The most western, multinational and largest city of India, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is often referred to as the "Gateway of India". Mumbai streets are filled with people from different cultures and wealth levels. It is a city of contrasts, where unheard-of abundance coexists with appalling poverty. Migrants, fascinated by the images of Bollywood, come to Mumbai from all over India, as well as from the countries of South Asia. Despite an incredible population density of 21,665 people per km², people keep coming to this "golden city" as Mumbai is a place where both dreams and nightmares can come true.

Video: Mumbai

Story

Once upon a time, this place was just a chain of swampy, malaria-infested islands inhabited by a few fishermen and peasants who extracted juice from palm trees. The first name in the Marathi language came from the name of the goddess Mumba, who was revered back in the days of the first inhabitants - koli. They lived on all seven islands that were part of the city from the 2nd century BC. BC. It is amazing, but true: the remains of this culture are still preserved along the coastline of the city.

The islands were ruled by Hindu dynasties from the 6th century until the Muslim Sultan of Gujarat seized the territories in the 14th century, and they were eventually transferred to Portugal in 1534. The only significant contribution of the Portuguese to the development of the territory was that they christened it “ Bom Bahai" (Bom Bahai) before giving away the lands with the dowry of Catherine de Braganza when she married the English king Charles II (1661) . The British government took possession of the islands in 1665, but "leased" them to the East India Company three years later. (East India Company) for a ridiculous annual rent of £10.

Then the city was renamed Bombay and became a prosperous trading port. It developed so rapidly that after 20 years it became the main residence of the management of the East India Company, which moved to Bombay from the city of Surat. The construction of the Bombay fortress was completed in the 20s of the 18th century, and only 100 years later, according to an ambitious plan, this land was united with the islands and became the territory that we know today. Although the city developed significantly in the 19th century, it was still relatively isolated from its coastal zone until the British defeated the Marathas. (the population of Central India, who controlled most of the country's territories at different times), annexing part of western India to his possessions in 1818.

The walls of the fortress were dismantled in 1864: large-scale construction work began in the city, the main goal of which was to turn the city into a model of the colonial style. When Bombay became Britain's main cotton supplier during the American Civil War, the country's population increased and trade intensified as money "flowed" into the city.

An important fighter in the independence movement, Bombay became the city where the first Indian National Congress was held in 1885, and the Indian Liberation Campaign was launched in 1942 by a frequent visitor to the city, Mahatma Gandhi. The city became the president's capital upon independence, but in 1960 Maharashtra and Gujarat were separated along linguistic lines - and Bombay became the capital of the state of Maharashtra.

Growth of regional pro-Marathek movement led by Shiv Sena (by a Hindu party; literally "Shivaji's army"), excited the multinational population of the city with active discrimination against Muslims and opponents of the Maharaja. The Shiv Sena won the city's municipal elections in 1985. Tensions in the city were rising and cosmopolitan Bombay was threatened when around 800 people died in riots following the destruction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in December 1992.

The riots were accompanied by dozens of bombings on March 12, 1993, which killed more than 300 people; these explosions caused damage to the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Air India building. July 2006: train explosion that killed over 200 people; in November 2008 - planned attacks on 10 city attractions that lasted three days (As a result, 173 people died)... all this suggests that tension is constantly present.

26/11, as the Mumbai attacks came to be known, was a wake-up call for the city. Security has now been stepped up at many prominent tourist sites, prominent hotels and important financial and government buildings. Entire streets were blocked off in some cases, becoming a makeshift cricket ground for the numerous youths. But Mumbai continues to live, and its recalcitrant Marathi spirit is not broken, thanks to which life in the commercial center of India and the global financial "engine" is stabilized.

Mumbai today

Today, Mumbai is home to the most successful film company, one of the largest slums in Asia and the largest rainforest in the city. This city is the "financial aorta" of India, the center of fashion and the intersection of numerous religions. Among fantastic architecture and modern skyscrapers, busy streets with luxurious restaurants, urban bustle and suburban glamour, chaos and craziness, the playful and mesmerizing motives of raga, complex music performed to the rhythm of desi drums, quietly sound.

Mumbai is also the capital of the state of Maharashtra, an island connected by bridges to the mainland. Sea docks located outside the city dominate the island's east coast. The commercial and cultural center of the city lies in the south of the claw-shaped island and is known as South Mumbai. The southern peninsula of Colaba is a traditional center where most of the attractions are concentrated, and directly north of Colaba is a business center called Fort (fort) where an old British fortress once stood. It is bordered to the west by a green area of ​​several interconnected fenced grassed areas known as maidans. (pronounced "meydans").

Although the north is as important a part of the city as South Mumbai, it is often referred to as the "suburb" (Suburbs). Here, especially in the expensive suburbs of Bandra (Bandra) and Juhu (Juhu), are the airport and many of Mumbai's best restaurants, shops and nightlife.

The opening of the Bandra Worli Sea Canal in 2009 shortened the journey between the two areas from one hour to seven minutes, making these prestigious suburbs accessible to tourists.

Sometimes you can see how a luxury liner, gliding past a large stone triumphal arch, the Apollo boardwalk and the yacht club, moored at Ballard Pier. For the rest of the mortals - landing at the Chhatrapati Shivaji airport. The hustle and bustle of porters and rickshaws that once plunged the newcomer into has now been replaced by a new, modern kind of hustle and bustle. New skyscrapers pop up in Mumbai almost every month. It is India's largest and busiest industrial and commercial city, producing automobiles, textiles, chemicals, and nuclear energy. It is also a renaissance site for Indian art. But this enormous wealth is combined with the abject poverty embodied by women who wear bricks on their heads to build luxurious apartments. This is despite the fact that on the outskirts of the city is Asia's largest slum area.

For many, a visit to the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai means delicious food, nightlife and shopping, but the city has so much more to offer than just nightlife and shopping. Nowhere else in the world do so colorfully impressive buildings of Gothic, Victorian and Indo-Saracenic eras and artistic decoration merge with the remnants of the British colonial era and many years of European influence. Chhatrapati Shivaji Station (Victoria Station), Supreme Court, University of Mumbai, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (Taj Mahal Palace) and India Gate (India Gate) are among the most famous sights - small architectural gems give the overall architectural style an indescribable charm, to the delight of all visitors to the city.

Mumbai is a wonderful mixture of dreamers and workaholics, actors and gangsters, stray dogs and exotic birds, artists and servants, fishermen and crorepaths. (millionaires) and much more. The dilapidated architecture testifies to the fact that Mumbai once played a more important role in the world, which is reminded by a whole brick and lime museum. Only one thing is certain: this city on the world map will always be synonymous with creative chaos!

For everyone who came to Mumbai not on business, three, maximum four days should be enough to get a fairly complete picture of this exhausting city, so to speak. At the start of your stay, you may need advice on what to see in the city, which stretches for 20 km from north to south. Then contact the Indian Bureau of Tourism (India Tourism Office) located opposite Churchgate railway station (churchgate). Then start from the same place that King George V and Queen Mary did when they visited here in 1911, namely, from the headland at the end of the Apollo Quay. Today, the site is home to the world-famous Gateway of India. (Gateway of India), a monument that excites more with its symbolism than beauty (of course, depending on what you think of the magnificence of the British Empire, in honor of which it was established). In his The Ballad of East and West, Rudyard Kipling insisted that "the two would never meet," but the British did their best to fix this triumphal arch, generally marked by a pronounced Romanesque style, with four domes characteristic of architecture of Gujarat. This monument was unveiled in 1924. Twenty-four years later, the Somerset Light Infantry, the last British units to leave India, paraded through the India Gate.

