Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the commercial capital of India. The city is much more than just the glamour of cinema, bustling streets, crowded stock markets and Bhelpuris on the Chowpatty beach. Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. The city has one of the best nightlifes in the country. There is a lot to enjoy for the tourists in Mumbai. Places like the Gateway of India, Chowpatty Beach and Juhu Beach are a must visit when on a tour to the fascinating city of Mumbai. Mumbai comes to its full splendor in the evenings when parties start all over the place and continue till the wee-hours of the mornings.
Location and Climate Mumbai is located in the state of Maharashtra on the Salsette Island off the western coast of India in the Konkan coastal region. The highest point of the city situated in the northern part is at an altitude of about 1450 ft. above sea level.
Mumbai's climate is generally hot and humid for most of the year except in the winter season which extends from November to March. The monsoon season which is accompanied by torrent rainfall and high humidity, begins in mid-June and lasts upto August. The average temperature during the summer season is around 30 degrees while in winters it hovers around 20-25 degrees. The best time to visit the place is between the months of October and March.
Tourist Attractions
Gateway of India
Situated on the Apollo Bunder, the Gateway of India is Mumbai's principal landmark. It is a huge archway built in 1919 to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The last of the British troops leaving India by the sea route marched off through the gates of this huge structure. It is a favourite hangout spot of the Mumbaikars.
Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach - MumbaiLocated 18 km north of the city centre, Juhu beach is one of the most frequently visited beaches in India and one of the posh areas of the region.
Elephanta Caves
Situated about 9 km. from the Gateway of India are the Elephanta caves. It houses temples dating back to the 5th century dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved out of rocks.
Haji Ali's Tomb
It is a mausoleum built in the memory of Muslim saint Haji Ali, who died while on his pilgrimage to holy Mecca.
How to Reach
Mumbai being the commercial capital of India, pulls in travellers from across the globe. While buses and trains are a good way to travel inside the city, it can get a little ucomfortable and overcrowded at times.
By Air - Mumbai is generally the place where you will land when coming to India. It has the busiest air network in the country having more international flights than any other city in India. The Sahar International Terminal and the domestic terminal at Santa Cruz connect Mumbai to various national and international destinations.
By Rail - Mumbai is the headquarters of the central and western railway zones. The main railway station is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, also known as Victoria Terminal. Other railway stations are Dadar, Churchgate and Kurla, which connect Mumbai with many major Indian cities through express, super-fast and passenger trains. Mumbai has one of the largest local train networks in the country. The local trains connect various parts of the city transporting millions of people to their destinations each day. It is a good option to move around in the city, though it can be overcrowded at times.
Ganesh Mahotasav - Mumbai
By Road - Long distance buses operate from the bus terminal situated outside the central railway station in Mumbai, connecting it to various cities in the state and outside. Well built state and national highways make road travel easy and comfortable.
Once inside the city, local buses or taxis can be hired to move around in the city. Taxis generally have a fair metre accoring to which the fare is charged. Tourists are advised to fix the fair beforehand in case you hire a taxi without a fair metre.