Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra and serves as India’s financial hub. It is the most populous city in the country, home to about 12.5 million people, and sits at the heart of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region—one of the most populous urban areas globally, with over 23 million residents.
The city is uniquely situated on what was originally an archipelago of seven islands, including Isle of Bombay, Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, and Old Woman’s Island. While it’s unclear exactly when these islands were first settled, evidence of habitation dates back to the Stone Age, and the local Koli fishing community may have lived here since the beginning of the Common Era or even earlier. Mumbai’s vibrant culture is a rich tapestry of traditional and modern elements, offering everything from festivals and food to entertainment and nightlife that can rival any major global city. This diverse mix reflects Mumbai’s historical role as a significant trading center and its development driven by a rising middle class.
The city is also considered the birthplace of Indian cinema. Dadasaheum Phalke pioneered the country’s movie industry with silent films, followed by the first Marathi language films. Today, Mumbai remains a major center for film, hosting many cinema halls that showcase Bollywood, Marathi, and Hollywood films. It also celebrates cinema through events like the Mumbai International Film Festival and the Filmfare Awards, which honor achievements in the Hindi film industry. Additionally, despite the decline of professional theatre groups established during the British Raj, Mumbai has nurtured a thriving theater scene in multiple languages, contributing to its dynamic cultural landscape.
Mumbai offers a variety of captivating sites, each with its own unique charm. The Elephanta Caves showcase ancient rock art on an island just a ferry ride away, providing a historic glimpse and a stunning view of the city’s skyline. Marine Drive, a glowing arc-shaped boulevard, offers a perfect sunset view, earning it the nickname “Queen’s Necklace” due to its sparkling night lights. Juhu Beach, known for its vibrant street food and celebrity sightings, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Colaba Causeway, the heart of Mumbai’s shopping scene, features a range of trendy items and delicious eateries. The Gateway of India, a majestic blend of architectural styles, stands as a proud symbol of the city’s rich history. Lastly, Film City, nestled in lush greenery, serves as a major center for Bollywood film production, providing a peek into the world of movies.
The Elephanta Caves are a fantastic display of ancient rock art and architecture, located on Elephanta Island, about 11 km from Mumbai. Known locally as Gharapurichi Leni, these caves are remnants of intricately painted works that have faded over time. From the island, you can catch a beautiful view of Mumbai’s skyline. To get there, you simply take a ferry from the Gateway of India. These caves, mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, date back to the 5th to 7th centuries.
Marine Drive is one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks, embodying the city’s glamour. This 3.6 km long arc-shaped boulevard along the coast starts from Nariman Point and ends at Chowpatty Beach. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset or just enjoy a walk. At night, the street lights along the coast shine like a string of pearls, which is why it’s also known as the Queen’s Necklace.
Juhu Beach is Mumbai’s longest beach and a favorite among visitors. It’s known for its lively street food scene that captures the local flavors of Mumbai. Juhu is also a posh area and home to many celebrities. You might even see a celebrity while walking on the beach. Nearby, you can visit the ISKON Temple or catch a play at the Prithvi Cafe. Recent efforts have made the beach cleaner and more enjoyable for everyone.
Located in Aarey Colony and sprawling over 520 acres, Film City is a major hub for Bollywood film productions. It houses around twenty indoor studios and can accommodate up to 1000 film sets at once. Besides being a key film shoot location, it’s also a place of lush greenery and open spaces, making it a wonderful spot to explore.
Mumbai boasts a variety of hotels that cater to every need. A relaxed 4-star hotel in the business district is just a short walk from the metro and near the popular Juhu Beach. For a more budget-friendly option, an informal 3-star hotel is centrally located near several major attractions and the international airport. If you’re looking for luxury, a 5-star hotel right next to the airport offers convenience and is close to both the beach and historic caves. Another upscale 4-star option near the airport features grand architecture and is close to the city’s science center.
Set in the business district, this relaxed hotel is a 12-minute walk from a metro station, 5 km from Juhu Beach on the Arabian Sea, and 11 km from indoor skiing and attractions at Snow World Mumbai.
₹2,720
4 Star Hotel
On a busy street, this informal hotel is 4 km from transportation exhibits at the BEST Museum, 7 km from Maharashtra Nature Park and 12 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
₹3,582
3 Star Hotel
Fronted by Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, this high-end airport hotel is 5 km from both Juhu Beach and the 1st-century Jogeshwari Caves.
₹9,440
5 Star Hotel
Located 2.4 km from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, this upscale hotel, with a grand stone facade and arched windows, is 5 km from the Nehru Science Centre.
₹5,145
4 Star Hotel
Mumbai offers several convenient hotel options near transportation hubs. A casual 3-star hotel is just a quick walk from the bus stop and close to Girgaum Chowpatty beach and a bustling local market. For those looking for a central location, there’s a budget-friendly 2-star hotel in the city’s main business and shopping district. A straightforward 3-star hotel lies on the edge of a major business district, near the University of Mumbai and the international airport. Another 3-star hotel, a short walk from the Mithri River, boasts a stylish interior and is near both a train station and a popular city park.
A 2-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, this casual hotel is 2.7 km from Girgaum Chowpatty beach and 2.9 km from the iconic Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai market.
₹1,646
3 Star Hotel
Centrally Located in the heart of the city, the main promenade within the business and shopping district.
₹1,305
2 Star Hotel
Bordering the Bandra Kurla Complex business district, this straightforward hotel on a side street off a busy thoroughfare is 2 km from the University of Mumbai and 6 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
₹1,145
3 Star Hotel
A 2-minute walk from the banks of Mithri River, this casual hotel with a stylish interior is 3 km from Chuna Bhatti train station and 7 km from Mancherji Joshi Five Gardens, a lively park.
