Cities

Mumbai

Charm of Bollywood cinema, bhelpuri at Chowpatty, cricket on the Oval, double-decker red buses and designer labels, all conjure up images of Mumbai. Mumbai has the distinction of being the largest metropolis as well as the financial, commercial, industrial and celluloid capital of India. It is the most cosmopolitan of all Indian cities, and there is a place for everyone in this potpourri of cultures and city of glamour. Mumbai is also the capital of Maharashtra, was once under the rule of the Portuguese and the Britishers.

Mumbai is the hub of cinema and film making in India, otherwise known as Bollywood. Many several visit Mumbai with dreams in their eyes and Mumbai rarely shatters them. Those who are talented are invited whole-heartedly by the industry. Films have to be followed by fashion. Fashion designers and beauty queens who are known across the globe today, saw themselves grow in Mumbai initially.

Best Time to Go

High temperature and humidity levels and tropical rains influence the climatic conditions of Mumbai. Beginning from September till April, the weather remains dry and cool. This is the ideal time of the year to explore Mumbai.

Places of Interest

Mumbai is a veritable tourist delight. It houses certain cultural, religious and other sites that are worth visiting at least once. Its major tourist attraction, the Gateway of India is a big hit amongst the tourists. Watching the hoards of pigeons fluttering around while cruising in a boat lends memories that last for years. Occupying the center of attraction are World Heritage Sites of Elephanta Caves and Shivaji Terminus. Other notable religious pilgrimages are namely the Haji Ali Mosque, Mahalakshmi and resident goddess Mumbadevi, Zoroastarian Fire Temple, Jain Temple and St Thomas's Cathedral.

Festivals and Fun

Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest spectacle in the festival calender o Mumbai. The celebrations continue for 11-days in the month of August. This is the best time of the year to plan a tour to Mumbai. Marvelously sculpted idols of Lord Ganesha are installed and prayed in the houses. These idols are immersed into the sea on the last day of the celebration. Cultural activities like Gharbha and Dandiya dances add to the festivities. You will simply wish t be a part of these celebrations that continue till the dusk.

Activities

A drive on the famous Marine Drive is great fun. The best hangout place in the city of dreams is the Chowpatty Beach. Indulge in merriment. Undertake a pony ride, watch snake charmers and monkeys performing, families enjoying – an experience to cherish. To top it all, gorge on Mumbai specialties like Bhel-puri and Pao-bhaji. You will surely relish these spicy snacks.

Shopping

From budget shoppers to those who are brand conscious, markets in Mumbai are ideal places to lay hands on just any item. Some consider Mumbai a huge marketplace first and a city later. Luxury hotels like The Oberoi have their own established fashion galleries. While in Mumbai pick its specialties like textiles, footwear, artwork, designer clothes and jewellery,

The fascination that this 'city which never sleeps' offers, will leave you sleepless. The charm of Mumbai bowls over even the most seasoned traveller. Mumbai is all gleaming and glimmering. See it to believe it!