History of Mumbai

It was after the first war of independence in 1857 that the East India Company was accused of mismanagement which led to Bombay reverting the British crown. And it was after the American Civil War in 1861 and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 that Bombay became a major part of colonial economy.

The wealth that was accumulated with the network of commerce and communication in India led to the building of Imperial Bombay. In fact the construction of many famous landmarks of Bombay like Flora Fountain and Victoria Terminus were then started. The landmarks of this period are Gateway of India, Town Hall, General Post Office and prince of Wales Museum.

When to visit Mumbai

It is better to avoid visiting Mumbai during the monsoon months of June to September as this is when Mumbai becomes an overflowing pothole. Instead, plan a trip to Mumbai between October to April when there is less humidity and the air is pleasant. However if you visit Mumbai in August/September, you will be able to witness Ganesh Chathurti, a great festival of Mumbai.

The culture of Mumbai

Mumbai is a multicultural and multi ethnic society with a mix of Gujarati, Islamic, Maharashtrian and Parsi elements. Though the Shiv Sena has tried to give a Marathi identity to Mumbai, Mumbai is still a land of opportunity, especially on celluloid. In fact, a visit to the film world of Mumbai, Bollywood shows the film city that produces the maximum number of movies in a year, in the world.

Mumbai is a city where the extremities live in perfect harmony. You can tell the difference of lifestyles here by taking a walk down the rich Marine Drive and the chaotic Chowpatty, having a cup of tea at the Irani tea stalls or coffee at Apollo Bar of Taj Mahal Hotel and by taking a look at the bungalows of Pali Hills to the chawls that exist in Dharavi. Perfect examples of how the rich and not so rich live in Mumbai, or mini India.

Tingling taste buds in Mumbai

The most popular food in Mumbai is the Bombay platter that typically consists of curries, rice, vegetables, salad, chapattis, curd, sweets, etc. The reason this is the most preferred meal in Mumbai is because it includes an all-inclusive diet for a person.

People in Mumbai love their own variety of fast food that ranges from Bhel Puri to Pav Bhaji and Pani Puri to Vada Pav. Some of these snacks need no cooking while some are really hot and spicy, just right to tickle your taste-buds. The famous desserts of Mumbai that are recognized across the world are the Shrikand, Chikki, Puran Poli and Shira.

Tourist attractions of Mumbai

You are never to get bored in Mumbai as this is a city that offers a lot to keep you busy. English is quite common where even average people on the street will be able to understand enough to guide you. There are some spots you have to visit in Mumbai like Marine Drive, which is referred to as Bollywood, the Indian version of Hollywood.

Marine Drive caresses the seashore from Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. After Chowpatty Beach, Marine Drive is also famous for the Queen’s Necklace, which is one of the busiest and breeziest roads of Mumbai.

A visit to Chowpatty beach in August/September lets you see the majority Hindu population of Mumbai thronging its sands in a bid to immerse their huge idols of Ganesh and to incur his blessings.

The other days on Chowpatty Beach are filled with people who come here to eat and to be entertained. The Hanging Gardens of Mumbai is also called Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens which is built over 3 reservoirs and stores billions of gallons of water for cleaning, before getting pumped to the city of Mumbai.

Colaba is the hub of tourist activity in Mumbai because of its street stalls, cafes and kitsch ambience. There are many reasonably rated guesthouses and economy hotels found here for the budget traveler.

The Fort area of Mumbai is synonymous to old Victorian and Gothic buildings. This is an area that is always full of activity as it is an important financial and commercial center. You find the Bombay Stock Exchange here.

Crawford Market comes with a 50 ft high sky lit awning and is the place to shop for varieties of fruits, vegetables and meat. It is the frieze found just above its main entry point, and designed by Lockyard Kipling the father of Rudyard Kipling, that has made the market famous.

The most famous landmark of Mumbai is the Gateway of India which was built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary to India in 1911. You can take a short motorboat cruise from the Gateway and experience Mumbai by the sea.

Haji Ali is a mosque that is visited by people of all faiths; however as it is found at the end of a causeway that protrudes to the Arabian Sea, it can be visited only at low tide. Essel World is the famous amusement park of Mumbai, which is situated near Gorai beach and can be reached by ferry. There are roller coasters and a water world you can enjoy with during your visit here. There are special rates on weekends and off seasons.

Shopping in Mumbai

Shopping in Mumbai is both exciting and electrifying where you can find everything ranging from the latest trends to antique jewelry, the latest cars and gadgets, handicrafts and abstract paintings.

There are huge malls you can visit and spend hours deciding on what to buy. There are also specialized malls for jewelry, furniture, weddings, sports items, interiors and equipments. Besides these malls, you could also check out ancient markets like Chor Bazaar, Mutton Street, Hill Road, Fashion Street and Zaveri Bazar.

The markets of Bombay are often referred to as the New York of India where you can find everything that you want. However when shopping at local markets, you have to bargain a lot so that you can get products at throwaway prices.