Formerly called Bombay, Mumbai is one of the most happening cities in India. It is the Las Vegas of India. Mumbai is known as much for its throbbing night life as it is famous for being the busiest and economically prosperous city of India. Mumbai is a busy metropolis, nevertheless, it is a tourist hot-spot because of its energy and vigor. Dubbed as the commercial capital of India, the city is home to some of India's largest corporate houses.
The city also has a multi-million dollar film-making industry. If there is ever a place other than Hollywood which attracts tourists because of glamour business, then it has to be Mumbai. Popularly referred to as Bollywood, Mumbai film industry is not only big but also very charismatic. Every year a number of Hindi pot-boilers are produced here. The actors and actresses enjoy a massive fan following throughout India as well as abroad.
Morning pick up from hotel/airport & enjoy guided city tour including:
Elephanta Caves (A Unesco World Heritage Site)
Rock-cut temples on this peaceful Island, 10 km northeast of the Gateway of India, are Mumbai's major tourist attractions. Believed to have been carved between 450 A.D. and 750 A.D, the temples are still worth a visit. The main cave contains large sculpted panels relating to Siva, including the astonishing 6 meters high triple-headed Trimurti - in which Siva embodies the roles of creator, preserver and destroyer
Note: Closed on Mondays.
Gateway of India
A ceremonial arch built in 1927 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary is located in the southernmost peninsula of the city. Constructed in honey-coloured basalt, the design of the gateway was inspired by 16th century Gujarati Architecture. The changing light of the rising and setting sun bathes this imposing arch with various hues of gold, russet and pink. The Gateway holds historical significance as the last of the British troops leaving Independent India by sea, marched through its portals.
Prince of Wales Museum
The Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, was founded in the early years of the 20th century by some prominent citizens of Bombay with the help of the government, to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales. It is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. The museum houses rare and ancient exhibits of Indian history as well as objet d'art, from foreign lands. It has also Indus Valley Civilization artifacts, relics from ancient India from the time of the Guptas and examples of Mauryan art.
Note: Closed on Mondays.
Mani Bhavan
Mani Bhavan is a veritable memoir of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Also known as Gandhi Museum, Mani Bhavan served as the residence of the great freedom fighter of India between 1917 and 1934. Infact, Mahatma Gandhi started various struggle movements like Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat while residing here.
Malabar Hill
On the northern promontory of Back Bay is the up market residential area of Malabar Hill, favoured for its cool breezes and fine views over Back Bay. The formal Hanging Gardens, known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, on top of the hill, Kamala Nehru Park and the Banganga temple complex at Walkeshwar are important tourist stop overs.
Marine Drive
This sweeping Queen's Necklace, glistening like a string of pearls with a thousand lights at night turns into the main thoroughfare linking Malabar Hill and the northern parts of the island to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point and Fort.
Dhobi Ghat
The dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. All for a pittance. The "laundries" are called "ghats": row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles.
Chowpatty Beach
In the evening the atmosphere is more like a carnival: kids screaming on Ferris wheels or taking pony rides, wayside astrologers making a quick buck, monkey shows, and even the odd self -styled gymnast who will demonstrate amazing yogic postures for a small fee. At one closing stages is a row of bhelpuri shops hawking Mumbai's most popular snack: crisp puffed rice and semolina doused in pungent chutneys, all scooped up with a flat, fried puri. You might even catch a film shoot or a street play.
Evening dropping back to hotel/airport or your desired destination.
Average temperature in Mumbai in Celsius.
Oct-Feb: 20°c - 35°c
Mar-Apr: 25°c - 35°c
May: 25°c - 35°c
Jun-Sep: 28°c - 35°c
Area: 440 sq km
Population: 15 mn
Language: Marathi, Hindi, English
Unique Buys
In Mumbai one can look for Textiles, Jewellery, Pashmina Shawls, Shoes, Scented Products, Tea, Arts and Crafts, Books, Ayurvedic Products, Music and Movies.
Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is dedicated to the Elephant God. Idols of Lord Ganesh are installed at homes and places of worship for a period of one to ten days, after which the idols are taken out ceremoniously in a procession through the streets of the town and immersed into the sea The sea front at Mumbai, packed with people, is a spectacular sight. A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra.
Diwali
Diwali is a holy tradition celebrated joyously on all over Mumbai and India, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness; darkness refers to ignorance and light refers to knowledge. The joy, happiness and the display of lights and fireworks at night is a spectacle worth seeing. Diwali is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra in the month of October / November every year.
Parsi New Year
Parsi New Year or Pateti as popularly know falls in the month of August signifying the day that the Shahenshahi Zoroastrian community landed in India while migrating from Persia. The Parsis celebrate the festival at the fire temple, and community bonds are strengthened through feasts and meeting friends and relatives.
Mount Mary Festival
Mt. Mary Church is among the most prominent churches in Mumbai. Situated in West Bandra past Hill Road the Basilica of our Lady of Mount Mary was built by the Portuguese in 1640.
In the month of September the festival of the Virgin Mother culminates in a week long Bandra fair where devotees flock in large numbers to the church to offer prayers to Mother Mary. Streets around Bandra are lined with stalls, festive lights and fun game rides.
