The capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai is the second-largest metropolitan city situated on the west coast of India. It is a natural harbour along the Arabian Sea and serves as the country’s major commercial and financial centre. The city with its history dating back to several centuries is a melting pot of diverse religions and cultures, which strongly reflect on its architecture and infrastructure. Mumbai is best known for its Bollywood film industry, as it is home to many of the country’s finest and award-winning actors, producers and directors.
Things to do in Mumbai
Take a ferry ride at the Gateway of India, as it is one of the top activities to enjoy in Mumbai. You can get across to the historic Elephanta Caves, only 13 km from the Gateway of India. Pay reverence to Lord Ganesha at Siddhivinayak Temple. Take a stroll along the famous Bandstand, lined with street shops and food joints to get a mesmerising view of the skyline and the adjacent sea.
Tourist attractions in Mumbai
Mumbai is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Elephanta Caves and The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble. Other major attractions in the city include Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Red Carpet Wax Museum, Haji Ali Dargah, Nehru Centre, Marine Drive and Juhu Beach.
Places to shop in Mumbai
There are plenty of places to shop in Mumbai, thanks to the array of street shops and flea markets adorning the city. From garments and footwear to jewellery, accessories, cosmetics, home furnishings, handicrafts, and electronics, you will find everything you might be looking for at the shopping junctions at Linking Road, Hill Road and Colaba Causeway. For big brands, visit the city malls, like High Street Phoenix, Inorbit Mall and Oberoi Mall.
Best time to visit
You should visit Mumbai anytime between November and February to be able to enjoy its tourist attractions.
Modes of transport
The best way to get across Mumbai is on local trains, auto-rickshaws and buses. They are cheap and easily available for the daily commute. One can also avail private cabs and app-based cab services to ride comfortably around the city.
Weather in Mumbai
Mumbai witnesses hot summers between March and May, and relatively pleasant winters between December and February. The average annual temperature varies around 27-degree Celsius. The city receives heavy rainfall in monsoon, which typically lasts from July through September.
Airport in Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (IATA: BOM) is the chief airport in the city. IndiGo operates multiple flights between Mumbai and other important locations within the country from this airport. For more information on the same, visit the IndiGo website.
Gaya
Situated on the banks of River Falgu, Gaya is an important city in the state of Bihar. The city is historically significant and is considered ‘divine’ by the Buddhists, as Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree at this very place.
Tourist attractions in Gaya
The most popular tourist attractions in and around Gaya include the historic Dungeshwari Temple and Caves, Mahabodhi Temple, Maa Mangala Gauri Mandir, Pind Daan Gaya Ji, Muchalinda Lake, The Royal Bhutan Monastery, The Root Institute of Wisdom Culture and The Archaeological Museum.
Places to shop in Gaya
The Tibetan Refugee Market, Kundan Bazaar and Mahabodhi Bookshop are among the best places to shop for clothing, artefacts, handicrafts, religious and spiritual books, gift items and souvenirs.
Modes of transport
Tangas and auto-rickshaws are the most common and cheapest mode of public transport in Gaya. The city also has a good network of bus connectivity across the major routes.
Weather in Gaya
Gaya experiences very hot summers between March and June, May being the hottest month of the season. During this time, temperatures may soar to a scorching 45-degree Celsius, making it extremely uncomfortable. However, winters, between December and February, are cold with temperatures plummeting to 8-degree Celsius. Monsoon brings moderate rainfall between July and September.
Airport in Gaya
The main airport handling domestic traffic in the city is the Gaya Airport (IATA: GAY). IndiGo operates many flights to various locations from this airport. To know more, visit the ‘Flight schedule’ page on IndiGo’s website.