Mumbai is home to several sites of architectural and cultural importance, some of which have found a place in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites' list. From monuments reflecting the city’s cultural heritage to cave temples encapsulating the stories of its past, each of these sites embodies Mumbai’s history and heritage. On World Heritage Day 2025, explore the timeless charm of these iconic places.
Updated On: 2025-04-18 04:17 PM IST
Compiled by : Raaina Jain
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves, located near Mumbai’s mainland shore, was the first site in the city to be inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites' list in 1987. (Pic: AFP)
These ancient cave temples, dedicated to various forms of Lord Shiva, feature elaborate rock architecture and hold immense cultural significance. (Pic: Pexels)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Formerly called Victoria Terminus, this iconic station complex of Mumbai was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. (File Pic/Ashish Raje)
According to UNESCO, CSMT is an illustrious example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, blended with influences from Indian traditional architecture. (File Pic)
Designed by British architect F.W. Stevens, this busy terminus has been recognised as a prime symbol of Mumbai’s identity. (Pic: Pixabay)
Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
Added to the list in 2018, Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai is a collection of buildings around Oval Maidan in Fort that feature the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architectural styles. (File Pic)
According to UNESCO, these ensembles bear testimony to the phases of modernisation and urban planning that the city underwent during the 19th and 20th centuries. (File Pic)
Some notable structures included in this group are Bombay High Court, Rajabai Clock Tower, David Sassoon Library, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Eros Cinema, among other public and residential complexes. (File Pics)
