Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus - a large building with a clock on the front of it
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

4.5
·91k reviews·Mumbai, India

Iconic Victorian Gothic railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the vibrant heart of Mumbai's transport.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, golden light

CrowdLow
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus - a large building with a clock on the front of it

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, golden light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Victorian Gothic railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the vibrant heart of Mumbai's transport.

4.5
(91k reviews)

"A breathtaking blend of Indian and British design, CSMT is the heartbeat of Mumbai."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photography Paradise

Capture the stunning architecture! Best light in the early morning. :camerawithflash:

🚆 Local Train Adventure

Experience Mumbai's lifeline! Use local train apps for timings & safety. :iphone: :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Gothic Facade

Victorian Gothic Facade

Exterior

Breathtaking blend of Indian and British design, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel.

Grand Interior Hall

Grand Interior Hall

Main concourse

Step inside to witness the soaring arches, intricate carvings, and vibrant atmosphere.

Platform Experience

Platform Experience

Various platforms

Feel the pulse of Mumbai's lifeline by experiencing the bustling local trains.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Bustle

CSMT is a major transport hub, so expect crowds, especially during peak hours. Plan your visit to avoid the busiest times if you prefer a calmer experience. Consider using local train apps for real-time information and safe travel tips for women.

Architectural Marvel

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Take time to admire the intricate details, stained-glass windows, and grand arches. It's a photographer's dream, so bring your camera!

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, golden light
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Beautifully lit facade
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

If I have to go to CSMT ,where to drop & take a bus/train from for it

📸 Photography Paradise

Capture the stunning architecture! Best light in the early morning. :camerawithflash:

🚆 Local Train Adventure

Experience Mumbai's lifeline! Use local train apps for timings & safety. :iphone: :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Mumbai Locals for Dummies

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Interior

Don't just admire from outside; the interior is equally magnificent. :world_map:

⏰ Beat the Rush

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming crowds. :clock1:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photography Paradise

Capture the stunning architecture! Best light in the early morning. :camerawithflash:

🚆 Local Train Adventure

Experience Mumbai's lifeline! Use local train apps for timings & safety. :iphone: :athletic_shoe:

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Interior

Don't just admire from outside; the interior is equally magnificent. :world_map:

⏰ Beat the Rush

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming crowds. :clock1:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(91k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking Victorian Gothic architecture and its significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors are captivated by the blend of Indian and British design and the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling transport hub. While the station's beauty is undeniable, the sheer volume of crowds, especially during peak hours, can be a significant challenge for some.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is a highly-rated, iconic railway station in Mumbai, praised for its breathtaking Victorian Gothic architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors enjoy its intricate details and blend of Indian and British styles, though managing the huge crowds, especially during peak hours, can be challenging. It serves as a crucial transportation hub and a landmark that offers a mesmerizing experience, especially at night, and is a photographer's delight. Architecture & Beauty: The station is renowned for its stunning High Victorian Gothic architecture, featuring elements like stained-glass windows, towering spires, domed arches, and intricate carvings of animals.
Historical Significance: Built in the late 19th century to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, it was originally named Victoria Terminus before being renamed in 1996.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: It is recognized globally for its outstanding architectural and cultural significance.
Transportation Hub: CSMT is one of India's busiest railway stations, connecting millions of people daily to local and national railway networks.
Vibrant Atmosphere: The station is a bustling center of activity, offering a unique blend of history and modern transit needs, with a great atmosphere."

Rinku Ansari

"Commonly known as CSMT is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a functioning transport hub and as well as a historical monument. This building is so beautiful and stunning. The bustling crowd, and the rhythm of trains arriving and leaving all feels like the heartbeat of Mumbai itself. Mumbai's local trains are often referred to as the city's "lifeline”. The fusion of Indian and British design turns the station into a visual delight. It’s also one of the busiest railway stations in India. It is the headquarters of Central Railway. It’s a really big station and 18 platforms are there including a museum dedicated to the history of Indian railways. A must visit place."

Neegar Afroz

"Very impressive Victorian architecture on the outside, and a great experience to walk around inside and on the platforms, well worth a visit if you are nearby - definitely try a local train if you've never experienced Indian railways!"

Jamie Palliser

What People Like

Stunning Victorian Gothic architecture
UNESCO World Heritage site
Bustling, vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Overwhelming crowds
Peak hour congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

CSMT is a major hub, easily accessible by Mumbai's extensive local train network. You can also reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. If you're new to Mumbai, using a local train app can be very helpful for navigating the system and understanding timings. Reddit

Limited parking is available, but it's often congested. It's generally recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services to reach CSMT due to its central location and heavy traffic.

While CSMT is primarily served by the suburban railway, you can connect to the metro system from nearby stations. It's advisable to check a current Mumbai metro map for the most efficient routes.

Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Mumbai and can drop you directly at CSMT. Be prepared for potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.

The most efficient way is often by local train, as CSMT is a major terminus. Alternatively, a taxi or auto-rickshaw can be used, but traffic can be a factor.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

To access the platforms and train services, you will need a valid train ticket. However, you can walk around the main concourse and admire the architecture without a ticket.

CSMT is a functioning railway station and operates 24/7 for train services. The architectural beauty can be appreciated at any time, though it's most vibrant during the day.

