Mumbai

Mumbai,’ The city of dreams’, is where people come to realise their sky high dreams and then are never able to leave from here!

Located on the west coast of India, along the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is an island city connected to the mainland through several bridges. Its location made Mumbai an important trading and shipping centre and today Mumbai is the commercial capital of the country.

Named either after the Goddess Mumba or the Portuguese term for good harbour ‘Bom Bahia’, Mumbai is one of the four metropolitan cities of India. This is where the Bombay Stock Exchange is located and this is where India’s glittering Film Industry, Bollywood, and its shining stars are located too!

This seductive and addictive city lures everybody in with its glamour and glitter and all those who come here with big dreams and high expectations are never able to leave no matter how boxy their lives are.

The crowded local trains of Mumbai, the exorbitant house rents, incessant rains, long distances to workplace and crazy work schedules… nothing bogs mumbaikers down. The city has a lively spirit and unmatched zeal for life.

A ride in a bustling local Mumbai train is an experience in itself. One comes across colourful sights where daily passengers are seen playing cards, chopping vegetables, discussing movies passionately and even sharing their lifestories.

Catering to the need of the thousands of people working across miles, the famous ‘dabbawalas’ collect & deliver home-cooked food in the offices and carry a recommendable reputation for their well-organised and flawless services.

Then rubbing their shoulders with the high-rent properties of Bandra and Colaba are the kolis of the old fishing village Worli. The kolis are the aborigines of Mumbai and are an integral part of Mumbai’s history. There was a time when the kolis paid the Britishers Rs 16.95 per year to be able to live around and fish in these waters.

The British left their imprints in the form of many beautiful buildings which still dot this magnificent city. The Gateway of India, St Thomas Church after which the Churchgate Station is named, The Taj Mahal hotel, The General Post Office, The High Court and The University of Mumbai, all of which form important landmarks in the city are few of the buildings from British era.

Also Mumbai has a number of old and popular markets which are worth visiting during one’s stay. Zaveri Bazaar is lined with a number of gold shops while Mangaldas Market is known since ever for unstitched garments. Not to miss is the seven storeyed Cotton Exchange Market and fruit and vegetable Crawford Market.

Apart from the heritage places and age-old bazaars, Mumbai has lots to offer to the locals as well as the tourists.

The city has a number of places to hang out. One can go walking around the CST or Juhu beach and simply enjoy the rhythm of life in this amazing city.

The pace of life in this city is very fast. The people are here are hardworking and have fast paced busy life. They work hard but they party hard too!

Mumbai is known as the city which never sleeps. Many of its markets are open all night and it’s the only city in India with as active a nightlife.

Mumbai is large-hearted and accommodates everyone. Where food is concerned, it has an array of multi-cuisine restaurants as well as amazing street food which not only is it famous for but also fits each pocket and makes everyone happy.

And for shopping freaks, while ofcourse Mumbai has all national and international brands, it also offers amazing street shopping opportunities. Colaba Causeway is one of the best places for street shopping.

A fine mix of modern and traditional, Mumbai’s culture is very interesting and unique for the new visitors. Hand in hand with the glamour this city oozes out are a number of age-old caves, monuments and shrines which are definitely worth a visit!

History of Mumbai at a glance

Where stands this lively city today, was initially just a conglomeration of seven fishing islands. The seven islands were Al Omani’s Island, Colaba, Worli, Bombay, Parle, Mazagaon and Mahim.

It had all started when the deep and safe harbour beyond Gateway of India attracted attention of the Portuguese who named it ‘Bom Bahia’ (Good harbour)! The Portuguese came and ruled the islands and region around it. Bahadur Shah of Gujarat recaptured the islands only to give away those again to the Portuguese who rented those out further.

Later, when the Portuguese princess Catherine da Braganza was married to the British Prince Charles II, the islands were given away in dowry which worked as God-sent for the Britishers, who established the East India Company here and paid an annual rent to Prince Charles II.

The islands were gradually connected through bridges to give rise to this grand city of Mumbai.

Mumbai Fast Facts

Best time To Visit Mumbai: October to March

State: Maharashtra

Official Language: Marathi

Spoken Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English

STD Code: 022

How to Reach Mumbai

By Air

Mumbai has both international and domestic airports, named after the famous Maratha leader, Chhatrapati Shivaji. The international airport is located in Andheri east and the domestic airport is in Santacruz east. Both the airports are well connected to various countries and Indian cities respectively.

By Rail

Mumbai has various stations connecting the city to various cities across India. CST, Bandra, Dadar, Mumbai Central and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus are all well connected to major cities.

By Road

Mumbai is connected by road to Delhi and Jaipur by NH8, to Lonavala and Pune by NH4 and to Agra by NH3.