Today, the arch is a favorite meeting place for local residents and those who like to watch what is happening around. Vendors of giant balls, photographers, beggars and barkers, along with Indian and foreign tourists, create the hubbub of the bazaar. Boats depart from the piers to the islands of Elephanta and Mandwa.

Facing the gate is an Indian equestrian statue of Shivaji. It was installed in 1961 in honor of this Maratha hero - a Hindu nationalist - a fighter against the oppression of the Great Moghuls.

Behind the statue is the Taj Mahal Hotel (Taj Mahal Hotel), built by a member of the Tatas family, an industrialist of Persian origin. It is said that this idea came to him when they refused to let him into Watson's, the best hotel in the city. From an architectural point of view, the hotel is a combination of Western and Eastern styles. Sea Hall for a cup of tea Apart from a memorial to the 31 people who died there, there is no trace of the devastation that took place here in November 2008, when Islamic terrorists targeted the hotel as one of the targets in an attack on the main tourist and business district of the city.

Raj District

Northwest of the Taj Mahal Hotel, on the stretch around Maidan, the heart of British Mumbai, the connoisseur can appreciate architecture that her admirers would call "eclectic" and her opponents "wacky."

The building of the old Secretariat is mainly attributed to the Venetian Gothic style; the university library - to French Gothic; the telegraph building - to the Romanesque style; the Supreme Court building and St. Thomas Cathedral - to the early English style. The architects were British, but the builders and decorators were Indian, and they are masters of adding details reminiscent of Rajput fortresses or Mughal palaces.

The influence of the national style is felt in the octagonal spire of the Rajabai clock tower on the university building (Rajabai Clocktower). It is decorated with 24 figures representing the castes of the former district of Bombay, of which it was the capital. In St. Thomas Cathedral, even ardent opponents of imperialism can be touched by some heart-rending epitaphs of those who died in the military or civil service for their country. For fans of the period of British rule in India, Victoria Station is a great example of Indian Gothic style. (Victoria Terminus). It used to be abbreviated as VT, but now as CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). Imposing, opulent and always crowded, this building is considered the most extravagant example of Gothic in the city, the beating heart of its railway network and an example of colonial Indian architecture. As the historian Christopher London put it, "Victoria Station is to British power what the Taj Mahal is to the Mughal Empire." It is a combination of Victorian, Hindu and Islamic styles, with buttresses, domes, turrets, spiers and stained glass windows.

Opened on a jubilee day in 1857, it served both as the starting point for India's first railway and as a symbol of all that the British had thus far achieved in the Indian subcontinent; a symbol of their pride, power and seemingly limitless potential.

Northwest of Victoria Station is the bustling Crawford Market. (Crawford Market), which after independence became known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule). Behind the brick façade with gates, the friezes of which are decorated with bas-reliefs made by Kipling's father, the stalls retain their original arrangement: vegetables to the left; fruits and flowers - to the right; fish, lamb and poultry are straight ahead.

Uptown

Behind Crawford Market lies the heart of Mumbai, where Indians from all over the country compete in the bazaars with busy traders from the state of Maharashtra. (Mumbai is its capital). Among the colorful Hindu temples and mosques in the Muslim neighborhoods located nearby, Jain traders sell gold in the Zaveri Bazaar, and on other streets they sell silverware, brass, copper, leather, and lace.

Another famous landmark of the city is the Marine Drive embankment. (Marine Drive), which starts from Nariman Point and reaches the Malabar Hill residential area (Malabar Hill), skirting the Back Bay. A must see place is Chowpatty Beach, not because you can sunbathe and swim there, but because it is one of the most extensive places in Western India where you can watch people: fakirs walk on fire, sleep on nails, walk on ropes or bury their head in the sand; food vendors offer kulfi ice cream, as well as betel and belpuri, local spices.

Museums

Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum (Chatrapati Shivaji Museum)- formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum - located at the end of Mahatma Gandhi Road. It was built in 1871. The building includes elements of medieval Gujarati and Bijapur architecture, as well as urban architecture of Manchester. It contains a collection of miniatures and valuable sculptures of the 7th century. from the caves of Elephanta Island. At the adjacent Jahandir Art Gallery (Jehangir Art Gallery) works illustrating modern trends in Indian painting are presented.

Gallery visitors

Bollywood

Mumbai is the glittering center of India's gigantic Hindi film industry. Starting with silent films exclusively with male actors (some dressed as women)- the epic picture of 1913 "Raja Harishchandra" - and the first sound film "Lama Aga" (1931) , now it produces over 1,000 films a year: more than Hollywood. Not surprising when you consider that Bollywood is supported by an audience of one-sixth of the world's population, plus significant Indian communities abroad.

Every part of India has its own regional film studios, but Bollywood continues to represent the nation in its most colorful form: lovers constantly singing and dancing, fighting for love and resisting the forces that try to tear them apart. Now pro-Hollywood thrillers and blockbusters on TV are vying for moviegoers' attention with the usual luscious, more family-oriented films.

Bollywood stars in India can achieve an almost god-like status, and star discussion has become a favorite pastime in Mumbai's institutions.

Studios sometimes invite Western actors (or use provocative outfits) to add a European twist to the film. This trend so developed that 100,000 young actors went on strike in 2008 to protest the loss of jobs due to foreigners who work for less money.

If you're interested in this kind of adventure, just walk around Colaba, where studios recruit people to shoot the next day. Day of work 500 rupees. You will get lunch and something else to eat if the shooting starts early or ends late. Transport is usually 2nd class trains unless there are enough tourists to hire private transport. A shooting day can be quite long, in addition, heat and stress must be taken into account; not everyone is happy with this experience. Sometimes people complain about the lack of food and water, or dangerous situations and intimidation, and Western guest actors do not complain about this. Some find this experience fascinating. Before agreeing, always ask for the ID of the recruiter and listen to your intuition!

Mumbai: foodie paradise

In Mumbai, you can find culinary masterpieces not only from all over India, but from all over the world. You should not restrain yourself, because you should definitely try Parsi dhansak (meat with spices, lentils and rice), Gujarati or Kerala thali (a set of dishes from the series "eat as much as you like"), kebab from the Mughal cuisine, Goan and Mangalore seafood. And don't forget: if Bombay duck is listed on the menu, it's actually sun-dried and deep-fried bombil fish.

It is very important to visit the famous Mumbai beach and visit one of the bhelpuri located on Girga um Chowpatty, where you can enjoy the taste of crispy fried thin cakes with steamed rice, lentils, lemon juice, onions, herbs, red pepper and tamarind chutney. Other establishments offer rice dishes, samosas, pav bhaji (vegetables with spices and bread) and vada pav (heavy fried sandwich with lentils and spices)– so it is better to find time for everything.

mumbai festival

In January, the Mumbai Festival takes place, on this day stages are organized throughout the city, food is offered, dances take place. This festival shows off the cultural diversity in Mumbai in all its splendor.

Dharavi slums

Mumbai residents have mixed feelings about 2008 hit Slumdog Millionaire (in Hindi - "Slumdog Crorepati"). But the slums are part, many would say the backbone, of Mumbai's urban life. Surprisingly, 55% of Mumbai's population lives in slums, and one of the largest slum areas in Mumbai (and in Asia, for that matter) This is Dharavi. Initially, the territory inhabited by fishermen was only streams, swamps and islands. It became attractive to migrant workers from South Mumbai and beyond, and then the swamps began to be populated for natural and artificial reasons. The area now includes 1.75 km between Mumbai's two main railway lines and is home to over a million people.

