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Mumbai
Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country is the largest
metropolis of India. Said to be the land where dreams are
transformed into reality, this city was earlier known as Bombay.
Rated to be a very glamorous city, Mumbai showcases a perfect
amalgamation of the colonial heritage and contemporary modernity.
Located on the western coast of India, the best time to visit is during
the months of November to March, when the sweltering heat is at its
minimum. Claimed to be a travelers paradise, the city has many
architectural splendours like theElephanta caves,Gateway of India,
Town Hall and the most popular Film City. One of the prime
attractions in the city is the ferry ride from the city to the Elephanta
caves.
The city has many pilgrim spots including the famous Siddhivinayak
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& Akshardham temples which has found its followers in many
famous Bollywood stars too. Mumbai is one the most populated
cities in India and offers some of the best hotels, commuting & varied
eat out facilities too.
When To Go
Humid & dry seasons dominates Mumbai's weather. Summers(March to May) and Monsoons (June to September) are the timeswhen it is very humid with temperatures soaring well over 30C to
42C. Winters (November - February) are characterized byconsiderably low temperatures & cool weather.
Best time to visit is during the months of October to March. Avoidmonsoon periods as water clogging on roads is commonphenomenon.Shopping
With the presence of India's most fashionable Film Industry, fashioninstitutes & top end designers - Mumbai is known as the "New Yorkof India". The streets of "Amchi Mumbai" are known for catering to awhole range from shoppers from the street style college shopper tothe urban chic elite! Kemps corner, Breach Candy, Fashion street,Colaba Causeway, Chor Bazar, Zaveri Bazaar & Crawford Marketare some of the hot spots which boast of a plethora of products tolure tourists.History
History of Mumbai dates back to the Stone Age, around 250 BC,according to the archaeological findings found in northern Mumbai.The renowned Maurya Dynasty ruled Mumbai beginning from 3rdcentury with Emperor Ashoka ruling the kingdom during the fag endof the dynasty. Later it was ruled by Hindu kings of the SilharaEmpire up to 13th century.
1534 AD is a milestone in the history of Mumbai, when the
Portuguese invaded the land and ruled for many years. Mumbai had
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been given as the dowry for marrying Catherine de Braganz toCharles II of England. The British rule of the Mumbai starts at thatpoint of time in history. It is leased to Great English East IndiaCompany in 1668.
Most of the city developments and industrial developments hadtaken place during the period of British rule, famed as BombayPresidency. Indias first passenger railway line and the first sea portin India are some of the most valuable contributions of British inMumbai. Mumbai was the nerve centre of Indian Independencestruggle, culminating the struggle at the pinnacle during Quit IndiaMovement in 1942.Travel within city
Mumbai has an extensive public transport system which includessuburban railway, BEST buses (Brihanmumbai Electric and SupportTransport system), metered taxis and auto rickshaws. The suburbanrailways and buses make up for around 85-90%of the publictransport.
Local Train
Suburban railway is the backbone of the transport system. Threemain railway lines connect most of the city. Trains are always ontime and economical, however they might be crowded in peak hours.The basic fare may range from 5 INR to 100 INR. The trains run from4 am to 1pm, and there are trains arriving at the station every fiveminutes. It is also advisable to take care of valuables even in the first
class section. Rush hour constitutes office timings from 8 am to 11am and 5 pm to 7pm. The traveler should avoid the rush hour.Women travelers can make use of the separate womencompartments and they might be less crowded than the generalcompartments.
Bus
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BEST bus services are second most extensive intra city transportsystem. Air conditioned buses are also available and the MumbaiDarshan bus service operates exclusively for tourists. Ticket pricesfor air conditioned buses are over four times the fare for normalbuses. The Mumbai Darshan bus service is catered for those touristswho are looking for a spiritual tour of the city. The Darshan tour visitsmost of the temples in and around the city and those travelerslooking a spiritual experience can use the services. The MumbaiMetro is also expected soon.
Taxi
Metered taxis are a useful mode of transport. Since they aremetered, they are economical and also relatively comfortable.However night fares are more expensive and charts for calculatingfares are available online. It might be sensible to use one particulartaxi throughout the stay, as most taxi drivers have mobile phonesthey can be contacted easily. While the regular tariff is Rs 14 per km,the night charges is around Rs 18 per km.
Auto Rickshaw
The auto rickshaws of Mumbai are the most common means oftransport and are cheap also. they charge Rs 9 for the first 1.6 kmand Rs 5 for km covered afterwards. Th night charge is 25% more ofthe total charge. However, one needs to be careful as these autorickshaws use longer routes in order to increase their fare amount.
Private Taxi
Private taxi services are also available and they ply according to thegovernment rates. Some of the main operators are -
Meru Taxis- Contact No (+91 2240520100)Mumbai taxi- Contact No (+91 2244224422)International airport cabs-Contact No (+91 228366767)Domestic airport cabs-Contact No (+91 226152257)
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Classic taxi service- Contact No (+91 93711067115)
Motorcycles
As is the case in most parts of the country the traffic is chaotic inMumbai and many bottle necks can be seen. There are certaincompanies that rent out motor bikes. However they prefer to hire outmotor bikes for longer periods. For those travelers staying for a fewmonths a motor cycle is a good way to get around the city. Certainplaces provide a buy back option for 350 cc or 500 cc Enfield.
Travelers can contact Allibhai PremjiContact No (2309913) who islocated at opera house.
Ferry Day Trips
In order to visit sites that are in and around the city. It might beadvisable to avoid long bus trips and use ferry services whereverpossible. Tickets are available near the Gateway of India. The price
of the ticket is around Rs 100 per person.Beaches
Magnificent beaches, breezy evenings soaked in the beauty ofnature, Mumbai is a destination that has a never dying spirit unlikeany other metropolis. Ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, a picnic day out,to spend an evening of contemplation or a romantic evening withyour loved one - the beaches of Mumbai is the place to be amid all
busy buzz of city life.
Marine Drive, considered as the jewel of Mumbai, claim to fame as aspectacular beach was in the nineteen hundreds. Marine beachoffers tourists many fun filled activities & the joy of enjoying splendidsunsets every evening. The illuminated line of lights along the beachis filled with vendors selling some quick bites of which the mostpopular are Vada Paav (spicy potato filled batter fry sandwichedbetween a bun, served with spicy & sweet sauce) & a childhoodfavorite in India - the multi-colored ice-gola (ice bunched up on a
stick & dipped in a sweet syrup of different flavors & colors) - are a
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must try here.
Chowpattybeach is famed for the immersion of Ganesh idols at thepenultimate day of the Ganesh Chathurthi festival. This beachlocated at the one end of Marine drive is considered as a holy place,where many Hindu rituals are performed. Finger licking Indian spicy& savory chats are a big hit among locals & curious tourists alike.
Juhu beach, the most attractive beach in Mumabi, is one of the mostfrequented beaches by foreigners coming to Mumbai. With thepresence of the mighty Arabian Sea, blessed with natural scenicbeauty & its surrounding posh locality which is home to Bollywoodbiggies like Shahrukh Khan, is a frequent haunt among tourists. Five
star tourist resorts, luxury hotels and villas also line this sceniclocale.Nightlife
Nightlife in Mumbai is a spectacular experience of sparkling nightclubs, bars, late night cinemas and discotheques. Mumbai city trafficat night is as busy as during daytime and the city gleams the most inthe night. Mumbai is a city of dreams with reverberating westernmusic and spirited steps on the dance floors. This city never sleeps,illuminated all around and packed with energy all through the week &soaring high as the weekend draws closer.
A wide variety of merry making and entertainment options are instore for the enthusiastic tourist in Mumbai. The visually pleasing andmind blowing music churned out by the DJs, one cant help but move& groove!
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Attractions
Colaba Causeway
mustseeAbuzz with activities - the Colaba Causeway is a major road link
elevated between Mumbai's Island & Colaba. Established by the
East India Company, this area is a suburban shopping area selling
all kinds of apparel, electronics & imported items too. Along this
street are the Church of St John the Evangelist (Afghan Church) and
the Sasson Dock.
Elephanta Caves
mustsee
Located on Gharapuri Island, the Elephanta Caves are declared in
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves date back to the period
from the 9th to the 13th Century AD. A history buffs delight, the
sculptures here depicting the three faces of Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu
and Maheshwara , is a marvelous attraction here.
