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| Welcome to the city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, 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 modernisation. |
| 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. |
| Over the years, as colonialism gave way to independence, Mumbai has transformed itself into an entity with thriving markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere. On the surface, it represents the ever-changing face of today's India -- the old coupled with the dynamic new, and yet at its very core, the heart of the city is steeped in Indian customs and values. |
| 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 -- its all here for you to savour and enjoy! |
| Attractions | |
| Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market (Crawford Market) | |
| A busy market area, this is best visited early on in the day. The fruits and vegetable section offers the best of produce. Depending on when you visit, the fruit/s of the season are always a good buy. |  |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) | |
| This is a magnificent building, and considered to be architecturally one of the finest stations in the world. Built by the British in 1888, it has exquisite ornamentation on its facade along with beautifully executed panels and friezes. It holds the statue of Queen Victoria on its dome. More... |  |
| Flora Fountain and the Gothic/Victorian buildings of the Fort Area | |
| The Flora Fountain stands on the site of the old church gate of the Bombay Fort, now a major crossroad named Hutatma Chowk. It was erected to honour Sir Bartle Frere, a former governor of Bombay and named after the Greek goddess Flora. Other buildings to see in |  |
| the Fountain or Fort area are the University of Mumbai buildings including the imposing Rajabhai Tower, the Mumbai High Court, the Old Secretariat, and the Institute of Science on one end. Close by are situated St Thomas Cathedral, the Asiatic Society of Bombay or Town Hall, the Office of the Director General of Police, the General Post Office and the Thomas Cook building. | |
| The Western Railway Headquarters is also quite near, across the street from the Churchgate Station. These buildings are fine examples of the Gothic and Indo-Saracenic style. Many are illuminated by night. An exotic way of seeing these sights would be by the MTDC open-air bus or by the few surviving Victorias or buggy rides. Close by to Flora Fountain is the Kala Ghoda area which holds a once a week fair (every Sunday) from November to January. | |
| Jehangir Art Gallery | |
| Close by to the Prince of Wales Museum, this gallery is the showcase for contemporary art. The displays change regularly. Outside is the Artist's Plaza with more paintings on display and sale. Open daily from 11 am to 7 pm. |  |
| Prince of Wales Museum | |
| This is one of Mumbai's finest example of Victorian architecture. Built to commemorate King George V's visit to Mumbai (while still Prince of Wales), it was designed by George Wittet and completed in 1923. It is |  |
| undoubtedly one of India's finest museums and houses treasures, artefacts, paintings and sculpture from the many periods covering India's history, including the Indus Valley Civilization. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10.30 am to 6 pm. | |
| National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) | |
| This is the former Cowasji Jehangir Hall, of the Institute of Science. It has been renovated to serve as a four-storey exhibition hall, displaying the best of Indian contemporary art. Open daily except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm. |  |
| Gateway of India | |
| Mumbai's most striking monument, this too was designed by George Wittet. It has an imposing gateway arch in the Indo-Saracenic style with Gujarati and Islamic elements such as wooden carvings. It was built to commemorate the visit |  |
| of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. This area is also the departing point for ferries plying to Elephanta Island and other beaches across the port. Behind it is the beautiful old (and new) structure of the Taj Mahal Hotel | |
| Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach | |
| This is the stretch now known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other. For the most part, a pleasant promenade continues along the beach |  |
| with the Chowpatty area situated somewhat in the middle.Chowpatty Beach is a teeming mass of people, vendors, masseurs and roadside restaurants with its specialties being bhelpuri and kulfi. Across the Chowpatty Beach area is the Taraporewala Aquarium. Marine Drive is also referred to as the Queen's Necklace because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. | |
| Malabar Hill | |
| This is essentially an up-market residential area with some spectacular views of the city surroundings. On the road climbing up, is a Jain temple dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankara. At one end, on the top are the |  |
