Mumbai Tours

Mumbai, the biggest metropolis of India, is a city that virtually never sleeps. In this city of dreams, life never appears dull or boring, especially due to the presence of its interminable chaos and action. Generating the maximum share of country's revenue, Mumbai houses the country's largest production houses, stock exchanges, sea port and offices of some of the esteemed companies of the world. Not only is Mumbai the capital of Maharashtra, it is also called the Commercial Capital of India.

Its young, its lively and a confluence of varied cultural currents and cross currents have given Mumbai a unique position of the most multi-ethnic city of India. The capital city of Maharashtra State , formerly known as Bombay lies in the southwestern part of India and occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets lying off the Konkan coast of western India. Oozing with the cocksure self-confidence of a maverick moneymaker and "Bindass" (carefree) attitude, Mumbai is also country's financial and commercial hub and has a principal port on the Arabian Sea.

Yet, there's another face of Mumbai too that is of the most densely populated cities in the world. Mumbai is located on a site of ancient settlement and took its name from the local Goddess "Mumba" - a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva, one of the principal Gods of Hinduism - whose temple once stood in what is now the southeastern section of the Mumbai city. Read more about Mumbai

Mumbai - the commercial center of India

Mumbai as it is now called, is the commercial capital of India, a city of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more.

History

The city, a union of seven islands, was named by its natives after the goddess Mumbadevi. After the Portuguese occupied the islands in 1534, they renamed it Bom Bahia, for the natural harbour, which served as a safe place for its ships. The religious and business pursuits pulled people to Mumbai from all over the country. When the Portuguese left the land the city started developing into a metropolitan city and an industrial center. Today, the city is the country's financial and cultural centre and also owns a thriving film industry. This is the city of dreams where people come to strike their luck.

Climate

Climate of Mumbai is fluctuating one as it is a coastal area and the weather is highly influenced by the presence of Arabian Sea. Generally May is the hottest month of the year and the average temperature remains between 32C- 40C. January is the coldest month in Mumbai and the average temperature remains about 18OC. The proximal distance to the sea lends a humid effect to the weather in Mumbai throughout the year.

Summers season in Mumbai is from April to Mid June followed by monsoon from Mid June to Mid September. The rain in Mumbai is extremely heavy and the annual rainfall of Mumbai is around 200cm. Winter in Mumbai lasts from November to February and during this season the weather of Mumbai is really pleasant. During the winters the temperature varies in between 15-250 C and all these climatic features of Mumbai makes it different from other Indian cities.

The best time to visit Mumbai is in the winters as the city houses numerous tourist attraction along with the cultural highlights. Mumbai is the significant metropolitan city of India and has vibrant mix of colors and shades throughout the year.

Famous For Bollywood

Bollywood, the nickname of the Indian film industry, is the movie capital of the country. Bollywood's film production center is a government-owned studio facility called as "Film City" in the northern suburbs of Mumbai. Bollywood traces its start to 1911 when the first silent Indian feature film was released by D.P. Phalke. The industry boomed and today there are over 250 theaters in Mumbai alone.

Bollywood films are being shown in American and British theaters where these theaters have become community centre for the South Asian communities around the world.

Mumbai (Bollywood) leads the Indian film industry where its peculiarity lies with Hindi movies. Chennai produces films in Tamil and Kolkata is the base for Bengali movies.

Tourist Attractions/ Places to See

A Tour of Mumbai is a must-see for any visitor. From historic buildings and renowned museums to popular beaches and tours of India's commercial film industry - this pulsating city has a lot to offer. Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city with a fascinating history. Some of the places to visit in Mumbai are:

Marine Drive :
Mumbai's distinctive curving seafront avenue connects the skyscrapers of Nariman Point to the green villas of Malabar Hill. It is also called the Queen's Necklace because of its appearance after dark, when the street lights sparkle around the curve of the bay.

Juhu Beach :
This popular beach stretches for about 5 kilometers and is sure to be crowded on a weekend. Activities on the beach include food stalls, performers and camel and pony rides.

Chowpatty Beach :
Situated in the suburbs of the city, and known for its festive atmosphere, food stalls and hustle and bustle. This beach encapsulates the spirit of Mumbai.

Gateway of India :
This graceful ceremonial archway was built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar of 1911. It has historical significance for India because after the country gained Independence, the last British troops left Indian soil, marching under this imperial archway to board their waiting ships.

Elephanta Island :
Situated 9 kilometers out to sea, from the Gateway of India, this island has a beautiful rock-cut Shiva Temple, on top of a hill. The island can be reached by a short enjoyable ferry ride.

Prince of Wales Museum :
One of the country's renowned museums, this heritage building is situated amidst green lawns, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The museum contains a priceless collection of miniature paintings as well as extensive collections of art, sculpture, china, rare coins and weaponry.

Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus :
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, after the English Queen, who was also known as Empress of India, this imposing building was built in 1888. Designed by Frederick William Stevenson, the façade of this railway terminus is covered with sculptures of birds and animals.

Flora Fountain :
Situated at a busy 5-point intersection in the heart of Mumbai's commercial area, this popular public landmark was built to commemorate the Governor, Henry Bartle Edward Frere.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter from November to March since the weather is at its most pleasant during this season.

Transportation

Air :
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the major airdrome that receives both domestic and international traffic to the city. Almost all the airlines operate flights to and from Mumbai. It is the busiest airport of the country, that handles at least 45 landings and take-offs per hour. It has two domestic and two international terminals, which are connected by shuttle services.

Rail :
Mumbai boasts of an extensive network of rail tracks, which connects the city with all parts of the nation. It houses the headquarters of Central Railways and Western Railways. Besides Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal - the major one, there are other railway stations at Bombay Central, Churchgate, Dadar and Kurla. One can board trains from here to any place across the country.

Roads :
The National Highways No. 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 17 pass through the city, making it accessible from all parts of the country. Besides these National Highways, the Mumbai-Pune expressway traverses through the city. Many long distance buses leave from the State Transport Terminal, which is located opposite Mumbai's Central Railway Station. Many deluxe buses connect Mumbai with all tourist destinations within and outside the state. One can always hire car to move around the city and its suburbs.

Boat :
One amongst the best natural harbors in the world, Mumbai port handles 50% of the passenger traffic and most of the cargo of the country. Above all, it serves as an important base for the Navy. One can reach close-by islands and beaches by getting in ferries that start from Ferry Wharf. Many travel companies provide sea-cruises to Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, etc.