A shot from the crime melodrama "Slumdog Millionaire", which conquered not only the people of India, but the whole world!

While it may look a little chaotic, this city-within-a-city maze of dusty alleys and sewer streets is actually a cluster of adjoining communities. In some parts of Dharavi there is a mixed population: people from different parts of India and representatives of different professions who have built houses and tiny factories for themselves. Potters from Saurashtra live in one district, Muslim tanners in another; Uttar Pradesh embroiderers work side by side with blacksmiths, workers process plastics, and women dry pappadams in the hot sun. Some of these businesses, some 10,000 in total, sell goods for export, and Dhavari's annual turnover is no less than $665 million.

Life in the slums of Mumbai is no different if you take a closer look. Residents pay rent, most houses have kitchens and electricity, and building materials from corrugated iron to multi-story concrete structures. Many families have been living here for generations and some of the young residents of Dhavari even work in the offices. But often they decide to stay in the areas where they grew up.

Slum tourism is a controversial topic, so you'll have to decide for yourself. If you decide to visit the slums, Reality Tours & Travel can offer you an exciting journey, and a percentage of the profits goes back to Dhawari to create community centers and schools. Some tourists decide to visit this area of ​​Mumbai on their own - this is normal, just do without a camera. Take the train from Churchgate station towards Mahim (12 rupees), exit on the west side, then cross the bridge to Dhavari.

In the slums of Dharavi, you can see the life of most of the inhabitants of Mumbai without embellishment

Legendary wadi (village) is the bastion of life in Mumbai as it was before the rise of skyscrapers. A Christian enclave of elegant two-story wooden mansions is located 500 meters northeast of Girguam Chowpatty, adjacent to the Indian and Muslim districts of Mumbai. These windy streets offer a view of a quiet, calm life, without cars and autorickshaws. The village is small in every sense, but these bewitching alleys can be admired for hours and, most amazingly, all this is a step away from the hustle and bustle of the real Mumbai.

To find the village, walk to the Church of St. Teresa (St Teresa's Church) on the corner of Jagannath Shankarsheth Marg (JS Marg) and RR Roy Marg (Charni Ra), and then turn your back on the church and walk along JS Marg until you dive into the second or third lane on the left.

Entertainment

The Daily Mid-Day Brief in English includes information on the top things to do in Mumbai. Newspapers and Time Out Mumbai list events and screenings, and www.nh7.in has live music ratings. Modern project Bombay Elektrik Projekt (www.bombayelektrik.com) organizes any kind of events, from DJs and poetry recitals to short film screenings.

It would be a crime not to go to the cinema in the capital of the Indian film industry. Unfortunately, Indian films are shown without English subtitles. The cinemas listed here show films in English and several Bollywood films.

The liveliest club nights (surprisingly) on Wednesday, as well as on Friday and Saturday, which are more familiar to us; entrance is usually paid. The clubs have a dress code, so don't go there in shorts and sandals. Resto lounges are trending in Mumbai as opposed to crowded nightclubs – high taxes on discos (which does not apply to lounges and restaurants) made people smarter.

Where to eat

In this gastronomic epicenter, a cornucopia of flavors from across India clashes with international trends. Colaba has most of the cheap eateries for tourists, while Forth and Churchgate have better quality restaurants. This trend continues as you move further north towards Mahalakshmi and the Central Suburbs, home to some of the most stunning, upscale and expensive restaurants in Mumbai.

For those who like to cook themselves, Colaba Market is open in Mumbai (Lala Nigam St). Fresh fruits and vegetables are sold here. Good selection of groceries at Saharkari Bhandar Supermarket (22022248; junction of Colaba, Colaba and Wodehouse Rd; 10.00-20.30) and Suryodaya (22040979; Veer Nariman Rd; 7.30-20.30); the second one is even better.

Alcohol

Mumbai is quite liquor friendly, which means there are plenty of places to sell alcohol, from garage-looking beer bars and killer lounges to cheeky, multi-level superclubs; but don't be surprised when you find on your bill 25% of the price - tax on alcoholic beverages.

shopping

Mumbai is the largest market in India, so it has the best shopping experience in the country.

Anything can be bought in the bustling bazaars north of the CST. Mumbai's main trading floors are Crawford Market , Mangalda Market (silk and clothes), Zaveri Bazaar (decorations), Bhuleshwar Market (fruits and vegetarian products) and Chor Bazaar (antiques and furniture). Dhabu St sells leather goods and Mutton St sells antiques, reproductions and cute knick-knacks. Crawford Market (Mahatma Phule Market)- this is the last outpost of British Bombay, beyond which the noise and cries of the central bazaars begin. Bas-reliefs of Father Rudyard Kipling (Rudyard Kipling), Lockwood Kipling (Lockwood Kipling), decorate buildings of Norman-Gothic architecture.

Immerse yourself in the bustling shopping of Fashion Street (Fashion Street)- the strip of shops along MG Rd, between Cross Maidan and Azad Maidan, or in Bangra on Linking Rd, near Waterfield Rd - hone your bargaining skills. There are many good designer shops at Kemp's Corner.

Plenty of state-owned malls in Mumbai sell handicrafts at the World Trade Center Arcade near Cuffe Parade. Small shops of rare items and antiques are located along Merewether Rd behind the Taj Mahal Palace. It is not cheap here, but the quality makes itself felt - it is an order of magnitude higher than in state shopping centers. If you like things from the colonial era, head to Chor Bazaar: the liveliest street is Mutton St, where you can find many antique shops (as well as a lot of inventive fakes, so be on your guard) and various junk.

Food vendors in Mumbai (Dabba Walla)

A small miracle of logistics - 5000 food deliveries or, as they are called, dabba-wallahs (dabba means food container; there are also tiffin-wallahs lunch delivery men) in Mumbai they tirelessly deliver hot lunches to office workers throughout the city.

Lunch boxes are picked up each time from homes and restaurants and delivered on heads, bikes and trains to a central marshalling yard. A complex system of numbers and colors (many deliveries are illiterate) indicates where to carry the lunch. They deliver over 200,000 meals daily - always on time, no matter what. (monsoon) rain or (scorching) sun.

This system has been used for centuries and on average there is only one error per six million deliveries. No wonder the dabba wallas are extremely proud of their work.

Food vendors in Mumbai

Great Wall of Mumbai

This art initiative is somewhat reminiscent of the East Side Gallery in Berlin. (although Mumbai has not had 28 years of harassment and isolation). Wall Project (www.thewallproject.com) started with a few art and design graduates who decided to paint the walls of neighboring houses with local drawings and artistic graffiti. Soon this idea turned into a public project, due to which the walls of any houses on the outskirts of Bandra, from residential to hospitals, exploded with color drawings. The number of drawings began to increase like weeds and soon, dilapidated buildings and abandoned walls turned into a real museum of modern urban art. As of this writing, hundreds of artists (and just lovers) have already drawn more than 600 drawings, the longest strip of which started from Mahim station (West) on Tulsi Pipe Road (Senapati Bapat Marg) and along the Western Railway to Matunga Rd. It is called the Great Wall of Mumbai.

Anyone can post their drawing here as long as it doesn't have a literal sexual, political, religious, or commercial message. Get yourself some acrylic tempera - this is the best paint to use due to harsh weather conditions - and get creative!

Painting on the walls as part of the Wall Project in Mumbai

Transport in Mumbai

To/from airports

International Airport:

A taxi pre-order kiosk is located near the international airport. Here you can hire a taxi at fixed prices to any part of the city; Colaba, Fort and Marine Drive are with/without air conditioning Rs 495/395, Bandra West Rs 310/260 and Juhu Rs 235/190. In addition, the service fee is 10 rupees and for each piece of luggage 10 rupees. You will be taken to Colaba in 45 minutes at night and 1.5-2 hours during the day. Tipping is not needed.

