Mumbai Things to Do Tips by M.E.R.V

No one should miss the Gateway of India when in Mumbai or it would have been like you haven't visited at all! Stunning views of the Mumbai Habour with plenty of people watching. It is a favourite gathering spot for locals and is exceptionally crowded everyday of the week. There are plenty of touts, beggars, "professional" photographers, giant balloon sellers that make up this atmospheric spot and your bounded to be stared by almost everyone. The Gateway of India is conveniently situated right in front of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower which is undoubtedly the most famous hotel in the city. There are also horse drawn carriage rides along the harbour area which is best appreciated at night when the buildings are illuminated. Didn't personally try it as I know I would have been ripped off so bargain hard if you are thinking of it.

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If you want to try some Amazing-Race-style search, you should try finding Kotachiwadi - a cluster of some 30 elegant double-storey wooden mansions. Inhabited by Christian families from East India, this little enclave may be a little difficult to find. Although we were exceptionally lucky to have found it with no probelms, the only sign to it is one alongside a busy road. The colourful houses have European sounding names on the front and one of them is also a restaurant called Anatashram which serves delicious Indian cuisine!

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This commercial art gallery near the National Gallery of Modern Art host weekly shows by Indian artist. The works here on display are on sale. Admission is free and it is crowded with middle-class Mumbaikers. It is worth a visit if you like art of any form.

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Tucked in one of the smaller roads along the Mahatma Gandhi Road is a pale blue painted exterior synagogue and looks pretty run down. This functioning synagogue is mantained for the few surviving Jewish families in Mumbai. There is a notice board which gives you an insight into the history of Judaism in Mumbai and also weekly prayer sessions. The main hall is open for public although other parts of the building is out of bounds. The mezzanine looks like it was about to fall apart. There is a small passage that leads up but I won't advise anyone to do so unless you are dust. The synagogue also provides free accomodation for Jewish travellers.

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One of a must do in Mumbai is star-spotting! Bollywood is filming all the time whether it is in the studios or out on the streets. The studios are not opened to the public so your best bet is spotting them on the streets! The tall fair-skin one is usually the playing the lead. Although I have no idea who this is I snapped!

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The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is a Mumbai landmark on its own. This swanky hotel has rows of designer boutiques, fine dining restaurants, its own nightclub and plenty of bars and cafes. The pool side cafe is a great hang out but prices here are comparatively more expensive than anywhere else in Mumbai especially after they have added 20% tax on top of the total bill. There are staff members in almost every part of the hotel so you will never get lost. Even if you can't afford to stay here, you should have a visit! It is almost surreal the feeling of being inside such an elegant place and then looking at the poverty immediately after you step out of the front door!

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The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya was previously known as the Prince of Wales museum. This huge domed building takes up a large land space in the Kala Ghoda area known for its galleries and museums. There is a huge array of historical Indian exhibits and also a collection of paintings from European artist. There are free qudio guides available in various languages which may be helpful. You may also wish to take note that most museums are closed on Mondays.

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This building looks great from the outside but looks pretty run down on the inside. It was named after a Jewish philantropist who funded part of the cost of built. It is members on entry but staff didn't seem to mind when we went in. You may mistake it for a cathedral rather than a library.

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The university is open to public if you wish to take a look although to be honest there is nothing much to see apart from its European looking architecture from the outside. The university is easily distinguishable by its a 80m high clock tower which is off limits. You may wish to approach a student and perhaps persuade into showing you around for free.

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Tucked in the Fort area is St Thomas' Cathedral - the oldest English building in Mumbai. The cathedral is still functioning and there are people praying at all times so don't go walking in talking loudly. The cathedral itself is nothing too impressive but worth a visit. Nearby is also the Horniman Circle - a ring of old state buildings laid out in the 19th century.

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