You would imagine India's capital New Delhi would be the largest city by population density, but not so. It's Mumbai, and perhaps that's because that's where India's financial heart and soul is. Not only that though. It's also from where Bollywood originates, and truly you must understand the impact of the film industry on the city. Those two industries work in tandem and have been mutually exclusive for decades: investment in Bollywood has fueled increased cultural growth for India. Especially abroad, Bollywood exports exceed those of Hollywood in the US in terms of audience size.
That makes Mumbai a massive attraction internally, for Indians holidaying domestically. And why you should also consider Mumbai as a city break destination.
Mumbai is notorious of course for the slums ― off putting for many foreign travelers but look beyond the ongoing problem because the city has many reasons to visit:
The quality of cafes, restaurants and bars is incredible for local cuisine and evening entertainment. The city is ideal for the younger generation, it's a thrill with excitement oozing out of every nook and cranny. Ideal too, for couples celebrating an anniversary or just wanting a romantic break. Popular too with families, with many top-class beaches.
Three things certain about Lake Powai you will enjoy, and they are the lake's promenade, its garden and the boating. Many city residents come here to the lake for an afternoon for family time, usually that includes a picnic. Have your hotel call a taxi to take you to the Powai suburbs, dropping you off somewhere close to the promenade. The best time to stroll along the promenade is in the morning and evening, when you'll catch sight of the varied flocking birds.
For captivating views of the lake, consider going out onto the lake: take a leisurely boat trip to see far more than you can from the lakeside.
The temperature in the city is often close to 90° Fahrenheit, on average, but it can feel hotter. It only marginally cools by a few degrees with the heaviest rains from June until September. It can be stifling, so do stay hydrated at all times. If you must seek shade then head indoors to your nearest shopping mall. Galleria Shopping Mall is closest to the lake but Powai Plaza is also a (very) good bet. Most shopping malls in India have many facilities, such as hotel, restaurants, cinema and arcades. Some even have aquariums and theme parks.
But don't go swimming in the lake, there are dangerous undercurrents and drownings are not unheard of.
Another promenade you must not disregard is the 3km long Marine Drive. It's our recommendation for you to journey to Malabar Hill for grand views over Marine Drive, after sunset. Watch the city sparkle like diamonds in the night sky. It's truly a magical experience, and if you can book a hotel close to this landmark location then consider yourself lucky. Because the location is resoundingly exclusive.
The entire length is lined with palm trees, and much like Powai Lake's promenade, it's best frequented in the early morning and evening. That's when you can relax to the sounds of the waves, without too much traffic noise pollution. The ocean breeze blowing in is also at its most cooling. There can be nothing more romantic than going for a walk on the promenade early in the evening. Come to rest at your pre-booked rooftop restaurant, which has a balcony overlooking the water. Perfect for a candlelit meal for two.
The park is a great day out for families, with so much to do, filling up the day is easy. A calm, relaxed and peaceful atmosphere can be found despite the youngest children screaming with excitement. The park isn't free with an entrance fee of US$1 per person. The shuttle service too isn't free, at US$1 per person taking you between the park and Kanheri Caves. There may be miscellaneous fees, such as for using a camera or smartphone in the park.
What few dollars you spend will be well worth it, it's a great day out for everyone. Instantly once you are inside the park you forget about the city outside, your senses are captured by the forest scenery and birdsong of many species. Apart from the beauty and the Kanheri Caves, you can expect:
There is even a small model-like railway train ideal for children. The train takes you to all the best parts of the park, for holiday tourists. There are over 100 small caves at the site and the majority of them are open to the public, however some are not. Be aware that the caves are a religious site often visited by Buddhist monks. Dress accordingly (not showing the shoulders or legs) and wear sturdy shoes.
Like other caves throughout India ― of this age ― the caves are rock cut monuments, with sculptures worn by wind and time. Simply hop onto any auto-rickshaw or hail a taxi, or take a train from Borivali Station.
