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Mumbai

Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country is the largest metropolis of India. Said to be the land where dreams are transformed into reality, this city was earlier known as Bombay. Rated to be a very glamorous city, Mumbai showcases a perfect amalgamation of the colonial heritage and contemporary modernity. Located on the western coast of India, the best time to visit is during the months of November to March, when the sweltering heat is at its minimum. Claimed to be a travelers paradise, the city has many architectural splendours like the Elephanta caves, Gateway of India, Town Hall and the most popular Film City. One of the prime attractions in the city is the ferry ride from the city to the Elephanta caves. The city has many pilgrim spots including the famous Siddhivinayak

& Akshardham temples which has found its followers in many famous Bollywood stars too. Mumbai is one the most populated cities in India and offers some of the best hotels, commuting & varied eat out facilities too.

When To Go
Humid & dry seasons dominates Mumbai's weather. Summers (March to May) and Monsoons (June to September) are the times when it is very humid with temperatures soaring well over 30C to 42C. Winters (November - February) are characterized by considerably low temperatures & cool weather. Best time to visit is during the months of October to March. Avoid monsoon periods as water clogging on roads is common phenomenon.

Shopping
With the presence of India's most fashionable Film Industry, fashion institutes & top end designers - Mumbai is known as the "New York of India". The streets of "Amchi Mumbai" are known for catering to a whole range from shoppers from the street style college shopper to the urban chic elite! Kemps corner, Breach Candy, Fashion street, Colaba Causeway, Chor Bazar, Zaveri Bazaar & Crawford Market are some of the hot spots which boast of a plethora of products to lure tourists.

History
History of Mumbai dates back to the Stone Age, around 250 BC, according to the archaeological findings found in northern Mumbai. The renowned Maurya Dynasty ruled Mumbai beginning from 3rd century with Emperor Ashoka ruling the kingdom during the fag end of the dynasty. Later it was ruled by Hindu kings of the Silhara Empire up to 13th century. 1534 AD is a milestone in the history of Mumbai, when the Portuguese invaded the land and ruled for many years. Mumbai had

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been given as the dowry for marrying Catherine de Braganz to Charles II of England. The British rule of the Mumbai starts at that point of time in history. It is leased to Great English East India Company in 1668. Most of the city developments and industrial developments had taken place during the period of British rule, famed as Bombay Presidency. Indias first passenger railway line and the first sea port in India are some of the most valuable contributions of British in Mumbai. Mumbai was the nerve centre of Indian Independence struggle, culminating the struggle at the pinnacle during Quit India Movement in 1942.

Travel within city

Mumbai has an extensive public transport system which includes suburban railway, BEST buses (Brihanmumbai Electric and Support Transport system), metered taxis and auto rickshaws. The suburban railways and buses make up for around 85-90%of the public transport.

Local Train
Suburban railway is the backbone of the transport system. Three main railway lines connect most of the city. Trains are always on time and economical, however they might be crowded in peak hours. The basic fare may range from 5 INR to 100 INR. The trains run from 4 am to 1pm, and there are trains arriving at the station every five minutes. It is also advisable to take care of valuables even in the first class section. Rush hour constitutes office timings from 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 7pm. The traveler should avoid the rush hour. Women travelers can make use of the separate women compartments and they might be less crowded than the general compartments.

Bus

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BEST bus services are second most extensive intra city transport system. Air conditioned buses are also available and the Mumbai Darshan bus service operates exclusively for tourists. Ticket prices for air conditioned buses are over four times the fare for normal buses. The Mumbai Darshan bus service is catered for those tourists who are looking for a spiritual tour of the city. The Darshan tour visits most of the temples in and around the city and those travelers looking a spiritual experience can use the services. The Mumbai Metro is also expected soon.

Taxi
Metered taxis are a useful mode of transport. Since they are metered, they are economical and also relatively comfortable. However night fares are more expensive and charts for calculating fares are available online. It might be sensible to use one particular taxi throughout the stay, as most taxi drivers have mobile phones they can be contacted easily. While the regular tariff is Rs 14 per km, the night charges is around Rs 18 per km.

