Mumbai or still Bombay? Not an easy choice. Mumbai: The World's Most Populous City Have Fun at Esselworld Water and Amusement Park

The westernmost, cosmopolitan and largest city in India, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is often called the "Gateway of India". Mumbai's streets are filled with people from different cultures and wealth levels. This is a city of contrasts, where unheard-of abundance coexists with appalling poverty. Migrants, captivated by the images of Bollywood, come to Mumbai from all over India, as well as from South Asian countries. Despite the incredible population density of 21,665 people per km², people continue to flock to this “city of gold” as Mumbai is a place where both dreams and nightmares can come true.

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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 Marathi came from the name of the goddess Mumba, who was revered during the time of the first inhabitants - the Kolis. They lived on all seven islands that were part of the city since the 2nd century. BC. It’s amazing but true: remnants of this culture are still preserved along the city’s coastline.

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

The city was then renamed Bombay and became a prosperous trading port. It developed so rapidly that within 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 area until the British defeated the Marathas. (the population of Central India, who controlled most of the country's territories in different time) , 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 transform the city into an example of the colonial style. When Bombay became Britain's main supplier of cotton during Civil War in America, 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 campaign for the liberation of India was launched in 1942 by frequent visitor Mahatma Gandhi. The city became the capital of the President after independence, but in 1960 Maharashtra and Gujarat were divided along linguistic lines - and Bombay became the capital of the state of Maharashtra.

Rise of the regional pro-Maratha movement led by the Shiv Sena (Hindu party; literally "Shivaji's army"), agitated 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. Tension mounted in the city, and cosmopolitan Bombay was threatened when about 800 people died in riots following the destruction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in December 1992.

The unrest was followed 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 bombing that kills more than 200 people; in November 2008 - planned attacks on 10 city landmarks, which lasted three days (173 people died as a result)... all this suggests that tension is constantly present.

“26/11,” as the Mumbai attacks became known, was a wake-up call for the city. Security has now been strengthened at many famous tourist sites, including famous hotels and important financial and government buildings. Entire streets were blocked in some cases, becoming makeshift cricket grounds for large numbers of youth. But Mumbai lives on, its defiant Maratha spirit unbroken, stabilizing life in India's commercial center and global financial engine.

Mumbai today

Today, Mumbai is home to the most successful film production 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 glamor, chaos and madness, the playful and mesmerizing tunes 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. Marine docks located outside the city dominate the east coast islands. The city's commercial and cultural center lies in the south of the claw-shaped island, known as South Mumbai. The southern peninsula of Colaba is the traditional center where most of the attractions are concentrated, and immediately north of Colaba is a business center called the Fort (Fort), where the old one was once located british fortress. It is bordered to the west by a green area of ​​several interconnected fenced grassed areas known as maidans (pronounced "maydans").

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

The opening of the Bandra-Worli sea canal in 2009 reduced the travel between the two areas from one hour to seven minutes, making these upscale suburbs accessible to tourists.

Sometimes you can see how luxury liner, gliding past the large stone arch of triumph, the Apollo Boardwalk and the Yacht Club, docks at Ballard Pier. For other mortals - landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport. The bustle of porters at the dock and rickshaws into which the new arrival had once immersed has now been replaced by a new, modern kind of bustle. In Mumbai, new skyscrapers rise almost every month. It is India's largest and busiest industrial and commercial city, producing automobiles, textiles, chemicals, and nuclear energy. It is also the site of a revival of Indian art. But this enormous wealth is coupled with abject poverty, embodied by women who carry bricks on their heads to build luxury apartments. This is despite the fact that the largest slum area in Asia is located on the outskirts of the city.

For many, visiting the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai means delicious food, nightlife and shopping, but the city has much more to offer than just nightlife and shopping. Nowhere in the world do spectacular Gothic, Victorian and Indo-Saracenic buildings and artistic decoration blend so colorfully with remnants of the British colonial era and many years of European influence. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway 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 attractions - small architectural gems add an indescribable charm to the overall architectural style, 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 crorepatis. (millionaires) and much more. The dilapidated architectural structures indicate that Mumbai once played a more important role in the world, which is reminiscent of the entire brick and mortar museum. Only one thing is certain: this city on the world map will always be synonymous with creative disorder!

For anyone who came to Mumbai not on business, three, maximum four days should be enough to get a fairly complete idea of ​​this, so to speak, exhausting city. At the start of your stay, you may need some advice on what to see in the city, which stretches 20 km from north to south. Then contact the Indian Tourism Bureau (India Tourism Office), located opposite Churchgate railway station (Churchgate). Then start from the same spot that King George V and Queen Mary did when they visited in 1911, the headland at the end of Apollo Quay. Today this site is home to the world famous India Gate. (Gateway of India), a monument moving more for its symbolism than for its beauty (depending on what you think of the magnificence of the British Empire in whose honor it was erected, of course). In his "Ballad of East and West," Rudyard Kipling insisted that "the two shall never meet," but the British did their best to achieve this by installing the four domes characteristic of the Romanesque style on this triumphal arch. architecture of Gujarat. This monument was unveiled in 1924. 24 years later, the Somerset Light Infantry, the last British units to leave India, triumphantly passed 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 them. Sellers of giant balloons, photographers, beggars and barkers, along with Indian and foreign tourists, create the hubbub of the bazaar. Boats depart from piers to Elephanta and Mandwa islands.

An Indian equestrian statue of Shivaji faces the gate. It was installed in 1961 in honor of this Maratha hero - a Hindu nationalist - a fighter against Mughal oppression.

Behind the statue is the Taj Mahal Hotel. (Taj Mahal Hotel), built by a member of the Tatas family, an industrialist of Persian origin. They say 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 oriental styles. You will feel the atmosphere of bygone romance when you settle down in the Marine Hall to drink a cup of tea. Apart from a memorial to the 31 people who died here, no trace remains of the destruction that occurred here in November 2008, when Islamic terrorists targeted the hotel in an attack on the city's main tourist and business district.

Raj District

To the northwest of the Taj Mahal Hotel, in the area around the Maidan that was the heart of British Mumbai, a connoisseur can appreciate architecture that its admirer will call "eclectic" and its opponent will call "wacky."

The building of the old Secretariat is attributed mainly 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's Cathedral are in the Early English style. The architects were British, but the builders and decorators were Indian, and they were adept at 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 Bombay district, of which it was the capital. At St. Thomas' Cathedral, even ardent opponents of imperialism can be moved by some of the heart-warming epitaphs of those who died in military or civilian service for their country. For fans of the period of British rule in India, Victoria Station is a great example of the Indian Gothic style. (Victoria Terminus). Previously it was abbreviated as VT, and now - CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). Impressive, opulent and always busy, the building is considered the most extravagant example of Gothic architecture in the city, the beating heart of its railway network and an example of colonial Indian architecture. As historian Christopher London put it, “Victoria Station was to British power what the Taj Mahal was 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 Jubilee Day in 1857, it served as both the starting point for India's first railway and a symbol of all that the British had achieved so far in the Indian subcontinent; a symbol of their pride, power and seemingly limitless potential.

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

Uptown

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

Another famous landmark of the city is Marine Drive. (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 nut and belpuri, local spices.

Museums

Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum (Chatrapati Shivaji Museum)- formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum - is located at the end of the Mahatma Gandhi Road. It was built in 1871. The building incorporates elements of medieval Gujarati and Bijapur architecture, as well as the urban architecture of Manchester. It houses a collection of miniatures and valuable sculptures from the 7th century. from the caves of Elephanta Island. At the nearby 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 giant Hindi film industry. Starting with silent films with exclusively male actors (some dressed as women)– the 1913 epic “Raja Harischandra” – and the first sound film “Lama Aga” (1931) , it now produces more than 1,000 films a year: more than Hollywood. Not surprising when one remembers 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: constantly singing and dancing lovers fighting for love and resisting the forces that try to tear them apart. Nowadays, pro-Hollywood thrillers and blockbusters on TV compete for the attention of moviegoers with the usual sugary films that are more family-oriented.

Bollywood stars in India can achieve almost god-like status, and discussion of stars has become a favorite pastime in Mumbai establishments.