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Gateway of India
mustsee
A majestic monument that stands tall with pride - the Gateway of
India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V & Queen
Mary to the then "Bombay" in Dec 1911. The city's crown jewel is
located on the waterfront is a mighty 26 meters with an inner width of
15 meters. Built in Indo-Saracen architectural style with prominent
influences of Hindu & Muslim architectural styles - tourists can enjoy
a boat ride to the near by Elephanta Island.
Marine Drive
mustsee
One of the most scenic stretches in the concrete jungle of Mumbai -
Marine Drive runs parallel to the six lane road along the Arabian
Coast. Officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, this
C shaped natural bay is a haven for families & couples to spend
some quality time soaking in the serenity & enjoying breathtaking
sunsets each evening.
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Essel World
mustseeFamed to be India's largest amusement park & Asia's theme water
park - Essel World is every kid & adults dream come true. Ideal for a
day outing with your office team or friends & family alike - the park
has something in store for everyone visiting.
Contact: (+91-22)2845-2474, 9820-767-069 Timings: Open 10 am
to 8 pm Charges:Weekday (Mon - Fri): Adult: Rs 450/- Child: Rs
250/- Weekend (Sat - Sun): Adult: Rs 480/- Child: Rs 350/-
Borivali National Park (Sanjay GandhiNational Park)
popular
A wildlife sanctuary bang in the center of the busy city Mumbai - the
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, has a reputation of one of the most
visited national parks, also known to be the worlds largest national
park within city limits. Enriched with flora & fauna & the 2400 years
old Kanheri Hills - this park is a must visit.
Timings: Open daily from 7.30 am to 6 pm 30 minute tiger & lion
safaris operate from 9 am to 1 pm and 2.20 - 5.30 pm, Closed on
Mondays 15 minute boat rides are offered on the lake from 9 am to
12.30 pm and 1.30 to 5.30 pm Kanheri Caves Charges: Entrance to
the Park - Rs 20 30 minute tiger & lion safaris - Rs 30 15 minute boat
rides - Rs 15 Kanheri Caves - Rs 100 A shuttle bus runs from the
park entrance to the caves every 20 minutes until around 1.30 p.m.
Cost is 20 rupees one way.
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Chowpatty Beach
popular
A much needed break from all the maddening traffic jams & sky
scrappers, a visit to the famed Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai is a
must visit. Play in the waves, stride along the golden sands & savor
the sumptuous local spicy & sweet savories made fresh & tasty -
what better way to enjoy your day at the beach!
Fashion Street
popularOne of the most vibrant, varied & tempting shopping experiencesawait you at Mumbai's Fashion Street. Every fashion junkies dream
comes true as soon as you spot this stretch of colorful stalls, selling
everything from vivid color beads, the latest apparel trends both
Indian as well as Western styles, multi-hued bags, ethnic jhoothi's &
modern ankle/knee high boots & much more at very low prices.
Bargaining is your best bet here & do not shy away from slashing the
prices by 50% too!
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Hanging Gardens
popular
Also called Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens built
in 1881 is perched atop Malabar Hills. The main highlight of this
garden are its eye-catching different shapes of carved bushy trees in
shapes of animals. Watching the sun setting on the horizon of the
Arabian sea is a sight not to miss from here. Ideal for a family day
out with the kids!
Jehangir Art Gallery
popularBuilt by Sir Cowasji Jehangir in 1952, Jehangir Art Gallery is one of
the most attractive galleries in Mumbai. A gallery which truly
represents Indian art & crafts in all its glory, tourists are offered a
unique opportunity to own some of these priced treasures of India at
the antique shop attached to the gallery. Tired of walking around &
shopping, you can sip on some piping hot coffee at the Samovar
restaurant in the area.Contact: 284 3989 Timings: Daily, 11 am to 7 pm
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Kanheri Caves
popular
Located inside the thick expanse of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park
in Borivali, the Kanheri Caves are around 109 in numbers. This was
built during the Maurya & Kushana Period dating back to the 2nd
Century BC to the 9th Century. These caves which once served as
Buddhist Viharas, are adored with inscriptions of Buddha's life &
preaching's. Located 1500 feet above sea level, the place offers
panoramic views of the city below.