Auto Rickshaw
The auto rickshaws of Mumbai are the most common means of transport and are cheap also. they charge Rs 9 for the first 1.6 km and Rs 5 for km covered afterwards. Th night charge is 25% more of the total charge. However, one needs to be careful as these auto rickshaws use longer routes in order to increase their fare amount.

Private Taxi
Private taxi services are also available and they ply according to the government rates. Some of the main operators are Meru Taxis- Contact No (+91 2240520100) Mumbai taxi- Contact No (+91 2244224422) International airport cabs-Contact No (+91 228366767) Domestic airport cabs-Contact No (+91 226152257)

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Classic taxi service- Contact No (+91 93711067115)

Motorcycles
As is the case in most parts of the country the traffic is chaotic in Mumbai and many bottle necks can be seen. There are certain companies that rent out motor bikes. However they prefer to hire out motor bikes for longer periods. For those travelers staying for a few months a motor cycle is a good way to get around the city. Certain places provide a buy back option for 350 cc or 500 cc Enfield. Travelers can contact Allibhai Premji Contact No (2309913) who is located at opera house.

Ferry Day Trips

In order to visit sites that are in and around the city. It might be advisable to avoid long bus trips and use ferry services wherever possible. Tickets are available near the Gateway of India. The price of the ticket is around Rs 100 per person.

Beaches
Magnificent beaches, breezy evenings soaked in the beauty of nature, Mumbai is a destination that has a never dying spirit unlike any other metropolis. Ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, a picnic day out, to spend an evening of contemplation or a romantic evening with your loved one - the beaches of Mumbai is the place to be amid all busy buzz of city life. Marine Drive, considered as the jewel of Mumbai, claim to fame as a spectacular beach was in the nineteen hundreds. Marine beach offers tourists many fun filled activities & the joy of enjoying splendid sunsets every evening. The illuminated line of lights along the beach is filled with vendors selling some quick bites of which the most popular are Vada Paav (spicy potato filled batter fry sandwiched between a bun, served with spicy & sweet sauce) & a childhood favorite in India - the multi-colored ice-gola (ice bunched up on a stick & dipped in a sweet syrup of different flavors & colors) - are a

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must try here. Chowpatty beach is famed for the immersion of Ganesh idols at the penultimate day of the Ganesh Chathurthi festival. This beach located at the one end of Marine drive is considered as a holy place, where many Hindu rituals are performed. Finger licking Indian spicy & savory chats are a big hit among locals & curious tourists alike. Juhu beach, the most attractive beach in Mumabi, is one of the most frequented beaches by foreigners coming to Mumbai. With the presence of the mighty Arabian Sea, blessed with natural scenic beauty & its surrounding posh locality which is home to Bollywood biggies like Shahrukh Khan, is a frequent haunt among tourists. Five star tourist resorts, luxury hotels and villas also line this scenic locale.

Nightlife
Nightlife in Mumbai is a spectacular experience of sparkling night clubs, bars, late night cinemas and discotheques. Mumbai city traffic at night is as busy as during daytime and the city gleams the most in the night. Mumbai is a city of dreams with reverberating western music and spirited steps on the dance floors. This city never sleeps, illuminated all around and packed with energy all through the week & soaring high as the weekend draws closer. A wide variety of merry making and entertainment options are in store for the enthusiastic tourist in Mumbai. The visually pleasing and mind blowing music churned out by the DJs, one cant help but move & groove!

Attractions

Colaba Causeway
mustsee
Abuzz with activities - the Colaba Causeway is a major road link elevated between Mumbai's Island & Colaba. Established by the East India Company, this area is a suburban shopping area selling all kinds of apparel, electronics & imported items too. Along this street are the Church of St John the Evangelist (Afghan Church) and the Sasson Dock.

Elephanta Caves
mustsee

Located on Gharapuri Island, the Elephanta Caves are declared in UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves date back to the period from the 9th to the 13th Century AD. A history buffs delight, the sculptures here depicting the three faces of Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara , is a marvelous attraction here.

