Home :: City Stopovers:: Mumbai

If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home, from the very earliest days when man began the dream for existence, it is Mumbai! These words of Romain Rolland say it all. Mumbai is the nagaria of dreams. People come in from all over the country to make their life here, some succeed and move to the tallest and posh-est of homes others are reduced to nothing and pass their nights on railway platforms. It is also a city of contrasts. Huge contrasts. A strong regional movement turned the name of the city and its institutions around, Bombay became Mumbai, Victoria terminus became Chattrapati Shivaji terminus and a lot many more but the heart of Bombay has not changed. It will take you into its folds no matter what your status or signature.

History
The city of Mumbai is actually nothing but a collection of seven islands, and a lot of reclaimed land! It’s true, whether you believe-it-or-not. In the yester years Bombay consisted of islands Colaba, Mazagao, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel, and Matunga-Sion.

Through the years these passed through various hands, the Hindu rulers, the Mohammedans, the Portuguese (A lot of structures like the Afghan church, Mahim Mosque have been built in this era. In fact some say Bombay got its name thanks to the Portuguese who called it "Bom Baia" which in Portuguese means "Good Bay". The truth behind the name is still not very clear, most original Bombaiites (kolis) believe the name origins from Mumbaidevi, the goddess of Mumbai).

Anyways, the islands were then gifted to Charles II of England in 1661, as a dowry for his Portuguese wife Catherine de Braganza. These were in turn then leased out to the British East India Company in 1668, for as little as an annual sum of 10 pounds in gold! Yes that’s what Bombay meant to them. A mammoth engineering project began in 1817 to merge all the islands into one. The kolis, the original folks of Bombay moved out to smaller areas mainly Backbay reclamation, Mahim, Bandra, Khar, Bassien and Madh island where they continue to live.

Over years, the city grew into a major urban centre archaic and gothic building dotted the face of Bombay and in 1930, Bombay got its current world famous BSE building. Bombay has played a very important role in the independence especially at the time of the Quit India Movement. Post independence Bombay was the capital for both Maharashtra and Gujarat as we know them today. Post 1950 however Bombay became the capital of Maharashtra and continues to grow and glow by the day. Some time in the late 90’s Bombay became Mumbai.

A note from history: As a result of a mysterious fire which started in the docks of Bombay, on Friday April 14, 1944, the ship "Fort Stikine" (7420 tons) blew up here. At the time the ship was about to unload a lethal combination of cargo of dried fish and cotton bales (loaded from Karachi), timber, gun powder, ammunition, and gold bars from London (the latter to stabilize the Indian Rupee, which was sagging due to the Second World War and fear of invasion from Japan). The gold bullion was valued at approx. two million Pounds Sterling at that time. The two explosions were so loud that windows rattled and shattered as far away as Dadar, a distance of 8 miles. The destruction in the docks and surrounding area was immense and several hundred dock workers were killed instantly.

The population of the city was panic stricken as rumours spread rapidly that the explosions signaled the commencement of hostilities by the Japanese on the same style as the surprise attack on Pearl Harbour in the Hawaiian islands in December 1941. The Japanese were in fact nowhere near Bombay since they were engaged in fighting a losing battle with the British army in Burma at that time. Nevertheless, the Bombay Central (BB&CI) and Victoria Terminus (GIP) stations were packed to capacity with terrorized people fleeing the city in whichever train they could board for their villages with all belongings they could carry. At the time of the explosion, one of the gold bars crashed through the roof of the third floor apartment of a Parsi named D.C. Motivala more than a mile from the docks. He promptly returned the gold bar to the authorities. Almost all of the other gold bars were subsequently recovered from different parts of the city; the last ones to be found were hauled up from the bottom of the sea in the docks. However, during normal dredging operations carried out periodically to maintain the depth of the docking bays one or two gold bars were found intact as late as the 1970s and returned to the British government.

What to see
Bombay is a tourists’ paradise, there's so much to see here that one barely has enough time to take a compete tour of the city, in fact people living here too have not seen all that Mumbai has to offer and that's not over exaggerating.

