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Mumbai

, Maharashtra

(Mumbai is also known as Bombay)
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On this page: History, Travel within city, Beaches, Nightlife, Shopping, Hotels, Articles, Blogs

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Fast Facts
State: Maharashtra
District: Mumbai
Famous for/as: City
Languages: Hindi, English
Best Season: Mar - Oct
Weather: Summer 23-31°C, Winter 16-26°C
Altitude: 14 m
Pincode: 400xxx
STD code: 022
Renowned as the "Gateway of India" - Mumbai, the stalwart stands majestically as the "Financial Capital of India". Soft breeze of the Arabian Sea, breathtaking sea shore in the heart of the city and well connected metro facilities - makes this city an amalgamation of scenic views & striking manmade structures. Mumbai, the capital of the state of Maharashtra is a representation of what India as a country stands for "Unity in Diversity", as it embraces people from all cultures, religions & economic backgrounds to make it big in the city more often known as the "City of Dreams". The resident "Mumbaikars" as they are known represent the attitude of oneness & the strength to come through any kind of natural calamity or political unrest.

Mumbai's name was derived from the Hindu Goddess Mumbadevi, is the most populous metropolitan city in India and is placed as the sixth most populated metropolis in the world. Erstwhile Bombay, now known as "Mumbai" lying on the gorgeous Konkan coast, is a major hub of industrial and commercial activities in the country contributing to nearly 70% of India’s capital trading and investments. Mumbai is also credited as one of the major seaports in the country.

Mumbai presents architectural styles which are a blend of modern designs & centuries old Gothic influences too. Home to one of the largest film industries in the world, churning out more than 300 films a year - "Bollywood" as its popularly known as, is the hub of all things creative from theater, arts, crafts, documentary to full on entertainment films, literary and artistic activities too. Its rich heritage can be seen in its several museums, art galleries & libraries.

Vibrant and dynamic, Mumbai attracts tourists to its multi-ethnic home to see & experience its several attractions, modern amenities & the true flavor of "Amchi Mumbai".

Must See/Do: Gateway of India, Colaba Causeway, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves

Articles

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Indian Derby Weekend

  by Madhav Srinivasan  on Feb 02, 2012
The Indian Derby is a horse racing event that takes place in Mumbai. It is one of the elite sporting activities of the place and also one of the major events in the Mumbai social calendar. This week long event and attracts around 25,000 people yearly.

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

  by Madhav Srinivasan  on Jan 30, 2012
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of the arts and culture. Over the years, the festival has seen a dramatic rise in popularity and today attracts visitors from outside the city and country.

Go Wild, It’s Oktoberfest Time!

  by Madhav Srinivasan  on Oct 07, 2011
Oktoberfest is one of the biggest rock events in the world and the largest beer festival held every year in the city of Munich, in Germany. To capture the spirit of this festival in India, attend the Mumbai or Bangalore Oktoberfest in 2011!

Travel News

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India's First Monorail Tested in Mumbai

   Feb 21, 2012 02:50 PM
India’s first ever monorail is all set to be tested in Mumbai. This massive project is being taken care by the MMRDA in collaboration with L & T and Scomi Engineering. Phase I, which starts at Chembur and goes up to Jacob Circle is under construction no

Mumbai International Airport Ranked Third Best Airport in the World

   Feb 20, 2012 03:39 PM
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport was awarded as the third best award for being a well-maintained airport. Read on to know more...

‘Marshes can be Paradise for City’s Birds, Marine Life’

   Feb 02, 2012 02:41 PM
Environmentalists have said that marshes and wetlands are the ideal places for the city’s marine life and birds. This echoes many ideas to the city of Mumbai. Read on to know more…

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.
A visit to the India Gate is an experience not to miss both for the views and for its purpose, as a symbol to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.

Travel within city


Mumbai has an extensive public transport system which includes suburban railway, BEST buses (Brihanmumbai Electric and Support Transport system), metered taxis and auto rickshaws. The suburban railways and buses make up for around 85-90%of the public transport.

Local Train


Suburban railway is the backbone of the transport system. Three main railway lines connect most of the city. Trains are always on time and economical, however they might be crowded in peak hours. The basic fare may range from 5 INR to 100 INR. The trains run from 4 am to 1pm, and there are trains arriving at the station every five minutes. It is also advisable to take care of valuables even in the first class section. Rush hour constitutes office timings from 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 7pm. The traveler should avoid the rush hour. Women travelers can make use of the separate women compartments and they might be less crowded than the general compartments.

Bus


BEST bus services are second most extensive intra city transport system. Air conditioned buses are also available and the Mumbai Darshan bus service operates exclusively for tourists. Ticket prices for air conditioned buses are over four times the fare for normal buses. The Mumbai Darshan bus service is catered for those tourists who are looking for a spiritual tour of the city. The Darshan tour visits most of the temples in and around the city and those travelers looking a spiritual experience can use the services. The Mumbai Metro is also expected soon.

Taxi


Metered taxis are a useful mode of transport. Since they are metered, they are economical and also relatively comfortable. However night fares are more expensive and charts for calculating fares are available online. It might be sensible to use one particular taxi throughout the stay, as most taxi drivers have mobile phones they 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 of transport and are cheap also. they charge Rs 9 for the first 1.6 km and Rs 5 for km covered afterwards. Th night charge is 25% more of the total charge. However, one needs to be careful as these auto rickshaws use longer routes in order to increase their fare amount.