Studios sometimes invite Western actors (or use provocative outfits), to add a European slant to the film. The trend has grown so strong that 100,000 young actors went on strike in 2008 to protest job losses due to foreigners working for less money.

If you're interested in such an adventure, just take a walk around Colaba, where studios are recruiting people for the next day's shoot. Day of work 500 rupees. You will receive lunch and something to snack on if filming starts early or ends late. Transport is usually 2nd class trains unless there are enough tourists to hire private transport. A shooting day can last quite a long time, in addition, you should take into account the heat and stress; Not everyone is happy with the experience. Sometimes people complain because of lack of food and water or because of dangerous situations and intimidation, but the guest Western actors do not complain about this. Some people find this experience fascinating. Always ask for recruiter identification before agreeing and listen to your gut!

Mumbai: a foodie's paradise

In Mumbai you can find culinary masterpieces not only from all over India, but also from all over the world. Don't hold yourself back, because you definitely have to try Parsi dhansak (meat with seasonings, lentils and rice), Gujarati or Kerala thali (a set of dishes from the “eat as much as you like” series), kebab from Mughal cuisine, Goan and Mangalorean seafood. And don't forget: if the menu says Bombay duck, what it really means is bombil fish, sun-dried and deep-fried.

It is very important to visit the famous Mumbai beach and visit one of the bhelpuris located at Girga um Chowpatty where you can enjoy the taste of crispy fried thin flatbreads with steamed rice, lentils, lemon juice, onions, herbs, red chillies and tamarind chutney. Other establishments offer rice dishes, samosas, pav bhaji (vegetables with seasonings and bread) and vada pav (deeply fried lentil sandwich with seasonings)– so it’s 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, and dancing takes place. This celebration showcases the cultural diversity in Mumbai in all its glory.

Dharavi slums

Mumbai residents have mixed feelings about the 2008 hit, Slumdog Millionaire. (in Hindi - "Slumdog Crorepati"). But slums are part, many would say core, of urban life in Mumbai. Surprisingly, 55% of the population of Mumbai 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 consisted of only streams, swamps and islands. It became attractive to migrant workers from South Mumbai and beyond and the wetlands began to be inhabited for natural and man-made reasons. The area currently spans 1.75 km between Mumbai's two main railway lines and is home to over a million people.

A still from the crime melodrama “Slumdog Millionaire,” which captivated not only the people of India, but the whole world!

While it may look a little chaotic, this city-within-a-city's labyrinth of dusty alleys and sewer streets is actually a collection of contiguous communities. Some parts of Dharavi have a mixed population of people from different parts of India and different professions who have built their own houses and tiny factories. Saurashtra potters live in one area, Muslim tanners in another; Embroidery experts from Uttar Pradesh work side by side with blacksmiths, workers recycle plastic, and nearby women dry pappadams under the scorching sun. Some of these enterprises, about 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 range from corrugated iron to multi-story concrete structures. Many families have lived here for generations, and some of Dhavari's younger residents even work in offices. But often they decide to stay in the areas where they grew up.

Slum tourism is quite 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 amusing trip, and a percentage of the profits goes back to Dhavari 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 residents of Mumbai without embellishment

Legendary wadi (village) is a bastion of life in Mumbai as it existed before the rise of skyscrapers. Christian enclave of elegant two-story wooden mansions is located 500 m northeast of Girguam Chowpatty, adjacent to the Indian and Muslim areas of Mumbai. These windy streets offer views of the quiet quiet life, no cars or autorickshaws. The village is small in every sense, but you can admire these mesmerizing alleys for hours and, what is most amazing, all this is one step away from the hustle and bustle of real Mumbai.

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

Entertainment

Daily short review Mid-Day in English includes information about the main entertainment in Mumbai. Newspapers and Time Out Mumbai provide listings of events and film screenings, and www.nh7.in provides live music ratings. Modern project Bombay Elektrik Projekt (www.bombayelektrik.com) organizes any event, from DJs and poetry evenings 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 English films and a few Bollywood films.

The busiest club nights (surprisingly) on Wednesday, as well as on the more familiar Friday and Saturday; Entrance is usually paid. Clubs have a dress code, so don't wear shorts and sandals. Recently, resto-lounges are fashionable in Mumbai, as opposed to packed nightclubs - high taxes on discos (which do not apply to lounges and restaurants) made people smarter.

Where to eat

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

For those who like to cook themselves, the Colaba market is open in Mumbai (Lala Nigam St). Fresh fruits and vegetables are sold here. A good choice products in supermarkets Saharkari Bhandar Supermarket (22022248; intersection 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 alcohol-conscious, which means there are plenty of places that sell alcohol, from garage-style speakeasies and eye-popping lounges to brash, multi-level superclubs; but don’t be surprised when you find a 25% tax on alcoholic beverages on your bill.

Shopping

Mumbai is the most big market in India, making it the best shopping experience in the country.

Anything can be bought at the bustling bazaars north of CST. The main shopping platforms in Mumbai are Crawford Market , Mangaldas Market (silk and clothing) Zaveri Bazaar (decorations), Bhuleshwar Market (fruits and vegetarian products) and Chor Bazaar (antiques and furniture). Dhabu St is the place to shop for leather goods, while Mutton St is for antiques, prints and cute trinkets. Crawford Market (Mahatma Phule Market) is the last outpost of British Bombay, beyond which the noise and cries of the central bazaars begin. Bas-reliefs of Rudyard Kipling's father (Rudyard Kipling), Lockwood Kipling (Lockwood Kipling), decorate the buildings of Norman-Gothic architecture.

Experience the bustling shopping scene on 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. Kemp's Corner has a lot of good designer shops.

Many government-owned malls in Mumbai sell handicrafts at the World Trade Center Arcade near Cuffe Parade. Small rare and antique shops line Merewether Rd behind the Taj Mahal Palace. It's not cheap here, but the quality makes itself felt - it is an order of magnitude higher than in state shopping centers. If you like colonial items, head to Chor Bazaar: the busiest street is Mutton St, where you can find many antique shops (and lots of inventive fakes too, so be on the lookout) and various junk.

Food hawkers in Mumbai (Dabba Walla)

A small miracle of logistics - 5,000 food delivery people or, as they are called, dabba-wallahs (dabba means container of food; there are also tiffin-wallahs, tiffin-wallahs) in Mumbai, they tirelessly deliver hot lunches to office workers across the city.

Lunch boxes are picked up each time from homes and restaurants and delivered by heads, bicycles and trains to a central marshalling yard. A complex system of numbers and colors (many delivery men are illiterate) indicates where the lunch should be delivered. They deliver over 200,000 meals every day - always on time, despite... (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 take great pride in their work.

Food hawkers in Mumbai

Great Wall of Mumbai

This art initiative is somewhat reminiscent of the East Side Gallery in Berlin (even though Mumbai didn't have 28 years of oppression and exclusion). Wall Project (www.thewallproject.com) started with a few graduate art and design students who decided to paint the walls of nearby houses with local designs and artistic graffiti. Soon this idea turned into a public project, thanks to which the walls of every building on the outskirts of Bandra, from residential to hospitals, exploded with colorful 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. At the time of writing this article, hundreds of artists (and just lovers) have already drawn more than 600 drawings, the longest strip of which began from Mahim station (West) on Tulsi Pipe Rd (Senapati Bapat Marg) and along Western Railway to Matunga Rd stop. It is called the Great Wall of Mumbai.

Anyone can post their drawing here as long as it does not have a literal sexual, political, religious or commercial message. Get yourself some acrylic tempera - this paint is best to use due to harsh weather conditions - and start creating!

Painting on 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 area of ​​the city; Colaba, Fort and Marine Drive are priced with/without AC 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. They will take you to Colaba in 45 minutes at night and 1.5-2 hours during the day. No tip needed.

You can find auto-rickshaws near the arrival terminal, but don't try to take them to the southern part of Mumbai: auto-rickshaws can only take you as far as Mahim Creek. You can go by autorickshaw (approximately 40 rupees) to Andheri railway station and change to local train (7 rupees, 45 minutes) to Churchgate Station or CST. Such a trip only makes sense if you arrive during the day and not during rush hour (6.00-11.00) , and also without heavy luggage.

