With its fascinating buildings, eclectic culture and, surprise surprise, even some pockets of natural wonders, Mumbai turns up sightseeing treats at every turn. Many of these remained undiscovered. Verve finds these less-frequented delights, tucked away in the heart of the megalopolis, which deserve to be on your to-see list.

Haji Ali
Mumbai's shoreline is unimaginable without this white minaret which seems to rise from the Arabian Sea. The Haji Ali dargah was built in the memory of the eponymous Muslim saint. Haji Ali was a wealthy businessman who renounced his worldly possessions and meditated on a nearby headland following a pilgrimage to Mecca. His devotees built the mosque and the tomb in 1431. Legend has it that he died while on his way to Mecca but his casket floated back to Mumbai.
The dargah is linked to the mainland by a causeway. Behind the huge marble doorway lies the tomb, enclosed in a silver frame and covered with rich brocade. Kaleidoscopic patterns of coloured glass and Arabic designs that spell the names of Allah in 99 forms adorn the dome's interiors. Every day thousands of pilgrims throng the dargah at low tide. During high tide the walkway is submerged, giving the appearance of a floating mosque.
Where: Haji Ali, Cumballa Hill

Veermata Jijabai Udyan
Popularly known as the Byculla Zoo, this sprawling botanical garden spans over 48 acres of land and houses some of the oldest trees in the city, some dating back 200 years.
The Renaissance-style entrance sets the mood. The newly-renovated Bhau Daji Museum on the left, not yet open to the public, is a veritable treasure trove of artifacts with its collection of sculptures, metal ware, fossils and model ships. Learn about Mumbai's rich cultural heritage from maps dating back to the 17th century, photographs and biographies of the city's leading historic figures. Inside the zoo's gateway rests a bronze statue of King Edward VII astride a black horse.
Where: Veer Jijamata Bhosale Udyan, B. A. Road, Byculla

Asiatic Society
The colonnaded Town hall of the Asiatic Society, resting atop a flight of stone steps, has provided the perfect background for many Bollywood creations. Marble statues of long-forgotten city founders adorn the interiors of this heritage structure. Located here is the Asiatic library which has a rare collection of over 8,00,000 antique volumes, including an original manuscript of Dante's Divine Comedy in Italian. There is also a numismatic collection of over 1,000 ancient coins and a rare gold mohur belonging to the Mughal Emperor Akbar. You need permission to gaze at these treasures, but the public library is open to all.
Where: Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Horniman Circle, Fort.

St Thomas Cathedral
St Thomas Cathedral near Horniman Circle is a rich repository of Gothic architecture. Visit this ancient church to learn more about British visionaries of the colonial era. Built by Gerald Augier, a former Bombay governor in 1718, this beautiful cathedral is named after St Thomas, who established India's first Christian community along the Malabar Coast. It houses tombstones of members of the Bombay Volunteer Force, British officers and civil servants who lost their lives in World War I. Carved marble monuments, Victorian iron-works, choir stands and stained glass enhance the cathedral's Gothic interiors.
Where: Town Hall, Horniman Circle, Opposite Asiatic Library, near Flora Fountain

Sagar Upvan
Smell the flowers and delight in the sounds of nature at Sagar Upvan. Spread over 14 acres of land owned by the Bombay Port Trust and a favourite of the locals, this peaceful haven is away from the din of tourists and vendors. Horticultural enthusiasts will love the diversity of flora and fauna including a glass house for rare species of cacti. Where: Sasoon Dock, Dumayne Rd, Near Colaba Bus Station

Khotachiwadi
Get away from the hustle-bustle of the megalopolis to find some solitude amid the old-world charm of Khotachiwadi. Quaint cottages with trellised balconies and latticed windows dot the narrow bylanes of this little village tucked away in the heart of Girgaum. The heritage site is actually a 19th century settlement of East Indian Christians whose forefathers worked for the British East India Company. Most residents are of mixed Portuguese and Indian origin. According to ancient lore, a Hindu landowner, Khota, leased plots in his wadi (pocket of land) to some migrants. East Indian Christians who earlier lived at Manori, Bassein and Gorai bought these plots and built their colonial-style wooden bungalows.
Where: Girgaum, near Chowpatty

Kanheri caves
Relive the age of Buddha with a visit to the Kanheri caves. Situated in the heart of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali, this cluster of 109 caves date back to 1st century BC. The word Kanheri originates from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri or black mountain. Each cave has a stone plinth that served as a bed. A congregation hall with huge stone pillars contains the stupa, a Buddhist shrine. Earliest signs of civilisation are visible from the remains of few canals and cisterns. A major attraction here is the Chaitya Cave. Intricately designed woodwork adorns its roof. The outer sides of the wall are embellished with sculptured statues of Buddha.
Where: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali
A paradise for nature lovers since 1883, the society is the biggest Indian non-governmental organisation working to conserve nature and natural resources. Specimens of around 26,000 birds, 20,000 mammals, 7,500 amphibians and reptiles and 50,000 insects, that have been accorded the status of a National Heritage Collection are found here. Members can access the library and attend weekly lectures and slide shows.
Where: Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road

Chor Bazaar
According to legend, Queen Victoria’s precious violin went missing after her luggage was transported to Bombay. It was finally found at one of the stalls at Mutton Street. Hence the name, Chor Bazaar. Choose from an eclectic array of curios, crystal chandeliers, vintage gramophones and charming tea sets, all yours for a steal. Adjoining Bhendi Bazaar, this bustling market is crammed with antique shops housing beautiful object d’arts. You need to bargain hard with shopkeepers to wrangle good deals but the exercise is amply rewarding.
Where: Mutton Street, Between SV Patel and Maulana Shaukat Ali Road, Bhendi Bazaar