Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra state, and second most populous city after Delhi. The revenue capital of India, it’s a city of shutterbugs and glamour. Highest numbers of millionaire and billionaire belong to Mumbai in India. It is a city of dreams for almost every citizen of nation. To take a glimpse of their favourite movie star people travel across nation to Mumbai. It is much more than just the entertainment capital of nation...
Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra state, and second most populous city after Delhi. The revenue capital of India, it’s a city of shutterbugs and glamour. Highest numbers of millionaire and billionaire belong to Mumbai in India. It is a city of dreams for almost every citizen of nation. To take a glimpse of their favourite movie star people travel across nation to Mumbai. It is much more than just the entertainment capital of nation. Homing three UNESCO world heritage site elephanta caves, chhatrapati shivaji terminus and distinctive ensemble of Victorian and Art Deco buildings. Containing some prestigious colleges, industries, renowned hotels and high-end cafes, world conferences, IPL auction, Bollywood and TV shoots, corporate offices and etc, it is a fast moving city. From dawn to dusk Mumbai is busy and crowded with daily routine. Famous dabbawalas and local trains it is heart of marathis. Once known as Bombay and amalgamation of seven islands, it is a city who never sleeps. Let’s get an introspection about Mumbai.
HISTORY
Earliest inhabitants of Mumbai Kolis worshipped mother goddess mumba devi and city derived it’s name Mumbai. Kolis settled on the shore in Mumbai. Dawn for city was when Vasco da Gama came to India and Portugese acquired seven islands. Later Portuguese gifted it to Charles II prince of England as a wedding give in 1665. Prince Charles capitalised seven islands by bringing east India company and converted into one main city then Bombay. It has since then have several destruction in many historic events such as, world war II, Hindu Muslim riots, 26/22 and several other incidents. But city has stood bravely always.
FOOD
Mumbai has some diversified culinary skills and it will keep you hunger driven whole day to eat spicy and tangy food. Some famous food of city are:
• VADA PAV: A local street food found in every nuke and corner of city.
• MISAL PAV: Mix of spiciness and eaten with pav and yoghurt this dish is delectable.
• PAV BHAJI: If you are hungry at any given time in Mumbai pav bhaji is anytime available.
• BOMBAY SANDWICH: A sandwich adapted nationwide is a must try.
• RAGDA PATIES: A tanginess of spicy and soft rugged chickpea.
• ZHUNKA BHAKAR: It a very famous street food in Mumbaai.
GANESHOTSAV
Mumbai is soaked in colours and festivity during 10 days celebration on Ganesh chaturthi. Several mammoth pandals and Ganesh temples are decorated and lighted for devotees. People immerse idol after 10 days in sea. Mumbai is amalgamated in culture, music and dance in Ganeshotsav. Povada a common dance form is performed with full zeal.
PLACES TO VISIT
• SIDHIVINAYAK: A temple devoted to lord Ganesha and devotees travel across India to seek blessings. This temple has been frequently visited by Bollywood celebrities and sports fraternity as well. Lord Ganesha idol is carved out of black stone and trunk bent forward one of its kind.
• GATE WAY OF INDIA: Famous tourist attraction of city, it is a spellbound destination. Built by George Willet in 1924 to honor George V and Queen Mary during their visit to India. It is exquisite in early morning and evening standing near water.
• SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK: A fun filled family picnic destination with several sports activities Sanjay Gandhi National Park is one of the most visited in Asia. Sprawling over across 104 sq. km. this park has toy train, artificial lake for boating and caged cats for sightseeing. Do visit it with your family and kids to have a gala time.
• RED CARPET WAX MUSEUM: It is India’s one of the best wax museums. Containing wax statue of Barack Obama, iron man, Avenger, Michael Jackson and several other big celebrities. It is a fun and learning experience as details are also scripted.