Auto rickshaws can be found near the arrivals terminal, but don't try to take them to the southern part of Mumbai: auto rickshaws can only take you to Mahim Creek. You can ride an auto rickshaw (about 40 rupees) to Andheri railway station and transfer to the commuter train (7 rupees, 45 minutes) to Churchgate station or CST. Such a trip makes sense only if you arrived during the day and not at rush hour (6.00-11.00) , and besides, even without heavy luggage.

Minibuses near the arrivals gate provide free transportation to the airport for domestic flights and to hotels in Juhu.

A taxi from south Mumbai to the international airport will cost 350-400 rupees if you bargain well; the official luggage fee is 10 rupees per piece. From midnight to 5 am - plus 25% of the cost. We really liked the old black and yellow taxis, but Meru also offers good air-conditioned and metered taxis (44224422; www.merucabs.com). The price is 20 rupees for the first km and 14 rupees for all subsequent (25% more expensive at night). The route is determined by GPS, so you will not be deceived!

Domestic airport:

Auto rickshaws and taxis are available near all domestic terminals. You can pre-order a car right next to the gate for arrivals. A taxi without/with air conditioning to Colaba or Fort costs 350/400 at any time of the day, plus 10 rupees for luggage. In Juhu - 150/200 rupees.

A cheaper alternative is an auto rickshaw from the airport to Vile Parle train station (20-30 rupees), and from here the train to Churchgate (7 rupees, 45 minutes). Don't even try to drive this way during rush hour (6-11 hours).

boat

In PNP (22885220) and Maldar Catamarans (22829695) there are regular boats to Mandwa island (one way 110 rupees). From here you can get to Murud-Janjir and other parts of the Konkan coast without having to get on the bus for a long time. Ticket offices are located at the Apollo Pier (Apollo Bunder; near Gateway to India).

Bus

Single decker and double decker buses in Mumbai are a good choice for traveling short distances. The price in south Mumbai is 3 rupees per stop; pay the conductor at the entrance. This service is provided by BEST. (www.bestundertaking.com), with a garage in Colaba (the site has the ability to search for bus routes around the city). To see south Mumbai cheaply, all you have to do is hop on a double-decker bus (e.g. bus 103). A day pass costs 25 rupees.

The car

Cars are usually rented for the day (maximum eight hours and 80 km). If you exceed the allowed limit, you will have to pay extra. The best price for a car with air conditioning is about 1000 rupees.

The agent at the tent ticket office at the Apollo Pier near the Gateway of India can arrange a Maruti with driver but no air conditioning for a half day tour for Rs 1,000 (you will have time to get to Mahalakshmi and Malabar Hill). Ordinary taxi drivers often agree to this price too.

Vintage cars on the streets of Mumbai

Underground

The Mumbai metro project, which cost US$ 8.17 billion, was never completed. The Colaba-Bandra-Airport line would be very useful for tourists, but it will take a few more years to complete it.

Motorbike

Allibhai Premji Tyrewalla (www.premjis.com; 205/207 Dr D Bhadkamkar Rd; 10.00-19.00 Mon-Sat) has been selling new and used motorcycles for nearly a hundred years, with a guaranteed return policy when you no longer need it. If you want to rent a bike for two or three weeks, you still have to pay full price for it. The company prefers long-term deals of two months or more. Either way, it's cheaper. Used Hero Honda Karizma 150cc cm or 225 cu. cm costs from 725,000 to 780,000, while it will be bought back from you for about 60% in three months (sometimes there are "enfields" with a large engine capacity). Smaller bike (100-180 cc) you can take from 725,000. The company can organize the shipment of a motorcycle abroad by sea (about 724,000 to UK).

Taxis and auto rickshaws

It seems that every second car in Mumbai is a yellow and black Premier taxi (Indian version of "Fiat" from the 1950s). The car is the most convenient way to get around the city, and in the southern part of Mumbai, drivers almost always correctly calculate the cost on the meter. There are auto rickshaws only on the northern outskirts of Mahim Creek.

Not all drivers know the names of city streets (especially new ones), so it's better to use some landmarks to explain where you want to go. Fares increased in 2010 and meter now starts at Rs 16 per day (Rs 20 after midnight) for the first 1.6 km and then 10 rupees per kilometer (Rs 12 after midnight). The minimum cost of an auto rickshaw is 11 rupees.

We won't point fingers, but Mumbaikar's taxis and autorickshaws can cash in on foreigners from time to time. Rickshaws and taxi drivers who use old meters may try to deceive you (fixed on the outside on the left). The cost of a taxi with an old meter will be about 16 times more than indicated. To prevent this from happening, print out a handy fare converter available from Mumbai Traffic Police (www.trafficpolicemumbai.org/Tariffcard_Auto_taxiJorm.htm)- that's the whole conversation (until next time).

A train

Mumbai has a good but overcrowded suburban train network.

There are three main lines, so it's pretty easy to figure it out. The most useful direction is from Churchgate north to Charni Rd stations (for transfer to Girgaum Chowpatty), Mumbai Central (for transfer to Dhobi Ghat), Vile Parle (for domestic flights), Andheri (for international flights) and Borivali (for Sanjay Gandhi National Park). Other suburban lines connect CST and Baikullu (for Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan, former Victoria Gardens), Dadar and Neral (for Matheran). Trains run from 4.00 to 1.00. Ticket price from Churchgate, 2nd/1st class 4/41 at Mumbai Central, 77/78 at Vile Parle or Andheri and 79/104 at Borivali.

Mumbai commuter trains

Neighborhood of Mumbai

Elephanta Island

From Mumbai you can take a pleasant boat trip to the temple caves of the 7th century. on Elephanta Island. A ferry departs from the Apollo embankment. Known as Gharapuri, the Holy City of Kings, the island was named Elephanta by Portuguese sailors. Although their muskets damaged many of the sculptures of the gods in the caves, enough of them survived to make a stop on the island. Carved into the rocky hills in the center of the island, the caves contain some of the finest examples of ancient Indian sculpture, including the famous Trimurti, the three-headed Shiva, whose imposing profile has become almost as recognizable as the Taj Mahal.

Known as "Maheshmurti", the panel occupies the wall of one of the largest caves in the complex. Although there is some controversy regarding the date of this magnificent relief, scholars agree that this is an outstanding work of Indian sculpture: there is no other ancient statue in the entire Indian subcontinent that radiates a vivid feeling of such power and serenity. On both sides of it are impressive bas-reliefs depicting mythological scenes. The main entrance to the cave is guarded by a multi-armed deity of a frightening appearance. (dvarapala) A deer in Sanjay Gandhi Park comes to the boy every day for food

It's hard to believe that just 1.5 hours from the crowded metropolis is a 104 sq. km. (28866449; adult/child 30/15, two wheeler/four wheeler Rs 15/50; 7.30-18.00). Here, instead of the pollution and crowds of Mumbai, you will see vibrant flora, birds, butterflies and elusive leopards surrounded by forested mountains on the northern outskirts of the city. Urbanization and urban shacks try to squeeze into this wilderness, but thanks to the status of a national park, the forest remains green and quiet.

To escape for a day from mind-blowing Mumbai, you can choose the well-trodden trails to Shilonda Falls. (shilonda) and lakes Vihar and Tulsi (Vihar and Tulsi), safari in search of lions and tigers, as well as Kanheri caves (Kanheri)

Best time to visit

October to March.