Gateway of India
This triumphal arch was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, but it has now become a great spot for romance. Where one can sit against the walls that separate the sea from the road having their little bites and probably feeding the pigeons too; with a view of the gigantic Taj Mahal Hotel on one end and Navy Nagar on the other. At times you can see big cruise liners and ships docked here too. Do hop onto one of the motor launches that start at the gateway, they take you on a cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbour. Another must-do is the evening tanga ride on the coast, along Apollo Bunder. It is a little expensive at about Rs. 300, but the sights and the breeze make it worthwhile. Launches for Elephanta Caves set off from the Gateway of India.

Flora Fountain
Right in the heart of Mumbai, lies this serene spot. It gets its name from the Roman Goddess of Flower, whose statute is the pivot around which two torch-bearing patriots statues have been installed. The fountain looms between tall buildings housing offices and shops. Flora Fountain is now called Hutatma Chowk or Martyr's Square to honour those who died in the tumultuous birth of Maharashtra State. It’s a great place to go to too shop, most Banks have their head offices in this area.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus has an interesting history. One of the areas along the eastern shore line of Mumbai, it was used as a storehouse for goods imported and exported from Bombay. In the 1850s, the Great Indian Peninsular Railway built its railway terminus in this area and the station took its name as Bori Bunder, which literally means a place where sacks are stored. It was eventually named Victoria Terminus and now, is called Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. This structure is an architectural beauty with carvings of peacocks, gargoyles, monkeys, elephants and British lions mixed up among the buttresses, domes, turrets, spires and stained glass windows, this is one of the busiest stations in the world. If you have the time, come here during office hours, just to watch the mad rush of people getting into and off the trains.

Rajabhai Tower
This is where most Mumbaiites come to receive their convocation degrees. The tower lies within the university campus, right next to the High Court. The Gothic clock tower that rises above the portion of the library section has always given the right time and has stopped just once in all these years. Very recently the clock tower got a new life, with its stain glass windows being re-done. Consisting of five elaborately decorated storeys, the tower is 280 ft. in height. The top of the cupola is ornamented with sixteen statues and about 30 ft. from the ground are eight other statues. You can see this tower from the longest of distances, just opposite this lies a huge ground, cross it and you come to Bombay’s best book store, the Oxford book store.

Crawford market
This is one market that’s always buzzing with people, both traders and housewives who shop here for their supplies of veggies, meats, and fruits at wholesale rates. Now called Jyotibha Phule market, this market is one of the most colorful indoor market in Mumbai, the structure itself is quite interesting with a blend of Flemish and Norman architecture. The market was designed by Lockyard Kipling, father of the famous Rudyard Kipling. Incidentally the Kiplings' cottage stands a stones? throw away from the market within the campus of J J School of Art. If you come here, make sure you get into the Huge cloth market a stones throw away from here, Zaveri bazaar is a five minute walk from here.

Mani Bhawan
On the yellow-flower, tree-lined quiet Laburnum Road, lies the Mumbai home of Mahatma Gandhi. This nondescript structure has a photo exhibition of the Mahatma's life, well-preserved memorabilia including an old charkha or spinning wheel that Gandhiji used and a library with over 2,000 books. Many Gandhians still frequent this place to weave fabric and spin the charkha. It is open 10 am-6 pm.

Prince of Wales Museum
This is one spot of Mumbai that’s always flooded with tourists and locals alike. To call the building impressive is an understatement, both from the insides and outsides. The building is an impressive mix of Gothic and Islamic architectures. Inside are artifacts dating back to 2000 BC, to the Harappan period. But everybody’s favourite are the over 2000 miniature paintings from various art schools of India, it also has a fine collection of oil paintings and Chinese Jade pieces. The museum itself is divided into three main sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. When here do not miss a miniature model of the Paris Tower of Silence at Malabar Hill. Timings are 10.15 am-6 pm, Mondays are holidays.

Jehangir Art Gallery
Next to the Prince of Wales Museum is Mumbai premier gallery hosting weekly/monthly exhibitions of well-known Indian artists as well as beginners. The restaurant at the art gallery, Samovar serves some of the best snacks, parathas and sprouts salads, do take a bite when you’re here. The gallery becomes the centre of activity during the Kala Ghoda festival. A lot of upcoming artists and street artists showcase their work on the promenade just outside the gallery too. Timings are 11 am-6 pm.

