Mumbai

Mumbai Welcome to the city that never sleeps! Pulsating, Alive, On the Move, Vibrant, Fun -- this is Mumbai or as it is still frequently referred to -- Bombay. The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernisation.

Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal.

Over the years, as colonialism gave way to independence, Mumbai has transformed itself into an entity with thriving markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere. On the surface, it represents the ever-changing face of today's India -- the old coupled with the dynamic new, and yet at its very core, the heart of the city is steeped in Indian customs and values.

It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood. The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Mumbai is a shopper's delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. This busy city is also the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world. Mumbai caters to the adventurous and the romantic through its sporting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants. Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern -- its all here for you to savour and enjoy!

 Tourist Attraction in Mumbai


Gateway of India
Gateway of India is regarded to be the starting point for most tourists who want to travel around the Mumbai city. This 26m-high structure has four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Mumbaites, as well as the foreign tourists come down to this place in the evening and take a cool rest from day's exhausting work schedules.

Marine Drive
Marine Drive is the place where Mumbaites hang out to cool down a while from the steamy hurried and busied life. As street lamps orderly line up on the edge of the beach, it is also known as called Queen's Necklace. Several Hindu religious ceremonies are taking place at Chowpatty like annual thread-tying ceremony, nariel-purnima and Ganesh Chaturthi immersions. Stalls on the beach, selling Bhelpuri, Kulfi and Paan make the chowpatty zesty.

Juhu Beach
Juhu is one of the most popular and posh beaches of India. This fizzing beach on the shores of Arabian Sea is the place where one can find the bungalows of Bollywood stars. Tourists can enjoy horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, acrobats, cricket matches, toy sellers etc. here.

Essel World
Essel World offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water Kingdom is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is a perfect destination for a one-day holiday.

Mani Bhawan
It has Gandhian literature, photographic exhibits, framed letters and 3-D tableaux of key events in Gandhi's life are displayed here. Gandhi's room and belongings including his books, his trademark 'Charkha' (spinning wheel) and 'Charpoy' (rope bed) are displayed here. It is place, where Gandhi first learned how to use the spinning wheel.

Jehangir Art Gallery
There is huge rush of artistes in this gallery to show one's works. Many of the artistes have to wait a couple of years to exhibit their works in this gallery. The building of the gallery is an enormous beautiful mansion. Jehangir Art Gallery is one of the Mumbai's well-known art galleries.

Siddhivinayak Temple
The temple has a Kalash, which is a pointed dome of 12 feet high Gabhara (sanctum sanctorum) weighing 1500 kg and plated in gold. So, it facilitates the 'Darshan' of Sri Siddhivinayak from either the area surrounding the Gabhara or the stage (Sabha Mandap) constructed to conduct pujas and festivities. The temple dates back to 18th Century. Vinayak is considered to be one of the Ashta Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra, celebrating eight instances of legends related to Ganesha.

Bollywood
Next to Hollywood, Mumbai is world's largest production centre for films. The Film City: 'Bollywood', as it is called, produces the second most number of films in the world every year.