| Hanging Gardens (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) and the Kamala Nehru Park. Both provide relaxing atmospheres of greenery. Beside the Hanging Gardens are the Parsi Towers of Silence. But these are off-limits to all except those who have come to dispose and pay respect to the dead. | |
| Towards the other end is the Banganga temple complex at Walkeshwar, considered to be one of Mumbai's holiest sites. Local legend has it that the Hindu god Rama rested here on his way to rescue Sita (his wife) from Lanka. The Banganga Tank is supposedly the spot where Rama shot his bow or bana. Further away is the British built Raj Bhavan, the residence of the governor of Maharashtra. The Banganga Festival of Music is a yearly highlight, and is in the month of January usually. | |
| Mani Bhavan | |
| This simple and charming museum was where Mahatma Gandhi lived on his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. Gandhi's room and belongings including his books are on display. Mani Bhavan is situated on Laburnam Road, |  |
| near the August Kranti Maidan, where the 'Quit India' movement was launched in 1942. Open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm | |
| Mahalaxmi Temple | |
| The Mahalaxmi Temple is a popular holy site as Mahalaxmi is the goddess of wealth. It is situated at one end of Breach Candy -- a trendy residential and shopping area, now known as B. Desai Road. |  |
| Haji Ali Shrine | |
| Further along the seashore, at the end of a long pathway surrounded by seawater is the shrine dedicated to Haji Ali, a Muslim saint. Access is only at low tide via the pathway. |  |
| Siddhivinayak Temple | |
Located in the Prabha Devi area of Mumbai, this popular temple dedicated to Ganesh was rebuilt on the site of a 200-year old temple. Built of black stone, the idol of Ganesh is two and a half feet in height and two feet in width. |  |
| An unusual feature of the statue is that the trunk turns to the right, not often found on Ganesh idols. Tuesday is the main day ofdarshan and puja, but this temple is frequented by hundreds of devotees everyday. Click here for more details. | |
| Juhu Beach | |
| This suburban beach is great favourite with Mumbaites, and has plenty to offer everyone. Like Marine Drive's Chowpatty, Juhu 'Chowpatty' is a vendor's delight with innumerable food counters. It is a wonderful |  |
| place to bring kids, as it doubles up as an amusement park, play ground, and open-air restaurant. An unusual sight at this beach is the camel ride, which is both fun and popular.
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| RBI's Monetary Museum | ||||||
| The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the central bank of the country. As the central bank, it is also the custodian of the country's monetary heritage. To document and preserve India's monetary history for the posterity and as a part of the Reserve Bank's education and outreach programme for the common man, especially the students, the Reserve Bank has conceived the Monetary Museum. | ||||||
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Financial Instrument: RBI Share Certificate
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| How to Get There ? |
| One of the advantages of being a major metropolis is that Mumbai is well connected to the rest of the state and country. |
 If you are arrivng by air, disembarkation would be either at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (formerly known as Sahar Airport) or at Chhatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport (formerly known as Santa Cruz Airport). They are about 4 kms apart and are approximately 30 kms and 26 kms away from the heart of the city - Nariman Point - in south Mumbai. An airport bus service operates between the airports and the Air India Building at Nariman Point. The journey takes an hour to the domestic terminal and fifteen minutes longer to the international terminal. However, be warned that during peak-hour traffic the journey could last almost two hours. Tickets can be bought either on the buses or at the booth outside the Air India Building. There is also a shuttle bus that operates at regular intervals between the domestic and international airports. |
 For those choosing to travel by train, Mumbai's two main railway terminals - Mumbai Central and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (or VT) connect it to the rest of the country. For up-to-date information on tickets and routes, check the Western Railway and Central Railway reservation centres. |
 Long distance buses depart from Mumbai Central S.T. Bus Depot to several towns and cities. MTDC also operates a number of bus services throughout the year (except for the monsoon months) to many scenic spots and tourist centres. Check at MTDC counters for details.
