Gateway of India
One of the most distinguishing landmarks that signify the city, the Gateway of India came into existence in the year 1924 during the British Raj to celebrate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. The structure marks the area as one of India’s major ports which formally symbolized elements of British grandeur. Located in the water front area of Apollo Bunder, today it is one of the most popular touristplaces in Mumbai for people from all over the globe who flockjust for a glance of this monument.
Taj-Mahal Palace
Mumbai’s most famous landmark, this stunning hotel is a fairy-tale blend of Islamic and Renaissance styles, and India’s second-most photographed monument. It was built in 1903 by the Parsi industrialist JN Tata, supposedly after he was refused entry to one of the European hotels on account of being ‘a native’.
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/mumbai-bombay/sights/landmarks-monuments/taj-mahal-palace-mumbai#ixzz3qS37cBi2
Marine Drive
Marine Drive (officially, "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road") is a 3km long, six lane concrete road in southern Mumbai which stretches north along the coastline, forming a natural bay. This C-shaped road links Nariman Point to Babulnath, and is situated at the foot of Malabar Hill. Known world over as Marine Drive, this tourist spot has also been called Sonapur by the locals of the city. Large crowds of people come to this place to stride along the beautiful walkway and to view the stunning sight of the setting sun at dusk. The scenic beauty of the perfectly lined palm trees offers its visitors an enthralling experience.
Colaba Causeway And Crawford Market
The everyday carnival that is the Colaba Causeway market is a shopping experience like no other in Mumbai. Geared especially towards tourists, that infamous Indian saying of "sab kuch milega" (you'll get everything) certainly applies at this market. Dodge persistent balloon and map sellers, as you meander along the sidewalk and peruse the stalls. Want your name written on a grain of rice? That's possible too. If you need a break from shopping, pop into Leopold's Cafe or Cafe Mondegar, two well known Mumbai hangouts.
Crawford Market has been at the centre of market life in South Mumbai since it was built in the days of the British Raj.The major things to buy in Crawford Market are fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables. At one end there is also a pet market where songbirds are displayed and sold. http://www.crawford-market.com/
For more information about markets in Mumbai go to: http://goindia.about.com/od/shopping/tp/best-mumbai-markets.htm
Bangalore
Vidana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha counts amongst the most impressive as well as the most magnificent buildings in the Bangalore city of India. It is mainly famous for housing the Legislative Chambers of the state government. The three hundred rooms of Vidhan Soudha accommodate approximately twenty-two departments of the state government. The building rises to a height of almost 46 m, making it one of the most imposing structures in the city of Bangalore.
http://www.bangaloreindia.org.uk/tourist-attractions/vidhan-soudha.html
Bangalore Palace
Built in 1887 by Chamaraja Wodeyar, Bangalore Palace is inspired by England's Windsor Castle. This beautiful palace has Tudor style architecture, with fortified towers, arches, green lawns, and elegant woodcarvings in its interiors.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
This enchanting garden is set on 240 acres with a rare collection of tropical and sub-tropical trees and plants, and a majestic glasshouse built on the lines of London's Crystal Palace. The garden was made in the 17th century -- started by Hyder Ali, and later completed by his son Tipu Sultan. It derives its name "Lal Bagh" from a collection of red roses that bloom throughout the year there. The glasshouse, which was constructed in the year 1889 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales, is the jewel of this garden.
Cubbon Park
Located in the heart of city, set on a 300 acre area, Cubbon Park is a great place to laze around in the lush green paradise. It has a treasure of different species of exotic plants. The park was named after the erstwhile Commissioner of Bangalore, Sir Mark Cubbon. Many ornamental and flowering trees, both exotic and indigenous, can be found in the park. It's a popular place for walkers, joggers, and nature lovers. Bal Bhavan in the park is a great place for the kids to enjoy. An aquarium is also located in Cubbon Park, with many varieties of exotic and ornamental fish.
Mumbai
Places of Local Interest
Suggestions from Anushka and Ankrish:
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Food
Madras cafe - Have the dosa, idli and filter coffee (Rs 200 per person)
Shiv sagar - Pav Bhaji (Rs 200 per person)
Swati Snacks – (must go!!!) Try chaat and get a flavor of typical Bombay food (Rs 700 per person approx)
Copper Chimney - I usually have the paneer tikka, dal maharaja, paneer masala and a butter naan
Spiceklub - Interesting variations on Indian food (won’t disclose much so as to not spoil the surprises for you) (Rs 800 per head)
Indigo Deli – Continental, great place for sandwiches and pasta, close to your hotel as well (Rs 1,500 per person approx)
Umame – Japanese, Thai food – Great quality as well (Colaba) (Rs 2,000 per person approx)
Moshe’s – Continental, Colaba (Rs 1500 per person appprox)
Trishna- Sea food (Must go!!!), Fort (close to the Trident Hotel) - (approx. Rs 1500-2000 per person)
Caution: Please do not eat street food without checking with a local on how safe it is and always drink packaged bottle water.
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Shopping
Colaba Causeway – trinkets (please bargain!)
Kalaghoda area – Jehangir art gallery is nice to explore as well
Fab India Store – for clothes, and accessories
The Bombay Store – Artifacts
Cottonworld – Cotton summery indian outfits, great for travel and good quality too
Phoenix Mills - Large mall, international brands
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Pubs & Clubs
Dome – Intercontinental Hotel – Rooftop bar, expensive but worth going to for the experience
The Bombay Bronx – Club/Bar
Olive (Mahalaxmi, Racecourse) – Dinner and Drinks
Leopold Café – cheap drinks and beer
The Irish House – great place for beer and pub food!
Hoppipola - If you like games
Exo - club on the 37th floor of the St. Regis
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Sightseeing
Dharavir – (Asia’s largest slum), this can be organized if many of you are interested
Bhau Daji Lad Museum (only if there’s time, about an hour from Trident hotel)
Prince of Wales Museum (Fort, close to Trident hotel)
Crawford market
Elephanta caves