17 Hidden Gems In Mumbai To Explore When You Get Bored Of Marine Drive

If you’re looking for a cultural experience that also serves as a refreshing break from the city's chaos, consider visiting this Dargah in Byculla. You’ll be introduced to a world rich in culture, history and beauty at this architectural marvel that receives much less acclaim than it should. 

Google Rating: 4.8/5

Timings: Open 24 hours

LBB Tip: Do keep in mind that only the Aga Khani Khojas are permitted to pay respects to the grave of Hasan Ali Shah. But you can always visit it and marvel at its beauty from outside.

A volcanic eruption that took place more than 66 million years ago has given rise to this gigantic monolithic rock that draws in nature lovers around town. This 200-feet-tall structure also has two Hindu temples on top, and offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

LBB Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as climbing this one is quite a workout. We recommend not staying here beyond 7 PM after dark.

This 37-acre land was once Mumbai’s largest dumping grounds, and has been restored to form this gorgeous forest park. If you’re a nature lover, we suggest you head down to check out the variety of trees, birds and butterflies that you might find here, right in the middle of cosmopolitan Mumbai. 

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 20

LBB Tip: We suggest take your kids here and book a guide or a qualified naturalist so they can learn about the park. 

This 800-year-old fishing village in Mumbai, the Worli Koliwada, is home to one of Mumbai’s best-kept secrets. The Golfa Devi Temple has been known to grant wishes to the members of the fisherman community. Golfa Devi is also known as the speaking Goddess in Worli and one very interesting fact about this temple is that the fishermen, before venturing into rough waters, seek permission from the deity and she seems to answer with a yes or no. 

Timings: 5 AM to 10 PM

This is a tank that was built in 1127 AD. Visit to see the beauty of architecture, the quaint homes that peacefully surround this lake, and to enjoy some slow-paced moments in this secluded part of this otherwise buzzing city. Lined by temples, it is the oldest and largest thriving Hindu pilgrimage spot in Mumbai. We can well imagine coming here to spend the day alone with our thoughts.

LBB Tip: Do not miss out on some noteworthy spots near the tank, like the Priyadarshini Park and Hanging Gardens.

If you’re a nature lover or love to surround yourself with succulents and plants at work and at home, this nursery comes highly recommended! This nursery is actually an extension of a plastic store, with a muddy path that leads to it where you’ll find everything from herbs to medicinal plants to succulents. They also have maintenance services and they’ll send a maali to your house who will look after the plants, if needed. They also deliver plants upon order. 

Google Rating: 3.9/5

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

Pro Tip: These nurseries in Mumbai will help you become a plant parent! 

An instant shift from concrete to massive greenery, this tiny heaven in Goregoan is sure to remind you of Jammu and Kashmir. Head to this place with your gang for a fun boat ride. Head here if you want to soak up some sunlight peeping through the trees, breathe in some fresh air and process your emotions and feel a little stabilised in this fast-moving city.

Google Rating: 3.8/5

Timings: Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM

Price: A 30-minute boat ride will cost you approximately INR 50. 

Vasai Fort, aka Bassein Fort (its original Portuguese name), is a splendid one-day getaway with abandoned churches and a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea. The fort is done up in parts, into a church, a chapel, and then the long stretch of the fort itself. Walk around a bit, climb up the stairs at the main church, and you can see the beautiful blue Arabian sea against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

LBB Tip: We recommend going here in a group as it can sometimes get isolated.

Sewri or Shivadi fort, however you like to call it, is a lesser-known fort built by the Britishers to watch over pirates and invaders. A Grade-one heritage structure of Mumbai, this place is considered the best viewing site for migratory flamingos. You can explore the caves and the hidden architecture anytime. People are often seen here for their pre-wedding photoshoot as well! In order to maintain the ancient vibe and calmness of the place, littering and noise are prohibited, so make sure you’re on your best behaviour while visiting this fort.

