MUMBAI TRAVEL Location : In Western India on the coastal edge of Arabian Sea Popular As : Commercial capital of India and Home to Bollywood Established By : First Portuguese and then by Britishers Major Attractions : Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, Chowpatty Beach

Mumbai - A City of Glamour

Eating Joints at Chowpatty Beach

Mumbai Shopping Getting There Mumbai Nightlife Cruise Holidays

Bollywood Charms Slum Tourism in Mumbai Festive Nights Monuments Heritage

Renaissance Hotel Ramadan Plaza Palm Grove Hotel Tajmahal Hotel

The Commercial capital of the country and home to the Bollywood Film Industry, Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) is the most lively city in the western India. Its shopping malls, night clubs and Dhaba (open air eating joints) are the favorite getaway of the locals. Being the wealthiest constituency, the city is also the commercial capital making an excellent hub for the business travelers. When you will be visiting the place, prior to that prepare yourself for the most exciting activities from the seaside driving to cruising, night out to the shopping and sightseeing to religious pilgrimage. The red double - decker buses with the caravan of vehicles behind rushing to their destinations is a sight that attracts the attention of one and all, if possible go for a thrilling bus ride With the swelling population of 13 million it is true that some three million commuters throng the city every day, making it the most populated city in India, the local trains play an important role in disgorging the commuters from the suburbs, and makes a most important part of transportation It will be all fun that makes not only your holidays a cheerful experience but a source of inspiration to visit each and every corner of the state.

Historical Legacy

The sprawling city of Mumbai will be definitely of interest to the readers. Mumbai as a whole lot was gifted by the Portuguese to the British as a part of Catherine of Broganza's dowry when she married Prince Charles II in 1661. And with its growing prosperity it attracted the Parsis, Marwaris, Gujarati's and South Indian Hindus laying the basis for the multicultural society. In the modern history it has a very important significance because Mumbai was at the forefront of the Indian freedom struggle against Britishers. From this place Mahatma Gandhi lead the 'Quit India Movement', launched at the August Kranti Maidan. Visit the city of Marathas and experience the patriotism of Mumbaites.

Mumbai A Commercial Tycoon

Mumbai wears the several hats for its excellence in the various fields and holds the worlds biggest textile market, industrial powerhouse and home to the veritable bigwigs. The city with the amalgam of culture attracts thousands of people to this city to find their livelihood. The Industrial sector in city that produces everything from textiles to Petrochemicals contribute 50 percent of India's foreign exchange, 33 percent of income tax and handles over 40 percent of the maritime trade.

Development in the city that started in 70's witnessed the highest growth in around the Nariman Point, Fort and Churchgate where the main business districts revolve. All the leading corporates, banks, MN C's, airline offices are located in this area. The Dalal Street (Stock Market) where the unsurpassed amount changes hand every second, every day plays a strong role in determining the status of Indian Economy. All the government offices including Mantralaya and the Mumbai high court both are established near to Nirman Point. The city also caters the top business tycoons who visit Mumbai for their new ventures and to facilitate their visit the city hosts many hotels promoting MICE Tourism. Come to the city and watch the skyscrapers blooming in the heart of the city.

From the Gateway of India

Gateway of India

When it comes to Mumbai there is every thing that suits to the varied taste of people. Gateway of India, the magnificent monument commemorates the visit of King George V in 1911 is the place where you can stroll and see the hoards of pigeons zooming around and at the same time the people cruising in small boats in the sea. The hotel Taj on the opposite side of the road presents the magnificent view of the well lit harbor. A drive on the most famous boulevard of Mumbai dubbed as Queens Necklace, Marine Drive is must to do. The Chowpatty Beach is the most thrilling place to be visited where you can witness cluster of people belonging to all walks of life. This spot offers you the opportunity to have a pony ride, watch performing monkeys, fortune tellers, snake charmers, fishermen and picnicking families. Tastings the Bhel - puri (A snack puffed of rice, crisp noodles, chutney and chillies) and Pao - bhaji (bun eaten with spicy potato) are the specialties of Mumbai available on these beaches.

Looking at the majestic statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji on a horseback seems to be the perfect frame on the viewfinder of your camera, get a photograph of the legend and it will be a memorable snap. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) the main rail head is a lavish, gothic structure with stained glass windows, turrets and spires. UNESCO declared it the world heritage site in 2004. The National Center Of Performing Arts located at the tip of the Nariman point is the largest theater complex in the city and is a must visit not only to catch the life performance but also to soak in its atmosphere. To the art lovers delight there is the Prince of Wales Museum with the rich collection of Indian sculpture, miniature and Tibetan art. The Bollywood industry is the big draw in the city where in search of name and fame, it is visited by thousands of people with stars in their eyes. Where there are films there is fashion, Mumbai is home to the world renowned fashion designers like Rohit Bal and Manish Malhotra, hip boutiques and former beauty Queens.