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| Around Mumbai |
| Elephanta Caves |
| Across the Mumbai Harbour, lie the seventh-century rock-cut temples of Elephanta. Once known as Gharapuri, or the Fortress City, the Caves are now designated as a World Heritage Site and visited by hundreds of tourists both for their art historical and scenic value. The Portuguese renamed this island Elephanta after a large stone elephant found near the shore ( the elephant sculpture collapsed in 1814, when the British relocated it to the Victoria Gardens now Mumbai's zoo, where it still stands). |
| Getting there: |
| Approach to the Island is by boat. Luxury and ordinary launches as well as catamarans leave for Elephanta from Apollo Bunder at the Gateway of India. Boats usually leave every half-hour from 9 am to 2 pm from Apollo Bunder and between 1 pm and 5 pm from Elephanta Island. Tickets are sold at booths near the Gateway of India and the MTDC offers daily tours to the Island. During the monsoons the ordinary boat services are usually suspended. |
| Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves |
| 104 sq. kmS of green hills and forests, this protected area lies near the northern suburb of Borivali. In fact the park was formerly known as the Borivali National Park. There is a Lion Safari Park 500 m inside the entrance and safari rides run daily except Monday from 9 am to 5 pm. The park is also well known for the 109 Kanheri Caves ( in particular Cave 3), built between the 2nd and 9th centuries as viharas(monasteries) and chaityas (prayer halls). |
| Getting there: |
| Visitors can take the train on the Western line (from Churchgate) to Borivali station and then an auto-rickshaw to the Caves. On Sundays and public holidays, a bus service runs from Borivali station to the Caves. The MTDC suburban tour also includes Kanheri in its itinerary. |
| Marve, Manori and Gorai |
| North of Mumbai and away from its bustling crowds and pollution, are these 3 beaches that have become popular havens for Mumbai's beleaguered fun lovers. Marve, the closest and the quietest is a lovely little fishing village. There are some beautiful bungalows and up-scale homes belonging to the city's wealthy used mainly as weekend getaways. Low hills along the beach offer you extraordinary views of sunrise and sunset. Gorai and Manori, a little further away, are more crowded with revellers and are famous for all night beach parties. |
| Getting there: |
| Marve is about 40 kms by car from Mumbai. You can alight at Malad railway station (a suburban station on the Western Railway line) and proceed by road. A 15 minute ferry ride from Marve or Borivali will take you to Manori or Gorai. |
| Mandwa and Kihim |
| You will find these two beach fronts 12 miles north of Alibag on the north coast and easily accessible from Mumbai. Mandwa is a beautiful, untrodden beach. On a clear day one can enjoy a long, breathtaking view across the bay, up to the Gateway of India. Mandwa village too, has a charm of its own -- with its beautiful groves of coconut palms. Plan an unusual tent holiday nearby at Kihim. |
| Getting there: |
It is accessible by boats and road. There is regular ferry service between the Gateway of India and Mandwa Jetty. For Kihim, one can take an auto-rickshaw or bus further onwards. By road, Kihim is 136 kms from Mumbai. |
| Bassein |
| Bassein Fort, now in ruins, was under the Portuguese a thriving fortified city from 1534 to 1739 when it was sacked by the Marathas. The ruins of the Portuguese Fort still stand almost hidden by brushwood and palm groves. Some of the walls and churches can still be seen. About 10 kms to the north-west lies Nalasopara village, the capital of the Konkan region from 1500 BC to AD 1300. Many Buddhist relics were discovered here. Nalasopara is believed to have been the birthplace of the Buddha in a previous life. To the north, is the Agar of Agashi and to the south is the Agar of Bassein. An hour by bus from Bassein station are the Vajreshwari Temple and Akoli Hot Springs. Also easily accessible is Ganeshpuri with the Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir, the Bhimeshwar Temple and other ashrams. |
| Getting there: |
| Bassein Fort can be reached by train up to Bassein or Vasai Road station on the Western Railway and then by auto-rickshaw or taxi. By road, it is 77 kms along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway. |
| Khandala, Lonavala and Karla |
| Khandala and Lonavala are two charming hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5 kms apart straddling the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m. Very popular with Mumbaites, they also alternate as getaways and health resorts. Khandala is the smaller and calmer of the two, though browsing through Lonavala's bazaar could yield some wonderful surprises. |
| Weather: |
| Temperatures vary from 12 C in winter to around 36 C in the peak of summer. The annual rainfall, when the climate is very pleasant, is 450 cms. October to May is the best time to visit. |
| Getting there |
Pune 66 kms away, is the nearest airport. All trains from Mumbai to Pune and the South stop at Lonavala. Mumbai is 104 kms away by road, the last 20 kms of which wind up the ghats through grueling switchbacks. Taxis and auto-rickshaws easily available in Lonavala and Khandala, are the best way of getting to and from Karla. |
| Matheran |
| Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two-hour ascent in a toy train, with food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off as the valley glides by sedately. Alternately, a tough 11 km hike through thick and shady forests or a winding car drive can get you there as well. |
| Weather: |
| Temperatures vary from 16 C in winter to 32 C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 524 cms. October to May is the best time to visit. |
| Getting there |
| Mumbai, 100 kms away is the nearest airport. Neral station, 21 kms away is where you can catch the toy train. Mumbai by road is about 108 kms from Matheran via Karjat and Neral. Pune is 120 kms away. All cars and buses stop at Dasturi just outside, from which you can walk, take a horse or a hand-pulled rickshaw into the town. State Transport buses ply regularly from Mumbai and Pune.
