Mumbai Heritage Guide — Architecture & UNESCO Sites
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.