Google Rating: 4/5

Timings: Open 24 hours

LBB Tip: Walking around mangrove forests and the fort ruins will be a lot, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

A photographer's paradise, Khotachiwadi in Girgaum is Mumbai's mini version of Goa. The locals have turned their houses into such captivating attractions, with colourful homes and gardens donned up. The best time to visit here is during Christmas or New Year. You can get some aesthetic pictures near the famous Portuguese-style bungalows and vibrant houses (after taking their permission, of course). One of the bungalows has been converted into a design gallery, 47A, which hosts various shows and exhibitions.

Timings: 24 hours

Contact: 9892213907

LBB Tip: East Indian eateries like wafers of different flavours and freshly baked nankhatai are a must-try here.

Sagar Upvan Garden is a 12-acre garden that is best for jogging and evening walks. It is truly a hidden gem of Mumbai and gives the perfect escape from the city's chaos. It is often frequented by locals who also know the garden by the name of Mumbai Port Trust. It's common to see people here unwinding, playing games, sketching, and spending quality time are common sights here. To feel the calmness of nature, come here early in the morning and have a peaceful time at this seaside garden. 

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 6 AM to 11 AM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Contact: 02266565656

LBB Tip: Ensure not to litter the surroundings and spend your time here responsibly.

Mumbai’s street art scene is quietly thriving and we're loving it, tucked into corners of Bandra, Mahim, Dharavi, and even along railway lines and flyovers. From massive murals by international artists to hyperlocal graffiti, the city’s walls are loud with colour and culture. Street art specialist Ranjit Dahiya's projects have genuinely transformed sleepy lanes into open art galleries since 2012, especially the ones on the Chapel Road, dedicating them to the OG Bollywood actors. There are also brightly painted walls of Sassoon Docks in Colaba at the Mumbai urban art festival, giving a tribute to the local fishing community.

Moolji Jaitha is one of Mumbai’s oldest textile markets and it still has that same old-school charm. It's a hidden market inside Crawford market where generations of shopkeepers have been selling everything from traditional cotton kurtis to mulmul and silk gowns. If you want some unique pieces or want to get a dress stitched as per your design, this is the market you have to explore. The shops are small, but they keep a really good stock.

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 11:30 AM to 8 PM

Contact: 9920210470 (Prasham Textiles)

Looking to escape Mumbai, without really leaving it? Head to Uttan, explore it a bit, the beaches and the food, but most importantly, the lighthouse. Near the rocky shores of Uttan, this tall, white, and red striped lighthouse offers great views of the Arabian Sea. The area is calm and mostly visited by locals or cyclists who ride down here early in the morning. You can enter the lighthouse easily and climb up for a panoramic view, or simply sit by the coast and watch the waves crash against the rocks.

Rating: 4.4/5

Timings: 4 PM to 5:30 PM

Entry Fee: INR 10

Pro Tip: Here's the complete guide to spend a day at Uttan. 

Matunga may be best known for its South Indian eateries, but if you love a good bargain or enjoy browsing through some quirky and cute clothes, the Matunga Clothing Market is where you should go. The market is hidden between the flower sellers and old-school stores but is packed with shops selling everything from cute PJs, dresses and tops to short kurtis. It's where a lot of locals go for casual shopping as the prices are reasonable. You won't find it on Google Maps, but it's on the main road right next to the Ram Ashray Hotel.

If you are around Charni Road anytime during the day and see a bunch of office people having lunch outside a small shop, chances are it's this one. Tucked away in a tiny lane behind the Opera House, this humble shop is famous for just one thing, which is Sev Khamani. The owner has been selling this dish for years at the same price and same taste, slightly sweet, tangy, with lots of crunchy sev. There's no seating or signage, and it opens early and shuts early as well.

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM

Price: INR 25

Contact: 7506807034

Set up in 1942, A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Idli House has been dishing out South Indian meals since forever. They serve the crispiest medu vada along with piping hot sambar, unlimited chutney, and close to 16 varieties of idlis. The vibe here is more like 'come, eat, and go.' Don't forget to have the Mysore dosa that they make with their famous Mysore chutney and the rasam as well. The place is winning hearts and stomachs for generations, without burning a hole in any pockets.

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 7 AM to 9 PM

Price For Two: INR 400