Religious Beats

You’ll develop a deeper understanding into the varied religions that are represented in Mumbai through a special selection of visits to places of worship which symbolize the unique social scene found here.

Stop in the popular middle class settlement of Dadar at the recognized Guruvayur and Ram temple complex, constructed in South Indian style, it has a majestic upper complex containing five sacred gold plated urns. Opposite Dadar railway station is the impressive three spired Swaminarayan temple erected out of pink sandstone in traditional architectural style with intricate carving.

You'll make your way downtown along the coastline, passing Haji Ali mosque and tomb, where you next see the oldest sacred fire in Mumbai that was installed in 1709 and housed in the Bomanji Wadia Fire Temple. You'll be able to view from the outside as only worshippers are permitted in.

Stop for lunch at a local hotel before turning to the Jewish influence that has helped shape the historical and commercial success of Mumbai. The arrival of the Baghdadi Jews brought synagogue life to its prominence. Jacob Sassoon built the Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue in the "Fort" area. The synagogue, with its white wooden staircase, decorative floor tiles and fine stained-glass is patronized by both Baghdadi and Bene Israel communities.

While Roman Catholicism continued to thrive in the Mumbai region even after the departure of the Portuguese, the Anglican Church made its presence felt with the coming of the British in 1661. Commissioned in 1715, St. Thomas' Cathedral, the first in the city, contains fine stained-glass windows and choice objects of worship that was selected for the UNESCO Asia Pacific Conservation award.