Private Taxi


Private taxi services are also available and they ply according to the government 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)
Classic taxi service- Contact No (+91 93711067115)

Motorcycles


As is the case in most parts of the country the traffic is chaotic in Mumbai and many bottle necks can be seen. There are certain companies that rent out motor bikes. However they prefer to hire out motor bikes for longer periods. For those travelers staying for a few months a motor cycle is a good way to get around the city. Certain places provide a buy back option for 350 cc or 500 cc Enfield. Travelers can contact Allibhai Premji –Contact No (2309913) who is located at opera house.

Ferry Day Trips


In order to visit sites that are in and around the city. It might be advisable to avoid long bus trips and use ferry services wherever possible. Tickets are available near the Gateway of India. The price of the ticket is around Rs 100 per person.
Be alert when you take the local trains and its best avoided during the peak hours as it gets very crowded.

Beaches


Magnificent beaches, breezy evenings soaked in the beauty of nature, Mumbai is a destination that has a never dying spirit unlike any other metropolis. Ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, a picnic day out, to spend an evening of contemplation or a romantic evening with your 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 a spectacular beach was in the nineteen hundreds. Marine beach offers tourists many fun filled activities & the joy of enjoying splendid sunsets every evening. The illuminated line of lights along the beach is filled with vendors selling some quick bites of which the most popular are Vada Paav (spicy potato filled batter fry sandwiched between a bun, served with spicy & sweet sauce) & a childhood favorite in India - the multi-colored ice-gola (ice bunched up on a stick & dipped in a sweet syrup of different flavors & colors) - are a must try here.

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 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 most frequented beaches by foreigners coming to Mumbai. With the presence of the mighty Arabian Sea, blessed with natural scenic beauty & its surrounding posh locality which is home to Bollywood biggies like Shahrukh Khan, is a frequent haunt among tourists. Five star tourist resorts, luxury hotels and villas also line this scenic locale.

Nightlife


Nightlife in Mumbai is a spectacular experience of sparkling night clubs, bars, late night cinemas and discotheques. Mumbai city traffic at night is as busy as during daytime and the city gleams the most in the night. Mumbai is a city of dreams with reverberating western music 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 in store for the enthusiastic tourist in Mumbai. The visually pleasing and mind blowing music churned out by the DJ’s, one cant help but move & groove!
The nightlife in the city goes on well into the night up to 2am, so put on your party shoes and go pub hopping!

Shopping


Known as the "New York of India", Mumbai is every fashionista & shopaholics dream come true. Hit Mumbai's most popular Linking Road & Fashion street for some affordable & extremely fashionable buys from clothes, bags, jewelry & footwear - this street is especially popular among college going youngsters.

Juhu Beach, Marine drive and VT area are home to many malls, urban chic designer stores, shopping complexes & some small boutiques too.

Shopping in Mumbai is indeed a delight. Kemps corner, Breach Candy, Fashion street, Colaba Causeway, Chor Bazar, Zaveri Bazaar & Crawford Market are some of the hot spots which boast of a plethora of products to lure tourists.
Mumbai's linking street is a fashionista's dream come true and for the desinger quest there are several famous and upcoming designers from whom you can take your pick of exclusivity.

Hotels


You can find 406 hotels in Mumbai under following categories:

Blogs


   

Independence Day Special

   princessmiasfotos.blogspot.com
   

Elephenta Cave, Mumbai

   blog.ramagi.com
   

Through Karjat by the Udyan Express

   windyskies.blogspot.com
Comments (12) Questions (183) Reviews (3)
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This is not fair. U have not added Marathi as Mumbai's language. It seems to be offend able. Me too was shocked to read in the facts of Mumbai. Kindly include Marathi also as a prime language of Mumbai as there are more than 1000 Marathi schools in Mumbai.
Posted by Rohan Rote 1 day ago Reply     Report as spam
taj hotel in mumbai is famous hotel of india .

http://www.theorlandoairporthotels.com
Posted by Eithen pitt 2 days ago Reply     Report as spam
According to me Mumbai is the best place and I like very much hotel Taj.

http://www.hotelclearwatertampafl.com
Posted by Hotel Tampa 30 days ago Reply     Report as spam
MUMBAI is a gr8 place 2 live .I am proud being a Mumbaikar
Posted by RITHIKA RANADIVE 8 months ago Reply     Report as spam
this is aamchi mumbai...... never ever leave this ok......
and those who have never been to mumbai,
come and see our MUMBAI ok............ u will never try to leave it..............
Posted by vaishu 9 months ago Reply     Report as spam
mumbai is a nice place.
Posted by mamta nigam 9 months ago Reply     Report as spam
we as mumbaikars are proud to be a part , work and provide servives in this beautiful city.
Posted by mera events 10 months ago Reply     Report as spam
see the mumbai
Posted by sushil 1 year, 4 months ago Reply     Report as spam
MAY THE MUMBAI BE GREEN IN ACTUAL SENSE......... I LOVE MUMBAI
Posted by ALKAMA 2 year, 9 months ago Reply     Report as spam
so all natural na lovely india is gretest word my opinion dont leve this is our city
Posted by pravin 3 year, 2 months ago Reply     Report as spam
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