Minibuses located at the arrival gate provide free transport 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 haggle well; The official baggage 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 taxis with air conditioning and a meter (44224422; www.merucabs.com). Price 20 rupees for the first km and 14 rupees for all subsequent ones (25% more expensive at night). The route is determined by GPS, so you won't be deceived!

Domestic airport:

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

A cheaper alternative is an auto rickshaw from the airport to Vile Parle railway 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-Janjira and other parts of the Konkan coast without having to sit on a bus for long. The ticket office is located at the Apollo pier (Apollo Bunder; near Gateway of India).

Bus

Single and double decker buses in Mumbai are a good choice for short distance travel. The price in south Mumbai is 3 rupees per stop; Pay the conductor upon entry. This service is provided by BEST (www.bestundertaking.com), with garage in Colaba (on the website you can search for bus routes around the city). To see south Mumbai on the cheap, just hop on a double-decker bus (for example, bus 103). A day pass costs 25 rupees.

Car

Cars are usually rented by 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 approximately 1000 rupees.

An agent at the tent counter at Apollo Jetty near the Gateway of India can arrange a Maruti with driver, but without air conditioning, for a half-day excursion for Rs 1,000 (you will have time to reach Mahalakshmi and Malabar Hill). Ordinary taxi drivers often also agree to this price.

Vintage cars on the streets of Mumbai

Metro

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.

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 about a century, with a guaranteed return option when you no longer need it. If you want to rent a bike for two or three weeks, you will still have to pay full price for it. The company prefers long-term deals of two months or more. In any case it turns out cheaper. Used Hero Honda Karizma 150cc. cm or 225 cc. cm costs from 725,000 to 780,000, and they will buy it back from you for about 60% in three months (sometimes you come across Enfields with a larger engine capacity). Smaller bike (100-180 cc) you can take from 725,000. The company can arrange for the motorcycle to be sent abroad by sea (about 724,000 to UK).

Taxis and autorickshaws

It seems like every second car in Mumbai is a yellow and black Premier taxi (Indian version of Fiat from the 1950s). A car is the most convenient way to get around the city, and in southern Mumbai, drivers almost always calculate the correct fare from the meter. Autorickshaws are only available on the northern outskirts of Mahim Creek.

Not all drivers know the names of city streets (especially new ones), so it's best to use some landmarks to explain where you want to go. In 2010, fares were increased, and now the meter starts running from 16 rupees during the day (20 rupees after midnight) for the first 1.6 km and then 10 rupees per kilometer (12 rupees after midnight). The minimum cost of an autorickshaw is 11 rupees.

Let's not point fingers, but Mumbaikar taxis and autorickshaws may profit from foreigners from time to time. Rickshaws and taxi drivers who use old meters may try to deceive you. (fixed on the outside left). The cost of a taxi with the old meter will be approximately 16 times higher than indicated. To prevent this from happening, print out a convenient tariff converter, it can be obtained from the Mumbai Traffic Police (www.trafficpolicemumbai.org/Tariffcard_Auto_taxiJorm.htm)- that's the whole conversation (until next time).

Train

Mumbai has a good but crowded local train network.

There are three main lines, so it's pretty easy to figure out. The most useful direction is from Churchgate north to Charni Rd stations (for transfer to Girgaum Chowpatty), Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi (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 Bycullu (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 to Mumbai Central, 77/78 to Vile Parle or Andheri and 79/104 to Borivali.

Mumbai Suburban Trains

Neighborhoods of Mumbai

Elephanta Island

From Mumbai you can take a pleasant boat tour to the 7th century temple caves. on Elephanta Island. A ferry goes there 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 remained to warrant 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 image of the Trimurti, the three-headed Shiva whose imposing profile has become almost as recognizable a symbol of India as the Taj Mahal.

Known as "Maheshmurti", the panel occupies the wall of one of the most large caves in complex. Although there is some disagreement as to the date of creation of this magnificent relief, scholars are unanimous in the opinion that it is an outstanding work of Indian sculpture: there is no other in the entire Indian subcontinent ancient statue, from which would emanate a living feeling of such strength and serenity. On both sides there are impressive bas-reliefs depicting mythological scenes. The main entrance to the cave is guarded by a terrifying-looking multi-armed deity (dvarapala) A fawn in Sanjay Gandhi Park comes to the boy every day for food.

It's hard to believe that just 1.5 hours away from a crowded metropolis there is a protected rainforest with an area of ​​104 square meters. km. (28866449; adult/child 30/15, transport on two wheels/four wheels 15/50 rupees; 7.30-18.00). Here, instead of the pollution and crowds typical of Mumbai, you will see vibrant flora, birds, butterflies and the 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 its national park status, the forest remains green and quiet.

To escape for a day from the mind-blowing Mumbai, you can choose good trodden paths to the 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 arrive

From October to March.

Hotel deals

Road to Mumbai and back

Airplane

Mumbai is the main international gateway to south 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 approximately 30 km from the city center. Since 2006, it has been modernized to the tune of $2 billion. At the time of writing, the airport had three domestic (1A, 1B and 1C) and one international terminal (2A). The airport terminal from where domestic flights depart, known as Santa Cruz Airport, is accessible through Vile Parle, while the international airport is four km away on Andheri and is locally known as Sahar. 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, the shiny new T2 terminal will be ready, serving 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 Marine Dr and Madame Kama Rd, Nariman Point; 9.15-18.30 Mon-Fri, until 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, VM 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, until 16 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 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 are, as a rule, more comfortable and easier to book a ticket for, but they cost an order of magnitude more than public ones; Departure from Dr Anadrao Nair Rd near Central Railway Station, Mumbai. Prices for popular destinations (eg Goa) in high season they increase to 75%. To find out departure times and current prices, contact National STS (23015652; Dr Anadrao Nair Rd; 7.00-22.00).

  
  

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

  State buses long distance depart from the Central Bus Station in Mumbai (Mumbai Central bus terminal; 23074272/1524) near Mumbai Central Railway Station. Buses operate to major cities of Maharashtra and neighboring states. They are cheaper and more frequent than private buses, but the quality of service and the number of people can vary greatly.

  Train

  There are three railway lines in Mumbai, but the best services are offered by Central Railways and Western Railways.

  
  

  A ticket for any destination can be purchased at any station in south Mumbai or suburbs where computerized ticket counters are located. In Central Railways (134) there are eastbound, southbound, and some northbound trains from CST. Pre-checkout (139; 8.00-20.00 Mon-Sat, until 14.00 Sun) located near the taxi stand on CST. Tickets at prices for foreigners (tourist-quota tickets; window 52) can be purchased 90 days before travel, but must be paid in foreign currency or rupees with a receipt from a bank or ATM. Indrail travel passes can be purchased at window 52. Tickets can be purchased at regular prices using Visa or MasterCard at more convenient and faster cash desks that accept credit cards (10 and 11) for an additional 30 rupees. Ticket refunds for Indians and foreigners are made at window 8.

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

  At Western Railways (131,132) trains go north (including to Rajasthan and Delhi) from Mumbai Central station (Mumbai Central (MC); 23061763, 23073535) which is commonly called Bombay Central (Bombay Central; VST). Pre-checkout (8.00-20.00 Mon-Sat, until 14.00 Sun), located opposite Churchgate railway station, here you can buy a ticket under the tourist quota (window 14). Same rules as DXI (CST). Credit cards accepted at window No. 6.

  Calendar of low prices for air tickets

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Population Population ▲ 12,478,447 people (2011) Density 20,694 people/km² Agglomeration 21 347 412 [ ] Katoykonim bomber, bombayka, bombay people Official language Marathi Digital IDs Telephone code +91 22 Postal codes 110 xxx Vehicle code MH-01, MH-02, MH-03 mcgm.gov.in (English) Media files on Wikimedia Commons

Mumbai, Also Mumbai(Marath. मुंबई, English: Mumbai), until 1995 - Bombay(English: Bombay) is a city in western India, on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Administrative center of the state of Maharashtra.

