Mumbai was once a myriad of islands which came together to form the commercial capital of Mumbai. In the old times, you could get away by telling “Bombay”. Real estate business here booms to the point where it is comparable to that of leading global cities.

Called by the locals as Amchi Mumbai, it is sure to win your heart as it has won theirs.

Mumbai-  a mixture of slums and riches

Mumbai Travel Guide

The bustling city of Mumbai located on the Western Coast of India is the New York of India. Crowded, ever moving, fast-paced but the life of Mumbaikars. It is the capital of Maharashtra.

Mumbai is a modern city, but it has gorgeous churches and monuments from the British colonial period, futuristic IT hubs, famous landmarks, nature parks, and shopping districts.

The north-central part of the city may play havoc on your brain. You will be confused by the sight in front of you. The swanky bungalows of upper-middle-class society and the slums of Dharavi are in stark contrast with each other. On the west, you can see the luxurious mansions of the rich and famous.

Things To Do In Mumbai

The south is the most visited part of the city. It has great property rates, and it is home to some quirky galleries, museums and classy shops, including Armani and Herme. The middle-class Gujarati society inhabits the eastern region. On the top north of the city, you will find some clean beaches, which are a huge thing in Mumbai.

Gateway Of  India

Built by the British, as the name suggests it was their gateway to India. Today located next to the massive Taj Hotel, it is one of the most photographed places in the city with an exceptional view of the sea behind and the British monument in the front.

Marine Drive

Starting from the north of Nariman Point and ending at the famous Chowpatty beach, the Marine Drive is a 3km long arc-shaped road along the seacoast of South Mumbai. You get to sit along the coastlines and watch the sunset while dipping into some hot chai. Total Mumbai!

Elephanta Caves

An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a collection of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. It is an island and is located at a distance of 11km from the city of Mumbai. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline along with its monuments.

Victoria Terminus

Thimarvelousus structure is a perfect illustration of the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture in India. The best part is that the railway station still functions as usual and is declared as a World Heritage Site under UNESCO.

Prince of Wales Museum

The Prince of Wales Museum is regarded as one of the heritage buildings of Mumbai because of its splendid architecture. The museum comprises of a plethora of ancient, exquisite artifacts related to the very rich and diverse history of the country.

Bandra Worli Sea Link

Spanning across the arc of Mumbai coastline, this sea link is a civil engineering wonder that reflects the modern infrastructure of the city of Mumbai. Another place to spend your evening at, admiring the sea and sunset.

National Gallery Of Modern Arts

This is nothing but a paradise for art lovers. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), is a famous art museum possessing a magnificent collection of paintings, sculptures and artifacts since 1996. The sheer number of artwork present in this charismatic gallery has drawn millions of visitors and left them awestruck every day!

Khaneri Caves

Standing in sharp contrast to the verdant greenery of the surrounding hills, Kanheri Caves can be accessed through a series of rock-cut steps.  The caves are famous for its 109 special entrances and ancient sculptures, carvings, paintings and inscriptions illustrating Buddhist influence in Indian architecture.

Bandstand

Bandstand is the immaculate promenade in the queen suburbs of Bandra in Mumbai. Also known as Bandra Bandstand, it has a joggers’ strip and a park in addition to being a happening hangout spot.

Sunset from Bandstand

Mahakali Caves

Also known as Kondivite Caves, the centuries-old Mahakali Caves are located in the western part of the city in Andheri. The Mahakali Caves are a total of nineteen rock-cut monuments, built between the duration of the 1st and 6th century. The main cave consists of Buddha figures and stupas.

Shop at

Fashion Street

One of the favorite shopping hubs for the people of Mumbai, especially the students, this place offers some of the trendiest and latest fashion clothes at a bargaining rate. You will have to know how to get your way through it to emerge a winner with unlimited shopping bags.

 Shopping in the streets of Mumbai is a must have experience

Colaba Causeway

One of the most crowded and electrifying places to visit in Mumbai is the Colaba Causeway. A shopping paradise with endless shops to choose from. It has its own charm, which will pull you into its world of colorful shops and old-world cafes like a magnet.

