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.

Like a giant magnet, Mumbai draws people from all walks of life - traders and artisans, musicians and movie stars, peasants and industrialists, entrepreneurs and executives, students and dropouts. In fact, any Indian with a dream heads for Mumbai and this pulsating, cosmopolitan, multicultural city of opportunity folds them all to its bosom. Mumbai is like little bits of India all rolled into one sprawling city.

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!

Map of Mumbai / Bombay (Click on image to enlarge)

Places you can see in Mumbai / Bombay

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 façade along with beautifully executed panels and friezes. It holds the statue of Queen Victoria on its dome.

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 of darshan 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

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).
9 nautical miles across the sea from the Gateway of India lay Elephanta, also known as ‘Gharapuri’. Visit this green island for the wonders of the 7 th century, the painstakingly hewn rock-cut cave temple, dedicated to Shiva. The Maheshamurti panel in which Shiva is shown as a creator, protector and destroyer, is a sight that should be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. Regular excursions to Elephanta start every day from the Gateway of India. Make sure you visit the Chalukya Restaurant run by MTDC.
The Caves will be closed on Monday.
 
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).

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
 
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. You can plan an unusual tent holiday nearby at Kihim. Unspoilt and isolated, this beautiful place has a soothing effect on all city dwellers. For the nature lover, Kihim has a lot to offer: woods brimming with wild flowers and rare butterflies and birds. Worth visiting is the Kolaba Fort, just a furlong away from the shore. 15 kms from Alibag is Chaul, an historic place with Portuguese ruins, Buddhist Caves, the Hamam Khana, a church, a temple and even a synagogue.

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

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.Both towns offer some spectacular scenic views of the surrounding hills and in the monsoon, with a myraid waterfalls, the atmosphere is enchanting.
Karla about 12 kms from Lonavala, is the site of the largest chaitya Caves (shrines) in India, built in 80 BC. Amongst the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India, they represent the zenith, in terms of design purity, of this style of temple architecture. About 3 kms from the main road is the more peaceful setting of the Bhaja Caves. Thought to date from around 200 BC, 10 of the 18 Caves here are viharas (monasteries) while Cave 12 is an open chaitya earlier than 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. Matheran's cliffs, with incredibely steep drops to the plains below,create stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day or by night, leave you feeling light headed. On a clear night you can even see the lights of Mumbai from Hart Point. In fact, all of Matheran is a series of such quixotically named points that are popular if isolated site for picnics and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panther's Caves and Paymaster Park are Leisure, especially for children.

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. 

Titwala (75 Km.)
The temple of Maha Ganesh makes Titwala an important pilgrim place for devotees. Titwala is a Railway Station on the Central Railway line.

Bassein Fort (77 Km.)
Built by Bahadur Shah - Sultan of Gujarat from 1526 -1537, this fort was intended to guard the coast against foreign poweRs.The fort passed hands from the Sultan to the Portuguese, Marathas and finally the British. Nearest Railway Station is Vasai Road (7 km). There are ST buses from Vasai Railway Station to Bassein Fort.

Arnala Fort, (9 km from Virar )
a beautiful sea fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji. There are buses connecting Vasai city and Arnala Village and then ferry services to the Fort.

Ganeshpuri(82 Km.)
Spread over an area of 75 acres is the famous spiritual institute, Shri Gurudev Ashram or Gurudev Siddha Peeth, which was founded by the renowned Swami Nityananda in 1949 where he had three rooms built for his disciple, Swami Muktananda. In 1956, Swami Muktananda settled there permanently and the Ashram began to grow. Swami Muktananda named it Shree Gurudev Ashram in memory of his guru who attained Mahasamadhi in August 1961. Around the Ashram is a new township set up for the resettlement of Adivasis or Warli tribe, the local inhabitants. Swami Nityananda's Samadhi, the Bhimeshwar Ganesh Temples are very close to the Ashram.
The nearest railhead is Vasai Road (29km) on Western Railway and 3 km away is Vajreshwari.
 