Mumbai is the most populated city India: the concept of a city includes the so-called. Municipal Corporation of Mumbai, which includes two districts of the state of Maharashtra: Mumbai proper (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 sixth largest urban agglomeration in the world with a population of 21.3 million people [ check the link] .

Located at an altitude of 10 meters above sea level. The population density is 21,665 people/km² (the city ranks second in density in the world after Manila), about 1/2 of the population is Marathi, about 1/4 is Gujaratis. The city proper occupies the island of Bombay and the southern part of the island Solsett which are connected by bridges and dams.

Mumbai is a major hub for international transport routes. 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 is one of the most important economic and cultural centers in India; is a city of great contrasts, where luxury and wealth coexist with poverty. Modern neighborhoods are adjacent to slums - the northern areas 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 attract labor to the city from all over South Asia, in addition to India itself.

Encyclopedic YouTube

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✪ Real life in the slums of Mumbai - Dharavi. "I want to go home" from India

✪ Heads and Tails - ISSUE 27 MUMBAI / Season 2 episode 12 / 2011 / HD 1080p

✪ India Mumbai. Horror, garbage, slums. First impression)

✪ Mumbai (Bombay) is an overpopulated city, slum and aristocratic at the same time

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Origin of the city's name

The name of the city of Mumbai comes from "Mumb" - the name of a local Hindu goddess. Mumba Devi, And ai, which means "mother" in Marathi. 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 disproves this. Under British rule the word was anglicized into Bombay. The name was officially changed to Mumbai in 1995. The former name is still used by city residents and famous institutions, and is also popular in the West.

Geographical location

Mumbai is located at the mouth of the river Ulhas?!, occupying the islands of Bombay, Solsett and the adjacent coast. Most of Mumbai is located at altitudes ranging from 10 to 15 meters above sea level. The northern part of Mumbai is hilly, the most high point The city is located at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level. The area of ​​the city is 603.4 km².

There are lakes within the city boundaries: Tulsi, Vihar, Powai. The first two, located in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, supply part of the city with drinking water. There are three rivers in Mumbai that originate in the national park. Within the city boundaries there are mangrove swamps. Coastline The city is cut 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 and clayey. The rocks are classified as black basalts. Mumbai is located in a seismic zone.

Climatic conditions

The city is located in the subequatorial zone. There are two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season lasts from June to October, with particularly intense monsoon rains occurring from June to September, causing high humidity in the city. The average temperature is about 30 °C, temperature fluctuations from 11 °C to 38 °C.

The amount of annual precipitation is 2200 mm. There was especially a lot of precipitation in 1954 - 3451.6 mm. The dry season from December to May is characterized by moderate humidity.

Due to the predominance of cold northern winds, January and February are the coldest months.

Climate of Mumbai
Index	Jan.	Feb.	March	Apr.	May	June	July	Aug.	Sep.	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	15,1	1,0	0,1	0,5	20,6	504,2	819,4	546,8	325,2	81,1	11,3	4,1	2431,2
Water temperature, °C	26	25	26	27	29	29	29	28	28	29	28	26	28
Source: Weather and Climate, World Climate Guide

Story

Economic potential

Mumbai is one of the country's largest economic centers. About 10% of all the country's workers work in this city. The city provides 33% of income tax revenues and 60% of all customs duties. Mumbai accounts for 40% of India's total 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 and thermal power plants on Trombay Island. There is a nuclear power plant. Mumbai is home to many financial institutions: Bombay Stock Exchange, Reserve Bank of India, National Stock Exchange of India, Mint. Large companies such as Tata Group, Godrej and many others have their headquarters in the city.

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

After the 80s of the 20th century, other, more progressive and highly skilled industries began to develop in Mumbai, such as diamond development and polishing, high information technology, and healthcare.

It is worth noting that employees working for the state make up a significant part of the city’s total workforce, 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. Center of the Indian Film Industry, so-called. Bollywood (English: Bollywood) is located in Mumbai, where there are other, lesser-known film studios.

Population

Mumbai's population is more than 17 million people. The ratio of women to men is 811 to 1000. The larger number of men is explained by the influx of the male population from rural areas to the city to earn money. The literacy rate is 77%, which is higher than the national average. Among men, literacy is 82%, among women - 71.6%. By religion, people professing Hinduism 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, and there are atheists. Mumbai uses the spoken form of Hindi (a mixture of Hindi, Marathi and English), but the official language is Marathi. Popular among the working intelligentsia English language. In the city you can also hear speech in Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, Nepali, Marathi, Telugu, Urdu, Gujarati.

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 is moderate by Indian standards. In Mumbai, 27,577 cases were registered in 2004 (in 2001 - 30,991 cases), there was an 11% decrease in crime during this time. The city's main prison is Arthur Road. On November 27, 2008, riots and a chain of explosions began in Mumbai. There are victims.

Social and cultural life of the city, architecture, attractions

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 different ethnic groups and religions. The city's population takes part in them widely, often regardless of religion.

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

The city has many fans 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 preserving 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 - the IMAX cinema, which shows new films from Bollywood and Hollywood.

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

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

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

Mumbai has seven sister cities:

London

• Los Angeles

When I was planning a trip to India, I budgeted only a day for Bombay: I flew in from Goa in the evening, and flew from Bombay to Calcutta the next evening. I decided that one day of light would be enough for Bombay, but in the end I was greatly mistaken: the city is absolutely magnificent and majestic. And not so much even with its monumental British (Victorian) buildings, but with an amazing mixture of cultures and architectural styles the city as a whole. We will make allowances for the fact that this is far from a “safe haven” where you can relax and enjoy the aura. This is a gigantic 25 million metropolis full of poverty and garbage, critically overpopulated, with a bunch of interreligious problems (70% Hindus, 20% Muslims, 5% Christians, 5% Buddhists), overloaded with transport and a depressing environmental situation. India, motherfucker! And yet, I liked Bombay more than I would like to return here. The city, by the way, is quite young: having been founded by the British in 1672 (it is significant that the British East India Company bought this land from the Portuguese, who landed in India a hundred years earlier), it remains to this day the business and financial capital of India , leaving even Delhi behind in this context.

One of the symbols of Bombay (and India as a whole) is the Gateway of India monument, or Gateway to India. A lot has been written about it in guidebooks and I won’t repeat it. Let me just say that this massive gate in the very center of Bombay was erected by the British in 1924 as a symbol of their colonial greatness and conquest of India. It is ironic that just 23 years later the last British soldiers were leaving India in a hurry after independence.

Opposite the Gateway to India stands the classic and most expensive hotel in the city, the Taj Mahal Palace, also a calling card of Bombay. By the way, it has nothing to do with the British and was built in 1903 by the richest man in India and the founder of the Tata corporation (almost the entire Indian industry is part of his empire), Jamshedji Nasserwanji Tata. It is believed that he, being offended by the disrespectful attitude towards himself (due to the color of his skin) from the staff in a London hotel, decided to create a hotel of a level of chic that Europe had not seen. And he succeeded; at the beginning of the 20th century it was certainly one of best hotels peace.

On November 26, 2008, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel became the scene of a bloody drama when dozens of Islamic militants attacked the hotel and took scores of tourists hostage. During the storming of the hotel by the Indian army and police, 37 people were killed and the building was seriously damaged, below are a couple of photographs from those days -

In my opinion, Bombay's main railway station, Victoria Terminus (nowadays renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), is the most beautiful piece of architecture in Mumbai. Moreover, having traveled to a bunch of countries around the world, I have never seen such a majestic station -

The station was built by the British in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. It is logical that for Indians this “significant” day has absolutely no value, but rather reminds of colonialism. But the building itself is beautiful, you must agree!

By the way, below is the Supreme Court, also built at the end of the 19th century -

What do children play? Something like tic-tac-toe?