There is no specific entry fee to enter the main concourse of CSMT. However, you will need a valid train ticket to access the platforms and board trains.

Ticket counters are available within the station. You can also purchase tickets through the Indian Rail website or mobile apps for convenience.

While there aren't specific tourist passes for entry, purchasing a day pass for local trains can be cost-effective if you plan to travel extensively within Mumbai on the same day.

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior facade, especially the main entrance and clock tower, offers stunning photographic opportunities. Inside, the grand hall with its arches and the bustling platforms provide dynamic shots. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permissions. It's always best to be discreet and respectful of the ongoing train operations and passengers.

Early mornings (sunrise to mid-morning) provide beautiful natural light and fewer people. Evenings, when the station is illuminated, also offer a magical photographic experience. Reddit

Yes, you can photograph the local trains. It's a great way to capture the essence of Mumbai's lifeline. Be mindful of safety and avoid obstructing passengers or train movements.

A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the grandeur of the architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the facade or for capturing distant train activity. A tripod can be helpful for low-light photography in the evenings, but be mindful of space and crowds. Reddit

🚇 🚆 Transportation Hub

CSMT is renowned for its magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture, its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as one of India's busiest railway stations, serving as the headquarters of Central Railway. It's often called the 'heartbeat of Mumbai'.

CSMT is a major terminus for both Mumbai's suburban local trains and long-distance Indian Railways trains connecting to various parts of the country. Reddit

CSMT has a significant number of platforms, with 18 platforms in use, catering to both suburban and long-distance services. Reddit

CSMT is a vital transportation hub, often referred to as Mumbai's lifeline due to the immense volume of daily commuters using its local trains. It's also a major historical and architectural landmark.

Yes, there are 'Namah Sleeping Pods' available at CSMT for travelers looking for a comfortable place to rest between journeys. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

CSMT can be an exciting place for families, offering a glimpse into a bustling Indian railway station and impressive architecture. While the crowds can be overwhelming, visiting during off-peak hours can make it more manageable. Encourage children to spot the intricate carvings on the building and imagine the history it holds. Reddit

For a unique experience, consider a short ride on a local train (if comfortable with the crowds) to show kids how Mumbaikars commute. There are also sleeping pods available for a short rest if needed. Ensure you keep a close eye on children due to the busy environment.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

CSMT is a dream destination for photographers. The Victorian Gothic architecture provides a stunning canvas, with opportunities for both grand exterior shots and detailed interior captures. The interplay of light and shadow, especially during sunrise and sunset, can create dramatic images. Reddit

Beyond the architecture, the station's role as a major transport hub offers dynamic street photography opportunities. Capture the rush of commuters, the iconic local trains, and the general buzz of activity. Remember to be respectful of passengers and train operations while you shoot.

🚆 Budget Travelers

CSMT is a fantastic free attraction for budget travelers, as you can admire its architecture without an entry fee. The real adventure and cost-saving comes from experiencing the local trains, which are incredibly affordable for getting around Mumbai. Reddit

Instead of expensive taxis, opt for local trains to explore the city. Utilize apps for train timings and routes to navigate efficiently. You can also find affordable food options in and around the station, making it a great starting point for a budget-friendly exploration of Mumbai.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Grandeur

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), formerly Victoria Terminus, is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by British architect F.W. Stevens, it was built between 1878 and 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. The station's facade is a stunning fusion of traditional Indian architectural styles with the grandeur of Victorian design, featuring intricate stonework, soaring arches, domed roofs, and detailed carvings of animals and figures. Its UNESCO World Heritage status underscores its global architectural and cultural significance. Reddit

Visitors are often awestruck by the sheer scale and the meticulous details, from the stained-glass windows to the imposing clock tower. The interior concourse is equally impressive, with its high ceilings and bustling activity creating a vibrant atmosphere. It's a place where history and modern transit seamlessly coexist, offering a unique visual experience for anyone passing through or visiting specifically to admire its beauty. Reddit

Mumbai's Lifeline: The Local Trains

CSMT is the heart of Mumbai's suburban railway network, often called the city's 'lifeline' because it carries millions of commuters daily. Experiencing a ride on these local trains is an essential part of understanding Mumbai's rhythm. The trains are divided into different classes, and it's important to be aware of which carriage is designated for women, especially for female travelers. Reddit

Navigating the local trains can seem daunting at first, but with a little preparation, it's manageable. Using a local train app can provide real-time train timings, platform information, and route maps, which is invaluable for first-time users. Reddit The sheer volume of people and the constant movement create a unique, energetic atmosphere that is quintessentially Mumbai. Be prepared for crowded carriages, especially during peak commuting hours, and always be aware of your belongings. Reddit

Photography at CSMT

CSMT is a photographer's paradise, offering endless opportunities to capture its stunning architecture and the vibrant life of the station. The exterior facade, with its intricate details and imposing structure, is best photographed during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for soft, flattering light. The main entrance and the clock tower are particularly iconic. Reddit

Inside, the grand hall provides a dramatic backdrop with its high ceilings and arches. Capturing the movement of commuters and trains on the platforms adds a dynamic element to your photos. Consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the station and a telephoto lens for capturing details from a distance. Be mindful of the crowds and train schedules to ensure safe and respectful photography. Reddit

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