Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the state of Maharashtra and is the most populous Indian City, (13 million, 2005 estimated census data). The city, which has a deep natural harbour, is also the largest port in western India, handling over half of India's passenger traffic.

Mumbai is financial capital of India with the institutions like the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, and the corporate headquarters of many Indian companies. Bollywood, the dreamland of Hindi cinema is in the heart of Mumbai. Borivali National Park, which is the biggest 'national park within city limits' in the world is a proud initiative taken by state government. Bom Bahia, which means good bay according to Portuguese, is the origin of the word Bombay. Later the name was changed to Mumbai.

Tourist Attractions in Mumbai
Gateway of India : George Wittet designed the most recognizable remnant of the British Raj, the Gateway of India. The Gateway completed in 1924 and in spite of becoming a structure of commemoration to the visit of King George V and Queen Mary the structures became a gift while departing. Opposite the Gateway is a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Indian hero belonging to the Maratha clan.

Taj Mahal Hotel : The hotel behind the Gateway, which in many ways symbolizes Mumbaiikers' determined and enterprising attitudes, is more impressive altogether. The Taj Mahal Hotel was built by Jamshedji Tata, who wanted to compete with the Watson's, then, the city's poshest hotel.

Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach : Marine Drive (renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Marg) is along the sweeping curves of the Arabian sea, stretching from Nariman Point's high-rise buildings to infamous Malabar Hills' Chowpatty Beach. The city's ultimate sunset spot, Marine Drive's lucratively classy establishments: either the revolving rooftop restaurant at the Ambassador, or the Oberoi's Bayview Bar, which also offers jazz music and cigars, are hotspots among the chick Mumbaikars for a sip of the sweet alcoholic drinks.

Dunking Ganesh : In Augusts and Septembers, Chowpatty Beach becomes the heartbeat of Mumbai, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi- the city's biggest and most explosive celebration. The 11-day festival culminates on the last day when a jubilant procession is held and Ganapati is dunked in the sea.

The film city : The film city studios are ideal to see a duplicated hill station, or a fake slum, or meet some big star, or a Mafia boss, only if you are permitted to go inside. Check prior to your visit, this -the biggest among the studios of Hindi film industry, is not officially open to visitors.

There are however other attractions also like Banganga Tank, Dhobi Ghats, Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) etc.

Shopping
Chor Bazar (antiques, jewelry, wooden articles, leatherwear and general bric-a-brac), Crawford market (famous for flowers, fruits, meat and fish), Zaveri Bazar (jewellery items). Mereweather Road and Jammu and Kashmir Emporium (carpets) are all eye catching shopping destinations in Mumbai. Various State emporia in the World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade (for souvenir, rare artifact or textiles), The Central Cottage Industries Emporium (Apollo Bunder) and Khadi Village Industries Emporium (D.N.Road-for fixed price and superb quality), Colaba and Flora Fountain (Hutatama Chowk for ethnic artifacts and departmental stores) could also serve as shopping stations. Fashion Street (summer wardrobe), Kemps Corner, Warden Road, Breach Candy and Napean Sea Road at Bandra are also shopping attractions. Linking Road (showrooms for the elite) and Mohammed Ali Road (for luxurious Itar, embroidery and Zari work besides artefacts and souvenirs).


How to go there
By Air : The Chhatrapati Shivaji international airport is well connected with the major Indian destinations.

By Train : The Mumbai Central, Mumbai CST, Kurla are well known railway Stations in Mumbai. Mumbai is connected to the rest of the cities of India through the broad gauge Railway route.

By Bus : Most long distance buses leave from the State Transport Terminal located opposite Mumbai's Central Railway Station. Neighboring states like Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have their state bus company offices located here.