Mumbai Travel Guide

Mumbai - Bombay
Mumbai formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the state of Maharashtra being renamed after the Hindu goddess Mumbadevi in 1995, although both names are still widely used today. Located on the southwest of the Indian subcontinent, Mumbai was originally a group of separate islands that merged into a single peninsula as land was reclaimed from the sea. It is the principal city of Western India and is probably the most dynamic and crowded city in India as a whole. Mumbai is congested with people, the current population over 16 million and rising rapidly.

As with most Indian cities, the streets of Mumbai are chaotic and difficult to negotiate. Fortunately however most of the attractions are fairly central and can be reached quite easily on foot. A popular way to get around and see the sites and places of interest is to hire a car with driver for the day. Their local knowledge can be invaluable in getting around, but also by acting as guides to convey information about the places you visit. These services can usually be arranged at hotel desks with rates being dependent on the type of vehicle hired. A public bus service operates in the city but is usually hot and crowded as are the suburban trains connecting to outlying districts, particularly during rush hours. Metered taxis are to be found all over the city and surrounding areas. Auto rickshaws are cheaper than taxis but are not allowed to operate in the centre of the city. A very fast air-conditioned hydrofoil service connects central Mumbai with many points in the suburbs by water.

Mumbai today is the financial centre of India in addition to being it's busiest port. Located here is the country's largest stock exchange and is said to be at the heart of its banking industry. From its earliest days it was a trading place and now handles nearly a third of India's foreign trade as well as being host to a large number of foreign multinationals. Mumbai is also the home of "Bollywood", now the largest cinema industry in the world. Migrants from all over the country flock here to seek their fame and fortune in the city paved with gold. It is a modern city of skyscrapers and industry which, typical of India, go side by side with bustling bazaars and a hectic street life.

To the north of Mumbai lies the state of Gujarat, famed for it's silks and for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. It is also the last refuge of the Asian Lion, the few that remain living deep within the Gir Forest

Location
Mumbai lies at the mouth of the Ulhas River on the western coast of India,and in the coastal region known as Konkan. The coastline of the city is follows numerous creeks and bays. The eastern coast of Salsette Island is covered with large mangrove swamps, while the western coast is mostly sandy and rocky.

Climate and when to travel
Due to lying in a tropical zone and the near proximity of The Arabian Sea, Mumbai's climate falls into two main seasons, the humid and the dry season. The best time to holiday in Mumbai is during the winter months of November to February. This dry season is characterized by moderate levels of humidity and warm to cool weather with temperatures ranging between 23 °C and 30°C (74°F and 86°F). The spring and summer months are uncomfortably hot with high humidity and temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F). Between June and September, the monsoon rains lash the city dropping most of the city's annual rainfall.

Flying to Mumbai - Bombay
All international flights into Mumbai will arrive at The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport also knpwn as Bombay International. You can read more about the International airport including transfers to the city using the link below:
Mumbai (Bombay) Airport | The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport