? Located at the other end of Marine Drive, Nariman Point is the business hub of Bombay. However, with the change in economic conditions, many companies have shifted to other areas of Bombay like Parel, Worli, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Andheri-Kurla Road, and Powai. The top end hotel The Hilton Tower is located here along with a number of Airlines Offices. Don't miss out the Air-India building.
'''Cuffe Parade''' is one of the high-end areas where the famous World Trade Centre and Unit Trust of India offices are located. The President Hotel is located here. Navy Nagar/Army cantonment area is located here which is the southernmost boundary of Bombay.
'''Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)''', Hornbill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai 400 023 (''Located near Prince of Wales museum'') ''+91-22'' 2282 1811 (''fax: ''+91 22'' 22837615 [mailto:bnhs@bom4.vsnl.net.in bnhs@bom4.vsnl.net.in]'') [http://www.bnhs.org/]. This is a massive source of information for those interested in flora and fauna. Houses collections of beetles and butterflies. There is another floor which has embalmed reptiles, birds, and animal pelts.
'''Crawford market''', '''Bhuleshwar''', '''Chor Bazaar''' ? These are crowded, chaotic markets which are home to some of the really interesting items, including antiques available for very cheap. One has to be prepared to look around though.
'''Esplanade Mansion''' ? Esplanade Mansion, previously known as Watson's hotel, was one of the most posh hotels in the area until Jehangir Tata was refused entry and he went on to build the Taj Mahal Hotel which went on to become the most popular hotel in Mumbai. The building is currently in a pathetic condition, due to negligence but has been listed in the "World's 100 Most Endangered Monuments" list and hopefully shall be restored soon.
'''Rajabai Clock Tower''', located in Mumbai University, close to Flora Fountain. Similar to the Big Ben of London. Chimes every 15 minutes.
'''Manibhavan (Gandhi Memorial)''' ? The house where Mahatama Gandhi often stayed when he visited the city between 1917-1934.
'''Victoria & Albert Museum''' ? (Bahu Daji Laad Museum).
'''Taraporewala Aquarium''' ? Has an exotic collection of marine and fresh water life. An interesting section demonstrates various stages in the growth of a pearl and also displays exquisite pearl, and mother-of-pearl jewelery.
'''Mumbadevi Temple''' or '''Bhuleshwar''' ? Mumbai is named after the goddess Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the city. The shrine dedicated to Mumbadevi is believed to have been originally built by Koli fisherman in the 1st century B.C. on the site now occupied by Victoria or Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It is now at Bhuleshwar. Tuesday is the main day of worship. Newly married Hindu couples visit the shrine soon after marriage, seeking blessings from the goddess for a happy married life.
'''Mahalaxmi Temple''' ? The temple dedidated to Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is one of the most popular shrines of Mumbai.
'''Walkeshwar Temple''' ? Located near Malabar hill. According to legend, Lord Rama came here on his way to Lanka to reclaim his consort Sita, who was kidnapped by the Demon King, Ravana.
'''Babulnath Temple''' ? Located near Malabar hill this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a well known temple in south Mumbai.
'''Afghan or St. John's Church''', Navy nagar, Colaba.
'''St. Thomas Cathedral''', near Flora fountain.
'''The Gloria Church''', Mazgaon.
'''Haji Ali'''.
'''Raudat Tahera'''.
'''Jumma Masjid'''.
'''Tower of Silence'''. This is where the Parsis practice their famous burial custom of leaving bodies out in the open to be devoured by vultures. However, as the name hints, the site is within a tower where non-Parsis are not welcome, so there is nothing to be seen. There are several other Parsi (Fire) Temples in Mumbai. These are located at Church Gate, Princess Street, New Queen's Rd, Gowalia Tank, and Bandra. The Agiary, located at Fort, was built in 1790 and is considered to be the oldest Parsi temple in Mumbai.
'''Kenesseth Ellyahoo Synagogue''', located at Fort.
'''Tephereth Israel Synagogue''', located at Agripada.
'''Magen Hasidim Synagogue''', located at Agripada.
'''Asiatic Library''', Nr. Horniman Circle, Fort 22611994.
'''The British Council Library''', Mittal Tower, Nariman Point 22823530.
