Mumbai is the cosmopolitan and the commercial capital of India. Being one of the four metropolitan cities in the country, Mumbai is renowned as the capital of the industrial state of Maharashtra. Formed from the cluster of seven islands, Mumbai, nestles in the Western Ghats. Mumbai is the largest city on commercial level and the second largest city in size, next to Calcutta. The Gateway of India is the major landmark in the city, which marks its majestic appearance. The tourists often visit Mumbai to witness the colonial buildings, Marine Drive (The Queen's Necklace), Crawford Market, Essel World, Elephanta Caves etc. Mumbai , the city of dreams is also referred as the the glamour industry or film industry which has made a mark on the international level. The cities of Pune, Nashik, Dhule, Lonavala and Khandala are located in the vicinity of Mumbai.


Reaching There
» By Air : Mumbai is an international airport and an domestic airport where various international and domestic airlines operate flights to Mumbai from various parts of the world. Chatarpati Shivaji terminus( 30 km from the city centre) and Santacruz airports( 26 km from the city centre) are the international and domestic airports. Indian Airlines and many private airlines connect Mumbai with all major tourist centres in India.

» By Rai l : Mumbai is the headquarters of the Central and Western Railways. CST, Dadar and Mumbai centralare the major railway statins in Mumbai. Regular trains connect it with all major cities like Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Calcutta, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Madras, Nagapur and Trivandrum.

» By Road : Mumbai is connected by good motorable roads with all major tourist centres. The distance of Mumbai from various cities are as follows Pune (163 Km), Nasik (184 Km), Mahabaleshwar (239 Km), Shirdi (307km), Aurangabad (392 Km), Ahmedmagar (120km), Vadoora (432km), Ahmedabad (545km), Goa (597km), Hyderabad (711 Km ), and Bangalore ( 998 Km).


Sightseeing in Mumbai
» Gateway of India : This 26 metres high stone archway was designed by Writtet in the 16th century Gujarat style and was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Indfia in 1911. This crypto-Moresque archway welcomed numerous viceroys, governors and top civil servants as they disembarked by launch from their p&O steamers. A statue of Chhatrapatin Shivaji and statue of Swami Vivekhanda add to the glory of the place.

» High Court : This is an appealing buillding built in 1878 in the early Engligh Gothic style. The central structure rises up to 54.2 metres and is surmounted by statues representing Justice and Mercy.

» Juhu Beach : Juhu, one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India, is located 18 km north of the city centre. It is one of the most visited beaches on the shores of Arabian Sea and is one of the posh localities of Mumbai where one finds the bungalows of the famous film personalities. On the southern end of the Juhu beach one can find many Luxury hotels and apartments, which is regarded as a favourite spot for the city’s known personalities. Though one cannot swim on this beach but is filled with bhelpuri, chaatwalaas and Kulfi stalls to tingle your tastebuds.

» Wales Museum : Designed by George Wittet, this Indo- Saracenic style building, proudly owns the Prince of Wales Museum. The museum has a priceless collection of art, sculpture, a fine collection of miniature paintings and much more. This four-tiered goliath houses a priceless collection of over 2000 miniature paintings from various stylistic schools in India. Besides these, a sizeable number of relics of the Indus Valley Civilisation and instances of Tibetan and Nepalese art

» Chowpatty Beach : Since olden days and till today it is still a favorite haunt, especially during the evening where come to take a stroll, grab a snack and even get a massage. The later you visit the more festive Chowpatty appears as musicians and performers often line the beach after dark. During the annual Hindu festival devoted to the elephant-headed god Ganesh (late summer), thousands gather there for the ritual immersions of statues. Swimming is not recommended, and you'll see almost no one in swimwear at Chowpatty

» Marine Drive : It is now officially called as Netaji Subhash Road which travels along the Arabian Sea and is one of the city's most popular spots for evening walks or a romantic rendezvous at sunset. It follows Mumbai's Back Bay, starting at ritzy Nariman Point and winding up at Malabar Hill. At night, the glittering lights of Marine Drive looks extremely beautiful and is referred as the "Queen's Necklace."

» Haji Ali : This white mosque is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali who was a wealthy Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to Mecca. It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket miraculously drifted and came to the spot where the mosque is built today.

» Mahalaxmi Temple : Situated very close to the sea off Mahalaxmi, this temple has three beautiful images of Hindu goddesses namely Mahalaksmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali which are made of gold. During Navaratri, devotees gather at the temple in great numbers to offer coconut, flowers and sweets to the goddesses.

» Mount Mary Church : Being one of most prominent and splendid churches in Mumbai, it is situated in Bandra (West). A week long fair is held in the month of September which is attended by the people of all religions.

» Flora Fountain : It is situated in the heart of the Mumbai city at a junction of five streets and has a figure of "Flora", the Roman Goddess of Flowers at the top. This alluring fountain was built in 1869, in honor of Sir Henry Bartle and Edward Frere.


Shopping in Mumbai
Mumbai is known far and wide as India's biggest marketplace. It's a great place to look for textiles, handicrafts from all parts of the country (one must check the State Emporia in the World Trade Center and the Cottage Industries Emporium) and for last-minute souvenirs. Shopaholics will enjoy spending hours, even days, browsing the local flea market, Chor Bazaar, Crawford Market, D.N Road, Big Bazaar, etc or picking through the city's exclusive art galleries.

Almost all shops accept credit cards, and some larger stores offer packing and shipping services. Although prices are usually firm in larger shops, haggling can cut prices in half when buying from street vendors. Any item more than 100 years old is classified as an antique, and you will need an export license to take it home.


Accommodation in Mumbai
Tourists must be rest assured as far as accommodation facilities are concerned as there is a large variety of of hotels available from budget to luxury category. Som eof the hotels in Mumbai are listed below:
» Holiday Inn ( 5 star)
» Hotel Hilton Towers (5 star)
» Shalimar ( 4 Star)
» Hotel Oberoi (5 Star)
» Hotel Sun N Sand ( 5 Star)