Mumbai is the largest city in Maharashtra and the second-largest metropolitan city in India. It was formerly known as Bombay, a name derived from the Portuguese phrase ‘Bom Bahia’ meaning ‘Beautiful Bay’. Later, in 1995, the city’s name changed to Mumbai, after the Hindu goddess Mumba Devi, who was deeply revered by the Koli community – the earliest inhabitants of Mumbai. An important business and administrative hub in India, Mumbai is best known for its glorious past, lip-smacking street food, and the glitz and glamour of Bollywood.
Things to do in Mumbai
Whether you are a leisure traveller, history buff, or adventure junkie, Mumbai has something in store for everyone. You can explore the historical landmarks in the city symbolising the colonial era in India. Alternately, you can take a ferry from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves and marvel at the natural rock formations and sculptures, or embark on a Bollywood tour at the iconic Film City.
Tourist attractions in Mumbai
Marine Drive is a 3.6km long stretch of path along the Arabian Sea coast extending from the Nariman Point to Chowpatty Beach. It is a great spot to witness a beautiful sunset. The Prince of Wales Museum is an iconic heritage structure of the city, famous for its breathtaking architecture and a collection of exquisite, ancient artefacts. Other prominent tourist attractions here include the National Gallery of Modern Art, Global Vipassana Pagoda, Kanheri Caves, Mahalaxmi Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Dargah, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Juhu Beach, Kala Ghoda, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Places to shop in Mumbai
Linking Road, Hill Road, Fashion Street, Colaba Causeway, and Chor Bazaar are among the most renowned shopping destinations in the city. With a wide range of fashionable clothes and jewellery, footwear and handicrafts, electronics, home décor, and other knick-knacks at extremely reasonable prices, these marketplaces are always bustling with locals and tourists alike. Crawford Market is the perfect place to shop for condiments, spices, and souvenirs. For a contemporary shopping experience, head straight to the lavish city malls, such as the Inorbit Mall, Palladium Mall, and Phoenix Market City.
Best time to visit Mumbai
You should ideally visit Mumbai between November and February to be able to enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities in the pleasant weather.
Modes of transport
The best way to travel across Mumbai is on auto-rickshaws and buses. The city boasts an extensive network of local trains on the major routes. It is the most economical and convenient mode of daily commute. Besides, app-based cab services, local taxis, and private cars are also available to get around easily.
Weather in Mumbai
Summers (March to May) tend to get hot and humid in Mumbai with the maximum temperature rising to a scorching 35 degrees Celsius. July marks the beginning of monsoon, during which the city receives adequate rainfall. This lasts through September. Winters (December to February) are quite pleasant and cool with the minimum temperature hovering around 18 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Mumbai
IndiGo operates regular flights to various locations from Mumbai Airport (IATA: BOM), which happens to be the main city airport. For more information on flight details, visit the IndiGo website.