Location: West India in Maharashtra
Famous As: Capital and Film City.
Places of Interest: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Beaches
Temperature: Summer- Max 33.3, Min 22.7, Winter- Max 29.5, Min
19.4
Rainfall: 212 cm (June to September)
Ideal Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
Language: Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi and English
An Over All View Of Mumbai
Mumbai the capital of Maharashtra State an idle gateway to India lies in
the western state of India. The city is a leisured tourist destination, a
celluloid capital of India that treasures the palm beaches to warm your
spirit in the sun and relax your mind, to meditate in ancient Elephanta
caves tunneled out of three-dimensional rock and a city full of
kaleidoscopic festivities. The oscillating atmosphere of Mumbai makes the
city really a tourist's paradise.
Mumbai today is a blend of age-old traditions and modern epoch, mud houses
and sky- scrapers and traditional cultures and modern fashions.
Historic Perspective
Mumbai a cluster of 7 islands called Heptanasia by Plotemy in 150 AD, educe
its name from Mumbadevi, the habitue goddess of the Koli fisher folk, its
oldest populace. Located on the West Coast of Indian Peninsula, Mumbai
earlier known, as Bombay is India's commercial hub and an abode to maximum
number of people than any other city on the Indian sub-continent have.
Mumbai was established by the Portuguese as a colony in 1509. Then in 1661
the city was over powered by the British Empire and became an important
trading base for the East India Company. The city adorned with the amazing
architectural splendor reflecting the British style of architecture and
their zest to construct the artistic magnum opus. The city also enjoys the
charms of religious harmony that is reflected in its places of worship, its
churches and cathedrals along with countless mosques, Hindu and Buddhist
temples.
Charms of Mumbai City
Gateway of India
Mumbai enjoys the occupancy of few exotic tourist destinations that are
worth exploring. Gateway of India is towering minarets with a height of
262ft. Initially the archway was constructed to honor the visit of George
fifth and Queen Mary in 1911. The monument was built from honey-colored
basalt in a style reclaimed from Gujarati architecture of the 16th century.
Prince of Wales Museum
Amidst ravishing green gardens lies the charming museum called the Prince
of Wales Museum. The museum exhibits the mélange of medieval and
antique sculpture. The Prince of Wales Museum is a finest specimen of the
Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.
Timings: It is open daily, except on Mondays from 10 am to 6pm.
Marine
Drive
Marine Drive also known as "Queens Necklace" has its other name,
Netaji Subhash Road. It is a long stretch of runway along the shore of
Arabian Sea starting from Nariman Point to the foothills of Malabar Hill.
Built in 1920 the area is Mumbai's most captivating spot for viewing the
magnificent sunset.
Chowpatty Beach
On one end of Marine Drive lies the Chowpatty Beach one of the most
fabulous beaches of Mumbai. It is visitors most pass time leisure spot
girdled by beach traders and thespian. During Ganesh Chaturthi in the month
of September the beach is thronged with devotees who come from all over the
country to participate in the festivity, when huge models of Lord Ganesha
are submerged into the sea.
Another attraction of the beach is Mumbai's special snacks, Bhelpuri, Pani
puri, Kulfi (local ice cream).
The aerial Hanging Gardens next door to the fetching Towers of Silence, the
exquisite Mahalaxmi Racecourse one of the peerless in India, Rajabai Clock
Tower, supreme in the Gothic architectural style, an aquarium are also the
wonders of the city. The cities of Mumbai spark like jewels during night.
Bolly Wood a Flim City
Mumbai Flim City commonly known as BollyWood is one of the most
entertaining industries of India. A glimpse or if lucky possibly a chat with
film stars will definitely arrayed a visitor with a lavish glamour, an
experience that will always be cherished.
Excursions
Elephanta Caves
The group of Small Island called Elephanta or Gharpure lies 10km. across
Mumbai Harbor. The caves are perched at a height of about 76metres above sea
level consist of temples carved out from hard rocks dating back to the
6th-8th century. The primary attraction is the 3 headed thorax of Lord
Shiva, popularly known as "Trimurti". One can reach there by
taking a ferry from Gateway of India.
National Maritime Museum.
The museum set up by Navy, treasures the items of historical significance
collected from other countries, it also contains the model of the ship built
in Mumbai. It can be approached by frequent bus services, taxis and trains.
Bassein Fort
The fort was constructed during the regime of last Mughal Emperor- Bahadur
Shah. The fort is embellished with churches and its colossal walls, a
perfect example of European architecture. Train from Churchgate takes an
hour to reach the fort.
Festivity
Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that is celebrated over the period of
11 days. The festival is celebrated in Mumbai in the form of huge procession
with much enthusiasm in the months of October or November.
Mumbai International Film Festival
The city of Bollywood, Mumbai organize the renowned Mumbai International
Film Festival held once in every 2 years. The celebrities from all over the
world join the event and enjoy the short documentary and the animation films
run at the Nehru Auditorium.
Dandiya
Raas
People flung from all over the country to Mumbai to Participate in the most
exciting dance festival, the Dandiya Raas. The festival is celebrated during
the days of Navratri, whole environ enchants with the sounds of the
countless drums, the sticks of the Dandiya Raas. The people in their
traditional dresses add to the festivity.
Diwali
The Hindu festival of Diwali is another festival that is celebrated with
great pump and show, the time to plan your trip to Mumbai.
Shopping
Mumbai is a shopper's paradise. The city has all, a shop luster is looking
for, one can enjoys the latest designer out fits, artifact and antiques and
anything you care to imagine. Shopping in Mumbai is a striking experience as
you stroll through Chor Bazar, Mutton Street and Zaveri Bazar.
Dadar the main market area is ostentation with cotton fabrics, sarees and
all kind of stuff a visitor is looking for. Broad Shopping Center and
Selection Center are other shopping head.
Getting Around
Air: The Sahara International Airport is connected to all the major
cities in the world. Santa Cruz Airport caters to the domestic flights.
Rail: Mumbai is the headquarters of both the Western and Central
Railways. Dadar one of the busiest railheads in Mumbai connects the city to
all other major cities of India.
Road: Mumbai is well connected by road to Nasik
185km,Mahabaleshwar239 km, Shirdi 307 km, Aurangabad 392 km , Ahmedabad 545
kms and Pune 163km. For moving within the city taxies, auto rickshaws, city
buses, electric trains are available.
