No city offers itself for the camera quite like Mumbai, a populous metro known for its cosmopolitan nature. If you’re new to the city and want to explore the art of photography, ditch the most-snapped locations for these 5 less-photographed places.
1) Chor Bazaar near Bhendi Bazaar, South Mumbai
With a 150-year history, Chor Bazaar is something of a Mecca for street photography and in our opinion one of the city’s best attractions. Of the countless markets that Mumbai has this is the most beautiful, its sprawling maze of lanes being filled with antiques, art deco and trinkets of every kind.
Be warned: Chaos prevails here; take care of your belongings or they might end up getting stolen.
How to get there: Local transport (bus or taxi).
2) Bandra-Worli sea link bridge
Ignore the dizzying din of cars passing by, grab a seat on the Worli sea-facing promenade and snap some memorable shots of the sea and the Bandra-Worli sea link with its soaring arches and steel cables. If you have a car and want the best view of the bridge we recommend driving across it.
How to get there: Get off at Bandra station and take a cab. If you have your own car take the SV Road from Bandra. You’ll need to pay a toll to use the sea link.
3) Mani Bhavan at 19, Laburnum Road, Gamdevi
A wonderfully atmospheric departure from the tested tourist spots, Mani Bhavan is a sentinel between Bombay and its contemporary avatar, Mumbai. A museum dedicated to the city’s rich, varied history, it is a tiny, history-ridden structure on Laburnum Road in South Mumbai. Mani Bhavan served as Mahatma Gandhi’s home from 1917 to 1934, and in 2010 US President Barrack Obama visited this place and described it as a testament to Gandhi’s life.
How to get there: Get off at Grant Road Station and take a cab.
4) Dhobi Ghat, Mahalaxmi
The largest open laundry in the city, it has featured in many Bollywood films. As a key feature of the city it offers you a sneak-peek of a realer, grittier side to Mumbai. Take in the melée of colours as hundreds of dhobis (washers) hand-wash sheets and garments. If you’re lucky you may get to see a film shoot in progress.
How to get there: Mahalaxmi is the closest railway station.
5) Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East
Wake up early and explore this national park situated in the north of the metropolis. Set in the lap of nature, you’ll be welcomed by chirping birds and surrounded by a green expanse. You may well bump into budding photographers with whom you can tag along, or simply choose to explore the park all by yourself. Be sure to see the beautiful lake set in the heart of the park and the photogenic wildlife that resides there.
How to get there: Board a train on the Western Line to Borivali. From there you can take a rickshaw ride or a bus heading to National Park.
Some old favourites:
Dadar Flower Market:
Chaos rules here. If you can get over the filthy streets, honking cars and vendors yelling their lungs out, you might be able to enjoy the sight of colourful, freshly stacked flowers.
B.E.S.T. Museum at Wadala:
This museum chronicles the glorious history of the undertaking from 1947 till the present day. It has an impressive display of vintage buses belonging to the B.E.S.T.
Gateway of India:
An 85-feet-high arch, this is one of the city’s best-known destinations and offers a romantic view of the Arabian Sea.
Juhu Beach:
Stroll along the beach as you capture images of tourists, children on merry-go-rounds, vendors selling their wares and families taking a dip in the sea.
CST station (previously Victoria Terminus):
Buzzing with people, try to capture Mumbai during rush hour.
Marine Drive:
A quintessential spot for lovers and residents to watch the sunset, a visit to Marine Drive lets you capture the graceful arc of the road also known as The Queen’s Necklace, due to how it appears from an elevated position when lit up at night.
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum:
A 134-year-old Palladian building which is a symbol of Mumbai’s history and diversity.