Special offers for hotels

Road to Mumbai and back

Airplane

Mumbai is the main international gateway to southern India and is also the busiest domestic airport. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Chhatrapa-ti Shivaji International Airport; domestic flights 26264000, international flights 26813000; www.csia.in), is located about 30 km from the city center. Since 2006, it has been modernized for the amount of $2 billion. At the time of writing, the airport had three internal (1A, 1B and 1C) and one international terminal (2A). The airport terminal from where domestic flights depart, known as Santa Cruz Airport, can be accessed via Vile Parle, while the international airport is four kilometers away on Andheri and is called Sahar by the locals. Both terminals have ATMs, currency exchange and tourist information booths. A free shuttle between airports runs every half hour; to get into it, you need to have a plane ticket. By 2014, a shiny new T2 terminal will be ready to serve both domestic and international flights, and Santa Cruz will become a cargo airport.

International airlines:

It is best to book a ticket through a travel agency or the Internet, because even in offices you are constantly redirected to call centers.

The following airlines have offices in Mumbai:

• Air India (27580777, airport 26156633; www.airindia.com; Air India building, corner of Marine Dr and Madame Kama Rd, Nariman Point; 9.15-18.30 Mon-Fri, to 17.15 Sat and Sun)
• cathay pacific (66572222, airport 66859002/3; www.cathaypacific.com; 2 Brady Gladys Plaza, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel; 9:30-18:30 Mon-Sat)
• Emirates Airlines (40974097; www.emirates.com; 3 Mittal Chambers, 228 Nariman Point; 9.00-17.30 Mon-Sat)
• El Al Airlines (66207400, Airport 66859425/6; www.elal.co.il; 7th floor, NKM International House, BM Chinai Marg, Nariman Point; 9.30-17.30 Mon-Fri, until 13.00 Sat)
• Qantas (61111818; www.qantas.com.au; 5th floor, Sunteck Centre, 37-40 Subhash Rd, Vile Parle; 9.00-13.15 and 14.30-17.30 Mon-Fri)
• Swiss (67137240; www.swiss.com; 3rd floor, Vashani Chambers, New Marine Ln, 9; 9.00-17.30 Mon-Sat)
• Thai Airways (61395599; www.thaiair.com; 2A Mittal Towers wing A, Nariman Point 9.30-17.30 Mon-Fri, til 4 Sat)

Domestic airlines:

• GoAir (call center 1800 222111, airport 26264/89; www.goair.in)
• Indian Airlines (22023031, call center 1800 1801407; www.indianairlines.nic.in; Air India building, corner of Marine Dr and Madame Kama Rd, Nariman Point)
• indigo (call center 18001803838; www.goindigo.in)
• Jet Airways (call center 39893333, airport 26266575; www.jetairways.com; Amarchand Mansion, Madame Kama Rd; 9.30-18.00 Mon-Fri, until 13.00 Sat)
• jetlite (call center 1800 225522; www.jetlite.com)
• Kingfisher/Kingfisher Red (call center 1800 2331310, airport 26262605; www.flykingfisher.com; Nirmal building, Marine Dr, Nariman Point; 9.00-19.00 Mon-Sat, 10.00-14.00 Sun)

  Buses of private companies, as a rule, are more comfortable and it is easier to book a ticket for them, but they cost an order of magnitude more than public ones; Departure from Dr Anadrao Nair Rd near Mumbai Central Station. Prices for popular destinations (e.g. Goa) in the high season increase to 75%. For departure times and current prices, please contact National CTC (23015652; Dr Anadrao Nair Rd; 7.00-22.00).

  
  

  It is more convenient to go to Goa and other southern cities by Chandni Travels buses (22713901) that depart three times a day from Azad Maidan (Azad Maidan), south of the Metro cinema. Ticket agents are located near the departure point.

  Long-distance public buses depart from the Central Bus Station in Mumbai (Mumbai Central bus terminal; 23074272/1524) close to Mumbai Central Railway Station. Buses run to the main cities of Maharashtra and neighboring states. They are cheaper and run more frequently than private buses, but the quality of services and the number of people can vary widely.

  A train

  There are three railway lines in Mumbai, with Central Railways and Western Railways offering the best service.

  
  

  A ticket for any direction can be bought at any station, in the southern part of Mumbai or in the suburbs, where there are computerized ticket offices. At Central Railways (134) there are trains heading east, south and some trains heading north from CST. Pre-checkout (139; 8.00-20.00 Mon-Sat, until 14.00 Sun) located near the taxi rank on the CST. Ticket prices for foreigners (tourist-quota tickets; box 52) can be bought up to 90 days before travel, but they must be paid in foreign currency or rupees with a receipt from a bank or ATM. You can buy Indrail travel vouchers at box 52. You can buy tickets at regular prices with Visa or MasterCard at more convenient and faster ticket offices that accept credit cards (10 and 11) for an additional 30 rupees. Ticket refunds for Indians and foreigners are made at box 8.

  Some Central Railways trains depart from Dadar Station (D)- a few stops north of CST or Churchgate / (Lokmanya Tilak; T) 16km north of CST.

  To Western Railways (131,132) trains run north (including to Rajasthan and Delhi) from Mumbai Central station (Mumbai Central (MC); 23061763, 23073535), commonly referred to as Bombay Central (Bombay Central; TSA). Pre-checkout (8.00-20.00 Mon-Sat, until 14.00 Sun), located opposite Churchgate railway station, here you can buy a ticket for a quota for tourists (box 14). Same rules as on DXI (CST). Credit cards are accepted at box number 6.

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Mumbai is the most populated city in India: the concept of the city includes the so-called. Mumbai Municipal Corporation, which includes two districts of the state of Maharashtra: "Mumbai" itself (157 km², 3,145,966 inhabitants in 2011), as well as the "Mumbai (suburban)" district (446 km², 9,332,481 inhabitants). in 2011), total 603 km², 12,478,447 inhabitants. in 2011 . Together with satellite cities, it forms the fifth largest urban agglomeration in the world with a population of 21.3 million people [ non-authoritative source?] .

Located at an altitude of 10 meters above sea level. The population density is 21,665 people per km² (in terms of density, the city ranks first in the world), about 1/2 of the population are Marathas, about 1/4 are Gujaratis. The city itself occupies the island of Bombay (German) Russian (English) Isle of Bombay) and the southern part of Salsett Island, which are interconnected by bridges and dams.

Mumbai is a major hub for international communications. The city has a deep natural harbour, being the largest port in western India. About half of India's passenger traffic passes through the passenger terminal. Mumbai - one of the most important economic and cultural centers of India, is a city of great contrasts, where luxury and wealth coexist with poverty. Modern quarters are adjacent to slums - the northern districts of the city, which are considered breeding grounds for various diseases.

Compared to other cities in India, Mumbai has a relatively high standard of living and high business activity. Employment opportunities draw labor to the city from all over South Asia, apart from India itself.

Origin of the city's name

The name of the city of Mumbai comes from "Mumb", which is the name of the local Hindu goddess. Mumba Devi and ai which means "mother" in the Marathi language. There is an opinion that the name "Bombain", which was given to the city in the 16th century by the Portuguese, supposedly comes from words meaning "good bay", but modern research refutes this. Under British rule, the word was anglicized to Bombay. The name was officially changed to Mumbai in 1995. The former name is still used by the city's residents and prominent institutions, and is also popular in the West.

Geographic location

Mumbai is located at the mouth of the Ulhas River. Ulhas), occupying the islands of Bombay, Salsett and the adjacent coast. Mumbai is located at altitudes of 10 to 15 meters above sea level. The northern part of Mumbai is hilly, the highest point of the city is at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level. The area of ​​the city is 603.4 km².

