Instagrammable places in Mumbai – Popular and Unusual Spots: This is a very special post as I am writing about my own city, as a Tourist. I have been to the different nooks and corners of Mumbai city and being born and brought up here, I have seen Bombay change into Mumbai. But a few months ago, when my train of thought halted at the idea of this blog, I felt a renewed enthusiasm to discover my city all over again; not just as a Mumbaikar local or a photographer, but as a tourist. The places mentioned here have been visited by me within the last few months & you’ll definitely notice as with each passing month my hair has changed lol. 2019 is all about my new hairdo 😛
Mumbai as a city is cited on many traveller’s bucket list. Some visit for a few days and some settle in to chase their dreams. The city that never sleeps, Mumbai, is active round the clock. Mumbai has a bit of everything. It’s a melting pot of Culture, Captivating history & architecture, food like no other city, bustling streets & a lot of Instagrammable places.
Dust down those camera lenses and visit these beautiful spots in Mumbai; places that I am sure would linger in your memory for years to come.
These places do not need an entry ticket nor are these hampered by photography restrictions.
Popular Instagrammable places in Mumbai:
Gateway of India:
There is hardly a soul who hasn’t heard about Gateway of India. Not to be missed, the Gateway is on every traveller’s itinerary. Its Grandeur is best captured early in the morning, when the golden rays of the sun peak through the arch of this iconic structure. Witness the calmness that precedes the chaos with every passing moment. One of the most visited places of Mumbai, it is always crowded by tourists, locals and photographers trying to earn a living. Don’t forget to pose against the backdrop of the iconic Taj. The Gateway of India is one of the most grammed photos of Mumbai.
Marine Drive:
I have never seen a sunset that I have disliked and its always more glamorous when viewed from Marine Drive. The lengthy stretch of road, also known as Queen’s necklace, sparkles after sunset. When the sun goes down, the street lights illuminate the shore like a string of pearls in a necklace making it a beautiful sight. The soothing vibes in the atmosphere, the mesmerizing waves of the ocean, the most beautiful sunset and picturesque skyline make for a great Instagram worthy shot. It is also recognised as the “Miami of India”. The 3.5 km long promenade is perfect for long strolls by the bay. At the northern end lies Chowpatty beach, another beautiful sandy place to visit in Mumbai.
Streets of Kala Ghoda:
Kala Ghoda is home to striking architecture and heritage sights, art galleries, museums, book stalls and libraries. The name is derived from the statue of a Black Horse situated at the center of the crescent shaped road. The wall with a multi-coloured horse graffiti is one of the most clicked backgrounds. The Kala Ghoda neighbourhood is dotted with many tiny cafes. Stroll through the bylanes and marvel over stunning buildings and even grab a cuppa rounding up the walk. Every year in February, the Kala Ghoda Association hosts a nine day Kala Ghoda Arts Festival supporting artists.
Asiatic Library:
If you are a Bollywood fan, you must have come across this grand Town Hall aka Asiatic Library in many movies. Often portrayed as the High Court, this Townhall has been recently renovated and the white-washed grand pillars and stairs make for an Instagrammable Spot of Mumbai. Don’t be surprised if you come across young millennials popping locking to hip hop tunes making TikTok videos or couples posing for their pre wedding shoots here. Visit early morning, at the dawn of day, to get a dreamy shot with no photo bombers.
Bombay Samachar Building:
Horniman Circle is yet another interesting part of Fort loved by tourists and locals. However, one part that stands out is Bombay Samachar building. This red building has been a beautiful backdrop for many fashion bloggers on Instagram. Striking a pose at this vibrant façade can brighten your Instagram game real quick. The next time you are in Horniman circle, get yourself clicked here.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus:
No list of places describing Mumbai is complete without mentioning the monumental CST Railway station. This UNESCO World heritage site in Mumbai is an architectural beauty preserved from the British era; this stunning building is worth capturing. If you love history and are curious to know more about this iconic spot, you can take a tour of the building. For more details visit here
Colaba Market:
The street is always bustling with tourists and locals. From dazzling jewellery stalls to stylish bags and clothes, Colaba Market is one of the recommended places to visit in Mumbai if you are looking to shop at a bargain. You can always stopover for a beverage or a light meal at Café Mondegar or Café Leopold or some of the other cafes along the way.
