The continuous tradition of Buddhist rockcut dwellings and 'Chaityas' find their prime example in the magnificent rock cut caves of Elephanta. It was during the 6th Century CE that these splendid caves were carved from the rock face. These temples lie close to nine kilometers (6 miles) northeast from Apollo Bunder. They are one of Mumbai's most famous tourist attraction. Elephanta Islands, in earlier days was called Gharapuri, the fortress city. It was named as Elephanta by the Portuguese, after they saw a large stone elephant on its shore. All art in the caves is dealt in the Shaiva tradition, all related to Lord Shiva. The most famous is the impressive 'Trimurti' where God Shiva takes the form of Brahma, the Creator, Vishnu, the Preserver, and Maheshwar, the Destroyer.

Also famously known as the Queen's Necklace (a romanticized perception of the streetlights), Marine Drive was built in 1920 on reclaimed land from the back bay. The 3.6-kilometer-long (2.2 miles) sweeping curve runs along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point. It takes one past Mumbai's most renowned landmarks like the N.C.P.A, Marine Plaza, Pizza By The Bay, InterContinental Marine Drive, Wankhede Stadium, and Art Deco buildings till you reach Taraporewala Aquarium, Bachelors Juice House, the Gothic Wilson College, Chowpatty Beach to the foot of Malabar Hill. A favorite spot among joggers and dog walkers, most prefer enjoying the views with a cup of roadside tea.

Mumbai's most popular landmark, this yellow basalt arch, was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Designed by George Wittet, this imposing structure overlooking the Arabian Sea was opened to the public in 1924, and since then it's been on every tourist itinerary, besides being a favorite meeting point for the locals. Many launches depart from here for short joyrides around the harbour, or for longer ones to the Elephanta Caves. Touts, balloon sellers, photographers, and peanut vendors rove across the place amid tourists who gape in pure delight and awe at its sheer scale and architecture. Awash in elegant semblances of Indo-Saracenic and Islamic architectural styles, the Gateway is also within close proximity to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which is another one of the city's most prized possessions. Accentuated by the rippling waters of the sea, this monumental, triumphal arch stands under a gleaming dome and is adorned with fine detailing, including latticework and an inscription that describes why the arch was constructed. What was once a modest piece of land utilized by the city's fisherfolk was later frequented by British nobles along with other luminaries, and today it stands as a gargantuan, emblematic jewel of Mumbai.

The Jehangir Art Gallery is situated at Kala Ghoda (opposite to the David Sassoon Library) and is one of the most sought-after venues for artists to exhibit their oeuvres. Founded by Sir Cowasji Jehangir, Indian artist K.K Hebbar and nuclear scientist Dr.Homi Bhabha were the driving forces behind establishing this art gallery. A mammoth institution, the gallery's history is directly linked with the renaissance of Indian art. As students from the prestigious Sir J. J. School of Art will clue you in, the wait-list for a showcase at the Jehangir Art Gallery is around 7 years! However, visitors to this public art gallery have neither waiting times to contend with, nor the queues one witnesses so often in India. A must-visit for art lovers, Jehangir Art Gallery is Mumbai's heritage symbol.

Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, is one of the city's prominent landmarks situated between the historic areas of Colaba and Fort. Completed in 1914 to commemorate the first visit of King George V to India, the museum was, however, open to the public only in 1922. Designed by George Wittet and John Begg, who also have the G.P.O. (1913) and the Gateway of India (1924) to their credit, this Mumbai museum stands tall and proud. Crowned by a gleaming white dome, the visage of the museum bears stunning semblances of Islamic, Maratha and Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. Complete with arcs, wood finishings and a glorious central pavilion, the museum houses extensive collections spanning the fields of art, culture, history, architecture and archaeology among many others. A brilliant amalgam of history, architecture and culture, the museum harbours artifacts, textiles, paintings, sculptures, portraits, weaponry and rare treasures from the Indus Valley Civilization to the contemporary period.

Founded in 1872, the Bhau Daji Lad Museum has long been the predecessor to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum). Located in Veermata Jeejamata Udyan (Byculla Zoo), the museum was named after Victoria & Albert. However due to the initiatives taken by one of Mumbai's revered freedom fighters, Dr Bhau Daji Lad, the museum was renamed after him. Silver and copperware, ivory models, old photographs, clay models, temples made of pith, interesting agricultural articles and other decorative pieces and figurines, reminiscent of various clans and communities are displayed here. Owing to private enterprise initiatives and the Mumbai chapter of INTACH, the museum saw a major facelift in 2007, restoring it to its old glory. It's about time more people walked off the beaten path and took notice of this hidden museum.

Formerly known as Borivali National Park, this 87 square kilometers (8700 hectares) protected area on the northern outskirts of Mumbai provides a fresh breath to this congested megapolis. Originally planned as a wildlife retreat outside Mumbai, most of its area still remains wild but breathtakingly beautiful. It is filled with dense forests and picturesque lakes. The highlights of the park are the several animal species, like the hyena, four-horned antelope, panther, deer, and leopard, along with plenty of fauna, making it a birdwatcher's paradise with over 274 species. You can enjoy the Lion Safari Park inside or take a ride on the toy train. Home to the Buddhist Kanheri caves, the national park is a favorite among outdoor lovers in the city.

Situated at the Worli-Mahim Bay, along the Arabian Sea, the Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most iconic religious sites in Mumbai. Dedicated to Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy Uzbek merchant, the mosque is an exemplar of Indo-Islamic architecture and was constructed in the 15th Century. Whether a follower of Pir Haji Ali Shah or not, the mosque welcomes all visitors regardless of religion. Except for the sanctum sanctorum, visitors are free to stroll around the premises. Haji Ali Dargah is accessible via an inconspicuous causeway next to Haji Ali Juice Centre, a walk best attempted during low-tide.

The Castella de Aguada, famously known as Bandra Fort and was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower overlooking the Mahim Bay. After Bombay was handed over to the British as dowry, this watchtower served as a defensive structure against the British who sought to expand to Salsette Island held by the Portuguese. In 1739, the Salsette Island was captured by the Marathas who held it till 1761 after being passed on to the British under whom the fort fell into disrepair since it no longer served its purpose. The fort today at Land's End serves as a venue for concerts and has an amphitheater.

South to the Gateway of India is Colaba Causeway, the commercial thoroughfare that is extremely popular with the tourists and locals. Glorified in all guide books, from Lonely Planet to Gregory Roberts' Shantaram, Colaba Causeway passes close to Sassoon Dock, which is the picture of hectic activity every morning as the fisherwomen unload and sort the catch that would be sold throughout Mumbai. The Causeway has some great restaurants from Delhi Darbar, Piccadilly, Cafe Churchill, Basilico, and the veritable institutions Cafe Mondegar (Mondy's) and Cafe Leopold (Leo's) are both found only a few yards away from each other. There are shops and vendors selling anything and everything under the sun. This is the place to come if you want to taste the flavor of the city that never sleeps.