MUMBAI
Formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour.
The word Mumbai is derived from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisherfolk, the oldest inhabitants of Mumbai. The name Mumbai, in its final form, dates back to the 18 th century. For Portuguese, the name Bombay is Good Bay (“Bom” “Bay” Good Bay). Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands. These islands of no great value were ceded to Portuguese in 1534 by the Sultan of Gujarat. The Portuguese in turn given these islands to Englands’s Chareless II as part of the wedding dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Englands’s Charles II in 1661. In 1668, the British government leased the islands to the East India Company for 10 pounds per annum in the form of gold and Mumbai grew gradually to become centre of trade.
City quite unlike any other in the whole of India, Mumbai is an island city, being located on Salsette Island, alongside the Arabian Sea. With an appealing coastline, many of Mumbai’s top resorts and tourist attractions lie around Gateway of India, its main beaches, which include both Juhu Beach and also Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, where evening funfairs provide plenty of atmospheres.
Mumbai is famous for many things, including its thriving Bollywood film industry, teeming bazaars, colonial-style buildings, Art Deco structures and a superb choice of restaurants, often being rated as the dining capital of India. The tourist district of Colaba is a great place to start exploring the city and multilingual guides can be arranged should you wish to find out more about Mumbai’s history.
Best Time to Visit Mumbai
The best time to visit Mumbai is between November and February, during the winter season when the weather is cool and pleasant. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 30°C, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions and indulge in various activities.
The monsoon season in Mumbai, from June to September, can also be an excellent time to visit if you enjoy the rain and want to experience the city’s natural beauty during the rainy season. However, the rains can cause flooding and traffic congestion, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Avoid visiting Mumbai during the summer months, from March to May, as the temperature can reach up to 40°C, making it uncomfortable to explore the city during the day. The humidity during this time is also high, adding to the discomfort.
Overall, the best time to visit Mumbai is between November and February when the weather is cool and pleasant, and the city is bustling with various festivals and events.
Things to Do in Mumbai
Mumbai, the city of dreams, is known for its vibrant culture, bustling streets, and historic landmarks. Here are some things to do in Mumbai:
Visit the Gateway of India: A historic landmark and a popular tourist spot in Mumbai. You can take a boat ride from here to explore the Elephanta Caves.
Explore Elephanta Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on an island off the coast of Mumbai. These ancient rock-cut caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are an architectural marvel.
Take a walk at Marine Drive: Also known as the Queen’s Necklace, Marine Drive is a popular promenade in Mumbai. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.
Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic railway station is an architectural marvel.
Explore the markets: Crawford Market, Chor Bazaar, and Colaba Causeway are some of the popular markets in Mumbai. You can shop for souvenirs, clothes, and accessories here.
Visit the Haji Ali Dargah: A mosque located in the middle of the Arabian Sea. It is a popular pilgrimage site for people of all religions.
Enjoy the street food: Mumbai is known for its delicious street food. Try vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri, and other local delicacies.
Visit the museums: The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and the Nehru Science Centre are some of the popular museums in Mumbai.
Take a Bollywood tour: Mumbai is the hub of Bollywood, the Indian film industry. You can take a tour of the studios and see how films are made.
Visit the Siddhivinayak Temple: A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is a popular pilgrimage site in Mumbai.
How to Reach Mumbai
There are several ways to reach Mumbai, depending on your starting point and mode of transportation. Here are some of the most common options:
By Air: Mumbai has an international airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which is well connected to major cities in India and other parts of the world. You can take a direct flight to Mumbai from your city or take a connecting flight from a major airport.
By Train: Mumbai is well connected by train to all major cities in India. The city has several major railway stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Mumbai Central. You can check the train schedule and book tickets online or at the railway station.
By Bus: Mumbai has a good network of bus services that connects it to nearby cities and towns. You can take a bus from the neighboring states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
By Car: You can drive to Mumbai from nearby cities and towns. The National Highway 48, National Highway 160, and Western Express Highway connect Mumbai to major cities in India.
By Water: Mumbai is situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea, and it has a major port, Mumbai Port Trust. You can take a ferry or a cruise to Mumbai from nearby cities like Goa and Lakshadweep.
Choose the mode of transportation that is most convenient for you based on your location, budget, and preference.