20 Iconic Architectural Landmarks in Mumbai You Can’t Miss

Interested in architecture in Mumbai? These 20 landmarks display a range of different styles, from Colonial to contemporary.

Moreover, Mumbai boasts the second largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world, second only to Miami. In 2018, these structures received UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai. Many of them line Marine Drive in South Mumbai.

Gateway of India

Mumbai’s most recognized monument and one of the top attractions, the Gateway of India was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Designed to be the first sight for visitors arriving by boat, this impressive Gateway, completed in 1924, stands as a striking symbol of the British Raj era. Following India’s independence in 1947, the last British troops departed through this Gateway. Its architecture features Indo-Saracenic design, which combines Islamic and Hindu styles.

Beginning your exploration of Mumbai at the Gateway of India is popular. Today, the area around the monument can feel vibrant, with numerous vendors selling a variety of goods.

• Where: On the waterfront in Colaba, south Mumbai. Opposite the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.

Taj Palace and Tower Hotel

The Taj Palace Hotel, built in 1903, is a majestic architectural marvel that combines Moorish, Oriental, and Florentine styles. The hotel’s striking structure features numerous chandeliers, archways, domes, and turrets, alongside a notable collection of artwork and artifacts, which adds to its eclectic ambiance.

You can enjoy high tea at the famous Sea Lounge in the Heritage wing or dine at Souk, with a view of Mumbai harbor.

• Where: Colaba, in south Mumbai. The hotel is located behind the Gateway of India.

Royal Bombay Yacht Club

Founded in 1846, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club is among the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Mumbai, designed by the British architect John Adams. Its Gothic style architecture adds a grandeur to the establishment. In 1876, Queen Victoria granted the club the title of “Royal.”

• Where: Opposite the Gateway of India, near the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel. Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, south Mumbai.
• More Information: Royal Bombay Yacht Club website.

Dhanraj Mahal

Dhanraj Mahal is an Art Deco building, a style that originated in Paris in the early 20th century. Built in the 1930s, it was the former palace of Raja Dhanrajgir of Hyderabad and once the largest and costliest building in Mumbai. Although it was acquired by the Ministry of Defense during World War II, it was later returned to the royal family.

Today, Dhanraj Mahal serves residential and commercial tenants. It has a total area of 130,000 square feet and a large central courtyard, situated close to the Arabian Sea.

• Where: Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, south Mumbai.

Regal Cinema

The Regal Cinema, which was the first of Mumbai’s Art Deco cinemas, was built during the 1930s cinema boom. Other cinemas that emerged during this period include Plaza Central, New Empire, Broadway, Eros, and Metro. The first film screened at Regal Cinema was Laurel and Hardy’s The Devil’s Brother in 1933. It continues to show films today.

• Where: Opposite Regal Circle at the end of Colaba Causeway, south Mumbai.

Maharashtra Police Headquarters (Sailors’ Home)

In 1982, the Maharashtra Police Headquarters moved into the building formerly known as the Royal Alfred Sailors’ Home. Construction of this building began in 1872 and was completed in 1876. Originally designed to accommodate 20 officers and 100 seamen, it was commissioned to commemorate the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit in 1870.

The Maharashtra government acquired the building in 1928 to house the Bombay Legislative Council, and it later became the home of the Police department.

• Where: Opposite Regal Circle at the end of Colaba Causeway, south Mumbai.
• More Information: Maharashtra Police website.

Elphinstone College

The Elphinstone College building is one of the finest Victorian structures in India. It was designed in the 1880s and was initially intended to house the Government Central Press. However, it has served educational purposes since April 1888.

This building showcases stunning Gothic architecture and is classified as a Grade I heritage structure. The Kala Ghoda Association recently completed a restoration of the site.

• Where: Opposite Jehangir Art Gallery, south Mumbai.
• More Information: Elphinstone College website.

