Mumbai

State

Maharashtra

Country

India

Continent

Asia

Size

603 KM²

Population

1,250,000,000

Spending Budget

$350 - $430

Famous For

Being the entertainment capital of India, Mumbai's popular Bollywood songs captivate all music lovers, making them groove to its beats. Mumbai is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage.Sites

Best Time to Visit

January
February
October
November
December

History

Humans have inhabited Mumbai since the Stone Age , the Kolis and Aagri were the inhabitants known settlers of the islands. The Maurya Empire gained control of the islands during the 3rd century BCE and transformed it into a centre of Buddhist culture and religion. it had been a part of Ashoka’s empire within the 3rd century BCE, and within the 2nd century CE it had been referred to as Heptanesia to Ptolemy, the traditional Egyptian astronomer and geographer of Greek descent. Mumbai was originally constructed as seven different islands. These islands were referred to as Bombay, Old Woman’s Island or Little Colaba, Mahim, Parel, Mazagaon, and Worli. In approximately 5 centuries, of these islands got united then Bombay was formed. This was the time when all individual islands were merged but we will still find their presence within the city. Mumbai was the first place where the concept of 'train’ was first implemented. The primary train was announced and opened for public use in 1853 and it’s become a serious source of public transportation from that point. It’s also an incontrovertible fact that the Mumbai Local Train is one among the busiest transportation systems within the world. People travel from one location to another for his or her work and other travel purposes almost a day. When the Mumbai-Pune railway line was constructed within the year 1863, the project of this construction was managed and completed by Alice Tredwell. Originally, she was a Photographer and English Railway Contractor. She was also referred to as the wife of English Railway Contractor Solomon Tredwell. Transportation plays a highly important role within the lifetime of Mumbai’s residents. So, for improvement of local public transportation, the primary bus or India was started in Mumbai within the year 1926. This was the time when transportation got flexibility in it in order that the overall people could avail its advantage without spending the high amount thereon. From that point, the bus has become a serious source of public transportation on the Mumbai roads.

Present Day

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay city, capital of Maharashtra state. It’s the country’s financial and commercial centre and its principal port on the Arabian Sea. Located on Maharashtra’s coast, Mumbai is India’s most-populous city, and it’s one among the most important and most densely populated urban areas within the world. According to the United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the second-most populous city in the country after Delhi and the seventh-most populous city in the world with a population of roughly 20 million. As per Indian government population census of 2011, Mumbai was the most populous city in India with an estimated city proper population of 12.5 million living under Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. Mumbai is the centre of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the sixth most populous metropolitan area in the world with a population of over 23 million. Mumbai is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the city's distinctive ensemble of Victorian and Art Deco buildings. Mumbai is the financial, commercial, and the entertainment capital of India. It is also one of the world's top ten centres of commerce in terms of global financial flow. The city houses important financial institutions and the corporate headquarters of numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations. It is also home to some of India's premier scientific and nuclear institutes. The city is also home to Bollywood and Marathi cinema industries. Mumbai's business opportunities attract migrants from all over India.

Future

The government has released the latest version of Mumbai Development Plan 2034 - Development Control Promotion and Regulation (DCPR 2034). This plan took everyone by surprise as it is significantly different from the DP 2034 passed by BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in February 2018. The current DP has several positives and, in a way, is a step in the right direction, but implementation of some of the objectives may be a challenge, says Knight Frank India. The DCPR 2034 aims to create eight million jobs in Mumbai by increasing the supply of office space. The DCPR 2034 provides higher FSI for office developments, only if the road width is greater than 12 metres or else it is the same as residential. As the number of vehicles moving in and out of a commercial building throughout the day is higher than residential, the incidence of traffic jams outside commercial buildings can be reduced, to some extent.

Must Visit Places ------------

The Gateway Of India

Standing proud on the banks of the Arabian Sea at the Apollo Bunder waterfront area, the Gateway of India is one of Mumbai's most popular and treasured landmarks. The 26-meter basalt archway, which combines the architectural styles of Roman triumphal arches with traditional Hindu and Muslim designs, was built as a gesture of welcoming for King George V and Queen Mary when they visited British India in 1911. Ironically, it was under this very archway that the last British troops exited India in 1948, after the country declared its independence from Great Britain. Nowadays, the Gateway of India is one of the most popular gathering spots in Mumbai for tourists and locals alike.