Gateway of India
mustsee

A majestic monument that stands tall with pride - the Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V & Queen Mary to the then "Bombay" in Dec 1911. The city's crown jewel is located on the waterfront is a mighty 26 meters with an inner width of 15 meters. Built in Indo-Saracen architectural style with prominent influences of Hindu & Muslim architectural styles - tourists can enjoy a boat ride to the near by Elephanta Island.

Marine Drive
mustsee

One of the most scenic stretches in the concrete jungle of Mumbai Marine Drive runs parallel to the six lane road along the Arabian Coast. Officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, this C shaped natural bay is a haven for families & couples to spend some quality time soaking in the serenity & enjoying breathtaking sunsets each evening.

Essel World
mustsee
Famed to be India's largest amusement park & Asia's theme water park - Essel World is every kid & adults dream come true. Ideal for a day outing with your office team or friends & family alike - the park has something in store for everyone visiting. Contact: (+91-22)2845-2474, 9820-767-069 Timings: Open 10 am to 8 pm Charges: Weekday (Mon - Fri): Adult: Rs 450/- Child: Rs 250/- Weekend (Sat - Sun): Adult: Rs 480/- Child: Rs 350/-

Borivali National Park (Sanjay Gandhi National Park)

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A wildlife sanctuary bang in the center of the busy city Mumbai - the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, has a reputation of one of the most visited national parks, also known to be the worlds largest national park within city limits. Enriched with flora & fauna & the 2400 years old Kanheri Hills - this park is a must visit. Timings: Open daily from 7.30 am to 6 pm 30 minute tiger & lion safaris operate from 9 am to 1 pm and 2.20 - 5.30 pm, Closed on Mondays 15 minute boat rides are offered on the lake from 9 am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 to 5.30 pm Kanheri Caves Charges: Entrance to the Park - Rs 20 30 minute tiger & lion safaris - Rs 30 15 minute boat rides - Rs 15 Kanheri Caves - Rs 100 A shuttle bus runs from the park entrance to the caves every 20 minutes until around 1.30 p.m. Cost is 20 rupees one way.

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Chowpatty Beach
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A much needed break from all the maddening traffic jams & sky scrappers, a visit to the famed Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai is a must visit. Play in the waves, stride along the golden sands & savor the sumptuous local spicy & sweet savories made fresh & tasty what better way to enjoy your day at the beach!

Fashion Street
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One of the most vibrant, varied & tempting shopping experiences await you at Mumbai's Fashion Street. Every fashion junkies dream comes true as soon as you spot this stretch of colorful stalls, selling everything from vivid color beads, the latest apparel trends both Indian as well as Western styles, multi-hued bags, ethnic jhoothi's & modern ankle/knee high boots & much more at very low prices. Bargaining is your best bet here & do not shy away from slashing the prices by 50% too!

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Hanging Gardens
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Also called Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens, the Hanging Gardens built in 1881 is perched atop Malabar Hills. The main highlight of this garden are its eye-catching different shapes of carved bushy trees in shapes of animals. Watching the sun setting on the horizon of the Arabian sea is a sight not to miss from here. Ideal for a family day out with the kids!

Jehangir Art Gallery

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Built by Sir Cowasji Jehangir in 1952, Jehangir Art Gallery is one of the most attractive galleries in Mumbai. A gallery which truly represents Indian art & crafts in all its glory, tourists are offered a unique opportunity to own some of these priced treasures of India at the antique shop attached to the gallery. Tired of walking around & shopping, you can sip on some piping hot coffee at the Samovar restaurant in the area. Contact: 284 3989 Timings: Daily, 11 am to 7 pm

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Kanheri Caves
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Located inside the thick expanse of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali, the Kanheri Caves are around 109 in numbers. This was built during the Maurya & Kushana Period dating back to the 2nd Century BC to the 9th Century. These caves which once served as Buddhist Viharas, are adored with inscriptions of Buddha's life & preaching's. Located 1500 feet above sea level, the place offers panoramic views of the city below.