National Gallery of Modern Art
Standing tall opposite the Prince of Wales Museum is the NGMA, a devastatingly beautiful structure that was once the old public hall. The gallery showcases works of India's best-known artists. There is one permanent exhibit, while the rest of the gallery is used by various artists to put up their shows. If you are into art this is one place you must come too, it’s your window to the country's contemporary art scenario. The museum is open 11 am-6 pm; Mondays are holidays.

Nehru Centre and Planetarium
The spank centre built as a memorial to India’s first prime minister has an elaborate Discovery of India exhibition, a must visit for anyone interested in the history of our country. The planetarium next door is also very popular with amateur astronomers. Daily shows reveal the timeless mysteries of the cosmos. It is open all days except Mondays with shows in three languages.

Chowpatty
Mumbai's most famous beach is better known for the yummy food you get in the tiny eateries here, than it is known for the sand and the surf. This is where Mumbai’s biggest Ganapatis come for immersion during the 11 day ganesh-utsav festival. At that time this part of the city is best organized as there are hundred of cops all over and the roads are made one-way. A Nana Nani Park has recently been created around the beach, it also now houses a water sports complex (closed during the rainy months). Come here to feed the pigeons, there’s a huge feeding ground, Just next to the beach stands teen batti, a signaling post that was used for the ships coming to bay in the yester years.

Juhu
Scampering children, romancing couples and evening joggers, that’s Juhu but more than that, this is the place for golas (ice lolly) and chaats. There is no better place to experience the true Mumbaiya spirit than here. Stay out of the water and avoid coming here on a Sunday though, and for those of you who wish to sip some warm liquids after a cool day by the beach, there's Mocha’s right opposite and the very famous Shiv Sagar for all kinds of good food and drinks around the corner.

Bandstand
At the very end of Bandra, Bandstand is known for its lovely jogger’s park, the homes of a few well known celebs and the promenade that got a lot of attention during its make over. That apart this is one place where you can enjoy a quiet meal at the sea side cafe and can actually sit on the rocky beach and watch the sea all day long.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Mumbai is the only city to have a national park within its city limits! But over time this green lung also seems to be shrinking with the city growing far faster than its means to provide space to live. Nevertheless the park still has a few leopards, tigers (all captive), birds and butterflies, deers, monkeys, hyenas. The national park opens into the Yevur hills of Thane onto the other end. For the kids they have a 30-minute lion and tiger safari that starts at about 1 Kms distance from the entrance gate. Within the park are the Kanheri Caves, a monastery where monks practiced their austerities around the 1st century AD. Unlike Elephanta, these caves are much simpler.

Hanging Gardens
Atop Malabar Hill, it offers great views of the whole of Mumbai city. These gardens are just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park and provide lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea. The park was laid out in the early 1880s over Bombay’s main reservoir, some say to cover the water from the potentially contaminating activity of the nearby Towers of Silence. It to date is a great place to hang out.

Priyadarshini Park
The park where the elite of Bombay come to walk, Priyadarshini Park is on the busy Neapean Sea road. This is the only park to offer yoga classes by the morning and evening. Laughter clubs are also associated with this park, so don’t be surprised to see a group of grown men and women laughing their guts out while you are on your morning walk!

Khotachiwadi
Amidst the high rises of South Mumbai is this hamlet of Maharashtrian Hindus and Christians. Near Opera House lies this tiny wadi with smaller gallies (streets) and homes that are reminiscent of old village homes, with a city touch to it. The colors on the homes here are extremely young and alive. A few of Bombay’s famous personalities stay here, when you’re here go across to anantashram for awesome fish food.

Dhobi Ghat
Here is where the dhobis (washermen) of Mumbai unite, wash the dirty linen collected from all over and return it neatly pressed to every house, all for a pittance. The endless lines of dhobis soaping, rinsing, and drying clothes is a sight to behold. The Ghat is near Mahalaxmi railway station.

Sassoon Dock
The fishing area in downtown Colaba, this is where you will rub shoulders with the typical fisherfolk of Mumbai. There is a perpetual pervasive smell of fish and chaos reigns, yet Sassoon dock is an experience worth undertaking. The streets here are full of nets either being woven together or those full of fresh catch.

