Mumbai

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra is the entertainment and commercial centre of India. Being located in the coastal
region of Western India, it has got a natural harbor. Formerly Mumbai was known as Bombay & presently regarded as an
Alpha world city. Mumbai is rich in revenue and holds the second position among all other cities in the world in regards
to population.
Civic Administration in Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administers the city, with the power being endowed to the Municipal
Commissioner. Each ward is supervised by an Assistant Municipal Commissioner. The metropolis includes two districts,
each falling within the jurisdiction of a District Collector. The Mumbai Police, leaded by a Police Commissioner is a part
of the state Home Ministry. The legal jurisdiction is executed by the Bombay High Court and two lower courts.

Accessibility

Mumbai is said to be the most well connected city in India. Extensive rail and road network connects the city to every
corner of India whereas air connects it globally. Almost every airline flies to and from its two major airports: Sahar
International Airport & Santa Cruz Airport.

Mumbai, having the head quarter of Central and Western railway zones is quite well linked with railways, which makes it
easily accessible. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal is the major railway station whereas Bombay Central, Dadar, Kurla and
Churchgate are the other important ones.

The city is easily travelled by road as most buses run to and from the State Transport Terminal located just opposite to
Mumbai's Central Railway Station.

Factfile of Mumbai
Area 440 sq. kilometers

Altitude 8 meters average

Geographical Location Longitude-18.96N

Latitude- 72.82E

Population 11,914,398 (2001 census)

Literacy Rate 77%

Average annual Rainfall 2,200 mm

Temperature Summer - 35C to 23C , Winter - 29C to 19C

Climate Humid (with moderating influence of the sea) The summer months
(March-June) can be very dry and hot

Religion Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Jainism and

Buddhism

Important Festivals Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas, Mount Mary's Feast
and Id-ul-Fitr, Elephanta Festival, Banganga Festival

Languages Hindi, Marathi, English

Major Tourist Attractions Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Hanging Gardens, Crawford
Market, Nehru Centre and Nehru Planetarium, Fantasy Land,
Essel World

Best Time to Visit October - February

Mumbai Tourism

Mumbai, situated on Salsette Island, along the coast of Arabian Sea is an island city. Most of its best tourist attractions
and resorts lie around its appealing coastline and two exotic beaches like Juhu and Girgaum Chowpatty, famous for
their evening funfairs.

Mumbai is most popular for its flourishing Bollywood Film Industry. Other things making it famous are its colonial-
style buildings, Art Deco structures, teeming bazaars. The city owns the title of the dining capital of India being the
place of superb restaurants serving delicious foods. Colaba is the best tourist place to start with while exploring
Mumbai that provides multilingual guides to take you through the history of Mumbai.

Places of Interest in Mumbai

Nehru Centre and Nehru Planetarium

Nehru Centre and Nehru Planetarium, located in Worli, is the platform for different scientific and astronomical events
and exhibitions throughout the year. The huge domed building showing the mysteries of Solar System on a daily basis
makes the planetarium impressive.

Fantasy Land

Fantasy Land, in the western suburbs of the city is a huge amusement park including innumerable exciting rides and
attractions, famous of them being Ze Ulta Fulta Express roller coaster, pedal boats, roundabouts etc. It makes a tourist
think twice to choose between its American and Chinese-style restaurants.

Essel World

Essel World, near Gorai Beach and sprawling over 60 acres of land is said to be the leading theme park of Mumbai.
Among its 40 various attractions and rides, Water Kingdom is recognized as the best water park in whole Asia. Roller
coasters too contribute to its fame.

Prithvi Theatre

Prithvi Theatre, in Juhu Church Road is the main attraction for theatre lovers
for the past 40 years. Having a capacity to accommodate 200 people,
Prithvi Theatre hosts regular film screenings, theatrical performances,
summer workshops, children shows and an annual festival.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive stretching over 5 km along the coastline

surrounding Nariman Point and Chowpatty Beach is one of the
most appealing places in Mumbai for possessing awesome
ocean and sunset view.

Veermata Jeejmata Udayan

Veermata Jeejmata Udayan (Mumbai Zoo) is famous for its

botanical gardens and exotic creatures like lions, tigers,
elephants, chimpanzees and parrots.
Taraporewala Aquarium

Taraporewala Aquarium built in 1951 near Marine Drive consists of marine and fishy creatures, which include sharks,
octopus, sea horses, living coral etc.

Cultures and Festivals in Mumbai

The Mumbai city reflects its multi-ethnicity and multi-cultural nature through its different festivals. Apart from
celebrating the typical Indian festivals as Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi etc., the city celebrates Christmas, Mount
Mary's Feast and Id-ul-Fitr with the same vigour.

Ganesh Chaturthi is the most propitious festival of Maharashtra celebrated in the months of August and September.
The city turns itself to a complete extravaganza of devotion combined with fun. Elephant Festival, Banganga Festival,
Mt. Mary Festival, Kala Ghoda Festival are some of the other festivals celebrated in Mumbai.

