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Mumbai is often synonymous with crowds and noise. Yet, amidst all this chaos, much like Bangalore, Mumbai has plenty of things to do and see. While Colaba Causeway, Marine Drive, and the Gateway of India may be famous, they are also often filled with both tourists and locals.

If you’re looking for something different to do in the city, here are 11 off-beat things you can do in this bustling city:

1. Kanhoji Angre Island
Khanderi Island, or Kanhoji Angre Island

Set across the Mumbai Harbour, this island has a fort built by the Portuguese and was later held by the Marathas. Previously known as Khanderi Island, it has a fully functional lighthouse and the ruins of numerous canons.

2. Street Art at Bandra

One of the poshest locales in the city, Bandra is nonetheless full of cafes and small lanes filled with street art. Look at how these old neighborhoods are transformed with splashes of color.

3. Dana Pani Beach
The empty stretch of Dana Pani Beach

Located in Malad, this secluded beach is at the end of Madh Marve road. Dana Pani Beach is also near a few beach resorts where you can grab a quick bite.

4. Kwan Kung Temple
The Kwan Kung Temple is a remnant of Mumbai’s Chinatown

The only Chinese temple in Mumbai, it was built in 1919 for the city’s then sizeable Chinese community. Even though this changed after the Sino-Indian war in 1962, the temple still remains in Mazagaon, which was once Mumbai’s Chinatown.

5. Mahakali Caves
The Mahakali Caves in Andheri East, Mumbai

These form the oldest rock cut Buddhist monastery around Mumbai. Also called the Kondivite Caves, they have carvings of Buddha and Buddhist mythology, and can be found in Andheri East.

6. Dhobi Ghat
A man sorts colors and whites at Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai

Mahalaxmi is home to the world’s largest laundrette. Laundry from all over the city is brought here, and it is usually buzzing with activity.

7. Vasai Fort
Vasai Fort

Protected by the Archeological Survey of India, this was one a stronghold of the Portuguese. Sometimes referred to as Bassein Fort, it is now rumored to be haunted.

8. Kayaking 
Chowpatty Beach and Marine Drive

At Chowpatty Beach, forget the street food and instead go on a thrilling Kayaking experience on the choppy waters of the Arabian Sea.

9. Irani Cafes
Located in a busy bylane near Flora Fountain, Yazdani is an iconic 100-year-old bakery

Irani (or Parsi) Cafes are a fast fading Mumbai institution famous for milky chai, bun maska, and kheema pao. Check out places like Cafe Military or Cafe Excelsior in Fort, Kayani near Metro Cinema, Merwan Café on Grant Road, or Britannia on Sprott Road.

10. Mangroves
The islands of Mumbai are held together by mangroves

Mangroves hold together the islands that make Mumbai, but they are fast disappearing in the face of urban development. However, some can still be found on Carter Road, the Eastern Freeway, and on the back roads of Versova.

11. Banganga Tank
The Banganga Tank at Walkeshwar Temple

According to legend, the Banganga Tank in the Walkeshwar Temple complex was created by Rama and Lakshmana shooting an arrow into the ground to bring forth a tributary of the Ganga.

11. Prithvi Theatre
prithvi theatre mumbai
(via prithvitheatre.org)

Mumbai is the centre of India’s largest film industry, and Bollywood is a major part of the city. But, there are tons of other forms of arts and entertainment to be found in the city. Check out some great performing arts shows at the Prithvi Theatre, one of the most acclaimed theatres in the country.

Mumbai is the arts and entertainment capital of the country, which is why you should make sure to sample its rich artistic offerings. As one of the country’s most acclaimed theatres, Prithvi regularly features various performing arts shows featuring celebrated and emerging talent.

Are there any other off-beat places to see in Mumbai that we’ve missed? If so, be sure to share them in the comments below.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Ma’am Thanks for the detailed review and a Virtual guide for people who like off beat. I’ll see to it to drop a reply after visiting to the places suggested….\\

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