Within the boundaries of the city there are lakes: Tulsi (eng. Tulsi), Vihar (English) Vihar), Powai (eng. Powai). The first two, located in the Borivali National Park (eng. Borivali), supply part of the city with drinking water. There are three rivers in Mumbai that originate in the national park. There are mangrove swamps within the city limits. The coastline of the city is indented by numerous streams and bays. The soil in the city is mostly sandy due to the proximity of the sea, in the suburbs it is alluvial, clayey. The rocks are classified as black basalts. Mumbai is in a zone of seismic activity.

Climatic conditions

Sea coast within the city

The city is located in the subequatorial zone. There are two seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season lasts from June to November, especially intense monsoon rains come from June to September, causing high humidity in the city. The average temperature is about 30 °C, the temperature fluctuates from 11 °C to 38 °C. The amount of annual precipitation is 2200 mm. Especially a lot of precipitation fell in 1954 - 3451.6 mm. The dry season from December to May is characterized by moderate humidity. Due to the predominance of the cold north wind, January and February are the coldest months, the absolute minimum in the city was +10 degrees.

Climate of Mumbai
Indicator	Jan.	Feb.	March	Apr.	May	June	July	Aug.	Sen.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.	Year
Absolute maximum, °C	40,0	39,1	41,3	41,0	41,0	39,0	34,0	34,0	36,0	38,9	38,3	37,8	41,3
Average maximum, °C	31,1	31,4	32,8	33,2	33,6	32,3	30,3	30,0	30,8	33,4	33,6	32,3	32,1
Average temperature, °C	23,8	24,7	27,1	28,8	30,2	29,3	27,9	27,5	27,6	28,4	27,1	25,0	27,3
Average minimum, °C	18,4	19,4	22,1	24,7	27,1	27,0	26,1	25,6	25,2	24,3	22,0	19,6	23,5
Absolute minimum, °C	8,9	8,5	12,7	19,0	22,5	20,0	21,2	22,0	20,0	17,2	14,4	11,3	8,5
Precipitation rate, mm	1	0,3	0,2	1	11	537	719	483	324	73	14	2	2165
Water temperature, °C	26	25	26	27	29	29	29	28	28	29	28	26	28
Source: Weather and Climate, World Climate Guide

Demography

Street traffic in Mumbai

Mumbai has over 17 million people. The ratio of women to men is 811 to 1000. The greater number of men is explained by the influx of the male population from the countryside to the city to earn money. The literacy rate is 77%, which is above the national average. Among men, literacy is 82%, among women - 71.6%. By religion, Hindus make up 68% of the city's population, Muslims - 17%, Christians - 4% and Buddhists - 4%. In addition, followers of Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Sikhism and Judaism live in the city, there are atheists. Mumbai uses the spoken form of Hindi (a mixture of Hindi, Marathi and English), but the official language of Maharashtra is Marathi. English is popular among the working intelligentsia. Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, Nepali, Marathi, Telugu, Urdu, Gujarati languages ​​can also be heard in the city.

City `s history

City map. 1888

In the second half of the 19th century in Bombay, for the first time in India, a national industry and a large national commercial and industrial bourgeoisie began to emerge and take shape. Along with this, the city becomes the center of the labor movement in India. Repeatedly held mass demonstrations of workers and sailors. The uprising of naval sailors in February 1946 in Bombay led to the independence of India ().

Economic potential

Mumbai is one of the largest economic centers in the country. About 10% of all workers in the country work in this city. The city gives 33% of income tax revenues and 60% of all customs fees. Mumbai accounts for 40% of all India's foreign trade. The city has developed industries: cotton, oil refining, chemical, mechanical engineering. Electricity is provided by hydroelectric power plants located at the foot of the Western Ghats, thermal power plants on the island of Trombay. There is a nuclear power plant. There are many financial institutions in Mumbai: Bombay Stock Exchange, Reserve Bank of India, National Stock Exchange, Mint. Large companies such as Tata Group, Godrej (eng. Godrej) and many others have their headquarters in the city.

The business center is located in the southern part of Mumbai. In addition to Indian financial institutions, various foreign organizations are located in the business center. Until the 1980s, Mumbai's economy was heavily dependent on the textile industry and maritime trade. The port's cargo turnover was 25 million tons. 60% of all imports passed through the cargo port.

After the 80s of the XX century, other, more progressive and highly skilled industries began to develop in Mumbai, such as diamond mining and polishing, high information technology, healthcare.

It is worth noting that employees working for the state make up a significant part of the entire workforce of the city, but at the same time there are many residents engaged in low and medium-skilled labor: taxi drivers, shopkeepers, mechanics, repairmen and others.

Mumbai is the main center of the entertainment industry. Most of India's television and satellite networks are located in this city. Film Industry Center of India, so-called. Bollywood (English) Bollywood), located in Mumbai, where there are other, less well-known film studios.

City government

Mumbai is the capital of the state. It consists of two separate districts - the City and the Suburbs, which also form two districts in the state of Maharashtra.

The city is governed by a municipal council, headed by a mayor who performs purely nominal functions. The real executive power is concentrated in the hands of a commissioner appointed by the state government.

The Municipal City Council is responsible for the development of the city. Mumbai is divided into 23 city districts, headed by an assistant commissioner.

Crime among the population

Crime in Mumbai, by the standards of India, is moderate. In Mumbai, 27,577 cases were reported in 2004 (2001: 30,991 cases), with an 11% decrease in crime over that time. The city's main prison is Arthur Road. On November 27, 2008, riots and a chain of bombings broke out in Mumbai. There are victims.

Social and cultural life of the city, architecture, sights

Mumbai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in India. European and Asian cultural traditions coexist in the city. There are many holidays and festivals of various ethnic groups and religions. The population of the city takes a wide part in them, often regardless of religion.

Mumbai has developed its own roadside fast food chain: Vada Pavs and Bhelpuri.

The city has many adherents of Chinese and South Indian cuisine. The city is a mixture of international and Indian tastes in music, food, art.

In 2004, Mumbai received three awards from UNESCO for the preservation of national traditions. Mumbai is the birthplace of Indian cinema, the first film was released in 1896. The city has a large number of cinemas, including the largest in Asia - "IMAX" cinema, which shows new films from Bollywood and Hollywood.

In addition to cinema, many exhibitions are held in the city, many plays are staged in theaters. The city has art galleries: the Jehangir Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Prince of Wales Museum, and others.

Mumbai is home to the only permanent symphony orchestra in India (The Bombay Chamber Orchestra).

The public library, the oldest in the city, is the library of the Asiatic Society, built in 1833.

Mumbai has six sister cities (this is the maximum allowed by the Indian government):

Bombay was actively built up during the period of British rule, in the second half of the 19th and 20th centuries. Its layout and development retains the features of colonial domination and social inequality. There are many buildings in the spirit of English neoclassical and neo-Gothic, as well as imitations of Indian architecture -XVIII centuries (Gateway to India, Museum of the Prince of Wales). The city has many buildings in European and American styles. In the old business quarter is the Armenian Church of St. Peter (XVIII century)

The center of the city around which Bombay was formed (Mumbai) is a former English fortress, a fort located in the southeastern part of the island of Bombay. The area has a proper layout, wide streets, lots of greenery. On the territory of the fort there are government offices, banks, shops, a university (), offices of commercial and industrial companies.

