Introduction
The sleepless city of Mumbai is replete with shopping malls, hotels,
restaurants, pubs, night clubs, discos and cinema halls. Mumbai is mostly
famous for the Hindi film industry, Bollywood, that produces the largest
number of films every year. The capital city of the state of Maharashtra is
also an important financial hub of the country. Though fashion and glamour
are a part and parcel of the city, the multi-ethnic culture has never lost
its charm here. Fairs and festivals are a part of people's life. Besides,
the city also offers a great deal in terms of history and architecture.
Mumbai sometimes may seem to equal the sophistication and style of the
western cities, its cultural elements will always remind you of a diverse,
distinct and divine India.
Location & Climate
Mumbai lies on India's west coast along the Arabian Sea. The city is
located in the state of Maharashtra. It's proximity to the Arabian Sea gives
it a moderate type of climate. March to June is the summer time. The climate
during the period remains hot and humid. Winter is pleasant in Mumbai. The
ideal time to pay a visit to the city is from November to March.
Sightseeing
The city of Mumbai offers a number of tourist attractions to see and
experience. From historical sites and museums to modern architecture and
beaches, Mumbai is a delight to visit for one and all. Some of the most
famous sites to visit are as follows.
» Marine Drive : Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare,
Marine Drive is located in the central Mumbai. The Marine Drive spans from
Nariman Point to the Malabar Hill. At the fall of darkness, the place is a
sight to behold and is aptly termed as the 'Queen's Necklace'. Locals can be
seen in the evening promenading along this curved seafront.
» Juhu Beach : The Juhu Beach is a big draw for
tourists in Mumbai. The beach stretches over a distance of 5 km. At weekends
the whole span seems to have come alive. Smake charmers, fortune tellers,
hawkers and acrobats can be seen on the beach. Locals arrive here in good
numbers to spend the weekends and enjoy with their friends and families.
» Gateway of India : The Gateway of India is a
wonderful piece of history in Mumbai. The ceremonial archway commemorates
the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Delhi Durbar in 1911. Apart
from that, it is the very spot from where, after independence, the last
British troops set sail for England.
»
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) : The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
was previously known as the Victoria Terminus after Queen Victoria of
England. The imposing structure was designed by Frederick William Stevenson
in 1888. It is a representative piece of Gothic architectural style in
Mumbai.
» Elephanta Island : The Elephanta Island is a major
attraction for the visitors to Mumbai. The island is located at a distance
of 9 km from Gateway of India, out to the sea. There are regular ferry ride
from Apollo Bunder to the Elephanta Caves. Here, you can see a rock-carved
Shiva Temple positioned atop a hill.
Accommodation Options
Mumbai offers abundant stay options to tourists and travellers of all
abilities. One can fine hotels ranging from deluxe and luxury to the economy
class hotels. The hotels of Mumbai are known for their excellent
architecture, standard services and world-class amenities. Some of the
famous hotels of the city are as follows.
Hotels in Mumbai
¤ Centaur Hotel (5 Star Deluxe)
¤ JW Mariott Hotel (5 Star Deluxe)
¤ The Oberoi (5 Star Deluxe)
¤ Tajmahal Hotel (5 Star Deluxe) |
¤ The Grand Hyatt (5 Star Deluxe)
¤ The Ambassador Hotel (4 Star)
¤ Hotel West End (4 Star)
¤ Hotel Four Seasons (3 Star) |
Accessibility
Mumbai has both domestic (Santa Cruz) and international (Sahar) airports.
The airport has regular flights connecting to all the key destinations of
the country and the world. Mumbai has a well established rail route that
links the city with all the major cities and towns of the country. An
excellent road network makes Mumbai accessible from the cities of the state
and outside.