Mumbai (Bombay), India
Mumbai (the new name for Bombay) is perhaps India's most fun, exciting and charismatic city. With many good sights, an almost European feel and a mix of cultures and religions. Mumbai is definitely worth a stop if you are heading north or south through India. Mumbai is India's financial powerhouse with major industry but also Asia's largest slums.
The British and Portuguese both played major parts in Mumbai's history. The city's old name of Bombay comes from the Portuguese 'Bom Bahia'. Since 1996 the city has been know as Mumbai.
Almost everything of interest is in southern Mumbai. The leafy, water lined district of Colaba is the rightful travelers centre.
Essential Mumbai
- Elephanta Island - incredible Hindu temples and statues carved in rock on a remote island
- Architecture - marvel at the colonial architecture of CST train station, Bombay University and the High Court.
- Chowpatty Beach - watch the sunset whilst eating tasty Indian snacks
- Gateway of India - The glorious and now redundant British archway
- Mani Bhavan - Gandi's house whilst in Mumbai, now a wonderful museum
- Cricket - watch endless games on the many maidens
- Bazaars - Mumbai's old quarters are an incredible series of market streets
Sights in Mumbai
Elephanta Island
Elephant Island is a 1 hour ferry ride from Mumbai. The island is home to magnificent rock-cut temples depicting many Hindu gods. Little is known about their origins, but they are thought to have been created between AD450 and 750.
Gateway of India
A grand archway of 16th century Islamic styles faces out to Mumbai Harbor. Opened in 1924 to celebrate the arrival of King George VI. 24 years later it was redundant as the last British regiment departed India through the archway. A popular meeting spot for locals, and the place to catch a ferry to Elephanta Island.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
An incredible Gothic building that is actually a railway station, formerly knows as Victoria Terminus. Built by the British in 1887. It is beautifully decorated and worth stopping by before you have to catch a train.
University of Bombay and the High Court
Two incredible neighboring buildings overlooking the many cricket maidens.
Chowpatty Beach & Marine Drive
Take a long walk up Marine Drive to Chowpatty beach. The popular spot where locals watch the sunset every night. There are lots of people selling chai and snacks. Don't be tempted by the water, it is filthy.
Mani Bhavan
Gandi's house whilst in Mumbai is now preserved as a beautiful museum in his honor. With various pictures and models, and the letters Gandi wrote to Hitler and President Roosevelt. His upstairs room has been restored with the few possessions he every owner. It's a beautiful building that now stands out from the rest of the street. A few minutes walk from Chowpatty Beach.
Accommodation in Mumbai
Mumbai is India's most expensive city in terms of accommodation. Colaba is the travelers centre. It's a leafy suburb with parking.
Colaba
Bentleys Hotel
17 Oliver Road
t:
22841474
www.bentleyshotel.com
The most
colorful of Colaba's budget hotels. There are two main buildings on Oliver
Road and a less appealing but adequate building on Henry Road. Rooms have
cable TV. The more expensive rooms are of midrange standard - huge,
spotless rooms and good value, with colonial furniture and balconies.
Rooms 31 and 21 overlooking a garden are among the
best. AC costs INR200 more. Rooms have ceiling fans and towels
are provided. Reservations are recommended and credit cards are accepted. Included basic breakfast.
INR900+
Eating and drinking in Mumbai
There are lots of restaurants provided great food in Mumbai. In Colaba there are lots of cheap simple restaurants providing Indian fare, as well as more upmarket places. There are also several European style bars which are always packed.
Getting to and from Mumbai
Mumbai is a major transport hub. There are trains to just about everywhere. In particular there is an overnight train to Goa, but book a couple of days in advance around Christmas.
Cheap flights are now possible to most parts of India.
Getting around Mumbai
Southern Mumbai can be seen on foot, although Colaba to Chowpatty beach is a fair walk. Taxis are everywhere. Insist that they use the meter or agree a price before getting in. The airport is a fair way across the city, so expect to pay INR450.