Mumbai
The iconic basalt arch built to welcome King George V in 1911 stands opposite the majestic Taj hotel. Sunset here is pure magic-ferries bob, street musicians play, and the Arabian Sea turns gold. A short boat ride takes you to Elephanta Caves.
UNESCO-listed Victorian Gothic masterpiece that looks like a cathedral exploded into a railway station. Watch thousands of commuters flow like clockwork while admiring stained glass, stone peacocks and flying buttresses. Best at blue hour when it’s floodlit.
The 3-km “Queen’s Necklace” curve lights up like diamonds after dark. Walk, sit on the promenade, eat bhelpuri at Chowpatty while watching waves crash. Monsoon evenings here are legendary.
Hour-long ferry from Gateway lands you at 6th-century rock-cut temples dedicated to Shiva. Giant Trimurti sculpture will leave you speechless. Monkeys, ancient carvings, sea breeze-perfect half-day escape from the city.
World’s largest open-air laundry where 150 years of tradition meet hundreds of men hand-washing Mumbai’s clothes in concrete troughs. View from the bridge is surreal-like a living painting of organised chaos.
Drive or cab across the stunning cable-stayed bridge at sunset, then climb to little-known Castella de Aguada for panoramic views of the sea link glowing against the skyline. Perfect Instagram and soul spot.