Spectacular Places to Visit Near Juhu

Marine Drive is the most easily identifiable landmark associated with Mumbai and is indicative of the glamor and glitter of the city. It is essentially 3.6 km long, arc-shaped boulevard along the South Mumbai coast that starts at the southern end of Nariman Point and ends at Girgaum Chowpatty, popularly known as Chowpatty Beach. The coast wraps the Arabian sea and is the best place in Mumbai to watch the sunset or even to just take a leisurely stroll by the sea any time of the day or night.

Popularly known as Chowpatty, the beach is located in southern Mumbai along the western railway route. This small sandy beach is a popular place to chill, and a must visit for all tourists who visit Marine Drive for the first time. At night, the beach appears to look like a colourful fair. Children from all age groups rush to ride the Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds, while the adults indulge in the city's famous street snacks. Visitors also head to nearby attractions and local markets, to get the most out of their day out.

ISCKON Temple is a divine and spiritual getaway from all the hustle and bustle of the capital city of Mumbai. Dedicated to Lord Krishna who is considered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, the temple is clad in marble and glass. Meters away from the Juhu Beach, incorporating Iskcon Temple in your weekend plans might just be the perfect peaceful escape you are looking for. This place has a tranquil feel about it and the in-house vegetarian restaurant serves exceptional food at cheap rates.

The Gateway of India is, without doubt, one of the most popular tourist hotspots of Mumbai. Sitting proudly on the Apollo Bunder, it overlooks the Arabian Sea. It is one of the defining monuments of the city of Mumbai and was built in the year 1924. The construction was undertaken by the famous architect George Wittet, to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. The imposing structure of the monument is a beautiful confluence of Indian, Arabic and Western architecture and has become a popular tourist hub in the city.

One of the most exciting and eclectic places to visit in Mumbai is the Colaba Causeway, famous for being a shopper's paradise. Iconic at best, ask any Mumbaikar and they will tell you that the Causeway is pretty much the heart of Mumbai. Resurgent, even after the terror attack, this shopping street stood up on its feet in no time. Apart from gorgeous clothes and accessories, especially earrings, you can also find great bargains on home decor stuff such as lampshades, curios and antiques. If designer stuff is your calling, there are a number of options for that as well.

The Siddhivinayak Temple in the Prabhadevi area is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the most significant and frequented temples in Mumbai. This temple was built in the year 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. The couple did not have any children of their own and decided to build the Siddhivinayak temple so as to fulfil the wishes of other infertile women. Interestingly, the statue of Lord Ganesha here is believed to be self-manifested and grants wishes.

Situated on the backdrop of a beautiful view of the Arabian sea is the shrine of Haji Ali, dedicated to the wealthy merchant turned who gave up his worldly belongings and turned into Muslim Sufi saint after a trip to Mecca. Haji Ali Dargah is located on a small islet that is off the southern coast of Mumbai near Worli. People from all walks of life and religions come here to seek blessings. The Dargah can only be accessed during the low tides via a causeway that is surrounded by the sea on all sides.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located on the Elephanta or Gharapuri island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai. Natively known as Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves that exist today are ruins of what were once elaborately painted artworks. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline. You can reach the Elephanta Caves via a ferry ride from Gateway of India.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly known, Victoria Terminus, is a modern yet archaic railway station in the bustling capital city of Maharashtra - Mumbai. The marvellous structure is the perfect example of the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture in India and was built in 1878. In fact, the railway station, which still functions as usual, waas a World Heritage Site under UNESCO in 1997. The station is always bustling with the sounds of the metro city and the locals.

The Prince of Wales Museum is a splendid structure situated in Mumbai and is regarded to be one of the heritage buildings of the city. The foundation stone of this edifice was laid down by the Prince of Wales on the 11 November 1905, and it was established as a museum on 10 January 1922. The facade of the museum is a sight to behold in itself and sits in the midst of an expansive green garden. Adorned with stunning stone and lattice work, the architecture of the Prince of Wales Museum is a blend of Indian, Mughal and British engineering styles.

One of the most famous and popular amusement parks in the country, Essel World is located in Gorai, close to the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai. EsselWorld and Water Kingdom together make one of Asia's largest amusement parks. They expand over an area of 64 acres and are frequented by locals and non-locals from all age groups, especially kids. With some exciting rides and entertainment, Essel World and Water Kingdom are a favourite summer destination for many families.