To the north of the fort are randomly built-up residential areas (the lower floors of the houses are occupied by shops and workshops) of the former "Black City". Warehouses, docks, moorings stretch along the eastern coast of the island; branches of both railways connecting Bombay with the mainland also fit here. Along the western coast of the island - rich quarters (villas, the residence of the governor); in the Malabar Hill area - Hanging Garden Park. On the island off the western coast is one of the symbols of Mumbai - Haji Ali Mosque.

Marine Drive is a semi-circular highway that skirts Back Bay in the south of the island. 8 km from Bombay - the island of Elephanta (Gharapuri) with cave temples (dating back to the VIII century); in the largest of them - a giant bust of the three-faced Shiva (about 6 m high; VIII century) and reliefs.

The city is expanding towards Salsett Island, and the official city area (since 1950) stretches from south to north, from the fort to the city of Thana. In the northern part of Bombay there is the Trombay nuclear research center, a technological institute (-, built with the help of the USSR), an oil refinery, chemical, machine-building plants, thermal power plants.

The city announced the construction of the second tallest building in the world, India Tower. This building should be completed by 2016.

Department of Housing and Utilities

The municipality supplies the city with drinking water from the lakes of the national park, collects garbage (78,000 metric tons per year).

The city has a developed telephone network and mobile operators with a large area coverage.

media

Mumbai publishes newspapers in English (Times of India, Midday, Aftonun, Asia Age, Economic Times, Indian Express), Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Hindi. The city has television channels (more than 100 in different languages), radio stations (8 stations broadcast in the FM band and 3 in AM).

Education

Mumbai has public and private schools. Private schools base their policies on higher quality education and good English language skills. Public schools educate the children of the poor who cannot pay for private schools. After ten years of study (secondary education), students study for 2 years in colleges in four areas: art, trade, the science and legislation. This is followed by a professional training course. Most professional colleges in Mumbai are affiliated with the University of Mumbai (one of the largest universities in the world). Mumbai also has a developed system of higher university education and university science. Universities in Mumbai are considered among the best in India and throughout Asia.
Among them:

• - the leading technological and engineering university of the country and one of the main research centers in the world.

Updated 06/18/2019

Mumbai is an amazing Indian city. Previously, before 1995, the city was called Bombay, and although it changed its name and was renamed, the local population continues to call it that way. Despite the fact that Mumbai is not the capital of India, it is the most populated city in the country.

Mumbai is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is the capital of the state of Maharashta and is the largest Indian port, commercial and industrial centers of the country.

The population of the city of Mumbai in 2011 was over 3 million inhabitants.

If we talk about the origin of the names of the city, it is believed that the old name comes from the word that the Portuguese called this area (which means “good bay” in translation). And the name "Mumbai", according to legend, comes from the name of the Hindu goddess Mumbadeva.

Attractions. What to see in Mumbai?

The city is an interesting combination of two cultures: European and Asian. When visiting Bombay, you should pay attention to the island of the Elephant, the Prince of Wales Museum and the building of the Supreme Court, the University and Victoria Station (rather it is even an architectural monument, and not just a station).

In general, a lot of conditions for tourists have been created here: a large number hotels, restaurants and all kinds of shops and local ruins. The city is very popular among tourists due to its beautiful places and recreational opportunities.

Pay attention to Chor Bazaar - an interesting flea market where you can find many original cheap gizmos. And there is an area that is unusual for us, called Dhobi Ghat. There is a lot of washing going on there - you can see a huge number of baths in which women wash every day (however, tourists are not liked here, it is better to watch from afar).

In Mumbai you can find exhibitions, cinemas, art galleries. It is noteworthy that there is a symphony orchestra (the only one in India!). By the way, the construction of the building, which should become the second tallest in the world - the Towers of India, is currently underway there, and the authorities plan to complete the construction by 2016.

Mumbai, which the locals stubbornly continue to call Bombay, is the "Indian Manhattan", firmly merged with Indian Hollywood (Bollywood), where more films are produced annually than in any other city in the world. Initially, Mumbai was a conglomeration of 7 islands, which eventually united and turned into the largest city in India, which consists of the following areas:

• South Mumbai - Fort, Colaba, Malabar Hill, Nariman Point and Tardeo - the oldest area of ​​the city and the commercial center of the whole country. The richest people in India live here, and real estate costs more than in Manhattan. In addition, this is the most popular area for tourists, where most of the museums, galleries, bars and restaurants of the city are located.
• South Central Mumbai - formerly the industrial center of the city, now - a place of concentration of office buildings. Tourists here may be interested only in the zoo. A little to the north are the residential areas of the "middle class" of India.
• North Central Mumbai is the place where the Mumbai "middle peasants" and most of the immigrants live. Tourists have nothing to do here.
• Western Suburbs (western outskirts) - this place was also chosen by the local rich, who, however, prefer a more measured pace of life. There are several beaches, the city's most famous Christian church and two airports nearby.
• Central Suburbs - the area where the "middle class" Bombays live, is absolutely uninteresting to tourists.
• Harbor Suburbs - a former satellite of Bombay, now this area is an integral part of the city. It houses the Mumbai Atomic Research Centre.
• Northwest Mumbai - here are the cleanest beaches in the city, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and ancient temples that date back to the 1st-5th century. n. AD: Kanheri, Mahakali, Jogeshwari and Mandapeshwar.

How to get there

Maps of Mumbai

By bus

MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) flies from Bombay (Mumbai Central Terminus bus station) throughout the state of Maharashtra. In addition to MSRTC, you can find many private companies (National, Sharma, VRL, Konduskar, Dolphin, Paulo or Southern Travels) that send buses to Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Goa and other cities in the country. Buses typically depart from Crawford Market, Dadar T.T, Sion, Chembur and Borivili.

Weather in Mumbai

Average monthly temperature, °C day and night

January

February

March

April

• June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  november

  December

There are three seasons in Mumbai: summer, monsoon and winter. The best time to visit is in winter, from November to February. Summer lasts from March to May, at this time the thermometer does not fall below +30 ° C. From June to September, the monsoon reigns in the city, which arranges daily water procedures for the city.

Day in Mumbai

Popular hotels in Mumbai

Mumbai beaches

There are several beaches in Bombay, one of them is even within the city, but this is not the best place for a beach holiday in India. The water and some beaches are dirty here, during the monsoon the current becomes very strong, and a two-piece swimsuit can be looked askance. And yet, good beaches can be found in the Northwest Mumbai area (Aksa Beach and the beaches on Manori Island), pretty Girgaon Chowpaty beach in South Mumbai, and Juhu beach on the western outskirts of the city (Western Suburbs).

Manori - a tiny island with beautiful beaches, which, however, is quite unsafe for swimming, is located on the territory of the Northwest Mumbai region. The beach located on the northern part of the island is cleaner. This is a great place for a picnic or a whole weekend, there are several hotels and good restaurants with fish dishes. You can get here by taxi or by bus to Marve, from where the ferry departs.

Guides in Mumbai

Entertainment and attractions in Mumbai

In Mumbai, it is worth visiting Elephanta Island (Elephant Island), famous for its caves with images of Shiva, and look into the Kala Goda area, where most of the city's galleries and museums are collected. Nearby is the Prince of Wales Museum with a very interesting collection of Gandhara art, Mughal miniatures, porcelain and weapons. Part of the mandatory program is the local fort with three of its famous buildings: the Supreme Court, the University and the grandiose Victoria Station, much more like a palace than a station. On Malabar Hill are the picturesque Hanging Gardens, the Temple of the God of Sand Walkeshwara, the Zoroastrian "Towers of Silence", the cult springs of Banganga Tank and the caves of Jogeshwari.

