Location :
Maharashtra
Tourist Attractions : Gateway of India, Victoria
Terminus, Chowpatty Beach
Best time to Visit : October to March
STD Code : (91) - 22
About Mumbai
India's financial powerhouse, Mumbai offers travellers a heady mix of
shopping arcades, nightclubs, theatre, music, gourmet restaurants and
numerous sightseeing options. The Koli fisherfolk were the original
inhabitants of Mumbai (formerly Bombay), comprising of seven swampy islands.
The city of Mumbai in Maharashtra also offers visitors a bunch of touristy
beaches along the shores of the Arabian Sea. Today, thousands and thousands
of fortune-seekers flock to the city of Mumbai as they call it the 'City of
Dream'. On the one hand, you have the glitz and glamour of Mumbai to soak
up. On the other, the city also reminds you of the British Era; the
Victorian townscape is still quite much visible. During your trip to Mumbai,
you can also participate in the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, celebrated with
much pomp and show.
Climate & Best time to Visit Mumbai
Each season in Mumbai carries a unique charm. The climate in Mumbai remains
pleasant throughout the year, with temperatures remaining constant (around
mid 20s) during winters (November to February) and mid 30's during summers
(March to June). Monsoon season arrives in July and the city is lashed by
heavy rainfall. Although the best time to visit Mumbai are the months
between October and March, the place can be visited throughout the year.
Major
Tourist Attractions in Mumbai
In Mumbai, sightseeing is fun and makes a lot if sense. There is a good
variety in terms of tourist attractions in Mumbai as well. You have to visit
monuments, museums, beaches, tombs, cave and even hill stations. Some major
tourist attractions in Mumbai are as follows.
Gateway of India
Over the years the gateway of India has become synonymous with Mumbai. The
monument was built in the year 1911 to celebrate the visit of King George
and Queen Mary to Mumbai. It was here that the last of the British troops
departed from after India's independence. The surrounding area makes an
excellent picnic and hangout spot.
Victoria Terminus
Popularly known as V T, the head quarters of the Peninsular Railway Company
was designed by F W Stevens. Opened for public in 1887, the site is listed
as one of the top 200 heritage monuments on the planet.
Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty beach is one of the most popular places in the city which starts
to teem with life every evening. People from all over Mumbai come here for
leisure and enjoyment. While on a visit to the place, do not miss out on a
spicy treat of 'bhel puri' (a local dish).
Marine Drive
The marine drive runs along the sea from Nariman Point to the Malabar
Hills. A most favored long drive, it is an ideal place to watch the sunset.
Elephanta
Caves
Nine kilometers from the Gateway of India, the Elephanta caves, situated on
the Elephanta islands are a group of ancient rock cut caves dating back to
the sixth century. The caves here house Hindu temples dedicated to Lord
Shiva and Vishnu.
Matheran
Just a few kilometers away from the din and bustle of Mumbai lies Matheran.
Calm and serene, Matheran promises a refreshing break for the nature starved
urban soles. Enjoy a beautiful view of sunset from the hills or just take a
quite walk by the lake side, there is a unique charm in every aspect of life
at Matheran.
Lonavala
Lonavala is a famous hill station located just 120 km from Mumbai. Ideal as
a weekend getaway, the place is bestowed with numerous gifts by mother
nature, being adorned with placid lakes, lush greenery and gurgling streams
of water descending from the hills.
Popular Shopping Centres in Mumbai
Mumbai has a number of shopping locales where you can shop for everything
from local hand made stuff to international brands. Places like Chor Bazaar,
Zaveri Bazaar, Crawford Market and Bandra promise you an unforgettable
experience while improving your bargaining skills. Some of the must buys
include antiques, jewellery, leather goods and wooden articles.
Dining Out in Mumbai
Some of the best multi cuisine restaurants in Mumbai include Aangan The
Restaurant (Vashi), Bagicha (Juhu), Delhi Darbar (Andheri), Desire (Vile
Parle), Grass Hopper (Vile Parle), Jewel of India (Worli) and Just Kababs
(Colaba).
Nightlife in Mumbai
If you are a late-night freak and love to party, Mumbai is the place. As
soon as night begins to fall, Mumbai seems to acquire a brand new persona.
The city has countless nightclubs where you can shake a leg and sway your
hips to popular western music. The suburbs of Colaba, Juhu and Bandra have
come up with a number of nightclubs. Your concierge will provide you the
complete update about where you can go and enjoy your nightlife in Mumbai.
Mumbai Travel (Airport/Railway/Road) Information
By Air : Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International
airport is located just 29 km from the city centre. A number of
international airlines ply regularly to Mumbai from countries all over the
world such as Canada, France, Mauritius, Britain, Egypt, Japan etc. The
domestic airport is located at santacruz in northern Mumbai. The major
domestic flight carriers operating services to all major Indian cities
include Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Air Sahara and Air Deccan.
By Rail : Mumbai is an important railway station of both
the western and central railways. Local trains, which can be boarded from
Churchgate station connect almost every locality in Mumbai and are the best
means of local travel (though the tourists should avoid travelling by local
trains during peak hours when these things can get extremely crowded). The
interstate trains can be boarded from Mumbai Central Station and Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus (VT) with computerised ticket booking system installed at
both these locations.
By Road : The entire state of Maharashtra has a well
built and well maintained network of metalled roads that connect the city
with other major neighbouring cities. Maharashtra State Road Transport
Corporation operates deluxe and standard buses to all the neighbouring
cities in and outside the state including Pune, Gujarat, Goa and Andhra
Pradesh. The main inter state bus stand of the city is located just outside
the Mumbai Central Railway Station.
Local Transport : There are various means to travel
across various destinations inside the city, which include BEST (one of the
largest bus networks in the country) that also provides you with the added
excitement of travelling in double decker buses. Besides, metered taxis and
auto-rickshaws are easily available to travel across the city and its
suburbs, which are easily recognised by their unique black and yellow
colour. Cars are also available for hire, although you will need a valid
international license to drive in Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai to Major Cities
- Ahmedabad : 545 Km
- Aurangabad : 403 Km
- Delhi : 1407 Km
- Panaji : 593 Km
- Pune : 163 Km
- Surat : 263 Km
