You're Going to Love Mumbai
Mumbai is a city of contrasts. Arguably India’s most cosmopolitan city, it brims with gourmet restaurants, five-star hotels, the fancy living quarters of Bollywood megastars
Mumbai is a city of contrasts. Arguably India’s most cosmopolitan city, it brims with gourmet restaurants, five-star hotels, the fancy living quarters of Bollywood megastars, and renowned attractions. But remember: An estimated 20 million people call this bustling metropolis home, giving India’s largest city a distinctively chaotic, energized feel.
It’s easy to experience India at its most authentic in Mumbai. You’ll see Hindu devotees picking up garlands from the massive flower market near Dadar railway station, “dabbawalas” (translated as people who carry containers) delivering hundreds of thousands of freshly cooked lunches to the city’s office workers from Churchgate railway station, the swirling colors of the bustling “Thieves Market,” and people of all walks of life enjoying the sunset from the sugary sand at Marine Drive Chowpatty. Mumbai is equal parts overwhelming and inspiring, and you’ll never forget your first visit to this city.
Tourists are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do in Mumbai. Plan your adventure in this incredible city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Mumbai.
The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century in Bombay, India. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911.
Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the foundation stone for the Gateway of India was laid on 31 March 1911. The structure is an arch made of basalt, 26 metres (85 feet) high. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. The Gateway was later used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governors of Bombay. It served to allow entry and access to India.
The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder area at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The monument has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, and is the city’s top tourist attraction.
What to do in Mumbai
1. Gateway of India
Gateway of India, the best place to visit in Mumbai, was built in 1924 by George Willet to honor the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. Visit this place in the early morning or late evening hours to enjoy the…
2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sprawling over an area of 104 sq. km. of land, this is one of the most-visited national parks in Asia and because of this, I give it the 2nd spot among all the best places to visit in Mumbai. With all sorts of fun activities, this…
How to Reach:
By Air
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, formerly known as Sahar International Airport, is the primary international airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Area. It is situated about 30 km from CST Station. Domestic Airport is in Vile Parle East. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji has 2 terminals. Terminal 1 or Domestic Terminal used to be the old airport called Santacruz Airport, some locals are still using this name nowadays. Terminal 2 or International Terminal replaced the old terminal 2, formerly known as the Sahar Airport. The Santa Cruz Domestic Airport is about 4.5 kilometres from the international airport.
By Train
Mumbai is very well connected to rest of India by trains. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is the most popular station in Mumbai. Trains to Mumbai are available from all major railway stations in India. Some important Mumbai trains to note are the Mumbai Rajdhani, Mumbai Duronto, Konkan Kanya Express. However, if you are coming from other central or suburban railway stations, then you can reach CST through local transport. Mumbai is well-connected by road that leads to all major cities in India
By Road
Mumbai is well-connected with national highways and expressways . Mumbai visit by bus is the most economical for individual tourists. Government, as well as private buses, operate daily services to this route. Mumbai bus stand is situated at the centre of the city.
History
The name of the city, Mumbai is derived from patron deity the Mother Goddess Mumba Devi, worshiped by the earliest inhabitants the Kolis.
The District Mumbai City is situated on the West coast of India between 18˚ 52′ and 19˚ 04′ North latitudes and 72˚47′ and 72˚54′ East longitudes. It is surrounded on three sides by water, the open Arabian Sea to the West and South and Thane creek to the East. To the North it is bordered by Mumbai (Suburban) District.
It is the Southern part of Greater Mumbai Municipal corporation, which covers an area of 157.0 sq.kms as per the Surveyor General of India and has a population of 30,85,411 persons as per the Census 2011.
The literacy rate of Mumbai district is 89.2 percent. The sex ratio of Mumbai district is 832.