Visiting Mumbai

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra. Also known as the financial capital of India, the city is a reflection and amalgamation of history, culture and beliefs.

Mumbai got its name from the Hindu Goddess Mumbadevi. Previously known as Bombay, before reverting back to its original name, Mumbai is a significant hub causing nearly 70% of India’s investment trading and strategies.

Mumbai’s rich culture can be seen in its several art exhibits and museums across the city. Whether it is food, art, shopping, or cultural events, Mumbai offers innumerable options for visitors to explore and enjoy.

DESIblitz has listed some of the best places and hangouts this rich, multicoloured city has to offer:

Eating Out

Mumbai offers all kinds of food starting from street food to coastal to top-end dishes, the list just goes on.

Golden Star Thali serves traditional Rajasthani and Gujarati thalis. The restaurant is situated at Opera House, opposite Charni Road Station (E), and Neptune Magnet Mall, Bhandup (W).

The daily menu comprises of farsans (dry snacks), vegetables, rotis, chutneys, papads, sweets and butter milk. The average meal for two on weekdays is £3 and on weekends is £4.

Punjab Sweet House and Restaurant situated at Pali Naka, Bandra, offers amazing fast-food, Indian and Punjabi food. One can get the best jalebis here. The restaurant offers pure vegetarian lunch and dinner menus and the average meal cost for two people is around £4.90.

Lucky Hotels situated at Bandra and Goregaon (East) serves the best authentic biryani in town. The rich quality and taste of this specialty dish has been maintained by this restaurant. Other favourites include haleem, kebabs, sweets, Indian and Mughlai cuisines. The average meal costs for two is around £8.

The Sights

The history of the Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace is considerably connected. The Gateway of India lies at the water’s edge in the harbour of Bombay.

Taj Mahal Palace (Hotels and Resorts) has performed as a host to Maharajas, dignitaries and prestigious individualities from across the planet.

Haji Ali is both a mosque and grave. It was designed in 1431 and is situated in central Mumbai, off the coast of Worli. The mosque is located in the middle of the sea and is accessible during low tide. On Thursdays and Fridays, a huge number of pilgrims visit this place to seek blessings of the dead saint.

Town Hall Asiatic Library is perhaps the most stylish cultural structure present in Mumbai. The structure has old parquet surfaces, stairways, wrought metal loggias, and beautiful stone sculptures. The library has a selection of 800,000 vintage volumes. There is also an amazing selection of over 1,000 historical silver coins and an unusual silver mohur from the Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Shopping

Linking Road at Bandra is famous for trendy clothes, chunky jewellery, colorful footwear and funky earrings.

Linking Road is famous for anything and everything related to fashion. Tourists come here to purchase handbags, clothes and shoes.

Colaba Causeway at Colaba gives the best shopping experience. Whether its books, clothes, shoes, bags, clutches, handicrafts, this place offers everything.

Starting from street side vendors to huge showrooms, this place houses the best designs with the biggest bargains.

Chor Bazaar is situated between S V Patel and Moulana Shaukat Ali Roads in south Mumbai. The bazaar is opened everyday except Friday. Only Juma market is held on Fridays. This place provides shopping for items like antiques, bronze items, brass work, vintage and secondhand items.

Where to Stay

YWCA Guest House situated on Cama road, Fort, offers clean rooms with simple furnishings. The place has very friendly and cooperative staff. Booking is needed one or two months prior in advance.

For a single room the cost of stay is about £25 and £37 is charged for a double room stay. The rates include morning breakfast, dinner and taxes.

ISKCON Hare Krishna Guest House is situated on the Hare Krishna Lane in Juhu. It is part of the ISKCON temple located in Juhu. For a double room without air conditioning the price is around £34 including taxes. For a double room with air conditioning the price is around £43 including taxes.

Hotel Travelers Inn, another famous and cheap hotel is great value for money. It is located in Colaba near to the Fort. £7 is charged for a non-air-conditioned dormitory, £14 for a non-air-conditioned double room, and £18 for a double with air conditioning. All rooms have attached bathrooms and tax charges are additional.

Going Out

Marine Drive is one of the best known roads in Mumbai. The length of the road is 3 km with Girgaum Chowpatty on the northern side and curves around the coast.

People flock here to feel the evening breeze. The string of sparkling lights on the road is also referred to as the ‘Queens’s necklace’.

Girgaum Chowpatty is a beach which is famous for its sunset and beach side stalls. People visit this beach to enjoy the sunset as well as eating their favourite snacks.

Snack items offered by the beach side stalls include bhel, pani puri, and chaat. During Ganesh Chaturthi, all the famous idols in Mumbai are immersed in the water there.

Worli Seaface is another great hangout place in Mumbai. People visit this place for walks and to spend time in the evenings. Bandra Worli sea link can be viewed from Worli seaface. It is perhaps one of the best places to enjoy Mumbai Monsoons.

Mumbai draws thousands and thousands of new visitors each month. People visit this place to find, see and experience its several attractions, contemporary facilities and the true taste of “Amchi Mumbai”.

On any normal day, one is sure to observe a wide range of colours and activities which are exclusive to the town. It would actually  take you a lifetime to explore everything in this huge city. If you come to India, visiting Mumbai is a definite must!