India /Maharashtra /Mumbai /Mumbai

Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country is the largest metropolis of India. Said to be the land where dreams are transformed into reality, this city was earlier known as ‘Bombay’. Rated to be a very glamorous city, Mumbai showcases a perfect amalgamation of the colonial heritage and contemporary modernity. Located on the western coast of India, the best time to visit is during the months of November to March, when the sweltering heat is at its minimum. Claimed to be a travelers paradise, the city has many architectural splendours like the Town Hall and the most popular Film City. One of the prime attractions in the city is the ferry ride from the city to the Elephanta caves.The city has many pilgrim spots including the famous Siddhivinayak & Akshardham temples which has found its followers in many famous Bollywood stars too. Mumbai is one the most populated cities in India and offers some of the best hotels, commuting & varied eat out facilities too. Humid & dry seasons dominates Mumbai’s weather. Summers (March to May) and Monsoons (June to September) are the times when it is very humid with temperatures soaring well over 30°C to 42°C. Winters (November – February) are characterized by considerably low temperatures & cool weather.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Nature

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours.

Pincode: 4000xx

STD Code: 22

Info Website: maharashtratourism.gov.in

Best Time to Visit:  March to October.

HistoryEdit

Mumbai dates back to the Stone Age, around 250 BC, according to the archaeological findings found in northern Mumbai. The renowned Maurya Dynasty ruled Mumbai beginning from 3rd century with Emperor Ashoka ruling the kingdom during the fag end of the dynasty. Later it was ruled by Hindu kings of the Silhara Empire up to 13th century. 1534 AD is a milestone in the history of Mumbai, when the Portuguese invaded the land and ruled for many years. Mumbai had been given as the dowry for marrying Catherine de Braganz to Charles II of England. The British rule of the Mumbai starts at that point of time in history. It is leased to Great English East India Company in 1668. Most of the city developments and industrial developments had taken place during the period of British rule, famed as Bombay Presidency. India’s first passenger railway line and the first sea port in India are some of the most valuable contributions of British in Mumbai. Mumbai was the nerve centre of Indian Independence struggle, culminating the struggle at the pinnacle during Quit India Movement in 1942.

Places to VisitAdd

Mumbai Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Mumbai has two airport- domestic Santa Cruz airport and international airport, known as Chatrapati Shivaji international airport. Almost all airlines provide services to Mumbai. Chatrapati Shivaji international airport is well connected to all major cities in India and also connected to many cities abroad including Singapore, New York, Bangok, Hong Kong and to many gulf cities. Chatrapati Shivaji international airport: 022 6685 1010.

By Train : Mumbai is the headquarters of Indian railway system. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT) is located in the heart of the city. This railway Station connected to all major cities in india. Other railway stations in Mumbai are Dadar and Kurla, and Churchgate. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station: 022-22697330.

By BUS : Mumbai has an excellent road transportation system. State owned buses connect Mumbai to all neighboring points. Many Deluxe and Super Deluxe buses are available to travel in and out of the city. Bus fare is about Rs 3 to 4 per kilometer.

By Taxi : Mumbai is well connected by a road network and national highways. The tourist can reach to Mumbai by taxi. The normal Indian taxi charges of Rupees 8 to 20 will be charged for each km.

By Other : Mumbai offers an excellent water journey within the country and abroad. Many private companies offer their cruises from Mumbai to foreign countries.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Adiba Residency ; 2/3 Amar Estate B cross road Behind Kotak Mahindra Bank opp-paper packing product Behind M.I.D.C Police Station M.I.D.C Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 093. ; Ph – 09619948588 / 09619344588. ; Facilities – Bus Parking , Doctor on call ,Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk , 24-hour room service ,Air conditioning , Laundry, Parking.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Arma Court ; Building No.2, Near Bandra Court, Station Road, Off W.E Highway, A.K. Marg, Mumbai 400051. ; Ph – 022 2647 9505. ; Facilities – Non-smoking rooms ,Dry cleaning/laundry, Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk ,24-hour room service , Air conditioning,Laundry.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Apollo Hotel ; Brightland Building, Lansdowne Road, (Mahakavi Bhushan Marg), Behind Regal Cinema, Mumbai 400001. ; Ph – 022 2287 3312. ; Facilities – Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk ,24-hour room service ,Air conditioning ,Conference facilities ,Elevators , Laundry ,Parking.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• Fortune Park Lake City ; Jupiter Hospital Campus, Eastern Express Highway, Thane(W), Mumbai 400601. ; Ph – 022 3988 4422. ; Facilities – Banquet facilities , Non-smoking rooms , Travel Desk , 24-hour room service , Free airport shuttle , Laundry , Wheel chair access.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• The Taj Mahal Palace And Tower ; Opposite Gateway of india, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400001 ; Ph – 022 6665 3518 ; Facilities – Catering Services , Lounge , Wedding Services , Banquet facilities , Disco , Air conditioning , Conference facilities , 24-Hour Security.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Spice Tree Restaurant ;  95, Fernandiz Villa, Hill Road, Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050. ; M –  022 2640 5161 ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.

