‘The City of Dreams’, Mumbai is the financial capital of the state of Maharashtra located on the west coast of India. A buzzing metropolis with a population of 1.84 crore, Mumbai is the most populous city in the state. It derives its name from the local deity Mumba Devi, deeply worshipped by the Koli community – the original inhabitants of the city. The modern Mumbai is known for its colonial buildings, ancient temples and monuments, luxury shopping malls and restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Things to do in Mumbai
Enjoy a long and peaceful walk along the Bandstand Promenade in Bandra. Marvel at the beautiful Roman architecture of Mount Mary Church or witness the statues of eminent Bollywood celebrities and brass plates adorned with the signature and handprints of other stars as you take a stroll along the Walk of the Stars.
Tourist attractions in Mumbai
The Gateway of India is one of the major landmarks in the city, from where one can get a clear view of the adjacent Arabian Sea. It is a 20th-century arch-monument built to commemorate the landing of Queen Mary and King George Pacham of Britain to Mumbai. Other famous tourist attractions worth visiting in and around Mumbai include the Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Kala Ghoda, Haji Ali Dargah, Siddhivinayak Temple, Hanging Gardens, Juhu Beach and Girgaum Chowpatty.
Places to shop in Mumbai
Mumbai is a shopper’s paradise, thanks to its array of sprawling flea markets and street shops, as well as fancy shopping malls. Linking Road and Colaba Causeway are among the busiest and most famous shopping destinations in the city, selling a wide variety of fashionable clothes, jewellery, footwear, leather goods, and soapstone and wooden figurines. Kala Ghoda is famous for electronic goods, notebooks and magazines. Kulture Shop in Bandra is a great place to shop for mugs and posters designed by India’s eminent graphic artists. The Oberoi Mall, High Street Pheonix and Pheonix Marketcity are among the largest shopping malls in Mumbai featuring a range of national and international brands.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mumbai is between November and February given the pleasant weather.
Modes of transport
Mumbai has a fantastic network of local trains running through the heart of the city. It is the cheapest and most convenient mode of public transport besides regular buses and auto-rickshaws. Local taxis and app-based cab services are also widely available for the daily commute.
Weather in Mumbai
Summers (March to May) are pretty hot and humid in Mumbai. During this time, the temperature may go beyond 35-degree Celsius. However, winters, between December and February, are mild and comfortable with temperatures dropping below 20-degree Celsius. Between July and September, i.e. during the monsoon, the city receives heavy showers.
Airport in Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (IATA: BOM) is the major airport in the city and the second busiest airport in the country. IndiGo operates numerous flights between Mumbai and other important destinations within India from this airport. To know more, visit goIndiGo.in.