Raj Bhavan, Mumbai

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The Raj Bhavan is the official residence of the Governor of Maharashtra. It is spread over an area of around 50 acres in the Malabar Hill. Sea surrounds the estate on three sides, which has lush green lawns, conserved forest areas and heritage bungalows.

Under the instructions of the Governor, Raj Bhavan is open for visitors and tourists. People can visit the banquet hall, see the buildings in the complex, and also watch the sun rising over the sea.

In the Raj Bhavan Mumbai tour, you’ll know about the history of Mumbai, the Maharashtra-Gujarat partition and the pre-independence India too.

And if you’re in luck, you can enjoy a cup of tea with the Governor too.

History of Raj Bhavan Mumbai

Before being the Governor’s official residence, Raj Bhavan used to be their Summer Residence. The Governor’s residence was in the Bombay Castle back then. It shifted to Apollo Street later and then, Parel.

In 1885, the residence was set up here, in Malabar Hill. And since then, it has served as the home for British governors and later, governors of Maharashtra.

Architecture of Raj Bhavan Mumbai

Among the picturesque greens lies the Raj Bhavan of Mumbai. The complex has five main buildings – Jal Bhushan, Jal Laxan, Jal Chintan, Jal Vihar and Jal Sabhagriha. Renovations have been carried on over the years, and the buildings have an amalgam of modern Indian style of architecture and British colonial style.

Jal Bhushan is a residential building and it also houses the waiting room for visitors, the conference room and the dining room, among other sections. The luxury Jal Laxan building has Maratha style of architecture and carvings. This is where the governor receives the heads of government.

Jal Chintan is built on a cliff and provides a view of the bay and the horizon. The Jal Vihar building houses a banquet hall and a ballroom. And the Jal Sabhagriha serves as the venue for oath ceremonies and other official events.

Image Gallery of Raj Bhavan Mumbai

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Things to do at Raj Bhavan Mumbai

1. Sightseeing around the complex – Raj Bhavan exists across 50 acres. The entire area though isn’t open for the tour. Visitors can only take the designated paths and a government official will accompany them, explaining the history and significance of the place. During the tour, you can visit the residence, see the office and also marvel at the architecture of the banquet hall.

2. Witnessing the sunrise – Getting to view the sun rise from the east, with the Mumbai skyline in the backdrop, is a scene you won’t like to miss. Raj Bhavan has an open area from where you can relax and get a spectacular view of the sea and the sun. Interested people can do their morning yoga too.

3. Checking out the Bunker Museum – The Bunker Museum at Raj Bhavan Mumbai is an impressive underground British-era bunker. Officials discovered this 15,000 sq. ft. area only a few years ago. It was then renovated and developed as the museum it is today.

4. Exploring the flora and fauna – Raj Bhavan is in a forested area and has a variety of flora and fauna conserved within its periphery. Peacocks appear regularly, but you might come across other rare birds during your visit. Different trees also thrive in the ecosystem.

5. Seeking luck from the Goddess – The Devi Mandir is another must-visit spot in the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. People call the Goddess as Sagar Mata, Sakalai Devi and by many other names as per their beliefs. The temple also hosts a fair during July/August.

Raj Bhavan Mumbai Entry Fee and Timings

During your visit to the Raj Bhavan, you’ll learn all about the British time Bombay Presidency and the formation of Maharashtra later. Only 10-20 visitors are allowed in a day with booking done in advance. The tour starts at 6.15 AM and ends at 8 AM. A staff of the Governor, usually the Public Relations Officer, acts as the guide during the tour.

The place is open on all days except for Monday and government holidays. And the registration fee is only ₹25 per person.

Best time to visit Raj Bhavan Mumbai

You can visit Raj Bhavan throughout the year, except for the monsoons and during heavy rains. So, anytime between October and June will be a pleasant time for a Raj Bhavan visit. Tourists’ entry is permitted only during the official tour which starts at 6.15 AM. So, make sure you are at the gate by 6 AM.

Time to explore Raj Bhavan Mumbai

Raj Bhavan Mumbai visiting hours begin at 6 AM, and it will take you around two hours to explore the place. An electric car is available for the tour and you can visit the spots on foot too. Your visit will conclude with tea/coffee offered by the hosts.

How to reach Raj Bhavan Mumbai?

You can reach Raj Bhavan in Malabar Hill Mumbai using autos, cabs or public buses. Local train services are also available. Grant Road and Charni Road stations are the nearest railway stations from Raj Bhavan Mumbai.

Now that you know everything about Raj Bhavan, following are the various options you have to reach Mumbai –

By Road – Mumbai is connected well with the nearby towns and other cities throughout the country. Regular buses are available from the places in the neighbourhood. You can also hire a cab from top car rental companies in Mumbai and visit Raj Bhavan and other tourist spots.

By Rail – Trains from all over India arrive at Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Mumbai Central are the main railway stations.

By Air – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has flights from major destinations around the world and all over India.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Raj Bhavan Mumbai

• Entry to Raj Bhavan is at the discretion of the Governor
• Carry a valid government ID proof when you visit
• You can carry mobiles but not cameras and DSLRs

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Location Map for Raj Bhavan Mumbai