Mumbai
Mumbai (formerly know as Bombay) is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. As it is popularly know as “Jadu Ki Nagri” (meaning “the land of Magic”), Mumbai is a magical collection of seven islands on the Konkan coastline, which over time were joined to form the island city of Bombay. The city has an estimated metropolitan population of 17 million (2005), making it one of the largest cities in the world. Mumbai is spread over an area of about 437 sq. kms that means….? Yes! You guessed it right. There are people, people and more people where ever you turn. Nevertheless you can find a good transport infrastructure in Mumbai. You can travel around the city on taxis which are prompt and their charges are pretty nominal as well. But the taxis operate only in certain parts of the city, autorickshaws ply in the areas where taxis are not allowed to. The autorickshaws drivers are very polite and the charges are reasonable also.
Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment centre of India, generating 5% of India’s GDP and accounting for 25% of industrial output, 40% of maritime trade, and 70% of capital transactions to India’s economy.
Mumbai is home to important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India and the corporate headquarters of many Indian companies and numerous multinational corporations.
The city also houses India’s Hindi film and television industry, known as Bollywood. Mumbai’s business opportunities, as well as its potential to offer a better standard of living, attract migrants from all over India and, in turn, make the city a potpourri of many communities and cultures. It is also home to India’s largest slum population.
One can find one of the world’s richest man and the poorest man as well here in Mumbai. The dabba wala’s, sleek limousines jostle rusty cycles, red double-decker buses roar past three-wheeler auto-rickshaws; impressive high rises soar above crowded ugly slums and shanty towns; glitzy shop fronts amid pavement stalls; glamorous film stars and homeless beggars demand attention at traffic lights and nevertheless people all around everywhere. That’s Mumbai for you!
Places of Interest
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is the most recognizable symbol of the city. Located in Colaba region of southern Mumbai, the Gateway is a basalt arch 26 metres (85 ft) high. In earlier times, the Gateway was the monument that visitors arriving by boat would have first seen in the city of Bombay. It was built to commemorate the visit of the British Monarch to India in 1911.
Today, the symbol of colonialism has got Indianised, drawing herds of local tourists and citizens. Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, you can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai’s splendid natural harbor.
Taj Mahal Hotel
Right next to the Gateway of India, stands tall the Taj Mahal Hotel. The iconic 105-year old heritage building retains its stature as the flagship property of the group and contains 565 rooms. From an historical and architectural point of view, The Taj Mahal Palace and the Tower are two distinct buildings, built at different times and in different architectural designs. The city has recovered well from the recent terror attack on the Taj Mahal Hotel on November 26, 2008. It is now safe and secure and has limped back on to normality after the terror attack which killed many innocent people.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a 3-kilometre-long boulevard in South Mumbai. It is a ‘C’-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast, which is a natural bay. This picturesque landmark connects Nariman Point with Malabar Hills. Situated over domesticated land, facing west-south-west, its coastline forms the part of the Arabian Sea. What draws attention to this avenue is the striking esplanade next to the road, where scores of people come to breathe fresh air and view sunset.
The best time to visit Marine drive is at night. It looks stunning illuminated, with lights and if seen from some elevated point beside the road, it appears like a necklace with street lights resembling a string of pearls. Chowpatty Beach, famous for its local fast-food, lies at the northern end of this road. One of the busiest roads in Mumbai, Marine Drive has been acclaimed as the world’s largest viewing gallery that hosts various events.
Marine Drive offers the best causeway to take a refreshing saunter next to the sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea. The cool breeze would caress you with its gentle touch, making you feel at cloud nine. A must visit place in Mumbai!
Haji Ali Mosque
This mosque is located in the causeway protruding into the Arabian Sea. A handsome example of Indian Islamic architecture, associated with legends about doomed lovers, the mosque (also known as dargah) contains the tomb of Haji Ali. Haji Ali was a wealthy Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to Mecca. It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket miraculously drifted and came to the spot where the mosque is built toady. The mosque can only be approached during low tide.
Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India. The culture one would find here is a mix and matches of many a culture from around the world. The city races against time and the lifestyle here moves at a lighting speed. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is India’s busiest airport and one of the main international gateways to the country.
Other places of interest:
The climate in Mumbai is humid pretty much throughout the year, because it is on the coast. The city gets flooded two or three times and normal life get disrupted during the rainy season every year, thanks to the nature of its location – surrounded by sea for the major part.
Know More about Mumbai - http://wikitravel.org/en/Mumbai
Hotels at Mumbai - http://www.mumbaihotels.net/
