Mumbai – Financial Capital of India
Mumbai is the bubblegum glamour of Bollywood cinema, shopping malls full of designer labels, cricket on the Oval Maidan, promenading families eating bhelpuri on the beach at Chowpatty, red double-decker buses queuing in grinding traffic jams and the infamous cages of the red-light district.
This pungent drama is played out against a Victorian townscape more reminiscent of a prosperous 19th-century English industrial city than anything you’d expect to find on the edge of the Arabian Sea. It’s a city with vibrant street life, India’s best nightlife, and a wealth of bazaars.
When to go
The best time to explore Mumbai is between the months of September and April when the weather is relatively dry and cool. From June to September the skies open, sometimes with catastrophic results – the floods of 2005 killed nearly a thousand and left thousands more homeless. During the monsoon season, ferries to Elephanta Island and beyond stop, and trips to Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the forts and cave temples around Mumbai are often impossible. You might also want to avoid the months just before the monsoon breaks when temperatures can top 40ºC (140ºF).
Without a doubt, the biggest spectacle in the Mumbai calendar is Ganesh Chaturthi, an 11-day Hindu festival that rocks the city every August/September. This colorful event reaches a climax when huge images of the elephant-headed god are immersed in the sea, most notably off Chowpatty Beach. The largest effigies are hauled into the river by crane and all are painted in surreal, fluorescent colors.
Also, Read Culture and Tradition of Maharashtra
Mumbai Tourism Spots, India
Gateway of India Mumbai, India – Your trip to Mumbai is incomplete without giving a visit to the statue of liberty of India – The Gateway of India. Gateway of India is a historical gateway built in the British style.
Prince of Wales Museum – Prince of Wales Museum is designed in the Indo-Saracenic style. It is one of the finest buildings constructed during British rule. Prince of Wales museum was designed in the Honour of the Prince of Wales on his first visit to India.
Mahalaxmi Temple – One of the famous temples of Mumbai, Mahalaxmi temple is devoted to The Goddess of wealth Mahalaxmi. Idols of Hindu Goddesses Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali are also situated in the temple.
The Tomb of Haji Ali – The Mosque at the tomb of Haji Ali is a magnificent piece of architecture standing on an island. Hundreds of devotees arrive every day to pay homage to the Saint Haji Ali.
Chowpatty – The famous beach of India holds a special attraction for both the tourists and local people. The attraction of Chowpatty enhances many folds during Maharashtra’s most famous festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Chowpatty has done wonders in Mumbai Tourism.
Five Best Weekend getaways from Mumbai, India
Aurangabad – Aurangabad is a place known for medieval monuments and cultural heritage. The biggest significance of Aurangabad is its close proximity to the world heritage sites of Ajanta & Ellora. Aurangabad has many tourist attractions.
Khandala – A heaven for trekkers, Khandala is the best hill station of Maharashtra. Covered with lush green landscapes Khandala is a beautiful place to visit for a splashing weekend.
Lonavala – Lonavala is a place full of lush green sceneries; there are many places in Lonavala worth visiting. Tugauli, Lonavala and Bhushi lakes are beautiful lakes in Lonavala.
Pune – Pune is the second largest city of Maharashtra. Pune offers many tourist attractions. It is famous for the Ashram of Osho Rajneesh. There are many gardens in Pune along with the banks of river Mula-Mutha.
Matheran – Matheran is a small hill station near Mumbai. It is the only place in India where no motor vehicles are permitted in order to maintain its freshness and beauty.