₹1,456
3 Star Hotel
Mumbai is home to a variety of unique dining experiences. There’s a renowned dim sum teahouse originally from London that offers contemporary Cantonese dishes, alongside a wide selection of teas, wines, and cocktails. Nearby, a casual fine dining spot can be found just behind a famous hotel, featuring a globally inspired menu that draws influences from San Francisco’s culinary style. An elegant 24-hour restaurant serves multi-cuisine dishes in a bright and spacious setting. Additionally, an award-winning restaurant specializing in Northwest Indian Frontier cuisine adds a modern twist to its dishes, creating a magical dining atmosphere.
An award-winning dim sum teahouse from London offering contemporary Cantonese dim sum, patisserie and an extensive range of tea, wine and cocktails.
₹2,000
The Table is a casual fine dining restaurant, located behind the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. It has a globally inspired menu influenced by the San Francisco style of cooking.
₹2,000
Elegant, 24-hour multi-cuisine restaurant set inside the light-filled atrium of a luxury hotel.
₹2,000
Magic awaits at our award-winning signature restaurant where authentic cuisine from the Northwest Indian Frontier Province is infused with contemporary flair.
₹2,000
Mumbai is accessible by air, train, and road. The city’s main international airport, once known as Sahar International, is about 30 km from CST Station, with two terminals: the Domestic Terminal, still referred to by some as Santacruz Airport, and the International Terminal, which has replaced the old Sahar Airport. Mumbai’s train connections link it to all major cities in India with Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus being the most popular station. Major trains include the Mumbai Rajdhani and Mumbai Duronto. The central bus station in Mumbai provides state and inter-state bus services, with luxury and semi-luxury buses available to various destinations. For those driving, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway offers a swift connection, and a drive from Goa is scenic but lengthy, taking around 12 to 13 hours depending on traffic.
Mumbai is very well connected to rest of India by trains. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is the most popular station in Mumbai.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, formerly known as Sahar International Airport, is the primary international airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Area.
Mumbai Central Bus Station, located in the centre of Mumbai, is the main bus terminus in the city.
BEST (Bombay Electric Supply & Transport), popularly known as BST buses, run all over the city and are an efficient and safe way of travelling within Mumbai. There are single as well as double-decker buses and also a fleet of new air-conditioned buses too. There are other service providers like NMMT, TMT and more that operate in various localities like Bandra, Thane, etc.
Starting at Only 6.30₹/KM
Black & yellow taxis dot the streets of Mumbai. There are also fleet taxis, private taxis and auto rickshaws (only allowed in the suburban areas). The online and app-based cab services like Ola and Uber are also a popular means of transport these days.
Starting at only 9₹/KM
Auto rickshaws registered in Mumbai are not allowed travel beyond the municipal limits. They have been allowed to travel between Sion to Mulund in the Central Suburbs and up to Mankhurd on the Harbour line. People who wish to travel beyond Mumbai to suburbs like Vashi, Airoli have to catch a suburban rickshaw. In the western suburbs, they are allowed to travel between Bandra and Bhayandar only.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 23.Rs
Car rental companies like Budget, Avis, Car Jee and Hertz are widely used in Mumbai. Many companies also provide chauffeur-driven cars for full or half-day use. You can also opt for bicycle or bike rental services with companies such as Rent Set Go, Bikeonrent and Enfield Riders.
Starting at only ₹1499.
Love it or hate it, Mumbai is a fascinating city that has been the backdrop for countless Bollywood films. It’s a place where many people’s dreams come true, boasting a stunning cityscape by the sea. The best time to visit is between October and February, during the cooler winter months. This season is ideal for traveling and sightseeing since the weather is pleasant, making it comfortable to wander and explore the city’s wonders.
Visiting Mumbai during the summer months of March to May can be challenging due to the heat and humidity. The monsoon season brings its own charm as it refreshes the city, giving everything a clean, new look. However, the rains might disrupt outdoor activities like shopping and sightseeing. Despite this, it’s a great time for nature lovers to explore nearby hills and forts. No matter when you visit, whether during the harsh summer, rainy monsoon, or mild winter, Mumbai’s vibrant culture and modernity coexist beautifully, offering a lively experience. Are you ready to explore Mumbai?
The Distance of Mumbai to Ahmedabad is (525.6 km) via NH 48
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The Distance of Mumbai to Delhi is (1,400.7 km) via NH 48 and NE 4
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The Distance of Mumbai to Bangalore is (984.8 km) via NH 48
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The Distance of Mumbai to Chennai is (1,318.4 km) via NH 48
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Mumbai is a city that never sleeps, filled with dreamers and rich history. From the glitzy glamour of Bollywood to its bustling streets lined with vendors, this city offers a blend of old and new. If you’re drawn to the hustle and bustle, you’ll enjoy Mumbai’s busy markets, high-rise buildings, and stunning waterfronts. Food enthusiasts will revel in the diverse street food, offering everything from spicy local snacks to gourmet international cuisine.
For a pleasant trip, keep in mind that the best months to visit Mumbai are from October to February. During these months, the weather is cool and perfect for exploring the city without the discomfort of heat or heavy rainfall. The summer months from March to May can be very hot and humid, making it less ideal for outdoor activities. Monsoon season, while refreshing, can hinder travel plans with frequent rains that sometimes lead to flooding.
Mumbai’s vibrant festivals, such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, are a sight to behold and participating in these celebrations can be a memorable experience. However, these events also mean crowded spaces and heightened activity. If you prefer a quieter visit, plan your trip for the months just after the peak season. No matter when you choose to visit, Mumbai’s energetic atmosphere and cultural tapestry are sure to captivate any traveler.
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