Karjat (88 Km.)
Karjat is where the coastal plains of the Konkan end and the Bhor Ghat begins. In the monsoons and just after, the area is a luxuriant green. Karjat has a number of health resorts, farmhouses and is a base for some easy treks in the area. During the monsoons it is possible to go rafting in the upper sections of the Ulhas River, near Karjat (Contact Outbound Adventures, Mumbai), who organize rafting and canoeing trips here.

Vajreshwari (90 Km.):
The Hot Springs, stretching about 7 km in the bed of the River Tansa, are mainly situated at Akloli, Vajreshwari, Ganeshpuri & Satvalli (33 km) The temperature of the water in the springs ranges from 43 deg.C to 49 deg.C. At the hot springs in Vajreshwari one can enjoy hot springs baths in exclusive and closed baths called "Kothawalla Baths". At the Akloli hot springs, there are provisions for long tubs & showers. Near by are the Vajreshwari Temple, Bassein Fort, Parsuram Temple and Tungareshwar.

Tansa Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary (103 Km. and 90 Km.):
Tansa Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary (103 Km. and 90 Km.): The Tansa Lake and Wildlife Sanctuary are situated in Thane district, 103 Km and 90 Km away from Mumbai city respectively. The quiet but immense water spread of the lake nestles amidst the thick forest of Tansa. The wildlife sanctuary occupies an area of 216.75 sq km and is home to the tiger, panther, sambar, cheetal barking deer, wild boar, jackal, common langur and bonnet macaque.
Atgaon (14 km) (near Kasara) on the Central Railway line is the nearest Railway station.

Palghar - Manor Palghar (120 Km.)
Lying north of Mumbai, Palghar, an industrial town, is an ideal base to visit surrounding beaches and places of natural beauty. These include the Manor (18 Km. from Palghar) Manor is located amidst idyllic settings near the confluence of the Vaitarna River with its tributary, the Deherja. Close by is the Surya River and Dam.

Igatpuri (137 Km.)
It is a small town in Nashik district, famous for the Vipassana International Academy, which conducts courses in meditation. Details can be obtained from the Vipassana International Academy.

Bhandardara (Wilson Dam) (69 Km.)
A beautiful holiday spot in Akola Taluka of Ahmednagar district. Places of interest include the Wilson Dam, Lake Arthur where boating facilities are available, the Randha falls, Amriteshwar Temple, Ratangarh fort and Mount Kalsubai (25 Km), the highest peak in the Sahyadri Range.

Malshej Ghat(154 Km.):
A popular hill station during the monsoons, Malshej Ghat is an ideal place for trekkers, hikers and for solitude seekers. It is also an abode for the famous migratory flamingos during the monsoons. Kalyan Junction on the Central line is the nearest Railway Station. There are ST buses from Kalyan to Malshej Ghat.
 
Dahanu-Gholvad - Bordi
Dahanu (155 Km.): Once a part of the Portuguese territory of Bassein, with vestiges of the Parsi - Portuguese influence still visible. One can see remains of the Dahanu Fort and visit the popular Narpad Beach here. Dahanu is 24 Km. from Bordi.
On the way from Dahanu to Bordi is Gholvad, the “Chikoo Bowl” of Maharashtra.

Bordi (179 Km.): A quite and peaceful place with miles of uninterrupted and virtually unspoilt beach, casuarinas trees and chikoo orchards. Places of interest in and around Bordi include the Asavli Check Dam, Depchari Dam and Reservoir, the Kalpataru Botanical Gardens at Umergaon (10 km away) and the Mallinath Jain Tirth Kosbad Temple.

Jawhar (166 Km.):
Founded in the 14th century by a tribal king, Jawhar, a predominantly tribal hill station, is abundantly endowed with natural beauty and scenic locations. Places worth visiting in and around Jawhar include the Jai Vilas Palace, Hanuman Point, Sunset Point and Shirpamal.
Also of importance is the Warli Art of Jawhar. The Warli tribe is famous for its lively paintings, traditionally made of rice paste, depicting everyday scenes of village life.

Events and Festivals of Mumbai

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.

Essentials

Reaching  Mumbai

Air
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. 

Train
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.

Road
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.

Local travel in mumbai
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.

Hotels in Mumbai
There are plenty of budget and star hotels in Mumbai.

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.

Best Season : November - February
STD Code: 022