Some Facts About Mumbai
- Founded: 1668
- Location: Arabian Seacoast of Maharashtra, India, South Asia
- Motto: Urbs Prima in Indis ("First City in India")
- Time Zone: 5:30 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) = noon Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
- Ethnic Composition: Maratha, more than 50%; Gujarati,18%; Marwari, Sindhi, Punjabi, Bohra, Khoja, Koli, and others 32%
- Elevation: Sea-level
- Latitude and Longitude: 18°58'N, 72°50E
- Coastline: 36 km (23 mi), Bombay Island
- Climate: Tropical monsoonal; warm temperatures all year, with heavy rainfall concentrated in the summer months
- Annual Mean Temperature: 27°C (81°F); January 24°C (76°F); May 30°C (86°F) Average Annual Precipitation: 180 cm (71 in)
- Government: Municipal corporation
- Weights and Measures: Metric; imperial measures also used; common numbers are one lakh (100,000) and one crore (10 million)
- Monetary Units: Indian Rupee
- Telephone Area Codes: 022
- Postal Codes: 400001–400104
Mumbai’s name has been a note of contention for many; some say it is derived from a local goddess called Mumba and some say it derived the name from the Bay area. Whatever might be the case, Mumbai‘s reputation remains quite talked about.
Places to Visit in Mumbai
The icons: Gateway of India and the Taj Hotel
The most popular and famous Monuments in Mumbai is the 'Gateway of India'. Built in the time duration of 1915-1924, it was made for the purpose of welcoming King George V but eventually became a place for officials and governors landing to India. Today, it is the most popular tourist destination with the structure that glows in the afternoon and lits up the night. The Taj hotel is located at a walking distance from the Gateway. Distance from Mumbai Airport terminal- 27kms.
Dhanraj Mahal
An art Deco building, this castle was built in the 1930's and was home to Raja Dhanrajgir of Hyderabad. It is estimated to be one of the largest and costliest buildings of Mumbai.The fountain is beautifully lit in the evening detailing out every ornamental detail.
Royal Bombay Yacht club
The most majestic yacht Club in Asia was established in 1846 when sailing was considered and introduced as a sport by the British community. It is worth visiting to observe the heritage residential rooms and the series of boats, due to which it was honored with the title of 'Royal'.
Elephanta Caves
Worth a visit: The Elephanta Caves
A ferry ride which is also something worth experiencing in Mumbai, takes you to Elephanta Island. The caves have been carved out of rocks and are self explanatory with the carved statues and drawings. Categorized under UNESCO's World heritage sites, it is a major attraction for millions of tourists.Each cave depicts a different story and event. The caves are categorized as 2 types- 5 Hindu and 2 Buddhists. Read more
Bombay High Court
This building is beautiful in respect to its Gothic example of Colonial Architecture. Many even recommend to attend a real trial for entertainment and also to have a look at the grand interiors. Read more
Flora Fountain
This fountain was built in 1864 which is waking distance from church gate. This fountain is known for its high rise structure for which special open air-bus organize tours locally. Read more
A landmark for Mumbai city, Taj Hotel is an architectural marvel that is a compilation of architectural features from the Moorish oriental and Florentine style. Moreover, the archways, dome,turrets and the rich chandeliers are noteworthy, not to forget their perfectly presented high tea or a meal at Souk.
Know as one of the gates of ancient Mumbai, Churchgate is now a place to visit for its train station which has a surprisingly interesting structure giving Indian station architecture a new definition.Close to it is located the Flora Fountain and houses many upscale eating outlets. Read more
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Gothic architecture of Vitoria Terminus
UNESCO- fied, this building is yet another to the list of heritage sites. Earlier known as Victoria Terminus, the building has been fused with elements from victorian, gothic and traditional Indian architecture. The building has very defined features in the form of wood carvings, tiles, arches and a marvelous interior to spellbound you. Read more
Known as the queen's necklace, this C- shaped coastline is an enjoyable experience for day and night both. This area is posh and home to the elite with luxurious houses.This further connects to Nariman drive which has business establishments and luxurious hotels. Read more
A place for large scale events such as orchestral concerts, ballets or operas, the auditorium is known to earn its name with the promotion of India's cultural events and traditions. Its easy approach is throughout the year since it boasts over 500 events annually. Read more
An art deco styled theater that is still functional since the 1930s. Locate in the south of Mumbai close to Colaba causeway, makes it more functional due to a large number of tourists. Read more
A fruit vendor at Crawford
Located in South Mumbai, the Crawford market is best known as a shopping destination. Not a shopping person? you still ought to visit this place for its exquisite building that combines British with Indian Style. The natural lighting that the interiors of this market recieves is due to the huge skylight. Read more
The area for the rich and the riches, Juhu beach offers breathtaking views of the sea and its a place famous for its Italian food. It houses many other cafes and bars, visited by many for its sinful desserts.
Established in 1855. this is an exquisite example of Palladian Renaissance Revival design, this museum was earlier a treasure house.
Museums, high-end retail shops, galleries, cinema, church etc. It has it all. From Cafe Mondegar to road side eateries, from jewellery to antiques and books to clothes, there is a market for everything.Read more
A lovely backdrop: Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Planning for a peaceful long drive? Just hit the cable stay bridge that connects Bandra in the western suburbs of Mumbai to Worli in South Mumbai.The beautiful scenery with the view of the ocean makes it a splendid. The structure too attracts a lot of people for its amazing strength of concrete deck and cable exoskeleton. Click to explore the Sea Link
Apart from that Mumbai, the home to Zakir hussain and many other artists also shows its thriving art in its bloodline in the form of art galleries.