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| Entertainment |
| Nightlife |
| Nightlife in Mumbai is best described by the fact that Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. Trendy 'pubs' and discos or nightclubs are located in the Fountain/Colaba area and the suburbs too have plenty to offer. Many restaurants double up as bars and nightclubs and stay open till late hours. For those on a budget, the local beaches such as Chowpatty and Juhu have a life of their own during the nights, and often people are found strolling on the beachfronts enjoying the cool breeze. Both serve as playgrounds, open-air restaurants and amusements parks. |
| Bollywood and Movies |
| India's answer to Hollywood, Bollywood films have a fantastic mix of action, violence, music, dance, romance and an almost non-existent story. Hindi films are a part and parcel of life not just in Mumbai but probably all over India. The industry rooted in Mumbai, produces over 200 films a year and is the largest maker of films anywhere in the world. The film stars or as they known as in 'filmi' parlance, the heroes and heroines are treated as mega-stars and likened to gods and goddesses. The masses adore their 'masala' films because they allow the people of India to escape into a fantasy and hang on to their dreams. |
| Every movie is punctuated with at least half a dozen songs and elaborate dance numbers, plus an equal number of costume and location changes. Given this, it is no wonder that the musical success of a film is vital to its overall success. The formula for a 'hit' film has been tried and tested hundreds of times, and many movies may be actual copies of Hollywood originals. However, nowadays they boast of outstanding production values, with breathtaking cinematography, intricate stunts and action shots, and a sophistication and slickness previously missing. |
If you haven't seen one, it's worth a shot. Ask around for the latest good flicks running in a movie theatre near you. A visit to the sets -- a wonderfully chaotic experience -- is possible by contacting the managers or public relations officers of the following studios: Film City in Goregaon, Natraj in Andheri and RK Studio in Chembur. |
| Theatre and Music |
| Traditionally, Mumbai has always had a strong local following for both music and theatre. In fact, theatre performances in Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and English are of a very high standard. Both serious plays and lighter 'spoofs' or farcical comedies are performed. Usually plays are held on the weekends, as in many cases the actors have other professions as well. Check the local papers for the latest listings as plays are performed all over the city with a number of theatre halls in the suburbs as well. The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point and the Prithvi Theatre in Juhu (with an excellent café) have regular performances. |
| Imagine you can hear the lilting sounds of a sitar against the gentle lapping of waves! Music is found all over the city, and the sheer number and variety of concerts will satisfy both western and Indian music lovers. Indian classical music is best heard outdoors in performances usually held in the winter months. The best and most talented artistes perform here, with such arresting backdrops as the Gateway of India and the Banganga Tank. There is no shortage of pop, rock, and jazz too. Many restaurants and venues have live performances by local and international artistes, all providing a pulsating and lively atmosphere. Check local papers for concerts and the NCPA programme as well. |
| For music, dance, drama and the movies, the Government of India's tourist office publishes a fortnightly guide with the latest information of what's on. |
| Festivals |
| Banganga Festival |
| Usually held in January, organised by the MTDC, this two-day festival of music is held at the historic Banganga Tank.. Performers are usually exponents of classical vocal and instrumental music, and its beautiful setting and soothing music provide a charming ambience. Proceeds from the sale of tickets go towards the conservation, upkeep and maintenance of the Banganga temple complex. |
| Elephanta Festival |
| Against the dramatic façade of the cave temples, this festival of dance and music is held in the early part of the year, usually in February. Also organised by the MTDC, the event involves a boat ride from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Islands. |
| Kala Ghoda Festival |
| Every Sunday from November to January, at Mumbai in the Kala Ghoda area (now known as K. Dubash Marg), near the Jehangir Art Gallery is transformed into a street bazaar of arts and crafts. Food, handicrafts and performances are all part of this daylong event starting from 10 am and ending at 9 pm, organised by MTDC.
