Located on the west coast, Mumbai or Bombay is the largest city in Maharashtra and the most populated city in India with a population of 21.3 million. Over the years, the city has emerged as a major financial and commercial hub sprawling with high buildings, industries and businesses. A melting pot of diverse religions and cultures, Mumbai is a fascinating mixture of age-old traditions and modernity with an abundance of historical and religious sites, as well as shopping malls, pubs, and plush restaurants.
Things to do in Mumbai
There are plenty of interesting and fun things to do on a vacation in Mumbai. You can go on a walking tour through the rustic lanes of the city to admire the beautiful architecture of the Flora Fountain, Horniman Circle Garden or The Asiatic Society. Ferry across the Elephanta Caves to explore a series of cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Relax at the Juhu Beach while gorging on Mumbai’s popular street foods, like Vada Pav and Pav Bhaaji. Walk along the stretch and enjoy the sunset at Marine Drive.
Tourist attractions in Mumbai
Overlooking the Arabian Sea, The Gateway of India is a major landmark in the city. The structure was built in 1924 and serves as a preferred hangout place for several Mumbaikars and tourists. The divine Siddhivinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is yet another attraction in Mumbai that sees a huge footfall of pilgrims and devotees all around the year, especially around the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival. Other prominent tourist places in the city include the Haji Ali Dargah, Kala Ghoda, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Film City, Prince of Wales Museum and Kanheri Caves.
Places to shop in Mumbai
Mumbai is a shopper’s paradise. Colaba Causeway, Linking Road, Chor Bazaar and Crawford Market are some of the best places to shop for a variety of fashionable clothes, footwear, bags, jewellery and accessories, leather goods, antiques, wooden figurines, and handicrafts at reasonable prices. The Oberoi Mall, Pheonix Market city and High Street Pheonix are among the best shopping malls selling a range of branded goods.
Best time to visit Mumbai
November to February is the perfect time to explore Mumbai at its best.
Modes of transport
Auto-rickshaws, buses and local trains are the cheapest and the most common modes of public transportation in Mumbai. App cabs and local taxis are also easily available for the daily commute. Besides, a part of Mumbai also has access to Metro Rail service, which makes travelling around easier and faster.
Weather in Mumbai
Mumbai experiences hot and humid summers between March and May with temperatures soaring to 35-degree Celsius. Monsoon hits in July and lasts through September, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall. Winters (December to February) are relatively pleasant and mild with the minimum temperature hovering around 18-degree Celsius.
Airport in Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (IATA: BOM) is the main city airport. IndiGo operates numerous flights between Mumbai and other domestic destinations from this airport. For more information, visit the IndiGo website.