All this in a city which is characterized as being the melting pot of India where people from all parts of India and world come together and constitute this fast paced city. The city is known to be never sleeping with shops, malls and restaurants open till late hours and the sea breeze soothing the tired soul at all times of the day.
How to reach?
By Air-International: Most of the cities in the world have direct flights to Mumbai and land in the Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport.
Domestic: All cities with airports have direct flights to Mumbai. (For competitive prices Click on Bookings)
By Road: For the more adventurous ones, road offers to be a great medium to travel to Mumbai from all major cities on the fast paced Highways of India as Mumbai is served by National Highway 3, National Highway 4 and National Highway 8.Mumbai-Pune expressway was the first expressway ever built in India and Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway is under construction. So hop on a bike or take a car and drive to this city while enjoying the highway.
By Train: Mumbai is headquarter for two railway zones: Central Railway at Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus and Western Railway at Churchgate. All main cities of India have direct trains to Mumbai. Mumbai also has the very popular Mumbai Local trains which are the lifeline of the city connecting different part of the city on three different lines from north to south.
Getting Around Mumbai
Once you reach Mumbai, you can get around to different places in the city by Auto-Rickshaws (three wheeled motored public vehicles), Local Trains, Taxis and BEST buses which link all places in and around the city and its neighboring suburbs of Navi Mumbai and Thane.
Auto Rickshaws and Taxis strictly work on the meter system wherein the fare is calculated by the meter depending upon the kilometers traveled and the fare per kilometer. From 11 P.M. till 5 A. M the fare is calculated on the basis of night charge which is a little extra than the day charge. A fare chart which indicates the night charge is available with the Auto Rickshaw and Taxi drivers at all times of the day.
You can get day and weekly passes for the BEST buses and can buy Coupons and Tickets from all Train Stations for the local trains. Getting around in Mumbai with public transport is indeed the best way since it is easily available and accessible from all places in Mumbai.
Places of Interest
Holy Places: Mumbai has some of the well known temples in India. Siddhivinayak Temple is a temple devoted to the Indian god Ganesha (Son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati). Devotees from all across India come here to worship Lord Ganesha. Apart from Siddhivinayak, there is Mahalakshmi Temple, the temple of goddess Lakshmi (Known as the Goddess of Wealth and prosperity) and There is Walukeshwar temple and good sight.
Monuments: Gateway of India, the place from where the British Queen Elizabeth, made her way into India. The Monument is located opposite the famous Taj hotel. It is a must see for tourists in India. Apart from gateway of India there is Flora Fountain and Elephanta Caves. A ferry ride through elephanta caves makes the visit completely worthwhile.
Gardens: Hanging gardens also known as the Pherozshah Mehta Gardens is named hanging because of its location on the slope of a Hill. It gives a panoramic view of the city and is one of the best spots to see a breathtaking sunset. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is located in the outskirts of northern Mumbai and is known for its amazing 109 Kanheri caves.
Museums: Nehru Planetarium which was inaugurated by late Smt. Indira Gandhi has acquired a distinct identity on the map of Mumbai. It has a museum adjacent to the planetarium and a children’s science park and a gallery. Several programmers are arranged by the planetarium for both adults and children. Prince of Wales museum is another spectacular Raj-era building on MG Road. It has an array of superb paintings and sculptures.
Lakes and Beaches : There are some spectacular lakes such as the Vihar and Powai Lakes and the Tulsi and has some of the most popular beaches of India like the Juhu Beach which is known for its food more than its known for the water. One of the personal favorites is Marine Drive also known as the Queen’s necklace because of its spectacular lighting. It is the most common hang out and jogging and walking place of Mumbaiites.
Amusement Park and Getaways: There are three major amusement parks in Mumbai , Essel World, Fantasy Land and Water Kingdom and there are various weekend getaways from Mumbai such as Khandala, Alibag and Lonavala.
Places to Eat :
The best place to experience the exquisite food of Mumbai is Khau Galli which is located off Zaveri Bazaar. Apart from Khau Galli there is Bade Miyan’s the most lip smacking and amazing chicken, mutton, egg and vegetable rolls that you can even think off are sold here. A small stall in Colaba this is THE place for rolls followed by Ayub’s. Some of the major top restaurants include, Thai me up, Mainland China, Little Italy etc. Mumbai’s favorite Ice creams can be found in all major parts of the cities in Naturals Ice Cream Parlors. They serve ice cream made of fresh fruit and is something which can be found only in Mumbai.
Places to shop:
Everything from little knickknacks to Designer wear is available here in this one city. You can shop for street stuff from Linking Road and Colaba Market which also has outlets of some designer brands. For street stuff and knickknacks bargaining can be done and should be doneJ. Apart from that the city has has malls in almost all major parts. Inorbit mall is the one stop destination as it is Mumbai’s largest mall will all top brands and an elaborate food court.
Article by Shivani Singh
An Indian Backpacker |