Worli Fishing Village

It is inhabited by the Kolis, the original residents of Mumbai. These tribal fisherfolk live here in tightly knit communities, the colourful koli women, their dark skins offset by chunky tribal jewellery are great photo subjects.

Getaways
When the hustle and bustle of Mumbai gets to you, GETAWAY for a short while. Chill out at the cozy retreats and refreshing hill stations situated a couple of hours outside the city.

Saguna Baug Tour
Located 100kms from Mumbai at Neral is Saguna Baug, a centre for aqua, agro forestry, dairy and horticulture. This 50acre agro-tourism retreat is the most charming rural getaway 2 hrs away from Mumbai. The farm offers many activities such as boating in the pond, nature walks, fishing and bird watching. Visitors are served home cooked meals made entirely from the produce of the land. Overnight stays can be arranged in a bungalow, a dormitory, a pond house or even a log cabin.

Alibaug
Known for its 9 beaches, clean sand and water Alibaug is situated to the South of Mumbai, an hour and a half away on the west coast of India. Launch services from the Gateway of India ferry passengers to Mandawa from where a bus has to be boarded onwards to Alibaug. Fort Kulaba off the main seashore attracts a lot of attention. But it can only be visited during low tide.

Kashid
Described as one of the best beaches on the Konkan strip of Maharashtra, Kashid is 3 hours away from Mumbai. It has pure white sand and blue seas, green mountains, rice fields, lakes and rivulets. You can either drive down or take a catamaran from the Gateway of India, alight at Mandawa jetty and hope onto a bus or an auto rickshaw to Kashid Beach. Though you may not find restaurants on the beach there are plenty in the village.

Lonavala-Khandala
the best view of the Sahyadri Hills, especially during the monsoons can be had from the charming twin resorts of Lonavala and Khandala. Two hours away from Mumbai these hill stations are barely 5 km of each other, perched 600 metres high on the Western Slopes. All trains from Mumbai to Pune on the Central line stop here. They offer a cool invigorating climate and are a good getaway. Lakes and dams dot the area and just walking around is an experience. The ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla can be visited near Khandala. The best thing to buy here is Chikki (the Indian stick-jaw toffee).

Mahableshwar & Panchgani
Three hours away from Mumbai, Mahableshwar is the highest hill station in the Western Ghats. It was established as a health resort as early in 1829. Panchgani is 38 m below Mahableshwar and is quite the quintessential hill station, with the Raj stamped all over it. It can be seen in the old architecture of the old British buildings, the Parsi houses, and the boarding schools that have been for a century or more. Leafy bridle paths and picturesque points dot both the hill stations. A great place to shop for jams, chikki, roasted gram and footwear.

Matheran a very green hill station, over three hours away from Mumbai can be reached half way by train and the other half by foot, because no air-polluting vehicles are allowed here. The roads are made of red laterite earth. There are many "points" (viewpoints) which give a panoramic view of the plains below. On clear nights, the lights of Mumbai are claimed to be visible. Matheran is known for its juttis and trekking trails.

Dining Out

There is no dearth of good restaurants in Mumbai even though the city's obsession with Chinese food has not quite abated. But given the way the city has grown over the years it has, food wise, brought most of the world within its fold. Your, appetite, food preferences and wallet are all that you need to savour the culinary creations that the city has to offer.

Chaat
Even before you set foot into smartly lit plush restaurants, you must treat your palate to the tongue-tickling Chaat that Mumbai is so famous for. This variety of spicy chutney flavoured snacks includes - bhel, pani puri, ragda patties etc. The best chaat outlets in the city are in the open on the beaches at Chowpatty and Juhu, or Khao Galli near Sunderbai Hall, Churchgate. Elco Arcade on Hill road Bandra is said to have the best chaat in the city.

Old Haunts Among the eateries that have become the regular haunts of collegians, office goers and artistes is Café eopold (Colaba). You can grab a decent meal and drown it with tea or a glass of beer. A 'must eat' in the city is wholesome Parsi food and there is no better place than Jimmy Boy at Hutatma Chowk (Fort Area), where the dhansak, chicken farcha and salli boti are quite tasty.

