Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra and the cosmopolitan and economic capital of India, thus being the country's principal financial and communications centre. The city has the largest and the busiest port handling India's foreign trade and a major International airport. India's largest Stock Exchange which ranks as the third largest in the world is situated here. Mumbai also has Bollywood, the biggest Indian film industry which churns out more then 400 Hindi block-busters every year and is therefore, the largest movie industry in the world as well. Mumbai has all the attractions which a traveler looks for. There are museums, art galleries, bazaars, parks, temples, shopping malls, impressive and important historical buildings, night clubs, various food joints, numerous restaurants and beaches.
Main Languages: Hindi, Marathi and English
City Telephone Code/ STD Code: 022
Best time to visit: October to February
Tourist Information: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (PH: 22026713) and private tour operators.
Distance from other cities: Ahmedabad – 545 kms,
Bangalore – 998 kms, Kolkatta – 1987 kms, Chennai – 1329 kms,
Delhi – 1407 kms, Hyderabad – 711 kms, Trivandrum - 1543 kms
Getting there and away
By Air: Mumbai has an international and a domestic airport. Apart from all the domestic airlines, many international Airlines operate flights to Mumbai from various parts of world.
By Rail: Mumbai is well connected with rest of the country by an extensive railway network. Mumbai Central & Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (or VT) are the two railway stations at Mumbai that connect it to the rest of the country.
By Road: State transport and Private Operators have services in Maharashtra and to the neighboring states.
GPS points ( 19deg08’25.14”N 72deg50’12.71” E )
Getting around
By Train: Mumbai has an efficient suburban train network. It’s the best mode of travel within the city but will be overcrowded most of the times.
By Bus: The BEST (Brihan Mumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking) buses are one of the most efficient modes of travel in terms of service and reliability for shorter and long distances. However it may take more time compared to local train due to road traffic.
Other mode of transport: Apart from the trains and buses, you may also avail the services of taxis and autos.
Attractions in Mumbai
- Gate of India
- Prince of Wales Museum
- Mahalaxmi temple
- The Tomb of Haji Ali
- Juhu Beach
- Marine Drive (Chowpatty Beach)
- Elephanta Island
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Besides these attractions, there are many more places that are worth visiting in Mumbai like Crawford Bazaar, Essel World, Hanging Gardens, National Gallery of Modern Art, Jehangir Art Gallery, St Thomas Cathedral, Nehru Planetarium, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Film City, Malabar Hills, Flora fountain, nightclubs, shopping complexes and multiplexes.
Around Mumbai
Ajanta and Ellora Caves: Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the famous Ajanta and Ellora are cave shrines cut out of rock, by hand, which are amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. They have been designated as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Khandala: Khandala is one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra at a distance of 100 km from Mumbai and lies in Sahyadri hill range. Khandala is covered with lush green landscapes, hilly environs, lakes and is ideal for trekking or a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai.
Mahabaleshwar: Situated at a distance of 250 KM from Mumbai is Mahabaleshwar, one of the most popular and picturesque hill resorts in the Sahyadri hill range. It’s a perfect place for good weekend getaway, especially for the people who enjoy driving across the hills and the ghats as this place offers breathtaking views of valleys and the lush green landscapes.
Panchgani: Panchgani is a beautiful hill station covered with lush green sceneries and is 270 KM from Mumbai and just 18 KM from Mahabaleshwar.
Matheran: Matheran is a beautiful hill station located at a distance of 100 KM from Mumbai. All vehicles have to be parked 3 KM before Matheran as no vehicles are allowed to maintain its cleanness and its splendor. Remaining Journey can be completed on horse back, rickshaw or by foot.
Lonavala: Located at a distance of 105 KM from Mumbai is Lonavala, a beautiful hill station famous for its panoramic view of the lush green surroundings as is a starting point for visiting the famous, ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla, which are located near this hill station.
Shirdi: Shirdi is religious town located at a distance of 296 km from Mumbai and has the shrine of Sai Baba.
