Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a crown jewel of India. The capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai attracts tourists from all over the world. The dynamic and vibrant nature of the city ensures that all kinds of tourists feel welcome in the city.
Mumbai is located on the West coast of India, along the Western Ghats. Mumbai actually comprises of two parts- Mumbai City and Suburban Mumbai. Mumbai city is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides and connects to Suburban Mumbai at its north. As Mumbai lies in the tropical zone, the climate ranges from dry to humid.
Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city and people from different castes, cultures, religions and belief make it their home. Mumbai sees massive celebrations of festivals from different communities and people from all backgrounds participate in these celebrations.
When to visit Mumbai
Mumbai can actually be visited at any time of the year. Most people factor in the weather before planning a trip to Mumbai. If you are accustomed to cooler climes, you may find the hot season in Mumbai very unbearable. The ideal time to visit Mumbai in terms of climate is between October and February. These are the coolest months of the year in Mumbai and most suited to most foreigners.
Additionally, many important festivals, notably Diwali, the Hindu festival of Lights fall in the last quarter of the year. The city of Mumbai is aglow with lights and there are many fireworks as well as other festivities during Diwali. Also, the Muslim festival of Ramzan falls within the last three months of the year. Also Christmas and New Year’s is celebrated in the city with great gusto. The city of Mumbai is always great to be in when it is celebrating one of its many festivals.
Top Tourist Attractions
The City of Mumbai has many tourist attractions that tourists find appealing. From the Gateway of India to a World Heritage site- the Elephanta Caves, Mumbai has a lot for every kind of tourist to see. To immerse yourself in nature you may want to visit Juhu Beach or Hanging Gardens or Hanging Garden. There is the Jahangir Art Gallery for art lovers and the British Museum for history lovers. There are a zoo and an aquarium for animal lovers and Essel World and Water Kingdom for Amusement Park lovers. You will need more than a couple of weeks to visit all the tourist attractions in the city.
Dress Code
Mumbai has been frequented by travelers for centuries. Most residents of Mumbai are equally used to interacting with high level executives who come on company visits as well as shoe string travelers who are backpacking across the country. There is no required dress code you need to maintain.
However, there are some things to keep in mind with regard to dress code. For women visiting a religious place, like a temple, you may be required to cover your head. You can use a shawl or a scarf for the purpose. You will also be required your footwear outside, especially if you are visiting a temple.
Also, elders are given a lot of respect in India. It is considered a sign of respect for women to cover your head in the presence of elders. However, this is not a requirement.
If you are single woman traveler, you are recommended to wear loose fitting clothes that cover most of your body. This will be extremely comfortable, given the heat and humidity in the city. In India, show of skin is considered promiscuous, and you are advised to avoid giving the impression of promiscuity.
Accommodation
One of the best aspects of Mumbai is that it provides accommodation facilities for all kinds of travelers. No matter what your budget is, you are likely to find a room in your budget in the vast city of Mumbai. Whether you want to be in the middle of the city or want to be in the quieter suburbs, you will find that Mumbai is dotted with hotels, lodges, inns, motels, dorms, hostels and beds and breakfasts of all kinds. If you want a luxurious five star treatment, there are many hotels to choose from including The Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Trident, The Leela Kempinski, The Hyatt, The ITC Maratha Sheraton, etc. You can get accommodation that costs a few thousand dollars per nights to less than a hundred dollars a night.
Dishes & Beverages
Mumbai is well known for its rich variety of cuisines. From local traditional cuisine to global cuisine, you will get dishes and beverages of all kind. There are many fine dining restaurants and bars in the city as well as coffee shops and local restaurants. Local seafood is a delicacy and restaurants famous for their sea food cuisines are Mahesh and Trishna, both in Mumbai City area. Pao Bhaji (bread and vegetable curry) is a specialty of Mumbai and the restaurant famous for its Pao Bhaji is Sardar Pao Bhaji in Tardeo.
Roadside food is also a big eating option in Mumbai. While the hygiene of the food is questionable, its tantalizing flavor is vouched for by many. From the Indian version of Chinese Food, Chaats, Wada pav (another local specialty), idlis and wada (South Indian delicacies), sandwiches to hot piping tea or coffee and refreshing chilled drinks, everything is available on Mumbai roadsides.
Shopping
Being an important international destination, you will find everything you may want to buy in the city of Mumbai. From designer goods of global and local designers to surplus garments, you will get your pick in clothes, shoes and accessories. Whether you are used to specialty cheese and fine wine or whether you want the local food items, you will have a large choice. From imported household fixtures to the latest appliances and computers, you will find Mumbai a shopping haven. There are many roadside outlets along the streets of Mumbai. They offer a large variety of goods and if you are not too quality conscious, go for it.
Transport
Mumbai city offers a large choice in terms of transport. While local trains and buses are the main mode of transportation for the residents of Mumbai, there are auto rickshaws and taxi cabs in abundance. There are also AC Cabs called ‘Cool Cabs’ that are preferred by many travelers.
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