Following are some of those:-
- National gallery of Modern Art
- Prithvi Theater
- Great wall of Mumbai Project
- The Art Loft
- Tao Art Gallery
- Gallery Chemould
- Jehangir Art Gallery
To closely observe the life of people of Mumbai, especially the ones that come under the poverty level, the following areas should be visited.
Mani Bhawan: Mahatma Gandhi's home where he used to stay during his frequent visits to Mumbai.
Dharavi Slum tour
Mumbai Dabbawalas
The life of Mumbai-ites revolves around them, as these dabbawalas are the ones who unload the lunch boxes from the railway stations (mainly Churchgate terminus) and head to the customers. Want to capture the religion with the most beautiful and ancient religious buildings, make a visit to the following locations:
Haji Ali on a beautiful evening
Haji Ali Dargah: Set on an islet near the heart of the city which is known for its devotional music which everyone yearns to listen specially during the Friday nights. Read more
Some other spots of religious importance in Mumbai:
- Mumbadevi Temple
- Jeneseth Eliyahoo Synagouge
- St. Thomas Cathedral
- Shri Walkeshwar Temple
- Mahalaxmi Temple
The package of historical attractions, heritage buildings and a multitude of unique and interesting sites is what Mumbai has to offer. A memorable visit lies ahead from beaches to Bollywood.
Although christened as Netaji Subhash Road, few will recognize this epic road, which is commonly known as Marine Drive or the Queens Necklace due to its circular shape spanning 4.3 kilometer. The boulevard is a popular stretch beautifully lit with street lights and palm trees along the bordering sea line. The road links Nariman Point with Malabar Hill and stretches to Walkeshwar.
Mumbai city though hovering on a cosmopolitan culture is a conglomeration of so many religious beliefs. Siddhivinayak Temple of Lord Ganesha at Prabhadevi is most revered deity in Maharashtra and endless devotees throng the temple to worship and offer their prayers to the deity. There are several places where Ganesh Festival is celebrated with much fanfare every year, Lalbaug for example.
Other Attractions: Things not to be missed
Food and Culture of Mumbai
For any traveler, first timers or regulars, Mumbai never disappoints - both in terms of food and culture. With a wide array of delicious cuisine, you probably cannot wish for more. The ever favorite Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri, Sev Puri and Keema Pavs or the local Marathi ones like Misal Pav and Puran Poli makes it a haven for food lovers. Read more
Restaurants and Hotels in Mumbai
For any food lover there is an array - an amazing array of mind blowing restaurants and food joints in Mumbai. If you're in to try out some of the best street food in India, then you've got the best places like Bade Miyan or Elco Pani Puri Centre and more. If you're up for a great evening, then there are fancy resto-bars to hang out with locals. Take a look at some of the popular restaurants in the city here.
And if you're looking for a place to spend a night, a week, a month or even a lifetime - Mumbai has all the options. If you've got enough money, you can spend it on plush 5 star hotels in the city like the Taj. There are also several budget hotels, motels, home stays and more, if you're running low on budget. Check out the various accommodation options in Mumbai.
Major Festivals Celebrated in Mumbai
The city is always brimming with festivities round the year, be it celebrating Janmashtami by organizing Matka or Dahi Handi breaking competitions or the 9 day long Navratri or Ganesh Chaturthi or Durga Puja, Eid, Christmas and certain local festivals as well. Nightlife and Entertainment in Mumbai
Since Mumbai is an industrial and financial capital, thousands of job seekers, aspirants visit Mumbai, also for landing a role in films which has such a great impact on the minds of Indians. Best Places to Shop in Mumbai
Mumbai is considered the financial capital of India and a majority of foreign trade that India does is controlled from the lofty offices in the city. With time Mumbai has emerged as the prime destination for foreign and domestic companies and brands, which makes it the best place too shop for anything. From the latest phone to best French wine and from a t-shirt worth a dollar to a Rolls Royce worth crores - Mumbai is the place to get them all.
There are hundreds of shopping malls and complexes at every corner of the city. And also there are some of the famous flea markets in the country, where you'll be looted if you can't bargain!
Best Time to Visit Mumbai
Since Mumbai is on the shores, it sees a typical coastal weather throughout the year with humidity. October to March is considered the best time stretch to visit the city as the temperatures are cooler with comparatively lesser humidity. How to Reach Mumbai
Mumbai is well connected by Air from all major airports in India. Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport or Sahara Airport ferries passengers to and fro from this city and even outside India to all major destinations. Mumbai’s two famed railway stations Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus also known as Victoria Terminus connects the city with whole of India and neighbouring states as well.
Mumbai is also popular for BEST bus service which crisscrosses the city like a network and travel buses are available for traveling outside Mumbai to neighbouring districts and cities. Mumbai is famous for its taxi service and old fiat taxis immensely popular with the Mumbaikars. Auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws are also available within the city to travel to short destinations.
Conducted tours are organized for tourists on a regular basis taking them to all the popular destinations in Mumbai and its surrounding cities, Nashik for Shirdi Sai Baba shrine and Lonavala, Khandala for their scenic beauties. Mumbai and its neighboring states have a lot of activity and adventure sports locations for kayaking, paragliding, canoeing, rock climbing, and scuba diving.
Tourist Information
For any tourism related information you can contact at the following places:
Tourist Office: Indiatourism Office, 123, M Karve Road, Opp Church Gate, Mumbai-400 020.
Tel: 22033144/5, 22074333/4.
Fax: 22014496.
E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]
Indiatourism Office Counters at Airport:
Domestic- 26156920,
International- 28325331.
Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC)
Address: C.D.O Hutments, M Cama Road, Mumbai-400 020
Tel: 2202 6713, 2202 4627, 2202 7784.
Fax: 2285 2182