Spread across a vast area of 520 acres, the Film City is comprised of about twenty indoor studios and is located in Aarey Colony, Mumbai, Film City is often regarded as a home of Bollywood. The place is so vast that about 1000 film sets can be erected here simultaneously. Over the years, it has been the locations for a number of Bollywood films. Almost over 900 movies and many more television shows have also been shot here. Today, Film City has grown to be one of the best film studios, well-equipped with all the essential amenities and world-class facilities.

Located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, near Borivali in Mumbai, the Kanheri Caves in Mumbai are a group of rock - cut monuments in the form of caves. The caves and the paintings, themselves, illustrate the Buddhist influence on the Indian art and culture. The caves are famous for their 109 special entrances as well as for their ancient sculptures, carvings, paintings and inscriptions dating back to the 1st century to the 10th century that adorn their basalt formations. Standing in sharp contrast to the verdant greenery of the surrounding hills, Kanheri Caves can be accessed through a series of rock cut steps.

The Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the oldest temples situated in the city of Mumbai. Located on the Bhulabai Desai Road in Mahalaxmi West, it is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi or the 'Goddess of Wealth'. The temple was built sometime around the 16th - 17th century and the main presiding deity here is Goddess Laxmi, while Goddess Kali and Saraswati are other two deities worshipped here. Together, the three idols are known as Mahalaxmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. Thronged with devotees and tourists in large number throughout the year, the temple is a must visit if you are visiting Mumbai.

A paradise for art lovers, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai is a famous art museum possessing a magnificent collection of paintings, sculptures and artefacts since 1996. The multitude of artwork present in this charismatic gallery has drawn millions of visitors and left them awestruck. It is governed by the Department of Culture, Government of India and has over the period become a popular tourist attraction as it very convincingly depicts the modification of artwork in the field of visual and plastic arts.

Squeezed between the two suburbs of Mumbai and Thane, Sanjay Gandhi National Park is ideal for picnics and weekend getaways offering respite from the chaos and buzz of the city. Famed to be one the most liked national parks, visitors throng in thousands to spot Leopards, Macaques, Boars, Lions, Flying fox, Kingfisher, Sunbirds and a significant number of butterflies here. Kanheri caves, which are more than two thousand years old are also a major tourist attraction inside the park premises. The caves have been carved out of the rocky cliffs.

Kamala Nehru Park is a famous recreational attraction located in the heart of the city. It is a favourite spot for jogging, walks or just for spending some time away from the hustle and bustle of the routine life. The Park is also in close proximity from some colleges, schools and hostels. So, one would find groups of students exercising or just hanging out after a busy day. Having said that, it is a great place for people belonging to all age groups. People get their children; the elderlies visit and parents also steal some time off from their home and work lives.

Jehangir Art Gallery is located at Kalaghoda in Southern Mumbai and is one of the most prestigious venues for artists to display and showcase their work. The formation of the gallery was funded by Cowasji Jehangir and it has served its artful pursuits ever since it was established in 1952. Named after Sir Cowasji's late son Jehangir, the gallery has hosted the works of famous artists such as M. F. Hussain and S. H. Raza. A haven for art lovers, this destination is well known for its splendid art exhibits.

Formerly known as Ranichi Bagh meaning Queen's Gardens, Jijamata Udyan is the only zoo in the city of Mumbai. Its former name is a depiction of the original British name Victoria Gardens.  Now it is also known as Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, named after the mother of Shivaji, the hero of Maratha Empire. The zoo is located in the heart of the city in Byculla. Built in 1861, it is the only zoo of Mumbai and one of the oldest in India. In the zoo, you can witness many wild animals in separate enclosures such as lion, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants and many more.

It is tough to imagine that one of the quietest and most peaceful spaces can exist right in the middle of the busy suburbs of Gorai in Mumbai. The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a meditation hall shaped like a dome with a capacity to seat of 8,000 devotees and Vipassana practitioners. Along with admiring the serenely mesmerizing Pagoda located on a peninsula between Gorai creek and the Arabian Sea. Another interesting facet of the monument is that it has been completely through donations.

Hanging Garden is a terrace garden situated on top of the Malabar Hill, right next to the Kamla Nehru Park. It overlooks the stunning Arabian Sea and was built in 1880 by Mr. Ulhas Ghapokar. The stunning gardens are dedicated to Barrister Pherozeshah Mehta and are also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens. In fact, when viewed from above, one can clearly see the letter PMG spelt out in the gardens. The garden has impeccable animal shaped hedges and lush green vegetation along with a serene bird's eye view of the Arabian Sea.