Travel

MUMBAI TOURISM

The entertainment capital and India s financial powerhouse, Mumbai is located in Maharashtra and is the biggest metropolis of the state. Home to 21 million people, Mumbai along with the neighboring Thane and Navi Mumbai, is one of the most heavily populated regions of India. The city is diverse, vibrant, multi-cultural and has the most expensive home and one of the largest slums in the world.\

The island city, Mumbai was originally a conglomeration of seven islands on the Konkan coastline which over a span of time were joined to form the city as it is today. The fast pace of the city is a huge contrast to the rest of the country.

From museums and galleries to beaches, zoos, parks and gardens and from markets and malls to religious structures, the city has something for everyone. The colonial buildings in south Mumbai are a sight for anyone visiting the city. Walk around the streets between Churchgate and Colaba to best experience the beauty of these buildings. Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), Flora Fountain, Gateway of India . Municipal Corporation and Police Headquarters, High Court, Asiatic Society and the Taj Mahal Hotel among many others make the south Mumbai district one of the quaintest areas of the city.

Marine drive . a three km long promenade is very popular among walkers. Also known as the Queen s necklace, when lit up at night, the lights along the stretch of the promenade resemble a string of pearls culminating at Chowpatty. Just off Marine Drive, is Mani Bhavan that served as Mahatma Gandhi s residence in Mumbai during the freedom struggle and is one of the most significant memorials associated to him. The first floor of the building screens films on Gandhi and plays recordings of his speeches. Another great attraction is Haji Ali is located on a small islet in the Arabian sea. Built in 1431 the dargah sees about 30,000 visitors across all religions every week.

With hundreds of movie theaters, theme parks, clubs, pubs, art galleries and shopping spots, there is always something to do in Mumbai. If you love to shop, the streets of Mumbai that offer almost everything you could possibly need, can keep you busy from sun-up to sun-down. From theater to cinema, the city also has the potential to bring out the drama fan in you even providing you with the opportunity to visit the Film City located in Goregaon to get a first hand experience of Bollywood shoots.

Yet, with all the things you can do around Mumbai, a trip to this city is incomplete without a ride in the local trains. While the kaali-peeli (black and yellow) taxis may seem a little more alluring, the local trains connect the south of Mumbai to its northern extremes via three different lines: western, central and harbor.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MUMBAI

Mumbai offers a wide range of hotels to tourists. One can find budget and star hotels to suit every budget. All the hotels offer excellent service, comfort and cleanliness. Here is a list of hotels and Bed Breakfasts in Mumbai where you can probably stay depending on your preferences.

Where: Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021

Where: Plot No. F 77, Vile Parle East, Junction of nehru Road, Mumbai – 400099

Approximate Cost Per Night: Rs. 2,800

Contact for booking

1. Hotel Skyway Inn

Where: Premises no 21-22 Bernald Market, Andheri Ghatkopar Link Road, Opp Asha Krishna Building, Sakinaka, Mumbai – 400072

Approximate Cost Per Night: Rs. 700

Contact for booking

2. Hotel Popular Palace

Where: 104/ 106, Mint Road, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai 400001

Contact for booking: 022 22679355

Where: Safed Pool, Opposite HK Studio, Adjacent to TVS Showroom, Sakinaka Jharimari Link Road, Mumbai 400072

Approximate Cost Per Night: Rs. 961

Contact for booking

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MUMBAI

The food of Mumbai aptly represents the city s multi-cultural nature. From fancy restaurants to khau gallis (street food alleys), the city has it all. The Irani restaurants that serve the most amazing bun-maska chai and several other delicious meals, the Udupi restaurants in Matunga that serve delicious south Indian delights and the thela walas (cart vendors) on Chowpatty that take you through starters (chaat ), a main course (pav bhaji ) and dessert (malai gola, kulfi. ice cream) will all make eating out in Mumbai the most enjoyable part of your trip.

Serving some of the best Mughlai food you can have is a gem of a restaurant called Bademiya. Located right in between the Taj Mahal Hotel and Leopold Cafe in Colaba, Bade s (as the place is locally called) is best known for its chicken tikka rolls, baida roti and kheema. The food doesn t seem to get over and the crowds show no sign of leaving.

If you aren t too fond of turf and prefer surf, Mumbai s greatest solution is Mahesh Lunch Home. With branches all over the city, the food is exquisite and the ambiance divine. Famous for its Mangalorean style preparations of seafood, its ladyfish, pomfret, lobster and crab (with butter garlic pepper sauce) are a must-have. Don t forget, if you see a dish named Bombay Duck, it isn t really a duck found in Bombay, it is the humble bombil fish, dried in the sun and deep fried in a delicious batter.

Yet another delight is the juice at Haji Ali Juice Center in Mahalakshmi. The coolness of its surroundings and the mouth watering juices and faloodas make it a favorite in the staggering heat of the city in the peak of its summer.

And if you re ever in the mood for some authentic Goan food, head down to Colaba to find hidden between lanes of fancy, a tiny restaurant called Martin s that will serve you the Goan staple, fish curry rice, prawn curry rice or an all day breakfast that does include pork sausages.

From Bheja masala (brain masala) to falooda and from kebabs to puran poli. the city will surely not disappoint you in terms of its food. Try the pav bhaji at Sardar s in Tardeo, the mysore masala dosa at Dosa Center near Sophia college, the kheema and seekh parathas at Sarvi in Byculla or the Bombay sandwich at Dheeraj s stall opposite Mithibai college in Vile Parle (W) and you are sure to go home without a craving left dissatisfied.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MUMBAI

The average minimum and maximum temperature of Mumbai is as given below. The best time to visit Mumbai is also specified.