Hill Road, Bandra

Acknowledged for its high fashionable taste, Mumbai provides many opportunities to shop around. After Colaba, Bandra is another place for all the shopaholics. This place has unlimited options to shop for, frmo clothes to belts to accesories. You will get everything here.

Lokhandwala

Lokhandwala is another place to shop to your heart’s content. Do not miss the lip-smacking food around these shopping streets to help you get your energy back to go for more rounds of shopping.

Get lost in the narrow lanes with shops in every corner

Beaches and Nature

Marve Beach

Away from the industrial pollution and the chaotic city life, Marve Beach is situated in Malad, in the western suburbs of Mumbai. Due to the strong tides and currents, it is not recommended to swim in the sea or even to step in post evening hours.

Versova Beach

A continuation of Juhu Beach towards the Andheri suburbs, Versova Beach is comparatively less crowded and only separated by a creek from the former beach.

Now due to clean up work this beach even has turtles hatching after decades. 

Dadar Chowpatty Beach

Madh Island

Clustered with quaint fisher villages and dotted with lush green farms, Madh Island is a respite from the dazzling lifestyle of the city and can be reached by an hour’s drive from the main city.

Uran

Situated at the end of Navi Mumbai, Uran lies between Panvel and Karjat and is surrounded by water bodies of three sides. Primarily a tiny fishing and agriculture village, Uran has several beaches to its attribute- the most popular of which are Pirvad, Mankeshwar, and ONGC. 

Gorai Beach

Located in the north suburb of Mumbai, 40 km from the main city, Gorai Beach is one the cleanest, most tranquil and one of the most frequented beaches of Mumbai.

Treks around Mumbai

There are numerous places to trek around Mumbai especially during the monsoons. Some of the famous ones are

• Jivdhan Trek
• Hajimalang Trek
• Mahuli Trek
• Naneghat Trek
• Makarandgad Trek

Monsoon treks are the best in and around Mumbai

Temples and Churches

India has no shortage of temples anywhere you go and Bengaluru is no exception. There are several large and old temples within the city and nearby.

You can find the remains of colonial rule at St George Fort. The Gothic architecture gives a unique vibe to the rather traditional country. Churches around the corners are easy to reach on foot. A walk can be a refreshing change from the dirty and crowded atmosphere of the city.

Haji Ali Dargah

Situated at the backdrop of a beautiful view of the sea is the shrine of Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant turned into Muslim Sufi. People from all walks of life and religions come here to seek blessings.

Jama Masjid

Located a kilometer and a half from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Jama Masjid, also known as Friday Mosque, is the oldest mosque that Mumbai has. A popular place of pilgrimage, this mosque stands majestically on the renowned Sheikh Menon Street, near Crawford Market.

Siddhivinayak Temple

This temple located in  Prabhadevi is known for its temple of Lord Ganesha. It is one of the richest temples in Mumbai and devotees visit this temple in large numbers on a daily basis. The statue of Lord Ganesha here is believed to be self-manifested.

Iskon Temple

Iskcon temple is a divine and spiritual getaway from all the hustle and bustle of the city. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is clad in marble and glass. Located just a few meters away from the Juhu Beach, put Iskcon Temple into your weekend plans to get the peaceful escape you are looking for.

Mahalakshmi Temple

The Mahalaxmi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi also known as the ‘Goddess of Wealth’. Thronged with devotees and tourists in large number throughout the year, the temple should get into your itinerary during your Mumbai trip.

Mount Mary Church

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount commonly called as the Mount Mary Church by the locals is a truly grand, yet humble edifice made from nothing but stone. Thousands of people of all faiths visit this church to attain peace and tranquillity in the caress of Mount May.

