Mumbai, often referred through its former name Bombay is one of India’s most important cities. Indeed it is the country’s financial and commercial capital as well as a major artistic center, home the world’s biggest film industry, commonly known as Bollywood. It is where some of India’s most powerful and richest entrepreneur implements their vision, right next to the country’s poorest in some of the planet biggest slums, where about half of the city population live. Mumbai, as a city of contrasts is definitely an understatement, with old and new, rich and poor, colonial heritage and Indian influence, skyscrapers and slums, constantly touching and overlapping each other. This mix of chaotic traffic, ancient bazaars, variety of religions and a melange of cultures, makes the city truly unique and definitely worth discovering. It is perhaps not for everyone, but for those looking for adventure it will be a life changing experience, once one will feel the unconventional pulse of the city, and start truly appreciate everything it has to offer.
Mumbai topics
- Introduction
- Map of Mumbai
- Top sights in Mumbai
- Best hotels in Mumbai
- About Mumbai
- Mumbai images
- Mumbai videos
Map of Mumbai
View the top sights and best rated hotels on our interactive map of Mumbai with a slideshow, images and video.
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Mumbai Central Areas
Although definition varies, it is widely accepted that the central part of Mumbai is the area called South Mumbai where the neighbourhood of Fort, Colaba, Malabar Hill, Nariman Point and Churchgate are located. Central Mumbai is located some 28 km South of the airport and should cost no more than 500INR for a prepaid taxi. It is considered the oldest area of the city, where most of the key touristic sights are situated, as well as being the financial and commercial heart of Mumbai. Indeed it is home to Mumbai’s top restaurants, most sought after bars and clubs as well as the well known museums, art galleries and other famous buildings such as the Gateway of India, one of the city’s most iconic sights.
South Mumbai can be divided into the following key areas:
- Churchgate: home to the beautiful Victoria Station (CST), General Post Office and the Fort district
- Colaba: the southern tip of central Mumbai, home to Kala Ghoda, the Nariman Point and the Colaba Causeway
- Marine Drive: one of Mumbai most prestigious areas, with plenty of luxury hotels offering an amazing view of the sea
- Malabar Hill: the western area of South Mumbai offering breathtaking views of the city
Top sights in Mumbai
As one of India’s primary business and tourist hub, Mumbai has an abundance of attractions most located around the central area of South Mumbai, including
- Gateway of India: Mumbai’s most iconic sight
- Colaba Causeway: the lively commercial Shahid Bhagat Singh Road
- Khala Ghoda: art precinct home to the museums, the High Court and the Clock Tower
- Prince of Wales Museum: officially known as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk
- Chowpatty beach: sandy coast within the western tip of the Marine Drive
- Victoria Station: the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) set within a colonial building
- Wellington Fountain: now the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Chowk roundabout
- Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat: Mumbai’s unique open air laundry
- Haji Ali: Mumbai’s floating tomb and Mosque
- Malabar hill: south Mumbai’s highest point home to the Tower of Silence and the Hanging Gardens
- Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum: a tribute to one of India’s most celebrated figure
- Town Hall: set within a remarkable building home to the Asiatic Society of Bombay
- General Post Office: Mumbai central post office set within a beautiful building
- Dabbawallahs of Mumbai: one of the world’s most efficient food delivery service
- Crawford Market: one of the busiest and most famous markets in South Mumbai
- Mumbai Stock Exchange: India’s finance epicentre within Kala Ghoda
- Banganga: part of the Walkeshwar Temple Complex within the Malabar Hill
- Film City: home to Mumbai’s famous Bollywood Productions
- Elephant Island: famous for its UNESCO World Heritage 6th-century cave temples
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park: home to birds, fauna and Buddhist caves
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Best hotels in Mumbai
As one of India’s most important finance and business center, as well as the gateway to the southern tropical resorts of Goa and Kerala, Mumbai has an abundance of accommodations available, from its prestigious landmark-like Taj Mahal Palace or Oberoi, to smaller and more affordable hotels. One must keep in mind, that due to its strategic location, Mumbai has some of the most expansive accommodations compared to the rest of the country, but then again it is a small price to pay to be at the heart of one of the world’s most unique and vibrant cities.
Top 5 Stars hotels in Mumbai
The following are the best rated 5 stars hotels in the central part of Mumbai, especially around the Colaba region.
- The Taj Mahal Palace , 5 Stars hotel
- The Oberoi Mumbai, 5 Stars hotel
- Trident Nariman Point Mumbai, 5 Stars hotel
- Vivanta by Taj – President, 5 Stars hotel
- Marine Plaza, 5 Stars hotel
Top 3 Stars and budget hotels in Mumbai
Other great value for money hotels in Mumbai include the 3 Stars Grand Hotel and the budget Travellers Inn accommodation, both conveniently located near the Victoria Station in the heart of the city center.
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About Mumbai
Mumbai is considered one of the world’s most populated cities and the largest in India with more than fifteen million inhabitants and over 20 million within the metropolitan area. It is home to a variety of people, from children occupying the slums to the country’s wealthiest living in the latest jaw dropping skyscrapers. From Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat hand laundry washers to IT entrepreneurs, passing by a variety of Bollywood superstars, the city attracts people from various backgrounds. Indeed, people coming from different regions and with various skills, expertise, ethnicity and languages, making Mumbai one of its kind, the perfect melting pot of flavour, texture and colors.
As India’s most cosmopolitan city, it has a lot to offer its visitors, from jobs and services to cutting edges restaurants, bars and club.
Top facts of Mumbai
The following are some of Mumbai key facts and information:
- Mumbai is formerly known as Bombay
- Mumbai is the largest city in India
- Mumbai is the capital of the Maharashtra state
- Mumbai was originally a conglomeration of seven island
- Mumbai has a population of around 15millions peoples and a metropolitan population of more than 21 million
- Mumbai is the commercial capital of India
- Mumbai is the most important port city in India
- Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India
- Mumbai is the center of Bollywood: India’s movie industry
- Mumbai is home to India’s largest slum population.
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Mumbai images
The following is a preview of some of Mumbai’s best photographs. click here to view the complete Mumbai image gallery.
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Mumbai videos
The following is a short film about Mumbai.
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