Marine Drive

No trip to Mumbai would be complete without a cruise down Marine Drive. The 3.6-kilometer-long, C-shaped boulevard offers epic views of the coast. However, just as amazing are the sightseeing opportunities on the other side of Marine Drive. The street is lined with stunning Art Deco buildings that have earned status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bandra - Worli Sea Link

One of Mumbai's most iconic sites is a cable-stayed bridge known as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Opened in 2009, the eight-lane bridge connects the central business district with the western suburbs over the open sea, offering some much-needed relief from the congestion on the Mahim Causeway. It has become the Mumbai equivalent of New York's Brooklyn Bridge or Sydney's Opera House. For the most impressive views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, head to the Bandra Fort, a historic watchtower built by the Portuguese in 1640. It's also worth driving across the bridge, as well. By day, you can see the crashing sea on both sides of the bridge. And at night, watch the bridge light up with spectacular colors.

Taj Mahal Palace

The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai and Tower. More than a century old, India's first luxury hotel is revered for the grandeur of its brownstone exterior. The windowed facade infuses its Renaissance architecture with Islamic touches, like corner turrets topped with onion domes, pointed archways, and covered balconies. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai hotel is one of India's most photographed places. Walk by and snap your own picture from street level. Or, better yet, step inside the hotel's colonial-style restaurant, Sea Lounge, in the afternoon for an elaborate high tea.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum

Visiting the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum is also high on the list of the top things to do for tourists in Mumbai. Previously known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, this is one of India's most important art and history attractions. You'll need at least a full day to take in the museum's expansive permanent collection of 70,000 items, which include Indian miniature paintings, Himalayan art, antique Asian coins, jeweled swords, and much more.

Global Vipassana Pagoda

Discover Mumbai's peaceful, quiet side at the Global Vipassana Pagoda. Inspired by Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda, the colossal 96-meter-high stupa is covered in real gold that gleams in the sun. The hollow pagoda features a massive hall with room for 8,000 people to meditate in tranquility together. Not sure how to meditate? Take one of the free 10-minute-long Anapana meditation courses offered at the pagoda continuously throughout the day. There's also an extensive vegetarian food court on-site with some downright delicious dosas.

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

Many Hindus have their favorites of the religion's 33 million gods. Devotees who favor Ganesha (the potbellied deity with the elephant head who is known as the "remover of obstacles") make pilgrimages to the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple. Slip off your shoes and head in to see the idol of the deity, draped with marigold garlands and offerings, with hundreds of other visitors eager for a glimpse (and perhaps a granted wish). It's a cultural experience like none other.

Mahalakshmi Temple

Mahalakshmi Temple is one of Mumbai's oldest and most famous temples. Dedicated to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, this temple draws crowds through its ornate gate and into the shrine with the idol. Visitors will also spot idols of other deities, including Tridevi (the patron deity of music and education) and Kali (the goddess of destruction), adorned with gold ornaments.

Ancient Caves on Elephanta Island

A popular day trip from the main city of Mumbai is a visit to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mumbai Harbor. The attraction is home to rock-cut cave temples honoring the Hindu god Shiva. Roughly 1,600 years old, the archeological marvel lays out a series of temples in a maze-like mandala pattern. Inside, you'll discover carvings that explain the stories of Hindu myths. The crown jewel of the main temple is a six-meter-high, three-faced Shiva statue. Ferries to Elephanta Island depart roughly every 30 minutes from the Gateway of India and take about an hour.

Nariman Point

Nariman Point is Mumbai’s downtown, with high-rise offices and upscale hotels, popular for sunset drinks at sea-facing bars. It’s home to the National Centre for the humanistic discipline, hosting experimental theatre and international music acts, displaying modern visual arts. The world lies at the top of Marine Drive, lined with artistic movement buildings. Nariman Point is the fourth costliest office location within the world.