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| Mumbai Tips |
| Weather |
| The winter months ( November-February) are the coolest, while the rest of the year is hot. The monsoon months (June-September) though cooler are hampered on occasion by heavy rainfall. |
| Getting Around |
| The local suburban railway network along the Western and Central corridors together with the BEST buses provide commuters with an efficient transportation network. Trains leave every few minutes from stations in both directions from 4.30 am to 1.30 am although the frequency is less in the nighttime and early morning. Taxis, cars for hire (along with drivers), and auto-rickshaws allow for easy travel within the city. Mumbai's yellow and black taxis are a convenient way to travel around the city. A tariff card converting the meter reading into rupees fixes payment. Auto-rickshaws are also metered but are only confined to the outer limits of the city, around the northern suburbs. The Mumbai train map can be found Click here. |
| Tourist Offices |
| The Government of India Tourist Office is situated at 123 Maharshi Karve Road, opposite Churchgate station and open Monday through Friday from 8.30 am to 6 pm, and on Saturday from 8.30 am to 2 pm. It brings out a free brochure on Mumbai and guide covering Mumbai's major entertainment events every two weeks. It also runs a 24-hour counter at the International airport and a counter at the domestic airport that stays open till the last flight. |
| Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is another useful center with its head office at the Nariman Point (Express Towers, 9th Floor). Close by is its Tours Division and Reservation Office at CDO Hutments, Madame Cama Road, open from 8 am to 8 pm, where bookings can be made for all tours around the city, long-distance buses and MTDC hotels throughout Maharashtra. The MTDC also has a counter near the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the airports. |
| List of Travel Agents |
| Changing Money |
| Several international banks provide cash advances on Visa and MasterCard. The American Express Travel Services office near the Regal Cinema in Colaba is a good place to exchange foreign money. Thomas Cook on D N Road near Flora Fountain also exchanges money. There are a number of foreign exchange counters at the international airport as well. |
| Emergency Services |
| For Police dial 100, Fire 101 and Ambulance 102. Most hotels can provide a physician for a medical emergency and will guide you to the nearest pharmacy around the area. |
| Dress Code |
| To combat the heat and humidity wear informal loose clothes. It is recommended not to wear skimpy clothing. |
| Beggars |
| Even though you'll come across beggars and street children, it is advisable to avoid giving money |
| Tipping |
| Tip at your discretion. In restaurants, 10 % of the bill is fine. |
| Domestic Airlines |
| Indian Airlines: 612 7391/ 611 2850 (Santacruz Airport)
Enq - 140,(Arrival - 142), (Departure -143). JetAirways: 838 6111 / 619 3333 Sahara India Airlines: Airport -611 9375 / 9402 |
| International Airlines |
| Sahara Airlines: 836 6700
Air India International: 287 6464 British Airways: 282 1424/ 0888 Cathay Pacific: 202 9112/9113 Gulf Air: 202 1626 Lufthansa: 202 3430 http://www.mumbainet.com/travel/airlines.htm |
| Railways |
| Enquiry : 265 9135
Central General Enquiry : 134 Western General Enquiry : 131 http://www.mumbai-central.com/imp_info/ |
| Hospitals |
Hinduja Hospital (Mahim) 445 2222/ 1515
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| Chemists (Day/Night) |
| Noble Chemist (Opera House) : 385 3130
Nobel Medical (Santacruz) : 600 1570 Khar Medical Stores (Khar) : 646 1329 Nobel Chemists(Ghatkopar) : 510 3281 Shital Medical (Chembur) : 555 4461 Shree Swami Samarth ( Dadar) : 431 3289 |
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