• Zaffran Restaurant ;  Ramabai Ambedkar Marg, Dhobi Talao, Mumbai, MH. ; M –  022 2340 1976 ; Food Serve :  Indian.

• Khyber Restaurant ;  145, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai, MH, 400023. ; M –  022 4039 6666 ; Food Serve :  Multi-Cuisine.

• Village Restaurant ;  1st Floor, Raghuleela Mall, Boraspada Road, Behind Poisar Depot, Kandivali west, Bhat Ln, Borivali West, Mumbai. ; M –  022 2809 2809 ; Food Serve :  Indian.

Must Eat FoodAdd

• Pav Bhaji –  Sardar’s Pav Bhaji ; 166-A Tardeo Road Junction, Tulsiwadi, near Tardeo bus depot,Mumbai. ; Ph/M –  91 22 2494 0208 ; Cost –  Rs.100.00. ; Famous for – N.A.
• Kebabs –  Sarvi BYCULLA ; 84/196 Dimtimkar Road, opposite Nagpada Police Station, Byculla West,Mumbai. ; Ph/M –  91 98 3353 3305 ; Cost –  Rs.75.00 per. ; Famous for – N.A.
• Vada Pav. –  Anand ; opposite Mithibai College, Gulmohar Road, Vile Parle West,Mumbai – 400056. ; Ph/M –  9987213056 ; Cost –  Rs.20.00 p.a . ; Famous for – N.A.
• Pani Puri ,Bhel Puri. –  Elco Pani Puri Centre ; 2/A Elco Market, 46 Hill Rd, Bandra West,Mumbai. ; Ph/M –  91 22 2645 7677 ; Cost –  Rs. 50.00 for two. ; Famous for – N.A.
• Chicken Tikka Rolls. –  Bademiya ; Tulloch Rd, Apollo Bunder, Colaba,Mumbai. ; Ph/M –  022 22021447 ; Cost –  Rs.150.00 a roll. ; Famous for – N.A.
• Kheema Pav. –  Olympia Coffee House ; Olympia Coffee House, Rahim Mansion, 1 SB Singh Rd, Colaba,Mumbai-400039. ; Ph/M –  022 2202 1043 ; Cost –  Rs.100.00 a plate. ; Famous for – N.A.
• Crab. –  Mahesh Lunch Home ; 8-B Cawasji Patel Street, Fort,Mumbai. ; Ph/M –  1 22 2287 0938, ; Cost –  Rs. 950.00 ; Famous for – N.A.
• Bombil Fry. –  Gajalee restaurant ; Hanuman Road, Vile Parle (E),Mumbai. ; Ph/M –  91 22 26114093 ; Cost –  N.A. ; Famous for – N.A.

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

• Indian Handicrafts & Traditional Souvenirs. ; Central Cottage Industries Emporium ;  behind Regal Cinema,Mumbai. ; Ph/M:  022/2202-6564.
• Homeware & Beautiful Objects. ; Ravissant shop ;  Madame Cama Rd., Colaba,Mumbai. ; Ph/M:  022/2287-3405.
• Contemporary Arts and Crafts. ; Frazer and Haws shop ;  Landmark Bldg., Pali Naka, Bandra,Mumbai. ; Ph/M:  022/6675-0200.
• Fashion & Fabrics. ; Azeem Khan Couture ;  Colaba (1 Usha Sadan Bldg),Mumbai. ; Ph/M:  022/2215-1028.

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

• China House Lounge @Santacruz (E) ; The Grand Hyatt Hotel, Off Western Express Highway, Santacruz (E), Mumbai, 400055. ; Ph/M: 91-9022994963 ; Cost:  Rs. 4000/- ; Food Serve : Drinks, Chinese, Beverage.
• Saturday Jazz Nights ; 29th Road, 1 Block , Bandra West, Waterfield Road, Mumbai. ; Ph/M: 2230916003 ; Cost:  Rs. 200/- per person. ; Food Serve : Multi-Cuisine.
• Ghost ; Ground Floor, Mon Repos Building, Plot No. 41/44, V Desai Marg, Colaba, Mumbai, 400005. ; Ph/M: (+91) 9022985177 ; Cost:  Rs. 4000/- ; Food Serve : Sushi, Classy Ambience, Cocktails.
• All Sports Bar ; Dream Plaza, Dlaia Estate,Mumbai. ; Ph/M: (022) 26733333 ; Cost:  N.A. ; Food Serve : N.A.

