Excursions:
Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island is a one-hour boat ride from the Gateway of India. This UNESCO World Heritage site features beautiful temple caves carved out of solid basalt rock. Dating back to the third century the carvings depict scenes from Lord Shiva's life.
Film City at Goregaon East is the largest film studio in Asia. Most Bollywood films are shot here. Get prior permission and see the world of make belief being made. Catch a glimpse of film stars at work and wonder at the tedium of film making.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the only national park in India within a city limits. This patch of dense greenery in Borivili is home to many leopards, monkeys, deer and birds. Within the park is the 2nd century Kanheri Caves built by Buddhist monks, which is definitely worth a visit.
Shopping & Food:
Mumbai is a shopper's delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. For casual clothes, shoes and cheap accessories go to Linking Road, bargain clothes can also be bought at Fashion Street on Colaba Causeway, while Kemp's Corner has the more up-market stores. If you a real shopping buff, take the time to visit Crawford Market, the chaotic and fascinating indoor fruit, veg and animals market.
Mumbai is the foodies delight with a choice of cuisines and budgets to suit every pocket, eating out in Mumbai can be the highlight of your holiday. Check out the famous Konkani seafood at Trishna's in Kala Ghoda. Indigo at Colaba is a superb fine dining establishments, while China Garden at Haji Ali is famous for authentic Chinese food. For budget eating try the famous Gujrati thali at Samrat in Churchgate, or visit Cafe Noorani in Tardeo. Kobe's Sizzler's on Hughes Road is another famous eatery that popularised sizzlers in Mumbai.
Festivals:
Visit Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September), and experience the fervour and devotional zeal of the Mumbaikers. Images of Ganesh are worshipped for several days and on Chaturthi, thousands of processions converge on the beaches of Mumbai to immerse the idols in the sea. The celebrations are accompanied by music and dancing and can be a bit rowdy and raucous at times. The Navaratris are another joyous festival with all night garba dances.
Access:
Airport: Mumbai
Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) and Mumbai Central are the main stations connecting Mumbai to the rest of India.
Bus: Buses depart from Mumbai Central S.T. Bus Depot to several towns and cities. MTDC also operates a number of bus services to several neighbouring tourist destinations.
Tourism Info:
Government of India Tourist Office
123, Maharishi Karve Road, Churchgate
Tel: 022-22033144, 22033145
MTDC
9th Floor, Express Towers, Nariman Point
Tel: 022-2042583, 2831118
Art Gallery is the most famous exhibition centre of Mumbai with regular shows held by eminent artists.
Asiatic Society is housed in the impressive building of the Town Hall in the Fort Area. It has an excellent library with many priceless volumes.
National Centre for Performing Arts is the leading auditorium for dance, music and drama. Catch a show here to experience the Mumbai culture scene. |
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