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Getting There
Air: Distance from Airport 35 Km/ 25 Mile
Rail: 3 Km from Railway Station
Things to do
Banganga Tank - Near the edge of the Arabian Sea at the southern tip of Malabar Hill, several small crumbling stone-turreted temples and flower-garlanded shrines surround an area of looming modern-day skyscrapers and encroaching urbanization.
Dhobi Ghats - It's a fascinating spectacle, looking down on row upon row of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone, while Bombay's dhobis relentlessly pound the dirt from the city's garments in a timeless tradition. Known as the world's largest outdoor laundry, Dhobi Ghats is where Mumbai's traditional launderers, or dhobis provide a wonderful service of collecting dirty laundry, washing it, and returning it neatly pressed.
Elephanta Island Caves - At 6.3m, the remarkable sculpture depicts Shiva in his three-headed aspect: as Creator, Protector, and Destroyer. Left of the Mahesamurti is Shiva as both male and female, Ardhanarishvara, an aspect suggesting the unity of all opposites. Other sculptures refer to specific actions of the god and events in Hindu mythology, but many were damaged or destroyed by the Portuguese, who apparently used the Hindu gods for target practice.
Film City - These are the largest film studios in Asia, but don't expect Universal Studios or Disneyland. There are no rides or queues at ticket turnstiles. This 140-hectare (350-acre) Bollywood back-lot with dozens of film sets will interest film fanatics and those keen to get out of central Mumbai for the day. Most sets are heavily booked throughout the year, and Film City is not officially open to visitors; phone ahead and make arrangements to secure entry.
Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Hotel - The Gujarati-inspired yellow basalt structure was supposed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, who arrived in 1911. More impressive in beauty and size is the hotel behind the Gateway. Inspired by its namesake in Agra, an industrialist named Jamshedji Tata built the Taj Mahal Hotel just over a century ago.
Jain Temple - This is arguably the prettiest temple in Mumbai. Members of the peace-loving Jain community (the Jains will not tread on an ant, and at their most extreme wear masks to avoid breathing in even tiny insects) are known to be exceptional in the world of business, and although they believe in self-restraint and aestheticism, they pour large sums into the construction and maintenance of their places of worship.
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum - Mahatma Gandhi lived in this quaint Gujarati-style house from 1917 to 1934. This quiet three-story home now preserves the spirit of the man who selflessly put his nation before himself. There's a library of Gandhi-related works, as well as displays of photographs, posters, slogans, and other items that document and explain Gandhi's legendary life.
Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach - Marine Drive follows the sweeping curve of sea that stretches north from Nariman Point's high-rise buildings to the famous Chowpatty Beach, located at the foot of Malabar Hill. It's the ultimate seaside promenade, where Mumbaiikers come to escape the claustrophobia of central Mumbai, gratefully eyeing an endless horizon while strolling or jogging along the broad windswept promenade. This is a great place to try some of Mumbai's famous street snacks, especially bhelpuri: crisp puffed rice, vegetables, and fried noodles doused in a pungent chutney of chili, mint, and tamarind, and then scooped up with a flat puri (puffy deep-fried bread).
Prince of Wales Museum - Renamed the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, but thankfully also still known by its colonial name, this is Mumbai's top museum and arguably the best in India, providing an extensive and accessible introduction to Indian history and culture. The Indo-Saracenic building itself is rather lovely, but it is the collection that is outstanding, not least because it is well laid out and aided by a useful audio guide highlighting "curator's choice" exhibits.
Victoria Terminus - This baroque, cathedral-like building must rank as Mumbai's most marvelous Raj-era monument. India's very first steam engine left this station when it was completed in 1887; today at least a thousand trains leave every day, carrying some 2.5 million commuters in and out of the city. A vast network of dabbah-wallahs transfer some 10,000 cooked lunches, prepared by housewives and kept warm in identical metal Tiffin containers, from the suburbs to a central sorting house before redistribution to office workers. The success of this system (almost no one gets the wrong lunch) is proof of how well India works, despite its reputation for obstructive bureaucracy.
Aurangabad & the Ellora and Ajanta Caves - The ancient cave temples at Ellora and Ajanta are among the finest historical sites India has to offer. You can cover both Ellora and Ajanta comfortably in 2 days. The caves at Ellora are spread out, so don't drag your heels, and be sure not to miss the ultimate jaw-dropper, known as "Cave 16": the Kailashanath temple complex is more carved mountain than cave, and is the world's largest monolithic structure, twice the size of the Parthenon.
Accommodation
The Gordon House Hotel has three distinctly themed floors: -
The Mediterranean Floor: Bright stucco walls, colorful furniture and tiled floors enhance the warmth and vibrancy of the Mediterranean.
The American Country Floor: Our 'Country Cottage' style rooms are cozy and inviting with pinewood floors, wooden furniture and patchwork quilts.
The Scandinavian: The essence of North European lifestyle is captured in understated luxurious rooms that combine clean lines and subtle colors with simple design elements.
Versailles Suite: The luxurious suite revives the opulent era of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
The Patio: The Patio, an outdoor banquet terrace captures the perfect setting for barbeques and private parties under the stars.
The attention to detail of design in all the rooms is apparent in the custom-made furniture, drapes, wall hanging and accessories. The hotel has young spirited professionals who pride themselves on their friendly, personalized service and who ensure that they create a home away from home for the discerning traveler.
Eating
All Stir Fry - All Stir Fry is an Oriental street kitchen style restaurant with a noodle bar that allows you to create your own meal. Innovative and interactive dining at its best.
Tides - Tides is a dazzling seafood restaurant and bar with a wonderful selection of crustacean complimented by an impressive list of wines. Tides also doubles as a 24-hour coffee shop with a sumptuous breakfast spread.
Polly Esther's - Retro at it's best, that's what Polly Esther's, the nightclub is all about! Get transported back in time while you groove to the very best in music of days gone by. Reggae, Pop, Rock, Soul, Slow Rock, Motown, Disco, etc. are just some of the genre's of music you can expect at Polly Esther's.
A selection of finger licking snacks and exotic classic and house cocktails are served all night long.
Facilities
Air conditioning
Bedside console
Minibar
Iron and ironing board on request
Electronic safe
Complimentary rentals for CD library
American Breakfast
Free Internet access
Beautifully decorated rooms
Refrigerator
Telephone
Lounge
Music system
Business center with Internet facility
Conference rooms
All major credit cards accepted
Each floor with different theme- Mediterranean, Country & Scandinavian
Heated indoor pool
Outdoor lighted tennis court
Health club
Jacuzzi
Sauna
10-lane Bowling Alley
16 restaurants (including Cantonese, Shanghai, vegetarian Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Swiss, International)
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