Among other things, Bombay has enough entertainment for the originals: you can rummage through the deposits of seductive rubbish for half a day at the Chor Bazaar flea market or go for shocking photo frames in Dhobi Ghat. It's a block made up entirely of small concrete bathtubs where thousands of washerwomen do their laundry at the same time. It must be said that they wash in an unusual way for a European: they lather and beat for hours on the sharp edge of a special stone, so that the clothes are washed to incredible cleanliness, but an ordinary shirt can withstand only a few such “washes”. Washerwomen leave a strong impression, but it is best to photograph them from the railway bridge: tourists are not favored here. Another interesting place is the largest Crawford Market in the city. In addition to its exceptionally wide assortment, it is also notable for the fact that at one time little Rudyard Kipling liked to walk within its walls, accompanied by a nanny.

The name of the city comes from the name of the Hindu goddess Mumba Devi.

In Marathi, this word means "mother".

Previously, Mumbai was called Bombay and only in 1995 did it acquire its modern name.

Hindi is spoken in the city, but the official language is Marathi. English is also popular.

Mumbai is interesting for many: here are ancient monuments, and unique nature, and developed infrastructure, and a lot of opportunities for entertainment.

Climate and weather

Mumbai has a sub-equatorial climate, which implies a clear division into two seasons: dry and wet. It rains here from June to November, at which time the air warms up to +30 ° C and above. The dry season runs from December to May, with the coldest months in Mumbai being January and February.

Nature

Mumbai is located in western India along the coast. Arabian Sea, at the mouth river Ulkhas. It includes the islands Bombay and Solsett, which rise 10-15 meters above sea level. The northern part of Mumbai is hilly, the highest point is 450 meters above sea level.

There are three rivers flowing in the city, in some places there are mangrove swamps. In addition, Mumbai has lakes Tulsi, Vihar, Povai. Chowpatty beach this city is one of the cleanest in the world.

Attractions

An important attraction of Mumbai are Gateway of India- a triumphal arch of an unusual shape, which stands on the water in the city harbor. It was built in honor of the visit to the country in 1924 of the English King George V and Queen Mary. Also visit Prince of Wales Museum, which houses a large collection of artifacts of Indian art. An impressive ensemble of a Buddhist cave monastery is located 42 kilometers from Mumbai. Cutherty, created in the period from the II to the IX century AD. Many tourists are especially attracted by the island of Elfant. It has stunning cave temples with huge sculptures inside.

A striking example of Victorian Gothic is Mumbai Central Station - Victoria terminus.

AT national park you can see the rock city, which is about 100 caves dating back to the 3rd century AD. Once these caves served as a dwelling place for Buddhist monks. Today, the park is home to numerous tigers, so you should not go deep into the caves without a guide.

Connoisseurs of natural wealth should also visit bird sanctuary, which is home to more than 146 species of birds. It is located between Mumbai and Goa.

Other attractions worth noting include:

• hanging gardens adjacent to the Tower of Silence,
• the famous cinema complex where you can meet the stars,
• statues of Hindu gods on the walls of Elephanta cave,
• Cathedral of St. Thomas,
• Fountain Flora.

Nutrition

Indian cuisine is one of the oldest in the world. Her hallmarks are spices and tea. The most famous seasoning here - curry. She makes every dish special. You can appreciate all the features of Indian cuisine in the best places in Mumbai. So, in the building of the Jahangir Gallery, be sure to visit the restaurant "Samovar". This place is very popular among Mumbai's creative elite. Persian, Indian, Chinese and European dishes can be tasted at the restaurant "Leopold"- the place is popular among young tourists.

Of the not too expensive establishments, it is worth mentioning the restaurant "Goa Portuguessa", which has a wide range of seafood dishes. At the restaurant "Oberoi" French cuisine awaits you.

Accommodation

In Mumbai, you can stop to rest in the mountainous places of Matherane and Mahabaleshwar or in the upscale famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. If you want to save money, then pay attention to cozy inexpensive hotels. Hotel Kohinoor Elite,Residence Hotel and Residence Hotel Andheri.

In general, there should be no problems with housing in Mumbai - the main thing is to find it immediately upon arrival, preferably in the morning, as hotels are overcrowded by evening.

Entertainment and recreation

Mumbai is the center of the entertainment industry in India. The famous film studio is located here Bollywood.

Mumbai is also famous for its nightlife. The most popular clubs in the city are considered to be fire and ice and Not Just Jazzby The Bay. From Wednesday to Saturday, Indian musicians perform here. Almost all luxury hotels have their own nightclubs and bars. The most famous are Insomnia in "Taje" and Opium Den in "Oberoe". Best for young people and tourists Athena.

Sports are well developed in Mumbai. The most popular outdoor activity is cricket. For him, there are two international stadiums here - "Wankhid" and "Braburn". Football is the second most popular sport. Also in Mumbai, equestrian sports, tennis, field hockey, rugby, and golf are well developed.

Movie lovers should definitely visit local cinemas. Gala premieres of new Bollywood films often take place here. For lovers of cultural entertainment, there are always many exhibitions, festivals, and theatrical performances. Fans of excursions can always see Mumbai from the windows of a double-decker bus. Tours are not available between June and September due to the monsoon season.

Well, those who love water procedures will definitely like it in the water park. water kingdom, which is open all year round from 10:30 until the evening. After 14:00 there are usually a lot of people.

Purchases

In Mumbai, you can visit many excellent shopping centers with exclusive clothes. Leather bags, shoes, exquisite accessories and handmade jewelry will cheer you up at any moment. at fashion markets Bandra and Colaba you can buy everything from a wooden figurine to Indian diamonds. At the farmer's market Javeri a wonderful selection of jewelry will open, each of which is one of a kind. On the Bhubaleshwar you can go for the famous Gujarati fabrics. Chor Bazaar trades in antiques.

Inorbit is the largest mall in Mumbai. Here you will find ethnic items, and fashion brands of Indian manufacturers, and clothing from world brands such as Wrangler and Tommy Hilfiger.

There is a coffee shop and fast food restaurants on the ground floor. Pizza Hut and Ruby Tuesday. You can enjoy your day by shopping in Phoenix mills, where, in addition to a variety of shops, you will find an amusement park for children, 5 cinema halls, coffee houses and restaurants.

Transport

Buses run constantly around Mumbai. To move around the city, you can also turn to auto rickshaws or order a taxi. A subway is currently under construction in Mumbai.

Connection

Mumbai has a city telephone network, and the city is also provided with a fairly high-quality mobile connection. When you come here, you can not worry about how to contact your loved ones. Internet access is available in hotel rooms and Internet cafes.

Security

By the standards of India, crime in Mumbai is at an average level and this figure is gradually decreasing.

You have to be very careful in the city. Take care of your documents and money. Before leaving for Mumbai, make copies of documents in advance. Do not forget about the rules of behavior in society. Treat cultural monuments with respect.

Business climate

Mumbai is a city of contrasts where luxury exists alongside poverty. However, it is also one of the largest economic centers of India. About 10% of all workers in the country work here. Mumbai has a well-developed cotton, chemical, oil-refining and machine-building industries, there is a nuclear power plant. Also in the city, the branches of information technology and healthcare are actively developing.

Mumbai is home to many financial institutions and large companies. The business center is located in the southern part of the city. In addition to the Indian financial institutions themselves, there are many different foreign organizations located there.

The property

Real estate in Mumbai is very expensive. A special jump in prices occurred at the beginning of 2011. Today, 1 square meter of real estate costs an average of $9,000 to $12,000.

It is worth making a reservation in advance about a hotel room, as the demand for housing in the city is very high. After 21:00 all places in budget hotels are usually occupied.

Avoid traveling on rush hour trains with important documents.