SpaAdd

• Aura Thai Body Spa ;  102, Silvanto Building, Plot no 349-A, Central Avenue Road, Chembur, Mumbai. ; Ph/M – 022 6522 4433. ; Cost:  Rs.1,000 rupees ; Services –  Back Massage, Bleaching, Body Polish, Body Wrap, Deep Tissue Massage, Face Massage, Facial, Hand & Feet Massage, Head Massage,Acupressure, Body Polishing, Body Wrap, Hand and Feet Spa, Reflexology, Rejuvenation, Stress Relieving Treatment.
• Waterstones ;  Off International Airport Approach Road, Behind Lalit Hotel, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400059. ; Ph/M – 022 4090 6644. ; Cost:  Rs.1000-5000. ; Services –  Aeropause Ritual Massage, Back Massage, Baliness Massage, Bleaching, Body Polish, Body Wrap, Deep Tissue Massage, Face Massage, Facial, Foot Reflexology, Full Body Massage, Hand & Feet Massage, Head Massage, Rejuvenation, Rope Massage, Shirodhara, Steam Bath, Steam Wrap, Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy, Ayurvedic Therapy, Hair Spa, Herbal Therapy, Panchakarma Treatment, Stone Therapy.
• Tahaa Spa ;  69-A Manisha Bldg, Napean Sea Road, Mumbai, 400006. ; Ph/M – (91 22)2368-1001. ; Cost:  Rs.1000-5000. ; Services –  Aeropause Ritual Massage, Back Massage, Baliness Massage, Bleaching, Body Polish, Body Wrap, Deep Tissue Massage, Face Massage, Facial, Foot Reflexology, Hand & Feet Massage, Head Massage, Rejuvenation, Rope Massage, Shirodhara, Steam Bath, Swedish Massage, Full Body Massage.
• Antara Spa ;  197 D.N. Nagar, Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai Ph: (91 22)5693-9999. ; Ph/M – (91 22)5693-9999. ; Cost:  Rs. 950.00 for a 30 minute. ; Services –  Acupressure, Body Contouring, Body Polishing, Body Wrap, Hand and Feet Massage, Reflexology, Rejuvenation, Stress Relieving Treatment, Beauty Tips, Slimming Tips, Tatto, Aromatherapy, Fish Therapy, Fruit Therapy, Hair Spa, Stone Therapy.

FestivalAdd

Kabir Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  February ; Details:  Kabir Festivals have been held in several cities of India and abroad. While the Festivals have a common thread in terms of screening of the musical documentary films made by Shabnam Virmani, talks & discussions by prominent speakers and live music concerts by folk and classical singers from different parts of India, each festival also weaves in threads of local colour in terms of inclusion of local artistes, fresh ideas, collaborations with diverse organizations, outreach programmes etc. of The Kabir Festival Mumbai, is to introduce the audiences of Mumbai to the message of Kabir which is perhaps even more relevant today than it was in his time . Screening of Documentary films followed by a facilitated discussion, Live folk music as well as story telling sessions for the younger children all seek to foster an awareness and understanding of the message of Kabir.

Banganga Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  January ; Details:  The Banganga Festival is a musical extravaganza organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in January at the atmospheric Banganga tank at Walkeshwar. Top artistes from around the country perform live classical music concerts and cultural enthusiasts attend the festival and feast the soul as well as the mind.

Elephanta Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  February ; Details:  The Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. These caves are located at a distance of 11-km from Mumbai. In February Elephanta Island comes to fervour as the site of the Elephanta Festival. Organized by MTDC, every year, renowned dancers and musicians perform outside the caves, beneath a star-studded sky, to a select and appreciative audience. Special launch services and catering arrangements are provided for visitors.

Ganesh Chaturthi ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  September ; Details:  Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the month of Aug.- Sep., as the birth anniversary of Ganesha, the Hindu God of wisdom. The festival is so popular in Mumbai and the preparations begin months ahead. Images of Ganesha are installed and elaborate arrangements are made for lighting and decoration and celebrations are held for 10 days. The Anant Chaturdashi is the last day dedicated to the elephant-headed God, and thousands of processions converge on the beaches of Mumbai carrying the idols of Ganesha, to be immersed in the sea. This immersion is accompanied by drumbeats, devotional songs and dancing and marks the end of the festival.

Kala Ghoda Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  One of the most prominent cultural events in Mumbai, Kala Ghoda festival is organised by the Kala Ghoda Association. This cultural feast celebrates varied art forms, including music, dance, theatre etc., and also involves seminars and workshops related to arts.

Safety / WarningEdit

•  Beware of pickpockets as Mumbai is a major tourist city in India.
•  Don’t flash jewelry or large sums of money.
•  Avoid false saller, they may sale you fake items.
•  Be aware of travel warnings. Some areas are considered unsafe for foreigners.
•  Never accept a ride if there’s someone accompanying the driver in a taxi or rickshaw.
•  If travelling alone on the train, request to be accommodated near other women travelers.
•  Keep a copy of your passport/visa separate from the original.

HelplineEdit

• Police Control Room (Mumbai City):22621855, 22621983, 22625020.
• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

Day-1

10:00 am – Essel World ;Approx. time spent : 9 hrs

Day-2

7:00 am -Elephanta Caves ;Approx. time spent : 5 hrs

12:00 am – Gateway of India;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs

14:00 pm – Haji Ali Dargah;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs

Day-3

9:00 am – Siddhivinayak Temple ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs

12:00 pm – JW Marriott ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs

3:00 pm – Sanjay Gandhi National Park ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs

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