10 Best Places to Visit of Mumbai’s Unique Infrastructure

Bandra Worli Sealink

The 5.6 kilometer Bandra Worli Sealink, which crosses the Arabian Sea, linking the Mumbai suburbs with south Mumbai, is considered an engineering marvel. This cable-stayed bridge, supported by cables and columns, contains enough steel wire to wrap around the earth. The bridge weighs as much as 50,000 African elephants and used 90,000 tonnes of cement—enough to build five 10-story buildings.

However, the Sealink faced significant delays, which extended its construction from the initial five years to ten. Furthermore, the estimated cost ballooned from 6.6 billion rupees ($119.46 million) to 16 billion rupees ($289.6 million). The first four lanes opened to the public on June 30, 2009, while all eight lanes were finally inaugurated on March 24, 2010.

• Where: The Bandra Worli Sealink starts near Bandra Reclamation (at the Western Express Highway) and ends at Abdul Gafar Khan Marg junction, Worli. The Taj Lands End hotel at Bandra Bandstand offers a birds-eye view of the Sealink. Note that pedestrians and motorcycles are not allowed on the Sealink.
• More Information: Bandra Worli Sealink website. You can also view photos of its construction.

JJ Flyover

Flyovers, defined as elongated structures passing over other roads, have transformed urban India. The 2.5 kilometer long JJ Flyover, opened in 2001, exemplifies this achievement. It winds through a maze of historical buildings, including government offices at Mantralaya. Prior to its construction, movement in this area was exceedingly congested with hawkers, vendors, cars, and pedestrians.

Moreover, the flyover has had a noteworthy impact on the community by altering the privacy landscape. Its elevation reveals a panorama of life in the densely populated neighborhoods.

• Where: The JJ Flyover connects J.J. Hospital to CST (Victoria Terminus) in South Mumbai.

Grant Road Skywalk

The Mumbai Skywalk Project has resulted in nearly 50 pedestrian walkways connecting to vital railway stations throughout the city. Aimed at reducing congestion in dense urban areas, these skywalks first emerged in 2008. One of the most notable skywalks is at Grant Road railway station, spanning 650 meters and offering a unique perspective on local life through residential windows.

• Where: Grant Road railway station sits on the Western Line in South Mumbai.

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is a vast open-air laundry where dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is meticulously hand-washed by dhobis (washermen) in a series of concrete troughs. Established in 1890, it continues to serve the city’s extensive English and Parsi population. This location provides a unique window into the local culture and is often considered one of the top attractions in Mumbai.

The Dhobi Ghat is managed by the municipal council, collecting rent and maintenance fees from the washermen, many of whom are migrants from other regions. Hundreds live on-site, and their families have upheld this tradition for generations. Notably, the Dhobi Ghat is formally recognized as the Dhobi Kalyan and Audyogik Vikas Co-op Society and even made it into the Guinness Book of Records for hosting the largest number of people (496) hand-washing clothes simultaneously in March 2011.

If adventurous, you can explore inside for a closer look. Take the stairs to your right, turn left at the bottom, and find the entrance on your left. For around 200 rupees, a local guide will escort you through the fascinating laundry process and share insights about the dhobis’ lives.

• Where: Adjacent to Mahalaxmi railway station (the 6th station on the Western Line from Churchgate). Exit the station and turn left over the bridge.
• More Information: Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat website.

Mahalaxmi Racecourse

Recognized as one of Asia’s premier racecourses, Mahalaxmi Racecourse was inaugurated in 1883, inspired by the renowned Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia. Spanning 225 acres, it features a beautifully shaped 2.4 kilometer track. The Grandstand is designated as a heritage structure, enhancing its historical importance.

Horse racing events are held from November to late April, typically on Sundays and Thursdays. As the season progresses, Saturday races are also introduced. The highlight of the racing calendar is the Indian Derby, taking place in February. During certain times in the mornings and evenings, the inner lane of the track is accessible for walking or jogging.

Indulge in exquisite food and beverages at the upscale Tote on Turf restaurant and bar.

• Where: Keshavro Khadye Marg, Mahalaxmi.
• More Information: Royal Western Turf Club website.

Mumbai Local Train

The Mumbai local train is an essential component of daily life in the city, providing the fastest and most efficient means of transportation. Transporting an impressive eight million passengers each day, it offers a unique perspective on the local lifestyle. Riding the Mumbai local truly immerses you in the vibrant culture and hustle of the city.

• More Information: For more details, refer to travel guides available online that offer insights into navigating the Mumbai local train system effectively.

Dadar Flower Market

As Mumbai’s largest wholesale flower market, Dadar Flower Market features over 700 stalls bursting with vibrant blooms. This expansive covered market brilliantly captures the essence of local life, coming alive around 4 a.m. with the arrival of fresh flower deliveries. While activity peaks before 9 a.m., the market remains open all day.

The flowers cater to local street vendors, who create floral garlands for religious ceremonies and events. Particularly during the Dussehra festival, the market thrives as marigold flowers are essential for decorations symbolizing victory over evil.

• Where: Near Dadar railway station, along Tulsi Pipe Road, situated between Dadar and Parel in central South Mumbai.

Mumbai Film City

Mumbai, famously known as the heart of Bollywood, houses the Mumbai Film City, established by the Maharashtra state government in 1978 to support the film industry. Covering nearly 350 acres, this complex features around 20 indoor studios and numerous outdoor settings for a variety of film productions.

Unfortunately, access to Mumbai Film City is restricted to organized tours only, as special approval is necessary to enter the grounds.

• Where: Located in Goregaon, a western suburb of Mumbai, easily reachable from the Western Expressway.
• More Information: Various tour operators provide Bollywood-themed experiences, enabling visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of Indian cinema.

Sewri Jetty

Sewri Jetty serves as an industrial hub along Mumbai’s eastern waterfront, characterized by its docks filled with large container ships and busy industrial units. However, the true highlight of this location is the migratory flamingos that arrive from the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat during the winter months.

From late November to late March, these stunning birds can be seen against the unique backdrop of the commercial docks, best viewed two hours before high tide. Early risers have the advantage of witnessing this spectacular sight come to life at sunrise.

• Where: Sewri is accessible via the Mumbai Harbour train line. To reach Sewri Jetty and the adjacent mudflats, follow the road opposite the railway station to a T-intersection, then turn right. It’s approximately a 15-20 minute walk.

Buffalo Tabelas

It may surprise visitors to learn that within the bustling urban landscape of Mumbai, there are approximately 640 buffalo tabelas nestled among the buildings and streets. These large cowsheds house around 50,000 buffaloes, generating an impressive 750,000 liters of fresh milk daily for the city.

In recent years, the presence of tabelas has sparked controversy, as the state government seeks to relocate them outside the city limits. The reasons include the valuable land they occupy and the concerns over hygiene and odor affecting local residents. Despite a court order for their relocation, the government has struggled to implement these changes.

• Where: Generally located in the western suburbs of Mumbai, particularly in Goregaon, Jogeshwari, and Andheri, some tabelas can also be observed along the Western line of the Mumbai local train. Aarey Milk Colony, established in Goregaon East in 1949, stands out as the most organized milk colony in the city.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park