Horniman Circle

Horniman Circle consists of stately building facades arranged in a semi-circle, with the Horniman Circle Gardens at the center. This space, originally called the Mumbai Greens, was constructed in 1860 as a 15-acre area opposite the Town Hall where live music echoed every evening after sunset. The Mumbai Greens were later renamed Horniman Circle in tribute to Mr. B.G. Horniman, Editor of The Bombay Chronicle.

A notable banyan tree in the Circle marks the site of India’s first stock exchange, while nearby historical buildings include the stock exchange and St. Thomas Cathedral.

• Where: Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, next to the Town Hall (Asiatic Library) in the Fort district, south Mumbai.

Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk)

Khotachiwadi (Martyrs’ Square) was rebranded from Flora Fountain in 1960 to honor the members of Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti who lost their lives during a protest. The ornate Flora Fountain in the square was created in 1864, representing the Roman Goddess Flora, the Goddess of Abundance.

A refurbishment project for the fountain and its surroundings concluded in mid-2019, bringing new stone paving, seating areas, and lighting.

• Where: Veer Nariman Road, south Mumbai.

Bombay High Court

Constructed between 1871 and 1878, the Bombay High Court first sat in January 1879. Designed by British engineer Col. J.A. Fuller, its Gothic architectural style is reminiscent of a German castle. The structure is primarily made of black stone, with octagonal towers topped by statues of Justice and Mercy, symbolizing the upholding of Indian law.

Visiting a trial can provide an interesting experience, particularly in Rooms 19 and 20 around 10 a.m. Note that photography is prohibited inside the court. Additionally, a small museum in room 17, which opened in 2015, showcases courtroom artifacts, historical certificates, and portraits.

• Where: High Court Building, Dr Kane Road, Fort.
• More Information: Bombay High Court website.

University of Mumbai

Established in 1857, the University of Mumbai, formerly known as the University of Bombay, is among the first three universities in India. Its architecture exhibits Venetian Gothic influences. Visitors can stroll around the campus and peek into both the University Library and Convocation Hall, which features beautifully restored stained glass windows.

• Where: MG Road, Fort, Mumbai. Near the High Court.
• More Information: Mumbai University website.

Rajabhai Clock Tower

Located within the University of Mumbai, the 260-foot Rajabai Clock Tower is modeled after London’s Big Ben. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the clock tower was completed in November 1878 after almost ten years of construction. It bears the name of the mother of a wealthy 19th-century stockbroker who financed its building.

An extensive renovation of the clock tower and the University Library concluded in 2015, marking its first restoration in history with an expenditure of over 4.2 crore rupees (approximately $700,000). The clock tower’s interior is beautifully ornate, and its stone exterior is surrounded by 24 statues representing various socio-ethnic groups of western India, skillfully crafted by Indian artisans and students from the JJ School of Art under the tutelage of Sir Lockwood Kipling.

Unfortunately, access to the university grounds is restricted; hence, the clock tower is only viewable from the street.

• Where: Above the Mumbai University Library, best viewed from Oval Maidan, Fort, Mumbai.

Mumbai Mint

The Mumbai Mint, one of four mints in India, was built in the 1920s and features similar architecture to the Town Hall, consisting of pillars and Grecian porticoes. Major John Hopkins of the Bombay Engineers designed the building, sanctioned by the East India Company in 1923.

The Mint primarily produces commemorative and development-focused coins that are available for sale, along with a range of medals for various purposes, including those for the Ministry of Defense.

• Where: Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Fort, Mumbai. (Just opposite the Reserve Bank of India).
• More Information: Mumbai Mint website.

Remains of St George’s Fort

If you’re unfamiliar with Mumbai’s history, you might wonder why the Fort district is named so. It derives its name from the fort that once stood there, namely Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company around Bombay Castle, which is among the oldest defensive structures in Mumbai. Named after King George III, the fort was 1.6 kilometers long and 500 meters wide.

Though the fort was demolished around 1865, evidences of it still exist in various areas.

• Where: Near St. George’s Hospital, P D Mello Rd, Fort. (Close to the General Post Office and CST train station).