Unlike other cities whose culture is portrayed by its people, language, religion, festivals, cuisine, this cosmopolitan city
also reflects its cultural heritage by the combination of new and old. Mumbai being the habitat of people from varied
culture and communities follows different religion though the metropolitan upholds common trend by participating
in every festival irrespective caste and creed which in turn symbolizes their love for life. The dynamic culture itself
narrates its vibrant present without forgetting the glorious past of the city. A part of the city shines with wealth whereas
the other part bears the pain of sluggish poverty.

Mumbaikars claim themselves to be the liveliest people and creates a fun-filled environment in every festival. Their
foods, clothes, music reflects a unique culture.

Where to Stay in Mumbai

Since Mumbai is the most popular city in India, numerous tourists usually visit it. With an assortment of hotels from
Luxurious to Budget, the problem of where to stay in Mumbai is solved easily.

Luxury Hotels in Mumbai

Y Oberoi Towers
Y The Oberoi
Y The Taj Mahal Hotel
Y The Leela Kempinski
Y The Resort
Y Taj President The Tulip Star
Y The Retreat
Y Taj Lands End
Y Le Royal Meridien
Y JW Marriott Hotel
Y Sun-N-Sand
Y ITC Grand Maratha

Deluxe Hotels in Mumbai

Y Fariyas Hotel
Y Ramee Guestline Hotel
Y Hotel Midtown Pritam
Y Best Western The Emerald
Budget Hotels in Mumbai

Y Garden Hotel
Y Hotel Parkway
Y Rajhans Hotel
Y Sea Palace Hotel
Y Hotel Royal
Y Hotel Fition
Y Hotel Singhs International
Y Hotel Metro Palace
Y Hotel Ashray International
Y Hotel Metro International

Shopping in Mumbai

Mumbai has got the most rocking shopping culture where people shop even to
pamper themselves or falling for a fascinating trinket or just to loosen up purse.
Mumbaikars just enjoy shopping be it in the most lavish market place or in the
street markets.

The downtown area of the city attracts handicraft lovers which harbors the handicraft emporia and the most intricate
art pieces. Avante, opposite Regal Cinema is the best place to be visited for the collection of souvenirs.

Crawford Market fascinates foodies for its huge storage of fresh fishes, meat and fruits. One can be easily pampered by
gifting beautiful and fresh flowers from this market.

Fashion Street and Colaba Causeway, stretching by the Cross and Azad Maidan, are the main areas to
provide various kinds of clothes. They have also got a tempting collection of wonderful junk
jewelry made of silver, brass and terracotta etc. But before planning to shop there, one
needs to learn the skill to bargain though the Government emporia and most
of the elegant boutiques dont encourage bargaining.

Down the Hanging Gardens are the Breach Candy and Kemps Corner
which are the most happening place to shop some trendy clothes
including summer wear as well as colorful traditional clothes with
intricate works of embroidered and sequined silk blouses and skirts for
evening wear.

Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market) is the heaven for antiquelovers, which

owns a huge collection of silver hookahs to brass doorknobs etc. Maratha
warrior's sword or an age-old clock can easily create an illusion to think of
being transported to a historic era.

The shopping arcades inside the five-star hotels, the Taj Mahal and the Oberoi,
can also be called a treasury of authentic antiques and designer silk and other
fabric wears.

Mutton Street, the place of local traders having an amazing range of teak and rosewood
furniture to glassware, crockery, porcelain, paintings, lamps, beads, masks etc.

Zaveri Bazaar (Jewellery Market) is popular for gold, silver and diamond jewellery. Besides
scores of jewelers lining the narrow street, the city has some departmental stores
offering great deal for people in hurry.

Where to Eat in Mumbai

Being a host of Indian, Chinese and continental delicacies carrying the exotic
flavor of India, Mumbai is said to be the food lovers paradise. Proximity to the
Arabian Sea has enriched the city with some yummy cuisines prepared out of
fishes and coconut.

This metropolis serves the most mouth-watering delectable dishes which

makes most of its places smell that. Khau Galli, Mumbais renowned fast food
lane attracts people loving fast food. These Khau Gallies are located in Zaveri
Road, Mohammad Ali Road and Churchgate.

While visiting the Fort area, Badshah, in Crawford Market, is a must-go place for
people who love to explore exotic ice creams as well as fallooda, Milk Shakes
made of vanilla ice cream, rose water, kesar etc. and cold drinks. Parsi Dairy Farm
on Princess Street in Kalbadevi area earned its fame for Badam Barfi, which is a
sweet, made of crushed almonds and Rabri. China Gardens Kemp Corner, on Malabar
Hill is a place for renowned and rich socialites and visiting this place necessitates prior
reservation.

Some of the other places for foodies are the Sarvi in Byculla, the Only Fish Hotel Rosewood in
Tardeo, Gajalee Coastal Foods in Vile Parle (East), Udipi Restaurants etc. that serves regional foods
from respective places like West Bengal, western coast of India and South India.

Besides the above-mentioned restaurants, this metropolis is also the home of some world famous restaurants like Little
Italy, Thai me up, Trattoria, Barista Coffee Bar, Kandhar, Indigo and Mainland China etc.

Compare Infobase Limited

(An ISO 9001:2000 Certified Company)

Copyright mapsofindia.com All rights reserved

solutions@mapsofindia.com, kartik@infobase.in