At nearby Bombay University, youth celebrated the founding of a new political party and declared their intention to actively fight corruption -

The taxi driver is sleeping, but the service is going on -

Scientists are resting -

Street entertainment -

Sugarcane juice -

By the way, the place below is called Oval Maidan (hello to Kyiv), where Bombay residents play cricket -

You know, in less than a full day in Bombay, I managed to see quite a lot, for example, the tomb of Haji Ali, located in the northwestern part of Bombay on an island. But more about that next time -

And, yes, about “burning ass” (not to be confused with diarrhea!), it’s downright embarrassing to say. Fellow travelers, is it just me who experiences a similar natural phenomenon from highly spicy Indian food? Who understood me on the topic, and who didn’t - it’s awkward to translate, the topic is painfully intimate :)

Traveling around India is supported by a tour operator

Mumbai was a long-awaited return to civilization for me. This is a huge city, its power and grandeur can be felt in every building. For Indians, Mumbai is the main money artery; people come here to work, build a new life and fight for a piece of fame. Laid-back coastal residents consider Bombay dirty and hectic, and its inhabitants - calculating and vain. I saw the city completely different - with ancient colonial buildings (in the Colaba area every second house is a real Hogwarts!), a lot of greenery and one of the most beautiful embankments in the world. Mumbai is also extremely cinematic - every street here represents a complete scene. Bombay is a place where you need to walk, take photographs and never sleep, so as not to waste precious minutes of your visit to the city.

History of origin

The city of Mumbai in India was originally located on seven islands: Colaba, Little Colaba, Mazagaon, Wadala, Mahim, Parel and Matunga Sion. The oldest buildings that have survived to this day are the Elephanta Caves and the Valkshvar palace complex. In 1534, the Portuguese arrived on the islands and began actively converting the local population to the Catholic faith. Later in 1661, the territory of Mumbai passed to the British as a dowry for the Portuguese princess Catherine de Braganza, who married the English king Charles II. Thus began the British era in Bombay, which lasted until the declaration of Indian independence. Modern Mumbai, as we know it today, was founded in 1672 as a major trading port. In 1817, the islands began to be united, and by 1845, Mumbai was finally attached to the mainland, acquired with new roads and bridges.

Mumbai is the main economic center of India. Barefoot boys from distant villages dream of moving not to the capital, but to the great and beautiful Bombay. After all, only he is called upon to realize the Great Indian Dream. But it is not just the stock exchanges and the headquarters of the country's largest corporations that attract ordinary Indians. Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan's dream of fame haunts them. Bollywood, India's dream factory, located in Mumbai, attracts millions of talents from all over the country. Thus, there are more than 17 million dreamers, hard workers and native Mumbai residents in the city.

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Mumbai is located in the subequatorial zone. Three seasons can be distinguished in this strip of India:

• Winter.
• Summer.
• Monsoon.

The best time for sightseeing and walking around the city is winter. In summer it gets too hot (although this does not stop tourists), and during the monsoon the city floods. Mumbai winter lasts from November to February, summer from March to May. Monsoon - from June to October. IN summer time the temperature rarely drops below 30 degrees, and the nights are also not cool. The air heats up and becomes heavy, the humidity is very high. During the monsoons, daytime temperatures drop slightly, but it rains quite often and heavily. Because of this, traffic conditions on the roads are worsening. In winter, the temperature during the day averages 27 degrees, and at night it is fresh and cool. A pleasant breeze blows from the sea, making walks easy.

Prices for tourists in season/off season are not too different; after all, tourism is not the main source of income for Mumbai. Indians come here all year round for work or on vacation, so housing prices do not fall too much. There is no need to talk about any sharp influx of tourists at the beginning of the season; in Mumbai there are always foreigners permanently residing here. Of course, in winter there are more “white faces” on the streets, but not significantly. I wouldn’t recommend going during the monsoon for tourism purposes: the likelihood of getting caught in the rain is very high. The sea in Mumbai becomes wild, and even a walk along the embankment is impossible. But in the summer, despite the heat, you can safely go, especially at the beginning of the summer season - in March and April, by May it becomes too stuffy. If you don't need to see all the sights in one day, the hot sun won't be a problem for you. Leisurely walks around the city can be combined with trips to cool shopping centers and ice cream parlours; finding a hotel with air conditioning will also not be a problem.

Mumbai - weather by month

Clue:

Mumbai - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

You can save a little on housing if you bargain at the reception of any hotel. Also take rooms with breakfast included. It is also very popular in India to vacation in “packages”: on search engine sites, for example, you will be offered to get to Mumbai by plane and check into a hotel of your choice, sometimes this combo works out much cheaper.

There are several beaches within the city, but the most popular and beloved by locals is Chowpaty Beach, located in the southern part of the city near the historical center. Marine Drive is the main embankment of the city, popularly called the “queen’s necklace”, this is the best place for a walk around the city - on one side you can see fashionable restaurants and hotels, on the other - the skyline with Mumbai skyscrapers and the endless Arabian Sea. The promenade is crowned by Chowpatty Beach, the place where people come to watch the sunset. It is in the evening that life begins to boil here. To avoid sitting on the sand, you can rent a mat for $0.3 (20 rupees). There is a brisk trade in local delicacies on Chowpatty; there are stalls, each of which specializes in its own delicacies. Here is a stall selling kulfi ice cream, you can buy any of its varieties here. The one next door sells the dessert falooda in all the colors of the rainbow. And here is a traditional Mumbai dish - belpuri, crispy hollow balls, into which a vegetable filling is placed with a sauce of spicy spices, mint, and coriander. On the beach itself there are numerous vendors offering water and tea.

Residents of the richest district of Mumbai, its western part, love to relax on Juhu beach, 18 km from the city center. One of the longest beaches in Mumbai, it is crowded with local holidaymakers on weekends. The city's rich are entertained by street performers, horse or donkey rides, cafes and souvenir shops.

Versova Beach is located south of Juhu; its infrastructure is less developed. During the rainy season, the beach is completely hidden under water. In the evenings, locals also come here to enjoy the sun. Apart from vendors selling snacks and drinks, there is nothing available to vacationers.

The beaches of Mumbai are not particularly beautiful; they are located within the city; they are all quite dirty and crowded. I would advise travelers to watch the sunset at Chowpatty Beach or Juhu, and after that go on a walk to the center. It may not be safe to remain on the beach after sunset.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Mumbai is a city of different religions: Muslims, Christians, Jains, Hindus coexist in this dense metropolis. Unfortunately, it is not always peaceful. Clashes between Muslims and Hindus are not uncommon. However, for a tourist, exploring the city can be combined with visiting temples and mosques with rich history.

This is just a small part of the interesting temples in Mumbai. If time permits, visit others at least interesting places:

• Catholic Afghan Memorial Church. It was built by the British in 1847 in memory of those killed in the First Afghan War in 1838-1843. soldiers. The church is made in the Gothic style with elongated windows and pointed spiers.
• Cathedral of St. Thomas. It was the first Anglican church in the city, built in 1718. The cathedral was built in a colonial style with Gothic elements, and its calling card is a tall clock tower.
• Sri Sidhivinayak Ganesh Temple. Built in the early 19th century and dedicated to the god Ganesha. The multi-layered architecture of the temple is interesting, but inside it is an ordinary modest Hindu temple. Entrance fee is 0.7 USD (50 INR).
• Vipassana Pagoda (Global Pagoda Vipassana). If you've ever taken a Vipassana meditation course, you'll probably want to see India's largest pagoda. A huge golden stupa stands on the shore of the lake. Meditation practices take place inside it. You can get there from Borivali metro station, then by rickshaw.
• Mumba Devi Temple. Another Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Devi. One of the oldest in Mumbai, it has unusual architecture. There are beautiful carvings inside the temple.

All of these places are quite popular among tourists and locals. Be prepared for the fact that on weekends the queues at temples can be significant, and during religious holidays they can be simply colossal.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Mumbai has a cultural life! Moreover, it will not disappoint even the most spoiled lover of museums and galleries.

Parks

Despite the fact that Mumbai is a large metropolis, built up with concrete boxes and smoky from exhaust fumes, here you can find green islands of nature and silence. I’ll warn you right away - on weekends, all the city’s parks turn into huge picnic areas for numerous Indian families; you won’t find any privacy.

Tourist streets

1. Dadabhai Naoroji Road. The 2 km long historical street is located in the fort area. If you do walking route from Colaba to the north, you can't avoid this street. Along the way you will find colonial buildings, the pompous Flora Fountain, the Gothic City Council building, the Art Deco Fire Temple and, of course, Victoria Station.
2. Fashion street. Conventional name for street trading located on Mahatma Gandhi Street. Clothes, shoes, jewelry at ridiculous prices. The street is quite touristy - after all, it is located in South Mumbai and runs parallel to Marine Drive.
3. Shahid Bhagat Singh road. Guesthouses, cafes with European and Indian tastes, shops with cheap jewelry and clothes in the very center of Colaba. The popularity of this street is easy to explain - it has everything a traveler needs. The largest concentration of foreigners is in Mumbai.

What to see in 1 day

I will say right away that one day is absolutely not enough to explore Mumbai. Even if you do a quick sightseeing, there will be enough time for one area of ​​the city. In Mumbai, you don’t want to rush and rush from one place to another. Here is an approximate route to explore the city.

It is best to start from Colaba, most of the route will pass on foot.

8.00 . Take Shahid Bhagat Singh road south and you will come straight to India Gate. There won't be many tourists there in the morning. You can calmly walk around the square and enjoy the view of the arch and the Taj Mahal Hotel. 10.00 . Continue south along the Mahatma Gandhi Road. Along the way there will be numerous museums and galleries. Choose according to your taste. Don't forget to take a photo of the Prince of Wales Museum, even if you don't want to go inside. Local cafes They open just at 10. You can have breakfast with traditional Indian puri bhaji or poha at any restaurant. 11.00 . A little further from the museum there will be the University of Mumbai, built in the Gothic style, with high tower with a clock - Rajbai Clock Tower, truly colonial splendor. A little later you will come to the Flora Fountain - it stands in the middle of the road and, despite all its beauty, you can’t notice it right away - the fountain is small. 12.00 . The end point of the morning walk is Victoria Station. Here you can not only see the main attraction of the city, but also buy train or bus tickets for further travel. 13.00 . At the station, take a rickshaw or taxi and go see the real India without the luxury of colonial buildings (are you ready?). Head to the largest open-air laundry - Dobi Gat. 15.00 . You can get to the Haji Ali Mosque on foot or by taxi. Inspecting it will not take much time. The Mahalakshmi Hindu Temple is very close by.

17.00 . Take a taxi and go to Marine Drive, more precisely to Chowpatty Beach. Here you can have a snack on the famous Indian ice cream kulfi or the dessert falooda. Take the bedding and go to the sand. The sunset will begin soon. 19.00 . After sunset, Marine Drive lights up with thousands of lights. Follow it back to the south, along the way you will be greeted by the sculpture “I Love Mumbai” in English-Hindi, don’t forget to take a photo as a souvenir.

20.00 . After your walk, take a taxi back to the Colaba area. You can end the evening in oldest city the Regal cinema or the legendary Leopold cafe.

What to see in the area

65 km southeast of Mumbai is India's largest amusement park, snow town and water park, Imagica. All these entertainments are located in the town of Khopoli, you can get there by bus for 6 USD (400 INR).

The parks are nearby, but operate separately; you will have to pay for entry to each at its own ticket office. So, an amusement park costs 28 USD (1899 INR) for an adult on “peak” days (holidays and weekends, you can see the calendar), and 23 USD (1599 INR) on regular days. For a child: 22 USD (1499 INR) and 19 USD (1299 INR) respectively. There are three groups of attractions: family, children's and the scariest. The entire park is divided into thematic zones: Africa, America, etc. There are a lot of attractions, everything is done at a decent level. It’s not a shame to spend the whole day at the park. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and theatrical shows on site. The park opened just a few years ago and could be a great alternative to Disneyland.

The water park is no less impressive in size. Ticket prices for adults are 15 USD (999 INR) and 16.5 USD (1099 INR), for children - 12 USD (799 INR) and 13.4 USD (899 INR). Both parks are very crowded on weekends! There are long queues for the slides. So far there are very few foreign tourists; the main contingent is Indians. They wear clothes to the water park: shorts (or leggings for ladies) and T-shirts. Therefore, you will feel extremely awkward in swimsuits.

Also on the territory of Imagica there is a snow town, of course, the largest in India. If you miss the snow, get ready to shell out 6 USD (399 INR) if you have a ticket to an amusement park or water park, or 7.4 USD (499 INR) without a ticket. In the snowy town you can go sledding (more precisely, on the local equivalent), climb snowdrifts, watch the snow fall, build a snowman and just walk with sticks.

Routes to neighboring cities

Since Mumbai is the largest transport hub in the country, getting to neighboring cities is easy.

Food. What to try

The cuisine of the state of Maharashtra is quite diverse; Mumbai has its own signature dishes that tourists are unlikely to try in other cities and states of India. The main products are rice, vegetables, coconuts, milk and fruits. Mumbai cuisine is distinguished by an abundance of legumes and peanuts - roasted nuts are added to almost all dishes. Even food is cooked not in sunflower or soybean oil, but in peanut oil. Most dishes are vegetarian; on the coast you can find fish restaurants; in the north of the state, meat dishes are popular. Favorite type of meat is lamb. There are no problems with chicken anywhere.

Street food is very widely available. I was pleased with the cheap juices at every step from 0.44 USD (30 INR), they also sell lassi (fermented milk drink), cane juice and milkshakes right on the street. Mumbaiites also love sandwiches. Moreover, they buy them not in cafes or stores, but right on the street: bought and eaten. If in most places they sell samosas (pies), then in Mumbai they sell closed sandwiches from small counters. There are many varieties, prices from 0.44 USD (30 INR) and above. All of them are filled with vegetable fillings, maximum cheese and butter. In a couple of minutes, they will prepare a sandwich for you, put it in a double-sided grill, and cut it into small squares. Instead of a fork, toothpicks are offered - as a result, there is a Mumbai-style canapé in front of you on the newspaper, you can eat even on the run. This is what an active and fast city means! What else can you try in Mumbai and only here?

Mid-level

Expensive

1. Lake View Cafe. Located in the Renaissance Hotel and has a beautiful view of the lake.
2. Masala Library. A restaurant with a creative touch, offering molecular cuisine.
3. Gadda da Vida. Mediterranean, Italian cuisine with sea views.
4. Pan Asian. There are sushi and rolls in Mumbai too!
5. Peshawri. Large selection of meat, kebabs, barbecue.

How to get there

From Russia to Mumbai you can only get by plane. Within the country, you can fly to Bombay by plane from many other cities in India, travel by train or by bus. Mumbai is the largest transport hub in the country, so getting there is not a problem.

By plane

Most major airport in the country is located in Mumbai and is called Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The airport is located 30 km from the city center to the north. You can get there by following numerous signs. National Highway 8 leads from the city center to the airport. The airport has 2 terminals: domestic and international, each of which is divided into three more terminals. The area of ​​the entire airport is almost 6 square kilometers. Therefore, if you have several flights in a row from different terminals, allow time to get from one to another.

Free air-conditioned buses run between the terminals, located 4 km apart, every 20 minutes. Passengers are allowed into the shuttle bus only if they have a ticket. If time is running out and you need to get to another terminal urgently, you can take a taxi. Inside the airport building you can take a pre-paid taxi (one that is paid in advance) for 4.4 USD (300 INR). If you go outside, local taxi drivers will ask for much more - from 15 USD (1000 INR), while they will assure you that free buses and there are no cheaper taxis.

There is no direct scheduled flight from Russia to Mumbai (you can fly directly to India only with Aeroflot on the Delhi route). Therefore, you will have to fly with transfers. However, the choice of flights is simply huge. You can choose a convenient docking to suit your taste. As always, try to purchase tickets to Mumbai several months in advance. During the sales season, you can find good options from 300 USD (20,000 rubles). It is convenient to fly to Mumbai from Moscow with the following airlines: Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates. The easiest way to find a connection is in Dubai, Sharjah, Doha,. In addition, these airlines are generous with sales.

Domestic flights within India are very inexpensive. Therefore, you can take a direct flight from Moscow and take a ticket to Mumbai. Airlines at your service: Air India, GoAir, IndiGo, Jet Airways, Jet Lite, Spice Jet. From the capital to Bombay, a direct flight costs about 80 USD (5500 INR) in both directions. Moreover, on domestic airlines there is no significant difference in purchasing round-trip tickets together or separately. The flight lasts about two hours. When using the services of Indian airlines, always check your email and phone messages in advance - flights are often postponed or cancelled, passengers are warned in advance using the contacts provided when purchasing a ticket. To be on the safe side, you can check the online scoreboard. You can find tickets from Mumbai at very attractive prices. Sometimes the cost of travel by plane and bus is approximately the same. The flight is only about one hour, the trip can cost 20 USD (1300 INR) one way.

You can view prices for air tickets for the dates you need.

Contact Information

Public transport and taxis

In the airport building itself (in any terminal) you can find companies offering rental cars and regular taxis. Taking a car without a driver doesn't make much sense, the traffic is crazy and driver services are very cheap in India. Taxis can be taken from the pre-paid counter or even booked in advance online on this website. Approximate prices: first kilometer 0.4 USD (7 INR), then 0.29 USD (20 INR) per 1 kilometer. A pre-paid taxi on the street near the airport will cost approximately 7.4 USD (500 INR) to the Colaba area. Nearest railroad station– Vile Parle Railway Station, you can get there by buses 312 (departs from Terminal 1) and 321 (departs from Terminal 2), a ticket costs less than a dollar. There is also the Airport Road metro station nearby, which can also be reached by buses 321 and 308.

By bus

I traveled to Mumbai from Goa on a night sleeper bus, it is quite convenient and inexpensive. Travel time – from 12 hours. Tickets start from 9 USD (600 INR). The advantages of traveling by bus for me personally are the ability to buy a ticket at any time (for example, train tickets need to be purchased a month or earlier), low price and convenience.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis in Mumbai make up a huge number of the total transport. Old black and yellow Fiats scurry around the city back and forth. Catching a taxi is as easy as shelling pears – wave your hand and someone will definitely stop. Most of the cars do not have air conditioning and the furnishings are quite old. As always, the indefatigable imagination of the drivers-decorators saves us: the interior of Mumbai taxis is unforgettable, you have to look for such a riot of colors. This alone is worth a taxi ride. Some cars are equipped with meters. When boarding, pay attention to it: the amount should not be large; they charge about $0.30 (20 rupees) for boarding. Sometimes it is easier to agree on the price right away, then you will know what to expect from the trip. At night, after midnight and before 5 am, the cost of the trip increases by 25%.

Simpler taxis are rickshaws or tuk-tuks, as they are called in Asia. This is a three-wheeled vehicle with a driver sitting in front and up to three passengers in the back. Most rickshaws in Mumbai are also metered. A trip from Colaba to Victoria Station, for example, will cost 1.5 USD (100 INR).

Trains

The Mumbai metro is expected to be completed by 2021. In the meantime, local residents are content with a developed network of railways, which they use as electric trains. Railway transport has existed in Mumbai since 1853 and is still the most popular transport in the city. Electric trains come in 9, 12, and 15-car sizes. There are 3 main branches and 1 more is being finalized.

• The Western Line runs along the entire coast in the west and consists of 36 stations (Dahanu Road - Churhgate), and it consists of two parallel railways - regular and express. On a regular line, trains stop at every station, on an express line - only at the most important ones.
• There are 24 stations on the Central Line. From Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) to Kalyan there are two parallel lines - high-speed and slow, and on the sections from Kalyan to Kasara and Khopoli only high-speed.
• The port line runs along the bay and crosses it through an underground channel. Begins Railway from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station, then it branches and ends at two stations: Panvel and Andheri. There are no express lines here.
• The transport line does not go to South Mumbai, it connects Vashi and Thane stations.

All trains have first and second class carriages. The carriages are also divided into mixed and women's carriages (I highly advise foreign ladies to travel on these). Tickets for first class carriages are much more expensive, but there are also significantly fewer people there. Tickets can be purchased at any of the stations. You can take a one-way or round-trip ticket (valid for 24 hours). Tourists can buy a pass for 1, 3 or 5 days. Also, foreigners are not recommended to use electric trains during rush hour; the carriages are overcrowded at this time.

Buses

The most common public transport in the city is buses. There are a great many of them:

• A regular bus with white numbers on a black background stops at all stops.
• Limited buses with red numbers and the registration Ltd stop only at major stops.
• Special buses with white numbers on a red background and the suffix Spl run only in the city center.
• Express trains with red numbers on a yellow background and the affix Exp run between the center and the outskirts of the city.
• Air-conditioned buses with black numbers on a yellow background and the letter A also run between the center and outskirts.
• Buses labeled Port Ferry go to the port.

Tickets are purchased on the bus from the conductor, and the cost depends on the distance of the trip. The average price is 0.29 USD (20 INR).

Mumbai - holidays with children

Let Mumbai not best city for a holiday with children, they will not get bored here. When planning a vacation with a child, try to take into account the weather in Mumbai - in April it starts to get hot and give way to rain. Best time for holidays - from November to February, children will be most comfortable. Also, when planning a trip to Mumbai, consider the area where you will live. You shouldn’t skimp on a hotel and stay in a cheap guesthouse.

Here are a few activities that are sure to please children of all ages:

• Nehru Science Center and Planetarium. School-aged children will enjoy learning about scientific advances, watching planetarium shows, and simply wandering through galleries dedicated to history and discovery.
• Hanging Gardens. In addition to lawns and flower beds where children can frolic, the park has a shoe house you can climb into, playgrounds and animal-shaped bushes.
• Taraporewala Aquarium. The aquarium was recently restored, now it houses fish from all over the world, there is a glass tunnel with marine life and even a contact pool.
• Water Kingdom water park. A good water park within the city. There are slides for adults and children.
• Essel World Amusement Park. Located in the same place as the water park. You can visit both in a day. If you are tired of walking around the city and seeing the sights, come here.

Ski holiday

Friends, you often ask, so we remind you! 😉

Flights- you can compare prices from all airlines and agencies!

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

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Anything to add?

Mumb A th, or Mumb A and - a city in western India, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, at the mouth of the Ulhas River. Until 1995, the city was called Bombay, and its current name - Mumbai - received in honor of one of the incarnations of the goddess Mother Earth Mumbadeva - Maha Amba Aiee, who is worshiped by the Marathas inhabiting the lands of Maharashtra.

Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, it is the most populous city in India: the Mumbai metropolis, together with its satellite cities, forms the fifth largest urban agglomeration in the world with a population of 28.8 million people. Mumbai is an administrative unit called the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, which includes two districts of the state of Maharashtra: the city of Mumbai proper (603 km², 15,414,288 people in 2018) and the suburbs of Mumbai. Mumbai is divided into 23 urban districts.

Based: 1507
Square: 603 km 2
Population: 15,414,288 people (2018)
Currency: Indian rupee
Language: Marathi
Official website: http://www.mcgm.gov.in

Current time in Mumbai:
(UTC +5:30)

Compared to other cities in India, Mumbai has a high standard of living and high business activity with ample employment opportunities. The city today is the largest port in western India.

How to get there

There are no direct flights connecting Russia and Mumbai, but, in part, there are a lot of connecting options, thanks to which you can fly to Mumbai from several cities in Russia. Below we list these options (in brackets are the cities of connections).

• Turkish Airlines (Istanbul): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Ufa, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi
• Lufthansa (Frankfurt am Main or Munich): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara
• Emirates (Dubai): Moscow, St. Petersburg
• Qatar Airways (Doha): Moscow
• Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi): Moscow
• Air France (Paris): Moscow, St. Petersburg
• Swiss (Zurich): Moscow, St. Petersburg
• KLM (Amsterdam): Moscow, St. Petersburg
• Virgin Atlantic and British Airways (London): Moscow

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Transfers in Mumbai

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		Mumbai	from 1861 p.
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Pune		Mumbai	from 6033 p.
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Mumbai		Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport	from 1861 p.
Mumbai		Borivali Railway Station	from 2439 p.
Mumbai		Lohegaon Airport	from 6033 p.
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Story

The territory of present-day Mumbai was inhabited already in the Stone Age. In the 3rd century BC. e. these lands belonged to Emperor Ashoka. Until 1343, the territory was part of the Hindu state under the control of the Silhara dynasty, after which it came into the possession of the Sultans of Gujarat. From 1534 to 1661, Mumbai was under Portuguese rule. This period is characterized by Christianization - the conversion of the local population to the Catholic faith.