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) Train Station

The crowning achievement of Raj era architecture, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (previously known as Victoria Terminus) resembles London’s St Pancras Station. Architect Frederick William Stevens designed this station, completed in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It has since become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The structure is a remarkable fusion of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture intertwined with traditional Indian styles (both Mughal and Hindu).

The architectural drawings detailing the building’s design, as well as all its pillars and gargoyles, are currently archived.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is consistently recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful train stations, noted by publications like Architectural Digest and Time magazine.

The Central Railways and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation have introduced themed lighting for the station, enhancing its magnificent design by illuminating its intricate details.

A Heritage Museum located inside conducts guided tours, although it operates only from 3-5 p.m. on weekdays. The entry fee is 200 rupees.

• Where: Near the JJ Flyover and P D Mello Rd, Fort.

Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum

The oldest museum in Mumbai, the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum (formerly the Victoria and Albert Museum), is an exceptional example of Palladian design, derived from the principles of the Italian architect Andrea Palladio. Established in 1855 as a repository for decorative and industrial arts, it was rebuilt in 1862 in a Renaissance Revival architectural style similar to Palladian. Meticulous restoration efforts were undertaken between 2003 and 2007, and a new wing is currently under construction.

• Where: Rani Bagh, 91/A, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Byculla, Mumbai. (Next to the botanical gardens and zoo). Closed on Wednesdays and some public holidays.
• More Information: Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum website.

Khotachiwadi

If you appreciate history and architecture and want to experience the essence of old Bombay, a stroll through Khotachiwadi is essential. The narrow winding lanes of Khotachiwadi village are lined with old Portuguese-style bungalows and a quaint church. Historical evidence suggests that Khotachiwadi began evolving as an urban layout prior to Bombay becoming a metropolitan area. Eventually, a century following the Portuguese arrival, they ceded Bombay to the British as part of a royal dowry to Charles II of England. Wandering through Khotachiwadi allows you to step back in time and witness a significant chapter of Mumbai’s history. You can also find opportunities for staying in one of these heritage homes.

Sadly, urban development is encroaching on the village, and fewer than half of the original 65 bungalows remain.

• Where: Girgaum, in south Mumbai. Located a few streets behind Girgaum/Marine Drive Chowpatty. The nearest railway station is Charni Road on the Western Line.

Antilia (Home of Businessman Mukesh Ambani)

As one of India’s wealthiest individuals, Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, resides in Antilia. Named after the mythical island of Antillia, this home is reputed to be among the world’s costliest, estimated to have cost between $1 and $2 billion to construct. Comprising over 20 stories, it employs hundreds of staff to maintain the property.

Public reactions to Antilia range widely; some celebrate the demonstration of wealth while others criticize it, especially in light of ongoing poverty.

• Where: Altamount Road, Cumballa Hill, south Mumbai.

Banganga Tank

Banganga Tank is an ancient water tank and one of Mumbai’s oldest surviving structures, dating back to 1127 AD. Built during the era of the Hindu Silhara dynasty, it was constructed over a freshwater spring by one of the ministers in the dynasty’s court.

Through the years, Banganga Tank has inspired countless artists, in both film and painting. It remains an excellent spot for those seeking solace away from the city’s frenetic pace.

Today, the tank is surrounded by an eclectic mix of apartment complexes, skyscrapers, and religious temples. The narrow path leading down to the tank evokes memories of Mumbai’s historic past amidst encroaching urban development.

• Where: Walkeshwar temple complex, Malabar Hill, south Mumbai.

Bombay Stock Exchange

As a prominent example of contemporary architecture in Mumbai, the current Bombay Stock Exchange building was built during the late 1970s. The building comprises a total of 29 floors, and at its completion in 1980, it was the tallest building in India.

• Where: Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers, Dalal Street (Broker Street), Fort, south Mumbai.
• More Information: Bombay Stock Exchange website.

Experience Mumbai’s most iconic infrastructure and explore its rich architectural heritage. Each landmark symbolizes a piece of history, culture, and the vibrant spirit of this bustling metropolis.