Mumbai

Mumbai is renowned as the gateway of India with its majestic look and elegant ambience, blessed with soft breezes of Arabian Sea and many breathtaking beaches and metro facilities. Mumbai, the capital of the Maharashtra State in India and a replica of India’s unity in diversity, breasts all kinds of inhabitants coming from all walks of life. The Mumbai population represents all cultures, all religions, all languages and all regions of the country, a real specimen of great Indian society. Mumbai, the name derived out of Hindu Goddess Mumbadevi, is the most populous metropolitan area in India and is placed as the sixth most populated metropolitan area all over the world.

Erstwhile Bombay, Mumbai is lying on the gorgeous Konkan coast and is the major hub of industrial and commercial activities in the country contributing nearly 70% of India’s capital trading and investments. Mumbai is credited with one of the major seaports in the country. Vibrating and dynamic, Mumbai attracts tourists to its lap with multiple attractions and many amnesties and facilities.

The Mumbai architectural styles are a blend of most modern technology savvy designs and centuries old Gothic constructions. Entertainment freaks are blessed in Mumbai with one of the world’s largest film cities, famed as Bollywood. Mumbai is a hub of cultural, literary and artistic activities with many museums, libraries with amazing collections of books, wonderful art galleries, and plenty of theaters.

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 3rd century with Emperor Ashoka ruling the kingdom during the fag end of the dynasty. Later it was ruled by Hindu kings of the Silhara Empire 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 been given as the dowry for marrying Catherine de Braganz to Charles II of England. The British rule of the Mumbai starts at that point of time in history. It is leased to Great English East India Company in 1668.

Most of the city developments and industrial developments had taken place during the period of British rule, famed as Bombay Presidency. India’s first passenger railway line and the first sea port in India are some of the most valuable contributions of British in Mumbai. Mumbai was the nerve centre of Indian Independence struggle, culminating the struggle at the pinnacle during Quit India Movement in 1942.

Culture
Mumbai is a multi-ethnic city. The great hero of Mumbai is the Shivaji, the great Maratha Warrior. Hindu culture is very well linked with the fabric of Mumbai society. The great festival celebrated here is Vinayak Chathurdhi celebrations held during September every year with grand processions and fanfare of Ganesha (the elephant God) idol immersions.

Apart from Maratha origins, floating community from the all parts of the country coexist in Mumbai, irrespective of religions, languages, culture and regions. Mumbai represents the great crosssection of Indian culture and secularism.

Art and Culture flourished in Mumbai from time immemorial. Bollywood is the pinnacle of this cultural heritage. Maximum number of films in the world is produced in the Hindi tinsel world. The Hindi films with vibrant moves, eye catching scenes and ear drumming music attract millions of people world over. Mumbai is famed to glory with amateur and professional theatre movements and film club movements in the country.

Bhel Puri, a mouth watering delicious fast food made out of puffed rice, spices, onions and sauces, is a cuisine derived out of ancient old Maratha home preparations. Present day Mumbai culture supports tall regional eatables and all foreign cuisines including Chinese, Japanese and English.

Beaches of Mumbai
Enchanting beaches, secluded atmosphere, unexplored beauty of nature, Mumbai is a destination unique in any sense. Mumbai welcomes you to the soft sandy beaches, which are highly suitable for the sunbath and also for spending serene weekends and evenings.

Marine Drive, considered as the jewel of Mumbai, is came to fame as a spectacular beach by 1920. Marine beach offer the tourists many fun filled activities and also an imposing sunset in the beautiful reddened horizon. The illuminated line of street light on the beach is really a pleasant view

Chowpatty beach is famed for the immersion of Ganesh idols at the penultimate day of the Ganesh Chathurthi festival. This beach located at the one end of Marine drive is considered as a holy place, where many Hindu rituals like thread tying events are performed. One can get the lively view of religious rituals and ceremonies in this beautiful beach. The local cuisines prepared hygienically and deliciously, are the specific attractions of the beach. One can enjoy all local varieties of eatables from here.

Juhu beach, the most attracted beach in Mumabi, is one of the frequently visited beaches by foreign tourists in India. Arabian Sea with its mighty presence blessed all natural scenic beauties to Juhu beach. Juhu is credited with the posh hosing apartments and flats owned by celebrities in Mumbai, especially by the film personalities. Five star tourist resorts, luxury hotels and villas add the facilities of Juhu beach.

Nightlife in Mumbai
Nightlife in Mumbai is a spectacular experience of sparkling night clubs, bars, late night cinemas and discotheque. Mumbai city traffic in night is as busy as daytime and the city gleams the most in the night. Mumbai is a city of dreams with reverberating western music and spirited foot steps on the dance floors. This city never sleeps with illuminations all around, serving the much required rejuvenation and energy after the whole day of busy city life.

A wide varieties of merry making and entertainments are in store for the enthusiastic tourists in Mumbai. The visually pleasing and ear blowing DJ’s lively music accompanied with steady fast movements will be an amazing experience for any tourist visit in these night clubs. Under the dim light, you can enjoy the soothing music with the sip of world class premium hot liquor.

Shopping
Mumbai is really flooded with wide variety of shops. Mumbai streets, Juhu Beach, Marine drive and VT area are all houses many super malls, multinational shopping complexes and small petty shops. Shopping in Mumbai is really a delight. Kemps corner, Breach Candy, Fashion street, Colaba Causeway and Chor Bazar, all these provide the exquisite opportunities for a tourist to shop world class items.