Things to Do in Mumbai

The Bombay High Court, one of Mumbai’s most beautiful examples of Gothic revival architecture, was built from 1871 to 1878, with the first sitting in early 1879. On the top of the black stone building’s two octagonal towers, you’ll notice statues representing Justice and Mercy, but some of the most interesting sculptures are found within.

Local lore tells of a dispute between the English contractors responsible for the construction of the Bombay High Court and a Parsi subcontractor. The Parsi lost his lawsuit in court, and in revenge, sculpted a monkey with a bandage over one eye and holding unbalanced scales of justice. This sculptural depiction of Aesop’s fable can be found in the western corridor.

Today, the Bombay High Court remains one of the oldest and most distinguished high courts in India. If you’re interested in India’s judicial system, it’s possible to enter the building and sit in on a hearing if one happens to be going on.

Most visitors to Mumbai eventually find their way to the bustling district of Colaba, the city’s tourist heart and location of the iconic Gateway of India monument. It’s an attractive area of crumbling colonial-era mansions and fascinating laneways, fishing docks, churches, vibrant vegetable markets and great selection of street-food stalls.

As you take a wander through the district, seek out the opulent mix of Victorian and art deco buildings, like the Regal cinema and 1870s Sailors Home. The grand buildings of the High Court and Mumbai University flank the maidan, and a series of arcaded state buildings surround the 1860s Horniman Circle. The Portuguese held onto Little Colaba Island until the 1760s, longer than other parts of Mumbai, but the colonial remnants are firmly British. Colaba is also where you’ll find the ritzy Taj Mahal Hotel, Naval cantonment, upmarket residential areas and shopping malls.