Public ferries leave daily from the back of the Gateway of India harbor. Once you walk through the security kiosk near the plaza you can purchase a US$3 ticket. The ferry ride takes an hour. If you are interested in history, you will enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage site. If not, then there is very little else on this small Island, other than the caves, to see. Once on the Island and at the cave location, they're beautiful indeed but be wary of the brazen monkeys. The monkeys are far from shy and they're everywhere, in all directions you look.
They're a menace. As are the locals pretending to be guides (ignore them). Two hills on the Island, a 5th century cave dug out of the side of one, and the other hill, is its 7th century sister cave. The oldest of the two is the best in terms of what can be seen and photographed. The stone sculptures may be ancient and some of the carving worn or damaged but clearly you can see:
A lot of the intricate detail is remarkable, to still be seen 1,500 years on: the Portuguese of old who colonized the Island caused a lot of damage, but not all was lost. As with other caves of Hindu origin, internally you expect many columns. Towards the back of the cave are where the best sculptures to be examined.
There is quite a distance to reach the caves from the jetty, take plenty of water with you. Also carry lots of cash with you (rupees, not dollars). Small charges are common from the moment you step off the boat. As a foreigner you pay more:
If you've come to Mumbai at the wrong time of the year (March, April or May) it's best to take the train because it'll be way too hot to walk those steps. No need to carry your lunch onto the Island though, there are food vendors selling fresh, good quality food. The food is delicious and very affordable.
For the commemoration of the visit by King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, the Gateway of India was commissioned by the Governor of Bombay. The city's name was restored back to Mumbai because the colonial British renamed the city to Bombay in the mid-1600's.
The value today, for visiting, is in the legacy of the British colonial rule over India. The monument may have ― or may have had ― significance in the lives of Indians: it's part of their history celebrating the arrival of noble, prominent British personal. Now, perhaps it's just a tourist attraction? More than just an attraction, because many in Mumbai compare it to being equal to the Taj Mahal. Regardless of the British rule, the Gateway of India is a beacon to much of Mumbai's Indians.
India is famous for its shopping malls, and like those found in South Korea, there are far more than just shops. You can lose an entire day in a mall, leaving to discover it to be a very late afternoon outside. And that's one consequence of entering a mall ― you forget there is a world beyond the one you lap up, inside.
You cannot come to Mumbai (or any other large city in India) and not visit the shopping malls. Even if you aren't interested in some of the world's largest big-name brands there are other reasons to visit:
Each mall is slightly different but they all have something in common: it's more than just shopping. Family orientated, each mall keeps children happy and often freeing you of parental responsibility ― so, you can shop without disruption knowing the children are under supervision. We can recommend you try out Oberoi Shopping Mall, Infiniti Mall and most definitely Phoenix Market City, India's largest shopping mall.
Because Mumbai stretches out to the Arabian Sea, there is a sizable coastline with numerous beaches. The most favorable beaches for tourists to the city are:
There is also Versova Beach, that's popular too. Just 23km from Mumbai central, the beach is less than an hour's taxi journey for you. You can head towards Versova Beach, to experience the massive fish market, and later go south to Juhu Beach before returning to the city. Versova Beach is ideal for swimming and jogging, though there is a little other activity.
The most popular beach in Mumbai by tourist numbers, and it's normal to see it crowded towards late afternoon and early evening. That's when visitors to the beach enjoy a stroll, waiting for the sunset. Crowded but still there is lots of space on this beach, it stretches for several kilometers. It's recommended you must visit this beach:
Apparently, Mumbai also has a decent nightlife. That's to be expected of course, as the city has a large population of young people, full of energy.
There is no disputing that cities such as New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur command so much attention from the international tourist. India's Golden Triangle is world famous and attractive to millions of travelers eager to feast their cultural thirst. Yet isn't culture to be found in Mumbai? Surely there can't be any greater cultural discover than Bollywood, which dramatizes India's history told in unique story telling.
Not only that. Mumbai is a respected cosmopolitan metropolis, and a shopper's top go to destination: visit for a few days shopping therapy. Aside from the glitz and designer labels on show, there are beautiful parks, UNESCO World Heritage sites and beautiful beaches.