Experiences to have

• Bollywood – plan a trip Film City located in Goregaon and enjoy the first-hand experience of Bollywood shooting
• Visit Essel World –  a large amusement park in Gorai where everyone can enjoy a day off
• Pub Hopping –  The sheer number of pubs in Mumbai will make your mind wobble.
• Try the Local – Get onto their local trains, get squished, tossed and finally make it to one of the stations which you might not have intended on getting off at. 
• Festivals – There is so many religious yet colorful and vibrant festival celebrated that you should indulge in.
• Street Food –  If you are in Mumbai and you do not eat the street food it is a crime. You should get a Vada pav and bite into it in the middle of the crowded street to get its effect.
• Irani Cafes – Irani cafes are Persian styled cafes opened by 19th-century Persian migrants from Iran. These cafes have a unique lazy atmosphere, display of day-to-day accessories including toothpaste behind the cashier, soaps and what not and furniture.
• Slums –  Experience how the other half lives by walking into Dharavi or any other slum. How they sustain and thier whole work life/home life balance. It is sure to blow your mind. 

A shott taking place in the streets of Mumbai

Nightlife Hot Spots

Mumbai is known as the Bollywood hub. Thousands of wanna-be artists flock to this city to get a chance to be on the silver screen. It has a lively rock music and art scene. Many heavy metal bands are revered here. You can enjoy the jazz, rock or metal scene in the city. Theatres are the home to incredible artists who show off their talent on stage.

The city of dreams has enough places to keep you up at night and live the dream. Some of the famous ones are

• Tryst
• China House Lounge
• Trilogy
• Blue Frog
• Matahaari
• Tote on the Turf
• Kitty Su Mumbai
• LIV

Best Time to Visit Mumbai

Being a coastal city, it experiences a humid climate. Going during the monsoon might not be advised as the streets get submerged in water and you might have to wade through ankle/knee-high water to get from your hotel to a place.

Summers are too hot so ideally visit during the winters between November to March.

Local cuisine

From Paav Bhaji, Vada Paav, potato and onion Bhajias, Bombay sandwiches, street-side Dosas, Patti Samosas, Pani Puri, Sev Puri, Dahi Puri, Ragda Pattis, boiled Channa Chaat, Kala Khatta, raw mango slices and berries in Chinese Bhel Indian-style pizzas heaped with cheese to fresh fruit accompanied by real dairy cream that is rare to find in most places. This is a gastronomes delight.

You HAVE to try street food in Mumbai!

Bombil, prawn and Surmai fries, fresh and tangy fish curries and Sol Kadi as a before and after drink are a must.

The native cuisine of Maharashtra is best tracked down in the lanes of Dadar. Most of the small, unassuming restaurants here offer a meal at lunchtime that includes the traditional, unassuming meals of Varan Bhat (dal rice) with vegetarian sides that usually include a Koshimbir (salad), Usal (sprouted pulse) and Pale Bhaji (green leafy vegetable).

The Muslim eat street of Mumbai, offers a cuisine distinct from other Mughal/Muslim cuisines of the country. While Mohammed Ali Road is famous for the food it offers for Iftar during Ramzan, Bohri Mohallah is the hidden gem of Mumbai that comes alive at dusk every day, just as the evening prayers are being said at the Saifee mosque nearby.

Getting Around

The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is not only one of the busiest airport in Mumbai but is also an important international gateway of India. You can book taxis from here or better download the Uber app to book your ride.

You can also travel to Mumbai via train. The locals of Mumbai are a must try to experience their crowds and efficiency. Double Decker local buses are another specialty of the city. Metro is also now running in certain parts of the city. 

Where to stay

The capital city never runs out of places to stay. It has places to suit all budgets, from 5-star hotels to budget hostels. Airbnb also is a good option in the city. If you want to make it to most of the tourist places it is now ideal to look for a place near one of the metro stations. It will save you a lot of time and money spent on travel. 

Depending on your budget you can check in on online sights like Make my trip or Yatra or Trivago to get the best deal.

How Safe is Mumbai

As it is a city of dreams, people keep moving in here all day and night. It is comparatively very safe and you should not have much problem getting from one point to another at any hour of the day. Cops are also patrolling and you can get information and help easily. bai and you 

September 3, 2016 11:31 am Published by Staff Writer Leave your thoughts