Mumbai: The City of Dreams
Mumbai, the largest city of India and also the most populous megacity on this planet, is perhaps the most chaotic place in the world. The city, though crowded, is also one of the most welcoming in the world. Though known across the globe as the city where a whole lot of people live in slums, the city, nevertheless, continues to attract tourists from all across the globe. Though a young city (by Indian standards), and largely colonial when it comes to historical significance, Mumbai is an experience that needs to be felt. A vibrant and colourful city with a likable mixture of modern and colonial architecture, Mumbai is popularly known as the “city of dreams” and is also known to never sleep. The city’s chaos and hectic way of life are perhaps the most inviting of the many Mumbai tourist attractions.
Tourist attractions in Mumbai
Mumbai is home to a large number of significant and noteworthy buildings and structures (particularly Gothic ones), the beauty of which is only enhanced by the city’s unique environs and chaos. Mumbai is a very honest city and does not hide her poor or her slums or here underbelly.
Some of the more prominent Mumbai tourist sights include:
- Gateway of India
- Colaba
- Taj Mahal Hotel and Palace
- Victoria Terminus
- Asiatic Library
- Elphinstone Garden
- Prince of Wales Museum
- Kala Ghoda
- Elephanta Caves
- University of Mumbai
- Marine Drive
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Juhu
- Bandra
- Versova
- Lokhandwala
Mumbai- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
Mumbai is very safe for tourists; nevertheless, it is advisable that certain rather necessary precautions be taken including avoiding certain areas after dark, keeping valuables out of sight, etc. Mumbai is beautiful and the city’s eclectic mix of historical buildings and modern architecture is simply seen to be believed. Besides having some of the best avenues, walkways and buildings in the world, Mumbai also boasts a very vibrant and very good nightlife.
The city is home to a multitude of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, bars, discos, etc. Mumbai is also home to some of the best malls and hotels in the country. The local language is Marathi or Hindi, but English is sparingly understood by one and all. The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). The local cuisine draws influences from a variety of cuisines and has its own unique and distinct flavour. What’s more, it is freely available at very affordable prices. Mumbai has a large number of eateries catering to all types of cuisines and suited to all types of budgets; it is also home to some of the country’s best and most prolific restaurants.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mumbai is from October to February during winter as the climate is very pleasant.
Best way to reach
- By Air: Mumbai is one of the region’s most important travel hubs, and is connected to most major destinations in the world via regular flights.
- By Rail: Mumbai is one of the most important railway stations on the Indian rail network, and forms the terminating or origin point for many inter-city trains. For intra-city transport, there is an extensive suburban rail network, which is perhaps most famous for being the most crowded in the world.
- By Road: Mumbai is well connected to all national and regional destinations and popular attractions. Further, Mumbai is also one of the major centres of India’s road transport system and as such offers comfortable transport options for almost all of the nearby India attractions. The city is the hub of intra-country bus travel in India. The road network within the city is rather good but prone to congestion. The excellent intra-city bus network is very convenient.
- By Sea: Mumbai is a major cruise ship destination, and many major cruise ships visiting the region make a call to Mumbai. There is also an intra-regional ferry network.
Accommodation
The Mumbai accommodation scene is very active and wide enough to cater to all budgets and needs. Mumbai has a range of restaurants that tickles the taste buds of any food lover; Mumbai delivers a variety of food depending upon the cuisine you enjoy. Further, many local and international tour operators offer Mumbai vacation package tours. These tours cover most of the Mumbai tourist destinations, but do not carry the element of risk and adventure that going solo does. One might even miss out on the many hidden attractions and surprises the City of Dreams holds.