The city was originally located on seven islands: Colaba, Little Colaba, Mazagaon, Wadala, Mahim, Parel and Matunga-Sion. However, this arrangement led to swamping of the area. Therefore, in 1817, the reconstruction of Bombay began, with the goal of uniting all the islands into one. The project was completed by 1845 under Governor Hornby Vellard.

The second half of the 19th century is characterized by the rapid economic development of Bombay: for the first time in India, industry arose here, which entailed a rapid pace of trade development, but at the same time surges in the labor movement. One of these uprisings (the Sailors' Revolt in February 1946) ultimately led to India gaining independence.

Today's Mumbai is one of the most important cultural centers India, a city of contrasts, attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world.

Climate and weather in Mumbai

Weather forecast

Saturday 14.12

Sunday 15.12

Monday 16.12

Tuesday 17.12

Wednesday 18.12

Thursday 19.12

on "Pogoda.Tourister.Ru"

Weather in Mumbai by month

	Temperature daytime, °C	Temperature at night, °C	Quantity precipitation, mm
	29	19	0
	29	20	0
	31	22	0
	32	25	0
	33	27	12
	32	26	592
	30	25	682
	29	24	487
	30	24	307
	32	24	61
	32	23	23
	31	20	2

Reviews by month

January 7 February 2 March 11

May 1

August 2 September

October 2 November 7 December 24

Transport

The huge Asian metropolis, which Mumbai undoubtedly is, cannot be imagined without a transport system.

And maybe in Mumbai it is not as well-established as, say, in European cities; it is quite possible to move around the metropolis by public transport, which is represented by buses, taxis, rickshaws, commuter trains and, since it is still a port city, water transport.

Photos of Mumbai

What to see in Mumbai

Mumbai is one of the oldest cities India, the country's sea gate and most important city times of English colonization. It is not surprising that there are many places of note for tourists here. The architecture of fairly utilitarian buildings like a train station alone is worth it, and in addition, the city is home to many temples of various religions, a museum and other attractions of Mumbai.

Using the links below you can go to a page with detailed information about the object that interests you, where, along with a description, you will find contact information, opening hours, travel methods and entrance fees, as well as the location of the object on the map.

If you are interested not only in the iconic places of Mumbai, but also in the country as a whole, take a look at the “cultural attractions of India” section.

Where to go in Mumbai

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Where to eat and drink

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Transport

Shops and markets

Private guides in Mumbai

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Mumbai in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Sunbathe and swim on the beaches

Mumbai is a coastal city surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. There are about a dozen large and small beaches in Mumbai, but they are not at all equipped and, frankly speaking, are not the most best place for a beach holiday in India. The water is often dirty, during the monsoons the current becomes very strong, and most beaches are flooded. Indians for the most part do not like to swim, but they go to the beaches quite often - they relax with friends or families, listen to the sound of the waves, admire the sunsets, and relax after the bustle of the city. It is worth remembering that Indians do not welcome a woman coming to the beach unaccompanied by a man, much less sunbathing in an open swimsuit. After sunset, Europeans have nothing to do on Mumbai's beaches.

Have fun at the Esselworld water and amusement park

Shopping in Mumbai

Mumbai, "Gateway of India" real paradise for shopping. Local trading traditions date back centuries. Here you can buy everything your heart desires: from clothes of European designers to local textiles, from Japanese electronics to Indian spices.

Most shops in Mumbai are open from 10:00 to 20:00, except for large shopping centers that close later. On weekends, stores may operate with reduced hours. Traditional markets are usually open from 09:00 until sunset.

Commit bargain purchase items of clothing, shoes or accessories can be purchased in the shopping arcades on Fashion Street. Other major shopping spots are Colaba Causeway, Pherozeshah Mehta Road, Cuffe Parade, Breach Candy, Linking Road in Bandra. Many clothing shops are located in the Chowk Fountain area. The Oberoi and Taj hotels have air-conditioned passages with clothing and jewelry boutiques especially for tourists.

Recommended for shopping lovers in Mumbai compulsory visit one of the many colorful markets in the city. Thus, at the Chor Bazaar market on Mutton Street near Sir J. J. Road you can find handicrafts and antique furniture; at the Zaveri Bazaar - jewelry; at the market on Dhaboo Street - leather goods; at the Crawford Market at the intersection of Dr. D.Navroji Road and Carnac Road - fruits and vegetables. Airtel, Vodafone, Idea and some others.

By purchasing a SIM card from a local telecom operator, a direct Indian number is automatically provided. A SIM card from local operators costs 200 - 500 rupees. To purchase, a foreigner will need a passport and two 3x4 cm photographs. Some states may also require a copy of the C-Form (foreigner hotel registration form). Please note that when you travel outside the state in which the SIM card was purchased, roaming comes into effect (1-2 rupees per minute for all calls, including incoming calls), sometimes the card may not work at all. You can top up your card balance using express payment cards or at company offices. A call to Russia from Mumbai from a mobile phone will cost around 10-15 rupees, calls within the state in which the card was purchased are 1-2 rupees, within India - 2-3 rupees, all incoming calls are free. SMS to foreign numbers costs 5 rupees.

Internet cafes are common only in tourist cities In India, expensive restaurants, decent cafes and hotels have Wi-Fi (free or paid). Tariffs for Internet cafes vary from city to city, but remain quite high - from $2 per hour. When using a connection in an Internet cafe, you must provide a copy of your passport.

Safety

India is a country with centuries-old traditions, with ancient religion and culture. While in the country, foreign tourists are advised to follow certain rules of conduct so as not to offend the feelings of local residents.

Thus, the traditional greeting in India is “namaste” - the Indian equivalent of “hello” (नमस्ते, “bow to you”, pronounced “namaste”). When pronouncing this greeting, you should fold your hands in a special gesture - slightly bow your head and fold your palms at chest level, as during prayer. If for some reason you cannot fold both hands (for example, one is occupied), when answering a greeting, you can raise only one hand to chest level, but always the right one! The fact is that in India, as in the rest of Asia, the right hand is considered clean: it is used to eat, bless, give and take things, money. The left hand is unclean, Indians consider it so because they use it for hygienic purposes (traditionally there is no toilet paper). In addition, the legs are also an “unclean” part of the body. You cannot sit with your feet pointing at another person or towards the temple; you also cannot point your foot at anything or anyone.

Remember that in India any demonstration of personal relationships, even between spouses, such as walking by the hand, hugging and kissing, is not accepted.

Only men and men can shake hands in the Western style. Women should fold their hands in a namaste gesture.

Consumption of all types of alcohol in India in public places is strictly prohibited and is punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 rupees or imprisonment of up to 3 months. It is not customary to carry bottles of alcohol along the street in your hands.

Sanitary rules for visiting India are not complicated - the country is not among the states that require a set of vaccinations for entry. Medical insurance is not required, but highly recommended. But be sure to take with you a first aid kit, in which, in addition to the medications you personally need, it is advisable to have an antibiotic, a sufficient amount of drugs for intestinal infections, and antiseptics (green stuff/iodine/peroxide, manganese, bandage, cotton wool). Don’t forget also repellents for mosquitoes (which, by the way, are carriers of malaria, dengue fever, etc.) and other insects (fleas, bedbugs).

To stay healthy, you need to follow a small set of rules: wash your hands often and thoroughly, food should be freshly prepared and thermally processed, drink only bottled water, tea, coffee, factory-made soft drinks (Pepsi/Cola/Fanta, etc.). ). You should not feast on vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled - grapes, dried fruits.

In the case of an intestinal disorder (symptoms - indigestion, pain, fever, high temperature that does not go away within 3 days), you should not self-medicate - you need to contact one of the local clinics, where medicine is very advanced. high level. After a paid consultation with a doctor (inexpensive, 100-300 rupees) and tests (done within an hour), you will be prescribed a medicine that will put you back on your feet within 3-4 days.