Bombay Biryani The city's best Biryani is available at Hotel Fountain Plaza, which is in a lane next to Handloom House, just off DN Road. Other great Biryani outlets are "Hyderabad House" next to Seven Bungalows Garden, Andheri West. Lucky, at Bandra and Just Biryani at Oshiwara (Andheri West). This place also serves a unique Mangalorean fish Biryani.

Sea FoodBeing a coastal city, Mumbai has great seafood restaurants. The city's best seafood joints are Mahesh Lunch Home (Cowasji Patel Street, Fort), Trishna (Kala Ghoda) in South Bombay and Gazalee in Vile Parle.

Swati Snacks at Tardeo prepares awesome fadani kichdi besides other Gujarati delicacies. Panchvati Gaurav, next to Bombay Hospital at Churchgate also serves tasty meals with unlimited helpings. Rajdhani at Kalbadevi and Golden Thali at Charni Road specialize in Rajasthani meals.

Chinese
Bombay's best Chinese restaurants are Lings Pavilion (Colaba), China Gate (Bandra) and Chinese Room (Napean Sea Road).

Another is Goa Portuguesa at Mahim which serves a variety of Goan and Portuguese delicacies (Veg and Non-Veg) including chicken xacuti, prawn balchao, sorpotel and baked vegetables. It is an authentic Goan restaurant outside Goa. A decent meal would cost RS 400 here, but the restaurant also offers power lunches.
PopTates at Malad next to movie time offers some great American fare, including pizzas, pastas and Mexican food. Meals and Cocktails are reasonable. The ambience is good, with great food and good music. Urban Tadka North Indian food, Ambarsariya Murgha', Kheema Khaleji, nimbu Chicken, the varieties are superb. It is situated at Thakur Complex, Kandivli (East) and also has outlets at Seven Bungalows, Juhu-Versova road, Andheri (west).

Mumbai's elite culinary universe has grown to include some really phenomenal dining places.
Indiana Jones at Hilton Towers Nariman Point is the best South East Asian Restaurant in the city. Stone and wood set up a harmonious balance in this restaurant which is open from 12.30pm to 11.45 pm and the menu comprises 118 recipes from Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.

Dome, the rooftop bar and restaurant at Intercontinental Marine Drive, offers the most breathtaking view of the Mumbai harbour, besides tapas and grills. The terrace area offers an informal atmosphere and an open-air cocktail lounge. The feeling is both residential and romantic. The Dome has been voted Mumbai's most Romantic Restaurant of the year 2005-2006. It is open after 7 pm.

Nightlife

Cafe Mondegar, near Regal Cinema is a lively place where the jukebox plays good rock, jazz and pop music. The wall decor comprises cartoon and quotes from George Bernard Shaw The Mondegar's exclusive inner sanctum is an English style pub called The Inside Story. Timings: 8:30 am - 12:30 am.

The Ghetto, near Breach Candy, is where the city's creative minds come to play their own music and contribute to the graffiti on the wall. Beer is served by the pitcher; there are pool tables and a small dance floor. Timings: 7 pm to 12:30 am.

Jazz By The Bay, on Marine Drive known for its karaoke nights and jazz sessions. Sunday-Tuesday are Karaoke nights. Wednesday-Friday are reserved for the live bands. Saturday is celebrity night. Timings: 12.30 pm and 12.30 am.

Insomnia at Taj Mahal Hotel and Palace, Apollo Bunder is a three level night club comprising Lobby, the main dance floor and three main lounges. Timings 9pm onwards.

Club Escape Crystal Plaza, New Link Road Andheri (E) is a place for good martinis offered over a 24 foot long bar. Timings: 9 pm onwards.

Lush Lounge And Grill at the Phoenix Mills compound , Lower Parel is Mumbai's New York style Soho Lounge, usually packed to the seams. It is popular for its music. Timings 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm, 7 pm to 1.30 am.

Rock Bottom, at Hotel Ramee Guestline, Juhu, is probably one of the largest clubs in the city situated in the Hotel basement. Timings 9 pm onwards.

