Mumbai

Mumbai's most iconic landmark, the Gateway of India is a 26-meter basalt arch standing on the waterfront of Apollo Bunder, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Built between 1911 and 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, its Indo-Saracenic architecture blends Hindu and Muslim design elements with European flourishes. Ironically, the last British troops departed India through this very gate in 1948. Today, it's the starting point for boat trips to Elephanta Caves and the backdrop to the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel — together forming one of India's most photographed tableaux.

Marine Drive is Mumbai's iconic 3.6 km Art Deco promenade curving along the Arabian Sea from Nariman Point to Girgaum Chowpatty Beach. Nicknamed the 'Queen's Necklace' for the string of streetlights that traces its arc at night, this palm-lined boulevard is Mumbai's living room — where the city comes to breathe, jog, dream, and watch spectacular sunsets. The stretch is flanked by some of Mumbai's finest Art Deco buildings, forming the world's second-largest Art Deco ensemble after Miami. At the northern end, Chowpatty Beach is legendary for its bhel puri, pav bhaji, and kulfi — not for swimming, but for experiencing Mumbai's street food culture with sand between your toes.