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Bandra-Worli Sea Link:
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is best viewed from Bandra Fort. Click this engineering marvel from any angle and you’ll find it just as stunning. You can also view it from Dadar Chowpatty.
LOVE Mumbai, Bandra Reclamation:
The relatively newer addition to Instagrammable places in Mumbai is the “Love Mumbai” installation at Bandra Reclamation. It is stationed at the promenade of Bandra Reclamation, overlooking the skyline of the city. You will spot a few Love Mumbai installations across the city but we love this one a bit more. Add this to your “places to see in Mumbai”
Streets of Bandra:
Love Graffitis? Bandra has lanes splashed with street art and murals. The bylanes of Chappel road has some interesting graffiti on the walls. A gleaming addition is a tribute to yesteryear’s Bollywood actress Sri Devi. One of the most Instagrammable walls here is a graffiti of Anarkali. As the years have rolled on, this has begun to fade. Capture it before it disappears in time.
Unusual Instagrammable Spots in Mumbai:
While all these places have been shining in the spotlight, here are a few off the beaten path places in Mumbai you must have not heard of.
Banganga:
I vaguely remember visiting this place during my childhood. Cut to 2019 & I discovered this place again. Part of the Walkeshwar Temple Complex, Malabar Hill, it is not as popular as any of the other places I have mentioned earlier. Being less popular, it has fewer tourists. Banganga is one of the oldest sacred water tanks which Hindu devotees believe has purifying benefits. Simply sit on the steps and soak in the peaceful vibes this place has to offer.
Ballard Estate:
Ballard Estate is mainly known for Britannia Café and the Port House. But did you know it also makes for a perfect gothic set to get those IG shots?
Pastel shade buildings, classic retro bus stop, European styled architecture and if you are lucky you could also spot Vintage cars here. It has that London feeling about it. The Grand Hotel is my favorite spot to capture 😊
Global Vipassana Pagoda:
This beautiful site lies at the suburban end of the city. You must have noticed the Glorious Golden tip jutting out above the surrounding trees along the way to Gorai. Located on the outskirts of Mumbai, near Essel World, Global Vipassana Pagoda is one the most peaceful yet instagrammable places in Mumbai. Entry is free and Photography is allowed inside the Pagoda premises. Photography is only prohibited inside the Main Dome of the visitor’s gallery. Visiting time is from 9 am to 6.30 pm, avoid weekends to experience the calmness.
Dhobhi Ghat:
Welcome to the world’s largest outdoor laundry, Dhobi Ghat. The colourful clothes hanging on strings, racks and even rooftops create a vibrant layout to simply go shutter crazy. Although it’s open from 4.30am to 10pm, the best time to visit would be between 9 am to 11 am if you want to capture the toil & effort of this place. Situated close to Mahalaxmi railway station, you can get a glimpse of this place from the footover bridge. The people here are kind and love to share their story. Please do not Tip anyone for touring the place, even if asked, as entry is absolutely free.
Chor Bazar:
This is an unusually photogenic and risky spot. It’s easy to find charm here amid all the chaos.
The narrow alleyways are filled with antiques and artefacts stores. If you are a hoarder of all things rustic, this is the place to add on your list. From vintage cameras to classic old cassettes, you will find pretty much everything here. Photography inside the stores is prohibited but there is no stopping you clicking from outside. Most of the times, a smile and a simple “please” does the trick 😊
Have you visited these Instagrammable spots in Mumbai before? Which one is your favorite from this series?
Until then,
TheWickedSoul
Above pictures clicked by the very talented Saipoornima Madiwal aka SashaOkayPlease
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Finally the most awaited blog is out!