Mahakali Caves
popularEarlier known as Kondivita Caves, the Mahakali Caves are rock cut
caves out of solid hard rocks. Located at the scenic Udayagiri Hills,
the caves served as Buddhist monasteries dating back to 2000
years. Consisting of 19 caves in all, the main cave is the 9th which
contains figures of Buddha. This place is of great interest to
historians & history buffs & archaeology students alike.
Mahalaxmi Temple
popularDedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the wife of Mahavishnu - the
Mahalaxmi temple was built in 1785. This temple attracts thousands
of devotees who come here to offer Friday prayers & on Durga Puja
days.
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Victoria Terminus (CST Terminus)
popular
Another jewel in the crown of Mumbai is the building declared a
UNESCO World Heritage list of important buildings to be preserved -
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus . Built in 1888, it is presently called VT
station, whose architectural style is a blend of traditional Indian &
Victorian Gothic styles. Adorned with the statue of Queen Victoria on
the done, VT is indeed an architectural & visual delight for tourists
coming to Mumbai.
Five Gardens
Situated in central Mumbai, as the name suggests is a amalgamation
of 5 gardens. A popular spot for Mumbaikars to go for their early
morning walks or spend relaxed evenings too. With several
residential homes & apartments around, this garden is known for its
well manicured lawns & vibrant flowering plants. While adults enjoy
walks here, kids can enjoy playing in its vast expanses.
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Haji Ali Shrine
Dedicated to Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant turned Muslim Sufi, the
Haji Ali Shrine is one of the most popular religious spots in Mumbai,
visited by people of all religious backgrounds. Located at the
backdrop of the roaring sea, the tomb is a very attractive with its
glass work & surrounding courtyard which offers scenic views.
Among devotees are popular Bollywood Celebrities who are often
seen here offering their prayers.
Kamala Nehru Park
Named after the first wife of the Prime Minister of India, PanditJawaharlal Nehru, the Kamala Nehru Park is an attractive spot for
kids & families. With splendid views of the Marine Drive & Chowpatty
Beach, it is the perfect place for those looking to spend some quiet
time with family, away from busy city life.
Mumbai Port Trust Garden
Set against the backdrop of the Mumbai Port, the Mumbai Port Trust
Garden offers a fun space for children & adults alike. Splendid views
of the naval yard & port can be enjoyed from here.
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Mumbai Zoo (Veermata Jijabai Udyan)
Also known as Veermata Jijabai Udyan, established in 1861 during
the British regime - the Mumbai Zoo has a large variety of birds &
animals. One major attraction here is the museum called 'AlbertMuseum' showcasing many valuables of ancient and modern India.
National Gallery of Modern Art
An art lovers paradise, the National Gallery of Modern Art was
established in 1996; aimed at promoting modern art. The department
here organizes several art exhibitions which encourages young
artists to participate & flourish in the field of arts & crafts.
Prince of Wales Museum
Located at MG Road, the Prince of Wales Museum, known as the
'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya' post Indian
independence, was built during the early 20th century. This museum
commemorated the visit of Prince Of Wales to India. Divided intothree major parts, the museum is home to some rare artifacts &
historic exhibits which are worth a visit.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm
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St Thomas' Cathedral
With an ancient past dating back to its construction way back in
1718, the St.Thomas Cathedral has been credited as being the first
Anglican Church in Mumbai. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
Monument to be preserved, the Cathedral attracts hoards of
devotees & tourists alike.
Walkeshwar Temple
An ancient temple also known as Banganga Temple, the
Walkeshwar Temple is perfectly placed amid scenic surroundings of
the Malabar Hills. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was built
during the Silhara Dynasty in 1127 AD, which was destroyed by the
Portuguese & later renovated. Devotees throng here during full moon
& Amavasya days.
Source
http://www.mustseeindia.com/guide
Distances
Matheran 54 km 1h, 30m
Khandala 83 km 1h, 30m
Lonavala 88 km 1h, 30m
Alibag 93 km 1h, 50m
Pune 152 km 2h, 30m
Mahabaleshwar 220 km 3h, 50m
Shirdi 245 km 4h, 20m
Panchgani 247 km 4h
Bhimashankar 270 km
Ahmedabad 558 km 9h, 50m
Indore 587 km 9h
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