Known for its Shopping Arcade

For the budget shoppers Fashion Street and Colaba causeway are the heaven while for the brand conscious people, The Courtyard, Ensemble, Oak Tree, Bevama and myriad shops at crossroad malls cater their services. These shopping centers are festooned with designers attires and are also the favourite shopping hub of the celebraties. You will find the clothes from the worlds known brands and designers, right from formal to casual, normal wear to party wear, footwear to headgear you can shop for everything you need. Colaba also houses the finest restaurants of the city as well as the most popular eateries. The Taj hotel and Oberai Hotel are some of the far most luxurious hotels located in the area that have their own shopping gallery. There are also a number of bars and clubs where you can refresh yourself and unwind with the fresh drink Not to talk about the tea, coffee and wine bars as they are life line of the city.

Mumbai's Elite Shopper's Haven
Shopping in Mumbai can be concord as the cachet of fine art. Here there is a subtle blend of curiosity and a acute sense of observation. The visitors are bewildered by the concoction of the lavish opulent shopping and the colorful street stalls. Pamper your hands with some beautiful fabric at Mischief at Bandra and Kimaya at Juhu Tara road. Want to pay some attention to your embellishments, then go around the streets stalls of Colaba causeway and fashion street for some eccentric yet beautiful accessories. Lo and behold at the Cottage industries near the Gateway of India and Regional Handicraft Emporiums at World Trade center, for authentic handicrafts. Antiques are best bought from the shopping arcades of the five star hotel of Taj and Oberoi. Chor Bazaar is another place from where using your haggling skills, you can buy antiques at very cheap prices. For jewelery the best place to hang out is the Zaveri Bazaar at Kalbadevi and Waterfield road at Bandra while the demand of your feet can be met at Linking road. Visiting Parcos at August Kranti road and Nabeel outlets at Khar and Mohammed Ali road, will satisfy your hunt for the well known brands of perfume. Kalbadevi in Mumbai is the original shopping den comprising a host of streets, each dedicated to a particular item. This city is the melting point of of varied culture and tradition that updates its image with foolproof regularities and provides the cutting edge for fashion sensibilities in India.

Festive Celebrations Down the Centuries

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

It is a pleasure to see the illuminated lights of ships twinkle on the horizon. For the spiritual sanctification, the shrine of Haji Ali attracts thousands of visitors located amidst the sea. Similarly the temple of Mahalakshmi and resident Goddess of Mumbadevi are thronged by Hindus to pray and get their wishes fulfilled. While Parsis worship at the Zoroastrian Fire Temple Jain's pay homage to the first Tirthankara at the Jain temple and Christens tie up in a marriage union at St Thomas Cathedral. You are welcome to the city with the variant religious fervor where you can get the chance to perform the religious rituals along the saints and sages.

Lord Ganesha 'The God of Wisdom' is the popular deity in Maharashtra and his 11-day festival Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in the month of August is the most colorful festival. A right time to take up a tour of Mumbai. All across the city the beautiful sculpted idols of the elephant - headed god are installed in houses and beautifully decorated mandaps or stages where people worship gods. Many cultural activities also take place along the festival. After the ten days of celebrations the gods are immersed into the sea. Gharbha and Dandiya - raas are the other activities of this festival in which women dressed in a colorful attire dance in a circle playing with the wooden sticks (dandiya) and sing the traditional songs (garba). These chromatic night celebrations continue till the wee hours of morning and you will love to participate in it.

Reaching the Coastal Paradise

Tourists taking photoes inside Elephanta caves

Beaches

The city is well connected by all different modes of transportation, hence making it most accessible place from all parts of the country. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport just 30 Km away connects the city with major cities of the world while the domestic airport Santa Cruz is 26 Km far from the city.

The Central Railway Terminus receives trains from east and south India wile the northern trains arrive at the western central terminus. Local rail transport is the cheapest and less time consuming, and known for its excellent net work. The road transport in the city is well directed, the interstate bus terminus is Mumbai Central Station and Asiad Bus Stand Serves as the State Bus terminus.

For the enthusiastic travelers ferry service is also available from the Gateway of India and Ferry Wharf, near the Prince's Dock to Mandwa and Elephanta Caves and a hover craft service to Navi Mumbai and vaishi. Boats are also available from Hovercraft to Alibagh, Rewas and Mandwa. Frank Shipping Services operates an overnight catamaran services from Ferry Wharf to capital of Goa, Panaji.To be noted many ferry services donot operate during the monsoon season so be cautious about you timing of tour program.

Come! Experience Mumbai - the City of Dreams

Plan a tour to the city where there is something for every one. The nightlife of Mumbai is an exclusive charm for its visitors as the city doesn't have any rivalry in entire India. The monuments, excursion sites and shopping centers and the magic of Bolly-Wood are the too captivating attractions. Besides pilgrimage, its festival nights turn the entire city into sparkling glow, attracting the people from all over the world. Driving on the Marine drive and cruising in front of the gateway of India is the most delighting experience. And don't forget to visit the Elphanta Caves where you will be amazed to see the huge idols sculpted from the single blocks. Come and cherish the taste of Mumbai along its Bollywood savor and it will be a lifetime experience.