Enigma at JW Marriott Hotel has exotic interiors and a good dance floor in tones of wood and great music by DJ Aqueel. Timings; 9.30 pm to 3a m.

Bed at Linking Road Bandra gets it name from its decor. No bar stools here. Only beds! And of course good music by DJ Suketu. Timings 9 pm onward.

Shopping
You can shop till you drop in Mumbai because this is one metropolis that has everything from all across the country and the world! Haute couture, cheap one- season wear, intricate jewelry, unique antiques, curios, gizmos, electronic gadgets and more, Mumbai has it all! A veritable shopper's paradise, Mumbai's numerous shopping centers, markets and malls and the best places to sift, sort and pick the best bargains in the country. The city's glitzy Malls - Crossroads (Haji Ali), Phoenix Mills Mall (Lower Parel), Inorbit Mall- (Malad), Infinity- (Oshiwara, Andheri) have all things glam and gorgeous. But for the shopper who wants to stretch his/her currency then the places to visit are the old haunts.

The Crawford Market area, for instance, is one place in the city where you can buy anything from a button to a Blazer. The best cloth deals (Rs 50 to Rs 100 a yard and more) can be found at Kapad Bazaar and Manish Market near Crawford market. Manish market is also known for portable electronic goods, game CD's and foreign perfumes. The imported cloth stores Valkan and BeautySilkPalace are where the trendiest fabrics of the season are found with prices ranging from RS 100 to RS 500 a yard. Readymade garments, including export surplus apparel can be picked up at Fashion Street which is right across the road from Bombay Gymkhana on M.G. Road. Makeshift stalls displaying the trendiest of T-Shirts, trousers, skirts and dresses line the street. If you want a good deal, bargain for under half of the quoted price. The Colaba Causeway is another place to street shop. Haggle your way to buying smart bags, sunglasses, silk scarves, Capri's, wood and brass works, CD's, DVD's and imitation jewelry.

Gandhi Market near Matunga Station is known for its variety of fabric stocks, tailors and low priced designer wear. Authentic hand made kurtas can be bought at the Khadi Bhandar outlets on D.N Road near Hutatma Chowk and opposite Andheri Station (West).

The Roopam and Sheetal chain of stores at Grant Road, Warden Road, Crawford Market, Santacruz and the Inorbit Mall at Malad, sell the best designer wear in the city, be it embroidered saris, kurtas, chaniya cholis or sherwanis. To find your very own selection of Indian haute couture, you could visit the Azeem Khan Couture at Usha Sadan, in Colaba or check out the works of prominent designers Shahab Durazi, Tarun Tahiliani, Monisha Jaisingh, etc at Ensemble in the Great Western Building, Kala Ghoda/Fort. Ritu Kumar's Boutique can be found on Warden Road as well as at Hilton Towers and Phoenix Mills. There are also trendy boutiques at Kemp's Corner, Napean Sea Road, Warden Road (Amarsons and Premsons) and Breach Candy. (Eternia)

Located at the Bandra - Sion Link Road, Asia's largest slum Dharavi, is the heart of the leather goods industry. Leather handbags, belts, wallets and other accessories made here are exported world-wide and also sold at the local department store and Malls.
The Heera Panna Shopping Centre on the bend at Haji Ali sells foreign goods, including designer wear, electronic items, cell phones and household gadgets.

Bandra's Linking Road and Hill Road is the best place for wild, whacky and trendy shopping. While the former is better known for its rows of shoe shops, the latter is a haunt for readymade garments- both the cheap and expensive variety. You can buy a T-shirt for Rs 50 off the street or walk across to Globus and pick up one for Rs 500. The choice is yours, but the variety can drive you crazy.

