Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

This lively train station is both a magnificent colonial-era architectural masterpiece and a place to experience India’s fascinating railway system.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (once called Victoria Terminus) is an imposing and extravagant railway station, where more than a million people daily board and disembark from trains traveling to and from all parts of India. It’s both an architecturally impressive landmark bequeathed by the British Raj and the epicenter of Mumbai’s intriguing railway network. Designed by British architect Frederick Stevens, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus dates back to 1888 and in 2004 received UNESCO World Heritage status.

The building’s exterior design is a wonderful crossover of British Victorian and traditional Indian designs. Set aside time to admire the stone domes, bas-reliefs, stained-glass windows and spires. Notice the lion and tiger sculptures that adorn the columns of the entrance gates; they represent Great Britain and India, respectively. Gaze up at the statue of Progress, which crowns the central dome. Spot the carved gargoyles and grotesques that hang from the arches of the façade.

Step inside to discover the organized chaos of one of Asia’s busiest train terminals. Watch as businessmen, couriers, families and tourists shuffle between the waiting room and multiple platforms. Observe the action of the dabbawalas, a group of food couriers that painstakingly delivery lunches across Mumbai via bicycles and trains. Admire the terminal’s interior decorations such as tall Gothic-style arches and grand staircases.

Walk along the footbridge crossing the platforms to get a great view of the arrival and departure of the trains. See long lines of travelers waiting to board trains and workers loading baggage onto carriages. Marvel as trains pull out from the platforms, sometimes with passengers on the carriages’ roofs and hanging from the open doors.

The terminal sits in the heart of Mumbai’s city center, a short drive from the popular tourist areas of Colaba and Khala Ghoda. Get here via affordable tuk-tuk or taxi. The terminal is a 5-minute walk from Crawford Market, an animated food market. Also nearby is Azad Maidan, where you can watch locals play games of cricket.

Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at any time of the day. Come after sunset, when bright lights spectacularly illuminate its façade.