Asia / India
Places to go. A little room to wander.
THE SHORTLIST
Mumbai
A man-made lake that used to be the city's water supply, now a tourist destination. Although it isn't really that spectacular, the lake is bordered by the skyscrapers of the Hiranandani Gardens, and there are many crocodiles on the lakeside. It is best viewed from the IIT Bombay campus.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
Regional outing · 13 km from Mumbai (straight line)
Cave 1 is the largest and the grandest of the Elephanta Caves. The cave consists of a central large hall flanked by the Eastern and Western courtyard. The main hall is approachable from the north and is supported by colossal columns. The entrance is flanked by two sculptures on either side. On the left-hand side of the entrance is the statue of Yogishvara (Lord of Yogis) and on the right is Nataraja (Dancing Shiva).
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Regional outing · 13 km from Mumbai (straight line)
Caves 2-5 of the caves are nothing spectacular but are only located next door, so it is advisable not to give it a miss. Caves 1 and 5 are unfinished caves with almost no ornamentations. Cave 3 has a grand entrance through a six-pillared entrance. It has a large porch and a shiva shrine guarded by damaged dvarapalas (gate guardians). Cave 4 lacks the grand entrance of cave 3 but otherwise, plans are similar with a shiva shrine.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Regional outing · 17 km from Mumbai (straight line)
The historic financial heart of Mumbai, and home to the iconic Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Like New York's Wall Street, Dalal Street is a metonym for India's big business, stock market and the entire financial industry based in Mumbai. A narrow alley running between Mumbai Samachar Marg and Nagindas Master Rd, Dalal Street is named after the Marathi word for broker, as local brokers were trading informally under banyan trees near Horniman Circle in the 1850s. In 1875, they formed the Native Share and Stock Brokers’ Association, which is now the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
Mumbai
Caves 6 and 7 are located on the adjacent hill, which is known as Stupa Hill. One has to turn right after exiting from the gate of the main complex. It takes about 15 mins to reach the caves. The trail is not well marked and there are hardly any visitors. Cave 6, known as Sitabai’s temple cave, consists of three chambers with a portico. Interestingly, this cave was converted into a church by the Portuguese when the island was a part of their colony.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
A note before you go. Treat Cave 1 as a separate regional outing from Mumbai. Arrange the outward and return journey before adding another visit on that day. The suggested days are an editable grouping, not a timed tour. Visit allowances exclude transfers, meals and queues; confirm the exact entrance and current visiting arrangements for Cave 6 & 7 before setting off.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. Suggested days and time allowances are editorial starting points. Check the linked visitor information for opening hours, access, and reservations.
BEFORE YOU SET OFF
However, do ride in a taxi at least once in the city. Feel real adventure in a vehicle that feels like it might fall apart at speed with a driver who thinks he's Schumacher. For travelling using public transport, you can download the m-Indicator app for Android and iPhone. It contains useful information about bus and train routes, which can help you plan your commute. The Mumbai Suburban Railway, commonly referred to as "Locals", is both an icon and a vital artery of Mumbai and a ride on it should be on every visitor's agenda.
Powai Lake and Cave 1 are about 18.7 km apart in a straight line. Use the route link to compare the actual streets or transport connections before putting both in the same morning; the measurement is not a walking distance or a transfer estimate.
A LITTLE STRUCTURE. ROOM FOR DISCOVERY.
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This city guide includes selected, abridged material by Wikivoyage contributors, adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0. The adapted guide text is available under the same license; photographs and website design retain their separate terms. Selected and abridged reference descriptions; operational prices and timetables omitted. Elsewhere added the shortlist, geographic grouping and planning notes.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. It is community-edited background, not firsthand reporting or a live opening-hours service.
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