Mumbai, often referred as “the city of dreams” for all the right reasons, is a place that every traveller must visit. Mumbai presents a unique experience that is unmatched to any other destination. Capital city of Maharashtra state, Mumbai is the city of aspirations, power, wealth, glamour and nightlife along with stretches of shimmering beaches, caves, magnificent architecture, religious sites and a mouth-watering cuisine. With all this exciting and varied recreational opportunities Mumbai tourism offers a wholesome holiday experience.
From the financial capital to entertainment centre of the country, Mumbai city has almost everything to make a holiday memorable. From elders to youngsters, this city offers suitable holidaying choices to everyone. Whether you are looking for a luxurious family holiday, adventure holiday with your friends, or a budget tour, you will find a variety of options suiting you in Mumbai.
History of Mumbai
Mumbai city constitutes of seven islands which were previously home of fishing communities. Till 1343 the city was earlier under the rule of many Hindu rulers and then it came under Gujarat Sultanate and eventually under the rule of Portuguese in 1534. It was then the city was called as Bon Bhaia which later became Bombay. The name is said to derived from an old Portuguese phrase “Bom Baim” which meant good little bay. It was during their reign that various structures including churches, and forts were built at Bandra, Bassein, Mahim and Sion.
Owing to its ideal location which protected it from land attacks and made it a natural harbour, British also showed interest in controlling it even while during the Portuguese rule. In 1661, the city came under the rule of England. The city was offered as a dowry to Charles II of England who married Catherine of Braganza who was the daughter of King John IV of Portugal. Later by 1666, British captured the other parts as well such as, Sion, Mahim, Wadala and Dharavi.
The city grew as a trade centre when Mr. Gerald Aungier was Governor of Bombay. Around 1835-38, when Sir Robert Grant was the Governor of Bombay, roads in and around the city were built, interlinking all the islands and the city to other parts of the country. By 1845, the city turned into a primary seaport on the Arabian Sea.
The city also played an important role in freedom struggle of the country. It was in Mumbai where the historic Quit India Movement was started. In 1942, an All India Congress Committee session was held at Gowalia Tank Maidan where Mahatma Gandhi had called the nation to start a Quit India movement. After independence, in 1960 the Mumbai city was divided between the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. In 1996, the city was renamed from Bombay to Mumbai. The name Mumbai came after the Hindu Goddess Mumbadevi
Places to visit in Mumbai
One of the most prominent parts of Mumbai Tourism is the list of sightseeing places that are worth visiting. There are many amazing places to visit in Mumbai that will make your tour enjoyable. From lakes, beaches, caves to temples and churches to historical buildings, art galleries, shopping hubs to entertainment parks, you will get ample of choices on your Mumbai tour.
Some of the popular sightseeing places in Mumbai are Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, Haji Ali Dargah, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Juhu beach, Mount Mary Church, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Nariman Point, Kanheri Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai Film City/Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri, Asiatic Society and many more. Places like Nehru Planetarium, Essel World and Taraporevala Aquarium are ideal for a visit with children. For shopping lovers, Colaba Causeway, Girgaon Chowpatty and Chor Bazaar are a few places to must visit.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Town Hall, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya/ Prince of Wales Museum, Raj Bhavan, Jehangir Art Gallery, Bombay High Court, Versova beach, Churchgate, Aksa beach, Mumbai Chhota Kashmir, Malabar Hill, ISKCON Temple, Wankhede Stadium, St. Michael's Church, St. Thomas Cathedral, Hanging Garden, Mani Bhawan, Prithvi Theatre are a few more places to visit if time permits.
Things to do in Mumbai
Bollywood Tour-A tour to Mumbai, the entertainment capital of India, is not complete without a Bollywood tour. There are many tour operators offering a Bollywood tour where you can have a look of everything that goes in the movie or TV serial making.
Beaches in Mumbai-Another thing to do while you are on your Mumbai tour is to explore its various amazing beaches. Juhu Beach and the Chowpatty Beach are two most sought after beaches in Mumbai. Madh Island beach, Marve Beach, Manori beach and Gorai Beach are a few other beaches to visit.
Museums in Mumbai-Mumbai city has around 15 museums, each presenting an enviable opportunity to explore the glorious past of this city and country. From natural history, archaeology and ancient art to contemporary art, technology, there are museums on varied topics.
Architectures of Mumbai-Mumbai city boasts of various historical buildings, presenting a glimpse of decades old past. From British style of architecture to centuries old carving in caves, there are many architectural wonders that this city beholds, for instance, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai has been recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nightlife in Mumbai –Mumbai city never sleeps. The city has an active nightlife which is a big lure for party seekers and night owls. Tourists will have an entirely different experience while exploring the city and its vibrant culture in night.
Location of Mumbai
Mumbai is located on the western coast of Maharashtra state. It lies by the side of majestic Arabian Sea and at the opening of Ulhas River in the coastal region which is called as Konkan. Constituted of 7 islands namely, Parel, Mazagaon, Bombay, Colaba, Old Woman's Island, Salsette Island and Worli, this city is often referred as the Island city as well. The total area of Mumbai is around 604 sq. km. and is divided into prime regions- Mumbai city district and Mumbai Suburban district.
How to reach Mumbai
Mumbai city is well connected to the rest of the India and the world. By all three modes of transportation-roadways, railways and airways, tourists can reach this city from any part of the country.
Mumbai airport is consisted of two sections, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at Sahar which is for international and domestic flights and Chhatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport at Santacruz for only domestic flights. They are connected to each other through a drive of around 20-30 minutes.
For those travelling by train, there are many trains running between Mumbai Central and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and other parts of the country, while for those travelling by road, there are many long distance buses (government and private) from nearby cities to and from Mumbai as well as the facility of hired taxi is easily available.
