Mumbai
03:09
Mumbai the city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, and Fun — this is Mumbai or as it is still frequently referred to — Bombay. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernization.
Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal.
Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India. In comparison with the rest of the country, the city is quite liberal. With a regular influx of immigrants from rest of India, the citizens, popularly known as ‘Mumbaikers’, have shown remarkable tolerance towards other cultures, making it a true cultural melting pot. However in recent times, this tolerance has sometimes bowed under external pressures.
It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood. The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of “fast-food outlets” on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai’s very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Mumbai is a shopper’s delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. This busy city is also the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world. Mumbai caters to the adventurous and the romantic through its sporting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants. Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern — it’s all here for you to savor and enjoy!
How to reach:
By Plane:
Mumbai has excellent connectivity with most of the major cities around the world, including, New York, London, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur to name a few. If you are flying from Europe it is generally cheaper to fly from London, and there are many flights daily. Most of the domestic sectors too are linked to Mumbai, making it the busiest hub in the country.
By Train:
Trains arrive in Mumbai from all over India. The Central line serves connectivity to Southern India, Eastern India, and parts of North India. The key stations are Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus, known just as VT), Dadar Terminus, and Kurla (Lokmanya Tilak) Terminus. The Western line connects to the Western states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and some parts of North India. The main termini are Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus.
Places to Visit:
1. 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.
2. Haji Ali:
A paramount religious site in Mumbai, Haji Ali is situated 500 yards from the shoreline in the middle of the Arabian Sea that houses the tomb of Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. This 400 year old structure is not just marvelled at for its intricate Indo-Islamic architecture; it is also a popular place of worship for people.
Moreover, the local stalls outside the dynamic complex house some of the most delectable cuisines and specialties you can gorge on. It is a prominent stop in the Western line of the Mumbai local train hence making it easily accessible to the public.
3. Marine Drive:
Popularly referred to as the Queen’s Necklace, Marine Drive is a 4 km long promenade located in South Bombay. One of the most beautiful roads in Mumbai, a birds-eye view of this stretch looks magnificent at night with the lights making the entirety resemble a queen’s necklace.
The place comes alive in the evenings when people relax and admire the brilliant view or take a walk on the promenade overlooking the Arabian Sea that is surprisingly therapeutic to the soul. Chai-wallas, chat-wallas are added bonuses to the place making it another must-visit tourist placesin Mumbai.
4. Siddhivinayak Temple:
A Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shri Ganesh is a standing testament of beauty and architecture. Constructed in 1801, the temple entertains thousands of devotees every single day.
Even Bollywood celebrities as well as other prominent figures climb up to the temple to seek blessings and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha that is its magnetism. In all, the temple is definitely among the popular tourist places to visit in Mumbai.
Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal.
Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India. In comparison with the rest of the country, the city is quite liberal. With a regular influx of immigrants from rest of India, the citizens, popularly known as ‘Mumbaikers’, have shown remarkable tolerance towards other cultures, making it a true cultural melting pot. However in recent times, this tolerance has sometimes bowed under external pressures.
It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood. The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of “fast-food outlets” on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai’s very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Mumbai is a shopper’s delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. This busy city is also the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world. Mumbai caters to the adventurous and the romantic through its sporting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants. Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern — it’s all here for you to savor and enjoy!
How to reach:
By Plane:
Mumbai has excellent connectivity with most of the major cities around the world, including, New York, London, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur to name a few. If you are flying from Europe it is generally cheaper to fly from London, and there are many flights daily. Most of the domestic sectors too are linked to Mumbai, making it the busiest hub in the country.
By Train:
Trains arrive in Mumbai from all over India. The Central line serves connectivity to Southern India, Eastern India, and parts of North India. The key stations are Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus, known just as VT), Dadar Terminus, and Kurla (Lokmanya Tilak) Terminus. The Western line connects to the Western states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and some parts of North India. The main termini are Mumbai Central and Bandra Terminus.
Places to Visit:
1. 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.
2. Haji Ali:
A paramount religious site in Mumbai, Haji Ali is situated 500 yards from the shoreline in the middle of the Arabian Sea that houses the tomb of Muslim Saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. This 400 year old structure is not just marvelled at for its intricate Indo-Islamic architecture; it is also a popular place of worship for people.
Moreover, the local stalls outside the dynamic complex house some of the most delectable cuisines and specialties you can gorge on. It is a prominent stop in the Western line of the Mumbai local train hence making it easily accessible to the public.
3. Marine Drive:
Popularly referred to as the Queen’s Necklace, Marine Drive is a 4 km long promenade located in South Bombay. One of the most beautiful roads in Mumbai, a birds-eye view of this stretch looks magnificent at night with the lights making the entirety resemble a queen’s necklace.
The place comes alive in the evenings when people relax and admire the brilliant view or take a walk on the promenade overlooking the Arabian Sea that is surprisingly therapeutic to the soul. Chai-wallas, chat-wallas are added bonuses to the place making it another must-visit tourist placesin Mumbai.
4. Siddhivinayak Temple:
A Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shri Ganesh is a standing testament of beauty and architecture. Constructed in 1801, the temple entertains thousands of devotees every single day.
Even Bollywood celebrities as well as other prominent figures climb up to the temple to seek blessings and offer prayers to Lord Ganesha that is its magnetism. In all, the temple is definitely among the popular tourist places to visit in Mumbai.
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