About City
The commercial capital of India, Mumbai formerly Bombay is a city of glitz and glamour. The City of Dreams and comes with a long colonial history. The city is center for art, music, culture, dance and theatre. The cosmopolitan city is home to the iconic Gateway of India located overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is the most populous and densely populated city in the world. The name Mumbai was restored in 1995 though Bombay remains in use. It is the center of cotton textile industry and has other diversified manufacturing industries as well. The city is located on the peninsular site on the island of Bombay. Mumbai has a warm and humid climate with four seasons.
Tourist Spots
The site seeing locations includes the Marine Drive, endless bars and nightclubs, street shopping at Colaba Causeway and Linking Road. The Gateway of India on the waterfront is the Indo-Saracenic triumphal. Elephanta Island Caves holds sculpted ruins. It houses rock cut temples on Gharapuri. The Royal Opera House, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum are some of the places worth a visit. The Juhu beach is located near Andheri and is a popular destination for tourists. Siddhivinayak Temple is located in Prabhadevi housing Lord Ganesha. It is built by Vithu and Deubai Patel in 1801. Haji Ali Dargah is set in the backdrop of the sea. Girgaum Chowpatty is a sand beach near Charni Road railway station.
Things to buy
Mumbai is a shoppers’ delight. Fashion Street is a major attraction among youngsters and those who come with tight budget. Colaba Causeway is the accessory paradise with eateries like Baghdadi, Café Mondegar, Bademaiyas, etc. Hill road in Bandra is for footwear buffs. Natraj Market near Malad railwaystation has exquisite bandhini scarfs. Chor Bazzar is the right place to best antiques at throw away price. Crawford market has evolved since 1800s and has everything to attract shoppers. Irla Market is for prints and motifs. Hindmata is for traditional fabrics. Lokhandwala market is for shopping nirvanas. Gandhi market offers a fulfilling shopping experience with India motifs on the display.
Local Events
If you are travelling to Mumbai do not forget to plan for these events. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is the biggest cultural event with performances from music, dance, theatre and art performers. Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10 day long festival concluded with the immersion of the idol at Giragaum Chowpatty. Navratri is to honour Goddess Durga with garba and dandiya dances ruling the roost. Bandra Fair happens in September marking the Virgin Mary’s Birthday. The churches are decorated and stalls are setup for amusement. Mumbai film festival is organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image and showcases over 200 films. Maharastra Day is celebrated to mark the commemoration of statehood in 1960.