'''David Sasoon Library''', MG Road, Kala Ghoda 22843703.
Do
'''Harbour Cruise''' ? If you can afford it, rent the Taj's private yatch (has two sun decks and three bedrooms) for a cruise around the Mumbai harbour, $300/hour (including drinks and meals).
Buy
'''Fashion Street''', (''close to Churchgate suburban station''). These are actually street shops lined alongside the road starting from VSNL building. Decent stuff at good prices, bargains for clothes and accessories. Make sure that you negotiate well (prices can come down by as much as 50%). Look around the first few shops and try to estimate the going price. If you decide to walk away (during a negotiation), sometimes the vendor will try to hail you back. Don't go back to the same vendor, he will not discount it to the price you asked and might try to humiliate you. Just walk away, you will find another shop with the same merchandise down the street.
'''Colaba Causeway''' is the street most frequented by tourists. You can buy many pretty trinkets from the street vendors at prices that an Indian would consider exorbitant and a foreigner cheap.
'''Crawford Market''', located just ahead of CST. This is one of the most beautiful buildings to look at and is also a famous market to buy everything from fruits and vegetables to imported colas, hookahs, and plastic cups at whole sale rates. Used to be the city's main whole sale market until it was shifted to New Mumbai.
'''Manish Market''', located ahead of Crawford Market on the other side of JJ flyover. Very famous for its electronic goods, especially cell phones. Shops usually deal in grey goods though.
'''Musafir Khana''', located ahead of Crawford Market on the other side of JJ flyover, next to Manish Market. Shops here deal in imported goods and electronics.
'''Breach Candy''', located in the Breach Candy area. Home to Premsons and Amarsons department stores.
'''Heera Panna''', located near the Haji Ali Dargah. It's a popular shopping destination for locals and shops usually deal in imported goods and electronics.*'''CR2''', located near Nariman Point. One of the newest malls in Mumbai, also houses the INOX multiplex.
'''Louis Vuitton''' ? A Louis Vuitton Showroom is located in the Taj Mahal Hotel.
'''Hugo Boss''' ? A Hugo Boss Showroom is located in the Hilton Hotel.
Eat
You can also eat from the various carts and hawkers if you feel your stomach can take it.
Budget
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'''Ayubs''', located in a lane near Horniman Circle. Very Similar to Bademiyan. Great Kababs, especially the Tangri Kabab. Open until late and extremely popular among clubbers. It's a street joint and the only place to sit down and eat is your car.
'''Leopold''', Colaba Causeway. This place requires no introduction and is a favorite with travellers. Serves a mix of Indian, Chinese, Persian, and Continental Food. Also serves great breakfast round the clock; it is renowned for fresh fruit juices.
'''Cafe Mondegar''' Colaba Causeway, has a live jukebox and functions as a bar and restaurant. Food is a mix of Indian, Continental and Parsi.
Britannia and Co. prott Road, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai. ext to New Custom House.. 91-22-2261-5264. 0AM-3:30PM. s. 180 will buy you a good lunch.. This rundown restaurant, run by a partnership of geriatric brothers (by the name Kohinoor), is a South Bombay institution, having been in existence since 1923. The signature dish is berry pulav, the recipe for which the late Mrs. Kohinoor found in Teheran while she was working with Iranian Airways. The Parsi favourite dhansak is of course available and tastes great. Try the caramel custard for dessert. The waiter may con you into trying the Raspberry soda. The first sip is sweet, but the whole bottle is cloying.
'''Swati Snacks''', Tardeo. A safe way to try Indian fast food and street food.
'''Baghdadi''', behind the Taj. Food is a mix of Indian and Mughlai. Don't get put off by its looks, you go there to eat, not for the decor. No booze allowed.
'''Gokul''', behind the Taj. It is frequented by anyone who wants an inexpensive drink served quickly.
'''Martin's''', Strand, Colaba. Great Goan food. Order a drink quickly before your food is delivered to your table. Not for vegetarians.
'''Bade Miyan''', Between Taj & Colaba. Eat on the road or in your car. Open until the early hours of the morning. The rolls are a favourite after a movie.
'''Kailash Parbat''', Colaba Causeway. This is a basic restaurant, serving excellent vegetarian Indian food.