Most of the Handicrafts emporia and bazaars are located in the downtown area of Mumbai. And are usually open between 10 am and 7pm. Avante, opposite Regal Cinema, is famous for its collection of souvenirs. The Bombay Store at Western India House, Sir P.M Road Fort is stocked with Indian handicrafts, from leatherwear and silk scarves to bed linen, crockery, jewelry, incense and aromatherapy oils. The Central Cottage Industries Emporium, behind Regal Cinema, near the Gateway of India, is a fixed price government shops that sells well crafted items in brass, stone and wood, as well as furniture, perfumed candles, incense, aromatic oils, Indian teas and silk. Contemporary Arts and Crafts, in the residential neighborhood of Nepean Sea Road, near Kemps Corner has tasteful collections of crafts. It is a good place to find gifts, such as carved wooden trays, picture frames, hand-painted coasters, candle stands and embroidered cushion covers. Good Earth at Raghuvanshi Mansion, Next to Phoenix Mill Compound, Lower Parel specializes in wooden and cane furniture, table wear and cutlery and aromatic bath products.

India's most famous dhurrie designer, Shyam Ahuja has shops at India House, Kemps Corner and at Thane. The store is also known for outstanding and expensive hand-woven products. Besides gorgeous home furnishings, table linen, bathrobes, and towels, you can purchase authentic Pashmina shawls here.

Mumbai is full of gold and diamond jewelry stores but the most trusted name is that of Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri at Zaveri Bazaar and various outlets in the city. Serious buyers looking for one-of-a-kind pieces should consider contacting master craftspeople Viren Bhagat or Panna J. Jhaveri , both by appointment only.

For unusual antique finds and colonial furniture, there's no place like Chor Bazaar's Mutton Street (closed on Fri), which is full of hidden treasures. If you do not have your wits about you here you will be relieved of whatever you have!

Visiting
Being sea-locked, Mumbai has temperate weather, the weather never ever really gets chilly here, at the most temperatures would drop to 12 degree Celsius. The summers (mid march to mid June) are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging right up to 38 degree Celsius. Winters set in only in November and last till January end. The rains last three long months -- June to August and some parts of the city especially the north, do tend to get flooded with consistent rains. Plan your trip keeping this in mind.

Tourist Offices
There are many offices and extension counters of the Government of India Tourism Department as well as the Maharashtra State Tourism Department at Mumbai.
Government of India Tourist Office, 123, M. Karve Road, Churchgate, Mumbai- 400 020. Tel: 293144-5.
Government of India Tourist Office Counter, Domestic Airport, Tel: 6149200, 6116466 Extn. 278, 279
Government of India Tourist Office Counter, International Airport, Tel: 6325331, 6366700 Extn. 3253/3608
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, CDO Hutments, Madam Cama Road, Nariman Point. Tel: 2026713, 2027762.
India Tourism Development Corporation, Nirmal Building, 11th Floor, Nariman Point, Tel: 2023343, 2026079

How to get there

Air
The Chhatrapati Shivaji airports -- two of them -- one for domestic and other for international airlines connect the city to important cities and towns within and outside India. A lot of international airlines fly to Mumbai, for those that don’t you can hop onto a domestic service from your point of arrival.

Train
Mumbai is the headquarters for both Western & Central Railways sectors of the behemoth Indian Railways. An enormous network of regular train services connects the city via superfast, express and passenger trains with all major towns and cities in India, including Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. The Victoria Terminus and Bombay Central Station, the two main railway stations in Mumbai form the hub of Western Railways, tickets and reservations as well as train schedules and other information can be gotten here.

Road
Good motorable roads connect Mumbai to all major cities, small towns and tourist centres in the state – Pune (163 km), Aurangabad (392 km), Nashik (184 km), Mahabaleshwar (239 km) and to the towns and cities of the neighbouring states of Goa - Panaji (597 km), Gujarat - Ahmedabad (545 km) and Vadodara (432 km) and Andhra Pradesh. Traffic is fairly heavy but disciplined. Interstate roadways buses and private operators run every kind of bus from luxury coaches to ramshackle rattletraps. Car rental companies will usually provide chauffeur driven vehicles; traffic drives on the right hand side and while ideally you should have an international driving license, your local license will do for stays under six months.

Sea
The regular ferry service that connected Mumbai to Goa is now defunct but Goa-Mumbai is still connected by a catamaran that takes 71/2 hours to reach Mumbai’s Bhau-ka- Chakka Ferry Wharf. The catamaran has air conditioned cabins, dining rooms and economy and business classes. The tickets come inclusive of two meals, drinks and snacks. The catamaran does not operate during the monsoons from June to September.