Sprawling over an area of 603.4 sq. km, Mumbai is the largest city in the state of Maharashtra located on the west coast of India. It is also the state capital and the business capital of the country. The history of the city dates back to the formation of the seven islands, namely Colaba, Isle of Bombay, Mahim, Mazagaon, Old Woman’s Island, Parel, and Worli, which together formed a part of Emperor Asoka’s kingdom. Later, over the centuries, several rulers, such as the Silaharas, the Portuguese, and the British ruled over Mumbai for a significant period.
Things to do in Mumbai
Take a long walk along the breathtakingly beautiful Marine Drive when in Mumbai. You must also seek blessings at the Haji Ali Dargah set against the backdrop of the beautiful Arabian Sea. Witness the mesmerising sunset at Juhu Beach while exploring the adjacent food joints, or go on a shopping spree at Mumbai’s flea markets.
Tourist attractions in Mumbai
The Prince of Wales Museum is a marvellous structure adorned with latticework and stone featuring a blend of Mughal, Indian, and British architectural styles. It houses a rare and exquisite collection of historical artefacts. The National Gallery of Modern Art possesses an impressive collection of sculptures, artefacts, and paintings. Apart from these, other tourist hotspots in the city include Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Kanheri Caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Siddhivinayak Temple, ISKCON Temple, Taraporevala Aquarium, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Places to shop in Mumbai
Mumbai is dotted with an array of shops and markets, as well as lavish fancy malls, where you can shop your heart out. Head to Colaba Causeway if you are looking for designer bags, branded clothing, silver jewellery, and electronic goods. Zaveri Bazaar, as the name suggests, is your one-stop destination for a variety of designer stone-studded jewellery. Fashion and Linking Road are great for fashionable clothes and knick-knacks. High Street Phoenix and Palladium Mall are the best places to buy branded goods.
Best time to visit Mumbai
The best time to explore Mumbai is between November and February.
Modes of transport
The chief and fastest mode of public transport in Mumbai is local trains running across the length and breadth of the city. Buses and auto-rickshaws are widely available on all major routes across Mumbai. They are cheap and extremely convenient for the daily commute. You can also hop on a taxi or an app-based cab to get around comfortably.
Weather in Mumbai
In Mumbai, summers (March to June) are quite hot as the temperature tends to rise above 33 degrees Celsius. Monsoon (July to September) brings some relief as the city receives heavy showers. Winters (December to January) are pleasant with temperatures hardly dropping below 15 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (IATA: BOM) is the chief airport serving the city. To find out about IndiGo flight timings from this airport, visit the official website.