'''Samovar''', inside Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda near Colaba Causeway. A favourite with the Bombay art community, serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian food.
Natural ice cream. 37, Jyoti Sadan, Marine Drive . 91-22-2202 7426, +91-9323047799. 0:30AM-12:30AM. s. 26 per scoop. Finish off your drive through Marine Drive with a tender coconut at Natural. The only downside of this place is that it is tough to get parking even in the by-lane this is located in.
Mid-range
'''Chetana Vegetarian Restaurant''', Kala Ghoda, K Dubash Marg,''+91 22'' 2288 1159, [http://www.chetana.com/r.htm]. A great Gujarati and Rajasthani food restaurant. Service is OK, atmosphere decent. They also serve cocktails and beer. Rs. 450 ($10) for two.
Oh! Calcutta. ulsiwadi, opp.A/C Market, Tardeo, Mumbai 400 034. earest landmark is Crossroads Mall, M M Malviya Road. You have to turn left at a little lane a couple of blocks down from Crossroads.. 91-22-2496-3114. meal for two would come to Rs. 800. 2PM-3PM and 7PM-midnight.. osewood@vsnl.com. A Bengali place which naturally means that it has an extensive seafood menu. It also has a good vegetarian selection.
Mahesh Lunch Home. -B Cawasji Patel Street, Mumbai - 400 001" directions= " . 91-22-2287-0938, +91-22-2202-3965. s. 90 upwards. The most famous seafood place in the city. Definitely try the crab.
'''Gallops''', Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai (''first entrance of the Mahalaxmi Race Course while coming from Haji Ali''). Continental and Indian food restaurant. It's expensive, but worth it for the ambiance, service, and food.
'''Rajdhani''', near Crawford market serves excellent unlimited thalis. Strictly vegetarian. It has been rated one of the best places to eat in Bombay. Rs. 250.
'''Bhagat Tara Chand''', Kalbadevi. Great Indian Curry and 'home food'. Must visit for Indian food lovers, but you have to walk a bit.
'''Cafe Basilico''', Colaba, off Colaba Causeway, near Strand cinema ''+91 22'' 5634 5670. This is not a budget restaurant, but it's not expensive either. Very popular with expats who live in the city. Offers non-alcoholic drinks and coolers, Mediterranean-inspired food, and great dessert. Open all day. The rawas (local kind of fish) and the cheesecake is recommended.
'''Cafe Mocha''', Churchgate. It is a relaxed Sheesha restaurant serving heavy snacks. Very popular for dessert and coffee.
'''Thrishna''', Kala Ghoda. It's famous for its seafood and patronized by locals, as well as expats.
'''Jazz by the Bay''', on the junction of Churchgate Road and Marine Drive. Serves a popular soup and salad buffet lunch. In the evening has live gigs and is a popular bar and restaurant.
'''Royal China''', Sterling near VT. Good Chinese food and a special Dim-sum menu.
The Bayview, Hotel Marine Plaza. 9, Marine Drive Mumbai 400 020" directions= " . 91-22-2285-1212. 91-22-2282-8585. ttp://www.hotelmarineplaza.com/restaurants.htm" hours = "24 hours. s. 222 for the midnight buffet. This has a lunch, dinner, and midnight buffet worth trying. Also has a great view of Marine Drive and Malabar hill. Ask for the "Cafe Viennoise" and get extra chocolate flakes. It's not on the menu, so you have to ask the waiter for it.
'''Paradise''', located on Colaba Causeway. Paradise serves Parsi food and is extremely popular amongst locals, especially those who have been eating here since they were kids. The place has been recently renovated, though the charm still remains. The place is family owned and one must try the chicken steak, the chicken dhansak, and a really nice chicken salad.
'''Gable's''',located on Colaba Causeway.Restaurant that serves good array of goan food besides delicious Leg of Ham,Pork Chops and Steaks.Frequented by travellers,has a good british breakfast of ham,sausage,eggs and bacon.
'''Cafe Churchill''', located on Colaba Causeway. Serves mostly continental food in a very cramped location. The food is pretty good, especially the pastas. The desserts here are the best and one should not miss the Irish Baileys Chocolate Cake, which is highly recommended.
