About Mumbai

Previously known as Bombay, Mumbai is a major metropolitan city of India. It is the state capital of Maharashtra . Mumbai city is known as the business capital of India, it being the country's principal financial and communications centre. The city has the largest and the busiest port handling India's foreign trade and a major Interntional airport.

Description about Mumbai/Bombay can not be complete without the mention of Bollywood, the biggest Indian film industry which churns out hundreds of Hindi block-busters every year.

Climate

Most of the year, Mumbai's climate is warm and humid. Between November and February, the skies are clear,and the temperature is cooler.

Currency

Indian Rupees are the currency in Mumbai.

Food

Locals claim that Mumbai has the best restaurants in India - and they're not far wrong. You can trace the history of the subcontinent by trawling through the city's restaurants - Parsi food from Persia, fastfood from America, Italian and Chinese food brought here by British-era migrants.

After Dark

Mumbai has a relaxed attitude to alcohol compared to other Indian cities and there are bars, clubs and discos where glammed-up boys and girls mix as freely as in any Western city. However, nightclub entry is often restricted to couples. But the classic Bombay night out is a trip to the cinema.

Shopping

Mumbai is India's great marketplace. Some people consider it to be a giant bazaar first and a city with a civic consciousness second. It's a major port and has the country's largest and wealthiest consumer market. The textiles, designer clothes, footwear, jewellery and artwork are highlights.

What to see

Gateway Of India - Mumbai's most famous landmark, The Gateway of India, is situated at Apollo Bunder and was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.

Chowpatty Beach & Juhu Beach - Chowpatty beach is situated on Marine Drive. This beach is well-known for it's stalls selling "Bhel-Puri and Pani -Puri chat" a favourite fast food among the Mumbaites and visitors to the city. Juhu Beach, 30kms away from the city centre, is the most popular beach in Mumbai comprising a long stretch of sandy beach from Santacruz to Vile-Parle.

Haji Ali - Haji Ali mosque, and the tomb of a Muslim saint, is located off shore, in the Arabian sea opposite Mahalaxmi temple. During high tide the walkway to the mosque is submerged in the sea so can be visited only during low tide.

Mahalaxmi Temple - This temple has three gold images of Hindu goddesses, Mahalaksmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali. During Navaratri festival, devoted Hindus throng this temple in great numbers to offer coconut, flowers and sweets to the goddesses.