One of the very few national parks in the world inside the limits of a major city, Borivali National Park covers 104 square kilometres of pristine jungle in the north of Mumbai. The park is home to 251 species of birds and 40 species of mammals, including deer and leopards. In the centre of the park are the Kanheri Caves, hollowed out by Buddhist monks in the 1st century AD.

Mumbai's most famous public space, the beach at Chowpatty was run down and dirty before the municipal authorities transformed it into the gleaming strip of sand you see today. Locals come here to sit on the sand and munch on bhelpuri ­ Mumbai's favourite salad, made from lentil-flour noodles, green mango, onion and chilli. At sunset, a carnival atmosphere pervades: couples promenade along the sand and children play on hand-operated fairground rides.

A 40-minute boat ride across the harbour from the Gateway of India, Elephanta Island is famous for its ornately carved temples, hewn into a rocky escarpment in the 6th century. Although damaged, the carvings are still impressive. The central statue of Trimurti ­ Shiva as the creator, preserver and destroyer of the universe ­ is particularly dramatic. The temples are reached via a stone stairway from the ferry jetty, lined with vendors selling religious souvenirs. Ferry service is restricted during the monsoon.

During the dry season, this watersports centre at Chowpatty offers all sorts of aquatic activities in Back Bay. Boat trips around the bay cost INR 200 (INR 280 after 7pm) ­ a popular option for Indian families. You can also rent speedboats, jetskis, waterskis, wind-surfers and Hobie Cats. The centre closes during the rainy months of the monsoon.

Reached by a winding causeway that vanishes below the waves at high tide, this historic shrine commemorates Haji Ali, the Muslim saint whose body allegedly washed up on the shores of Back Bay in the 19th century. The causeway is lined with hawkers selling religious paraphernalia, and beggars seeking alms from pilgrims. Non-Muslims are welcome to enter the Dargah, which rings with devotional music, but photography is prohibited.