'''Cafe Royal/CR''', located across from the Regal Cinema. Bill Clinton chose to eat here on his visit to India. Famous for sizzlers and other continental food. It now goes by the name CR after being renovated.
'''Fountain Sizzlers''', located near Flora Fountain. As the name suggests, it is famous for its sizzlers, especially among the office crowd.
'''Pizzeria,''' on the Corner of Marine Drive and VN road - great pizza in lively surroundings. Come early or be prepared to wait for a table!
Splurge
'''Indigo''', located in a bylane of Colaba behind the Taj hotel. This is an upscale restaurant serving global food. It also has a bar that gets lively after 9PM.
'''Henry Thams''', Dhanraj Mahal, Colaba. A new, upscale Chinese Restaurant with a popular bar every evening.
'''Kebab Corner''' in the Intercontinental Hotel - High class Indian food in a stylish restaraunt with superb views over Back Bay
'''Khyber''', Kala Ghoda. Nice Indian food at steep prices.
'''Lings Pavillion''', Colaba behind Taj Hotel. High-end Chinese.
'''The Dome''', Hotel Intercontinental, Marine Drive. It is an open air bar and snack restaurant with a beautiful view of Bombay.
'''Golden Dragon''', Hotel Taj Mahal, Colaba. The upscale Chinese choice for locals and expats.
'''Wasabi''', Hotel Taj Mahal, Colaba. Brand new Japanese restaurant.
'''Tiffin''', The Oberoi, Marine Drive. A new addition to the restaurants in The Oberoi. Very popular for lunch and inbetween meals.
'''Thai Pavillion''', The President, Cuffe Parade near Colaba. A local's favourite Thai restaurant.
'''Tendulkar's''', located in Colabe, near the Royal Bombay Yatch Club. Cricket player Sachin Tendulkar's restaurant. A mix of continental and Indian cuisine including Sachin's favourite dishes.
'''Salt Water Grille''', located on Marine Drive opposite Bachelor's. Open air restaurant on the beach. Good food consisting of world cuisine and even better ambiance with a view of the entire Queen's Necklace.
If you know someone who is a member of the Willington, Bombay Gym, Radio club, or CCI beg them to take you there.
Drink
Prive. ehind Radio Club.
Sleep
Budget
'''Apollo Guest House''', Colaba Causeway 22045540.
'''Anupam Guest House''', V. Bhai Patil Rd. 2386755.
'''Arya Nivas''', Kalbadevi Rd. 22011011.
'''Bentley's''' is a great budget hotel, but often booked up.
Mid-range
'''Hotel Rosewood''', Tulsiwadi opp. A/C Market, Tardeo, Mumbai 400 034 (Nearest landmark is Crossroads Mall, M M Malviya Road. You have to turn left at a little lane a couple of blocks down from Crossroads.), ''+91 22'' 2494 0320-29, ''+91 22'' 2496 0318, ''+91 22'' 2498 3568-69 (''[mailto:rosewood@vsnl.com rosewood@vsnl.com], fax: +91 22 2498 3567''). The location is somewhat inconvenient, but has a good restaurant called '''Oh! Calcutta'''. Rs.1750-4500 (''exclusive of tax'').
'''Bombay Luxury Apartments''', Colaba causeway. Rent entire flats priced at Rs. 7000 upward. ''+91 22'' 22845004.
Splurge
'''Taj Mahal Hotel''' [http://www.tajhotels.com/TajHotelFinder/Result1.aspx?country=INDIA&city=Mumbai] ? The Taj Mahal Hotel and Palace was one of the first five star hotels in Asia and was built by Jamshetji N Tata, (the founder of one of India's largest business empires, the Tata group) as he was refused entry into Watsons Hotel. It also consists of a newer wing. This is by far one of the most beautiful hotels in the world and one must at least see it, even if it's a bit too pricey to stay in. The Taj Mahal was badly damaged by a terrorist attack in November 2008; the hotel partially reopened on December 21, but complete renovation is expected to take up to one year.
'''Oberoi Towers''', Nariman Point 22024343, 22025757. '''Closed after terrorist attack on 26th November 2008'''
Contact