BEST THINGS TO DO IN MUMBAI FOR FREE

By- Aaindrila Dey

Today we are going to talk about a city where anything and everything can change but only the sea is a constant. More dreams are realized and extinguished in this city than any other place in India. Yes, the name which is popping into your head right now is absolutely correct. We are talking about MUMBAI. Once you have lived in MUMBAI no other city is good enough. Basically #lifeinMumbai revolves around three things

STRUGGLE for earning

EARN for spending

SPEND because you struggled and earned

But today we are not going to ask you to spend your money to buy happiness. Rather we are going to tell you how you can spend best of your time in the city which never sleeps and that for FREE.

Yes, you saw that right!

Here’s a list of things to do in Mumbai that are free of cost and will make you happy for sure!

1) Visit the Gateway of India

The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century in Bombay, India. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911. Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the foundation stone for the Gateway of India was laid on 31 March 1911.

The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder area at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The monument has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is the city’s top tourist attraction.

· Location: Colaba, South Mumbai

· Highlights/Famous For: Indo-Saracenic style of architecture

· Nearby Tourist Attractions: Elephanta Caves and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

· How to Reach: 2.5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal and 2.4 km from Churchgate.

· Timing : All days of the week 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Best Time to Visit Gateway of India

You can visit here anytime in the year. But the time between November to March is best to experience the environment here. In this period of time weather remains almost pleasant.

If you're visiting Gateway of India, Mumbai with the family or in a group, be sure to check out the room options and facilities in each hotel near gateway of India to make your visit more memorable and comfortable as well.

2) Visit the Asiatic Library or just sit by its steps and listen to some music or read a book!

Books are the lives we don’t have time to live. Asiatic Society Of Mumbai Town Hall is like a candy store for book lovers where everything is free. You can grab a book of your interest, snuggle in a corner outside and read to your heart's content. The steps of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai are a perfect hangout place for readers.

· Location: Horniman Circle, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort, Mumbai

· Highlights/Famous For: Over 8, 00,000 antique volumes in the library.

· Nearby Tourist Attractions: Horniman Circle Gardens, St. Thomas Cathedral church

· How to Reach: Public Transport (MTDC Buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis)

· Timings: 10:30 A.M to 5:30 P.M. (Sunday closed)

3) Enjoy the beauty of Marine Drive and be mesmerized by it!

Weekends at Mumbai Beaches are more awesome than any lounge’s or Pub’s. Marine Drive is one of the most beautifully laid boulevards in southern part of Mumbai. Stride along the beautiful walkway and view the stunning sight of the setting sun at dusk.

As the place became more popular among tourists, government decided to top up the beauty of the place. Marine Drive was later constructed to be the Miami of India. Similar to Miami, the place is covered with offices, apartment blocks, cinemas and others built in Art Deco style. The place was designed to represent the architectural beauty of the land and many travelers have compared it with the Miami’s architecture.

· Location: South Mumbai

· Highlights/Famous For: Beautiful walk way, sunset point

· Nearby Tourist Attractions: Art deco buildings, Chowpatty Beach

· How to Reach: This beach is located in the center of Mumbai and hence, is easily accessible by all means of local public transportation.

· Timings: Marine drive is an open location, you can visit it any time. Though it is suggested not to spend late night at this place. There is no fixed visiting time for visiting it.

4) Visit the Mt. Mary Church in Bandra

The Mount Mary is a must-visit if not out of belief, then to appreciate the semi-Gothic architecture and the openness of the Basilica rendered unique due to its location. There is a Feast of Mount Mary every year on the first Sunday of September, which is also celebrated as the birthday of the Virgin Mary. The Feast is followed by the Bandra Fair, which is held for a week.

· Location: Mt. Mary's Road, Near Bandstand, Bandra West, Mumbai

· Historical Importance: This church was destroyed in 1738 AD and then rebuilt in 1761 AD.

· Things To Do/Activities: You can attend festive activities during 'Bandra Fair' and offer prayers at the church.

· Nearby Tourist attraction : Father Agnel Church, Jogger's Park

· Timings :

Monday 8:00 am – 8:30 pm

Tuesday 8:00 am – 8:30 pm

Wednesday 8:00 am – 8:30 pm

Thursday 8:00 am – 8:30 pm

Friday 8:00 am – 8:30 pm

Saturday 8:00 am – 8:30 pm

Sunday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

5) Feel the cool breeze and water at Bandstand

Popularly known as a lover's point, at low tide, young couples like to sneak out onto the rocks below to spend some time alone.

The lazy and laid-back surroundings surely add to the romance of the place, in complete contrast with the rest of the bustling city. It also offers a vantage view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link from its well-maintained promenade.

· Location : Bandstand Road, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra

· Highlights/famous for : Experience Seekers,Photo Fanatics,Fun Lovers

· Near By places : Father Angel Church, Bandra fort

· Timings : All days of the week

12:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Mumbai- an ironical juxtaposition of the city of dreams and the city of nightmares comes out to be a great project to capture! We here tried to bring about the heart of the city that is often covered underneath the stardust that the entire city is brushed with! Catch a glimpse of the city on the go, right here.