Why you should experience Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai is not just a railway station, it’s a living cathedral of motion, history, and architecture that pulses at the city’s core.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most iconic landmarks, CSMT is where the rhythm of Mumbai begins each day. Its monumental façade, a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival fused with Indian architectural traditions, feels almost like a dream made of stone and steam. Soaring domes, arched windows, and gargoyles guard the building, while stained-glass panels scatter sunlight across the concourse. Built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, it was originally known as Victoria Terminus before being renamed in honor of the legendary Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Inside, chaos and choreography collide: the ceaseless movement of commuters, the echo of trains departing to every corner of India, the smell of chai and iron in the air. Yet despite the frenetic pace, there’s beauty in every detail, from the carved animals peering from the columns to the domed ceilings painted with floral motifs. CSMT is more than a transport hub; it’s Mumbai’s beating heart, a place where architecture and humanity merge into perfect rhythm.
What you didn’t know about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
CSMT tells a story that spans empires, innovation, and identity, a chronicle of how Mumbai became the gateway to modern India.
Designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens, the terminus took over a decade to complete and was modeled after London’s St. Pancras Station, though its blend of Gothic spires and Indian ornamentation makes it unmistakably unique. The central dome, crowned by a statue symbolizing progress, stands over an intricate plan of 13 platforms and radiating tracks that once symbolized the British Empire’s railway might. But after independence, the station’s legacy shifted from colonial showpiece to national pride, a symbol of resilience, cultural fusion, and everyday heroism. The first train in India departed from here in 1853, and to this day, over three million passengers pass through daily, making it one of the busiest stations in the world. Beyond the numbers, though, CSMT is alive with artistry: its stone carvings depict peacocks, lions, and palm fronds; its turrets and domes are illuminated each evening in hues of gold and sapphire, transforming it into a living jewel box. Few know that much of the station’s original furniture, clockwork, and even the ticket counters were handcrafted by Indian artisans, a subtle act of defiance against colonial uniformity. In its stones lies the story of Mumbai’s metamorphosis, from empire to independence, from chaos to grace.
How to fold Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus into your trip.
To truly experience CSMT, you must not just visit it, you must feel its pulse.
Begin your journey at the front plaza, where the Gothic towers rise against the Mumbai skyline. Take time to admire the details, the turrets, carvings, and domed clock tower that have witnessed over a century of arrivals and departures. Step inside during daylight hours to see the natural light pour through stained-glass windows, illuminating the iron arches of the concourse. For history enthusiasts, guided heritage walks are available, revealing hidden corridors, vintage ticket halls, and the architectural marvels that most commuters rush past. Don’t miss the nightly light show that transforms the building into a symphony of color, a spectacle that honors the city’s unyielding spirit. Pair your visit with a stroll to nearby Crawford Market or the Fort district, where colonial facades and modern cafés blend seamlessly into the city’s hum. Whether you’re catching a train or simply watching the world move, CSMT embodies everything Mumbai stands for: resilience, artistry, and endless motion. Under its grand arches, you feel what every traveler in this city eventually learns, that movement itself can be a kind of faith.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
Rush hour here feels like the universe pressed fast-forward. Everyone’s sprinting but somehow it all flows. Add the Gothic spires watching over it and yeah, it’s chaos art.
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