There is no question that Mumbai, the gateway to India, is one of the most visited cities in the country. Its varied landscape has made it a popular tourist destination as well as a place to enjoy the perks of lavish city life.
The city, however, has some incredible destinations to explore, especially if you want to plan short trips. Keep reading to learn about such destinations for a one-day trip from Mumbai.
Unique places to visit in Mumbai
Haji Ali Dargah
Located near the Arabian Sea, the Haji Ali Dargah is a mausoleum of Muslim saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, which is regarded as a sacred place by Muslim pilgrims. In addition to enjoying a very enchanting view of the seascape, this place offers Qawwali performances.
October to March is the best time to visit.
There is no entry fee.
5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reachable by bus or car via Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
You can explore architecture, enjoy tranquil moments and calm nature, or listen to Qawwali performances.
Visit Mahalaxmi Temple and Race Course, Nehru Planetarium, and Dhobi Ghat nearby.
Film City
Film City is located east of Mumbai in Goregaon, and it is a studio complex where film enthusiasts from all over the country come to explore different aspects of the Indian film industry. There are also film shoots taking place here.
November to February is the best time to visit.
There is no entry fee.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Western Express Highway can be reached by bus or car.
Explore the prosperous Indian film industry.
Places to visit nearby: Amba Bai Mata Temple, Shri Shri Radha Rashbihari Ji Temple, Global Vipassana Pagoda, Inorbit Mall, Kanheri Caves, etc.
Taraporewala Aquarium
You can enjoy an exciting short-day trip at Taraporewala Aquarium if you want to explore aquatic life in its natural habitat and observe their activities. The aquarium is managed by the Department of Fisheries, and it has nine tanks for freshwater species and 16 tanks for seawater species.
October to March is the best time to visit.
Fees:
The number of adults is 60.
(Students under the age of 16): ₹ 20.
In the case of children (under the age of 16): ₹ 30.
Except on Monday, hours are 10 AM to 8 PM.
Sundays, 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 10 AM to 9 PM.
By bus or car via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Watching aqua life up close is one of the things to do.
By bus or car via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
Among the things you can do: Take pictures, enjoy the lush greenery, watch flowers, and enjoy the tranquility.
Places to visit nearby: Balbunath Temple, Malabar Hill, Kamala Nehru Park, Priyadarshini Park, All Saints Church.
The Gateway of India
Tourists can also enjoy the incredible beauty of the Arabian coastal region at the Gateway of India. The monument has an architecture that has a mix of Arab and Western influences. In addition, you can take a ferry to Elephanta Caves and get a different experience there by taking a ferry.
October to March is the best time to visit.
There is no entry fee.
Hours: Open every day.
The Eastern Highway can be reached by bus or car.
Among the things to do are enjoying sunrises and sunsets, taking photographs, and eating local food.
Visit the Indian Museum Ship, Colaba, Bowen Memorial Methodist Church, Design Temple, Sukho Thai, and others nearby.
Hiking, ferry rides, nature walks, and photography are among the things to do.
Places to visit nearby: Gateway of India, Colaba, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Jehangir Art Gallery, etc.
In 25.5 km from Mumbai is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is a heritage building near Mumbai that is popular among tourists for a variety of reasons. Its main attraction is its construction and intricate designs. Furthermore, tourists can watch the art gallery, collection of artefacts, etc., here.
Throughout the year is the best time to visit.
Fees:
The number of adults is 85 (Indians), and 500 (foreigners).
10:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Western Express Highway can be reached by bus or car.
Explore history, art, and architecture.
The following places are nearby: Jehangir Art Gallery, Flora Fountain, National Gallery of Modern Art, Bombay Natural History Society.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
One of the most popular picnic spots near Mumbai is Karanala Bird Sanctuary, which has a diverse collection of wildlife and flora.
September to April is the best time to visit.
Fees:
For adults, there is a charge of $30 per person.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway is the best way to get there by bus or car.
Enjoy nature, birdwatching, photography, and trekking.
There are a number of nearby places to visit, including Karnala Fort, Matheran, Wonders Park, Louisa Point, and Kalavantin Durg.
Karnala Fort
The Karnala Fort in Raigad district is one of the best tourist attractions within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. The trekking trail is quite easy, boosting your energy levels.
September to April is the best time to visit.
There is no entry fee.
6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
By bus or car via the Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway.
Among the things to do are: enjoying nature, exploring architecture, hiking, fort trekking.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Kharghar Hills, Wonders Park, Louisa Point are nearby places to visit.
A 48 km drive from Mumbai is the Global Vipassana Pagoda
In honor of the Shwedagon Pagoda of Myanmar, Global Vipassana Pagoda is a famous Buddhist religious place that attracts tourists due to its breathtaking beauty. In this way, it is entirely dedicated to exploring the stunning Burmese architecture and marveling at massive structures like the Gong Tower and Bell Tower on the temple grounds.
October to February is the best time to visit.
There is no entry fee.
It takes place from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
By bus or car via Western Express Highway and Uttan Road.
Photographing, exploring art and architecture, learning about Buddhism, and engaging in spiritual activities are some of the things to do.
Vasai Fort
A popular tourist destination, Vasai Fort is a protected archaeological site of the Archaeological Survey of India. It is a significant historical monument surrounded by breathtaking natural surroundings. Besides the hilly landscape and the soothing sight of the Ulhas River, one can also explore nearby nature spots and temples.
October to March is the best time to visit.
There is no entry fee.
The hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Western Express Highway can be reached by bus or car.
Exploring architecture, enjoying nature, trekking to forts, hiking are some of the things to do.
Della Adventures
In an amusement park, Dell Adventures is a great place to spend a short one-day visit since you can do a lot of adventurous activities. The fun activities you can have here include Aqua Zorb, flying fox, buggy ride, rappelling etc. You can also enjoy the stunning nightlife in nightclubs and restaurants.
Throughout the year is the best time to visit.
The entry fee depends on the package.
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
By bus or car via the Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway.
Playing different games, adventure sports.
A few nearby attractions include Shree Narayani Dham Temple, Bhaja Caves, Kune Falls, and The Duke’s Retreat.
Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort is an excellent place to explore outdoor activities near Mumbai. The long hiking trail amidst lush greenery will surely make your day. Besides the picturesque landscape, this place has become a haven for photographers.
June to September is the best time to visit.
There is no entry fee.
The office is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
By bus or car via NH48.
Explore history, art, and architecture.
Places to Visit Nearby: Bhaja Caves, Shree Manudevi, Venkateswara Temple, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.
Bhaja Caves
It is also possible to make a short one-day trip to the Bhaja Caves in Mumbai, another nearby attraction. There are 22 Buddhist caves in this area that display great ancient rock formation architecture, which attracts tourists to it. Additionally, there are 14 Buddhist stupas that have great religious significance.
October to March is the best time to visit.
Fees:
The number of adults is 5 (Indians), 100 (foreigners).
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
By bus or car via the Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway.
Nature, history, trekking, and hiking are among the things to do.
Visit the Bedse Caves Ancient Buddhist Heritage, Bhaje Waterfall, Karla Caves, and Patan Buddhist Caves nearby.