• HAJI ALI DARGAH: A sacred muslim shrine situated between Arabian see, is a delight to eyes. A mosque that houses tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. This grand edifice is made of white marbles and exemplifies the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. A walk through the causeway that connects the Dargah to the Lala Rajput Rai Marg is the main attraction of this place.
• ELEPHANTA CAVES: Elephanta caves, a world heritage UNESCO site is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Budhhist architecture. Take a ferry from gate way of India to reach out to Elephanta caves. It contains five caves carved out of stone and are visited by architectural buffs. Trek and toy train are two options available to take a tour of these gigantic caves.
• CST MUMBAI: Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai was built in 1888, during British colonial period. A UNESCO site, this edifice exemplifies Gothic-Victorian style of architecture. And guess what, the magnificent CST is the most photographed building in India after Taj Mahal!
• GIRGAON CHOWPATTY: One among best places to visit in Mumbai, this place will not cost you a penny. A beach famous of Ganesha immersion and 10 days Ram Leela performances. It has several food stalls and horse rides to take near beach.
• SHRI MAHALAXMI TEMPLE: Built in 1813, this temple is visited by many devotees on daily basis. On the occasion of Navratri and Diwali enormous rush is witnessed in temple. Do visit this architectural design of mediaeval times.
• POWAI LAKE: An artificial lake 12m deep is located near IIT Bombay. Different kinds of birds migrate to lake and abundant bushes makes it peaceful for nature lovers.
• KIDZANIA AMUSEMENT PARK: Kidzania is an indoor amusement park which is a must visit for kids. A role play done in a city like environment by kids is a one of its kind experience in India. They are even paid in tokens for their work to boost their confidence.
• TARAPOREWALA AQUARIUM MUMBAI: Touted as India’s oldest aquarium, this place houses a variety of marine and freshwater fishes including coral fishes from the Lakshadweep Islands. It also has an Oceanarium that gives you the feel of walking under the sea with exotic fishes floating above you. Well, there is more. Your kids can touch some of the aquatic fishes and animals without harming them at the Touch Pool.
• VIRMATA JIJABAI BHOSALE ZOO: A perfect place for education and fun filled day. This zoo exhibits almost every animal including lion, tiger, leopard, chimpanzee and many birds varieties.
• ESSEL WORLD: A thrill and fun filled experience, essel world has huge and exciting rides. Roller coasters, kid-friendly rides, challenges, and a cheerful playground make EsselWorld the complete package. It is a happening destination for wedding photography and events too.
• JUHU BEACH: Juhu Beach is one such spectacular place in Mumbai, often visited by couples who need a little romantic escape from the city life. You can also plan a romantic date night at one of the amazing beachside restaurants available at Juhu.
• MARINE DRIVE: See crimson sun setting and rising, Mumbai jogging along side Arabian sea. Marine drive needs no introduction for tourists, it is a place to sit and observe the tranquil Arabian sea.
• CHOTA KASHMIR MUMBAI: If you are lurking for a peaceful and serene destination then visit Chota kashmir. A little piece of paradise, lush greenery, an artificial placid lake and tranquility in nature. It is gateway to get away from hustle and bustle of city.
• HANGING GARDEN: A popularly known garden for it’s flower beds, spectacular water fountains, and lush green animal shaped hedges. A giant foot structure is known for capturing photos on this particular site.
HOW TO TRAVEL
• AIRPORT: Reaching Mumbai is never tangled. One among two most largest airports of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji international airport is well connected.
• RAILWAY: Operating across nation, Mumbai has plenty of stations and sub-stations.
• ROAD- Connected to Gujarat, Goa, South India and a direct highway to Delhi is under construction. You can travel via road Mumbai at any given point of time.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
OCTOBER TO FEBRUARY
• SUMMER: Temperature hovers from 30°c to 40°c (Humid and scorching heat)
• RAIN- Temperature hovers from 27°c to 34°c (Abundant Rain)
• WINTERS- Temperature hovers from 15°c to 25°c ( Pleasant weather)