Mahakali Caves
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Earlier known as Kondivita Caves, the Mahakali Caves are rock cut caves out of solid hard rocks. Located at the scenic Udayagiri Hills, the caves served as Buddhist monasteries dating back to 2000 years. Consisting of 19 caves in all, the main cave is the 9th which contains figures of Buddha. This place is of great interest to historians & history buffs & archaeology students alike.

Mahalaxmi Temple
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Dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the wife of Mahavishnu - the Mahalaxmi temple was built in 1785. This temple attracts thousands of devotees who come here to offer Friday prayers & on Durga Puja days.

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Victoria Terminus (CST Terminus)

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Another jewel in the crown of Mumbai is the building declared a UNESCO World Heritage list of important buildings to be preserved Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus . Built in 1888, it is presently called VT station, whose architectural style is a blend of traditional Indian & Victorian Gothic styles. Adorned with the statue of Queen Victoria on the done, VT is indeed an architectural & visual delight for tourists coming to Mumbai.

Five Gardens
Situated in central Mumbai, as the name suggests is a amalgamation of 5 gardens. A popular spot for Mumbaikars to go for their early morning walks or spend relaxed evenings too. With several residential homes & apartments around, this garden is known for its well manicured lawns & vibrant flowering plants. While adults enjoy walks here, kids can enjoy playing in its vast expanses.

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Haji Ali Shrine

Dedicated to Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant turned Muslim Sufi, the Haji Ali Shrine is one of the most popular religious spots in Mumbai, visited by people of all religious backgrounds. Located at the backdrop of the roaring sea, the tomb is a very attractive with its glass work & surrounding courtyard which offers scenic views. Among devotees are popular Bollywood Celebrities who are often seen here offering their prayers.

Kamala Nehru Park

Named after the first wife of the Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Kamala Nehru Park is an attractive spot for kids & families. With splendid views of the Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach, it is the perfect place for those looking to spend some quiet time with family, away from busy city life.

Mumbai Port Trust Garden

Set against the backdrop of the Mumbai Port, the Mumbai Port Trust Garden offers a fun space for children & adults alike. Splendid views of the naval yard & port can be enjoyed from here.

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Mumbai Zoo (Veermata Jijabai Udyan)

Also known as Veermata Jijabai Udyan, established in 1861 during the British regime - the Mumbai Zoo has a large variety of birds & animals. One major attraction here is the museum called 'Albert Museum' showcasing many valuables of ancient and modern India.

National Gallery of Modern Art

An art lovers paradise, the National Gallery of Modern Art was established in 1996; aimed at promoting modern art. The department here organizes several art exhibitions which encourages young artists to participate & flourish in the field of arts & crafts.

Prince of Wales Museum

Located at MG Road, the Prince of Wales Museum, known as the 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya' post Indian independence, was built during the early 20th century. This museum commemorated the visit of Prince Of Wales to India. Divided into three major parts, the museum is home to some rare artifacts & historic exhibits which are worth a visit. Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm

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St Thomas' Cathedral
With an ancient past dating back to its construction way back in 1718, the St.Thomas Cathedral has been credited as being the first Anglican Church in Mumbai. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument to be preserved, the Cathedral attracts hoards of devotees & tourists alike.

Walkeshwar Temple
An ancient temple also known as Banganga Temple, the Walkeshwar Temple is perfectly placed amid scenic surroundings of the Malabar Hills. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was built during the Silhara Dynasty in 1127 AD, which was destroyed by the Portuguese & later renovated. Devotees throng here during full moon & Amavasya days.

Source
http://www.mustseeindia.com/guide

Distances
Matheran Khandala Lonavala Alibag 54 km 83 km 88 km 93 km 1h, 30m 1h, 30m 1h, 30m 1h, 50m

Pune 152 km 2h, 30m Mahabaleshwar 220 km 3h, 50m Shirdi Panchgani Bhimashankar Ahmedabad Indore 245 km 4h, 20m 247 km 4h 270 km 558 km 9h, 50m 587 km 9h