Mumbai, India's bustling metropolis, is a dynamic tourist destination offering a blend of history, culture, and modernity. Mumbai tourism is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and the Colaba and Crawford market. Mumbai is also home to the Bollywood film industry, with Film City being a major attraction. The city's diverse gourmet scene, offering everything from street food to fine dining, is a culinary delight. Additionally, Mumbai's rich history is evident in its colonial-era architecture and heritage sites like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Elephanta Caves. Let's explore some of the best aspects of the dream city in this detailed Mumbai travel guide.
How to reach Mumbai
- By air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), or Mumbai Airport, is approximately 30 km from the city centre. It ranks among India's busiest airports, serving as a significant hub for domestic and international flights to Mumbai. It has two main terminals. Terminal 1 operates domestic flights, and Terminal 2 handles international flights.
- By train: Mumbai boasts an extensive train network connecting it to various parts of the country. Travellers from central, eastern, and western India can book tickets to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, while Mumbai Central Station caters to those from the north.
- By road: Mumbai Central Bus Station is Mumbai's main bus terminus. It serves buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) for various destinations in Maharashtra and inter-state routes to cities in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- Getting around/local transport in Mumbai: Mumbai has multiple modes of public transport primarily facilitated by suburban trains, city buses, taxis, cabs, and auto-rickshaws. The suburban train network, known as Mumbai Local, is the lifeline of the city, connecting various parts of Mumbai and its suburbs.
Gateway of India
An iconic monument overlooking the Arabian Sea, known for its grand archway, intricate design, and historical significance.
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursJuhu Beach
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursMarine Drive
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursHanging Garden
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursPrince of Wales Museum
Exploration time: 3-5 hoursFilm City Mumbai
Exploration time: 3-4 hours, Movie studioMumbai is renowned for its diverse culinary scene, offering various dining options to suit every palate. Here are some popular places to eat in Mumbai:
Mumbai is a city filled with many experiences. The city never stops to fascinate its travellers. Here are some of the best things to do and fun activities on your trip to Mumbai that will surely keep you engaged:
The best time to visit Mumbai is from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Mumbai's official language is Marathi. Other languages spoken in this region are Hindi, English, and Gujarati.
Mumbai offers an indulging shopping scene with markets catering to every need. Here are some famous shopping destinations:
- Colaba Causeway: Colaba Causeway is a throbbing shopping street in South Mumbai, known for its bustling atmosphere and various goods. Here, you can find everything from clothes, accessories, and jewellery to handicrafts, home decor items, and souvenirs. It's a great place to shop for local and street fashion, with many shops offering unique and affordable items.
- Crawford Market: Crawford Market, officially known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market, is a bustling market in South Mumbai that offers a wide range of goods. It's an excellent place for local shopping, especially for fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and household items. The market is also known for its high-spirited atmosphere and architecture, blending Gothic and Romanesque styles. It is also a hub for pets, birds, and flowers, making it a unique shopping experience.
- Fashion Street: Fashion Street is a bustling street market known for its affordable fashion items. It is a favourite among college students and budget shoppers looking for trendy clothing at bargain prices. The market offers various items, including western wear, ethnic wear, shoes, bags, and accessories.
- Linking Road: Linking Road in Bandra is a top destination for street shopping. The place has shops and stalls offering various clothing, footwear, bags, and accessories. It is especially famous for its affordable prices and the latest fashion trends.
There are several reasons why Mumbai can be your ideal next travel destination. Here are some more of them:
- Victoria Terminus: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station in Mumbai. Built in 1878, it is renowned for its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture, blending traditional Indian and Victorian styles. The station is a significant hub for long-distance and suburban trains, including the iconic Mumbai local trains. CST was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, recognising its historical and architectural significance.
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, once known as Borivali National Park, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including rare flora like the Karvi plant, teak, shisham, and flame of the woods trees. The park is also home to various wildlife, such as deer, hyenas, leopards, monkeys, and a diverse range of bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, the park features the ancient Kanheri Caves, which offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
- Siddhivinayak Temple: Siddhivinayak Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance. The idol of Lord Ganesha is carved out of a single black stone and is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu).