Mumbai, named after a Marathi earth goddess, is built on a long, thin island just off the west coast of Maharashtra and linked to the mainland by causeways. It has cool, glitz and glamour. This is where India’s big money and beautiful people hang out, creating a city full of flashy skyscrapers and designer boutiques, overlaying elegant colonial foundations.

Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive here. This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour.

Bombay played a formative role in shaping the freedom struggle. It hosted the first Indian National Congress and was also a venue for the declaration of 'Quit India' by Gandhiji. Today Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra. Bombay was re-named as Mumbai in 1996. For decades the city has attracted migrants who come here to earn bread, many fail and those who survive are absorbed in the pace of Mumbai. It is a city which never sleeps, its streets are never empty. The factories and mills of operate day and night to meet the growing demands, their efforts has made Mumbai the commercial capital of India.

Places of Interest in Mumbai

• Gateway of India
  The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911, and is the main attraction of Mumbai city. Historically, the gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left Independent India by sea, marched through its portals. It is situated on the Apollo Bunder and one can go for a short cruise through Mumbai's natural harbour in one of the little motor launches that are stationed here.
• Malabar Hill
  An up-market residential area with some spectacular views of the city surroundings, Malabar Hill is a must-see place when you travel to Mumbai. On the road climbing up, is a Jain temple dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankara.
• Marine Drive
  A stroll down the Marine Drive is the best way to discover Mumbai. This winding stretch of road with tall buildings on one side and sea on the other extends from Nariman Point to Malabar Hills. Due to its curved shape and many streetlights, it was once called the Queen's Necklace. A popular sea front, Marine Drive is also the main thoroughfare linking Malabar Hills to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point and Fort. Overlooking the Marine Drive are the beautiful Kamala Nehru Park - atop Malabar Hills with wonderfully cut hazes and roomy walkways; and the Hanging Gardens - built during the early 1880s over Mumbai's main reservoir at the top of the Malabar Hills.
• Juhu
  Nicknamed as the uptown bourgeois paradise, Juhu Beach is a place that attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. Characterized by walkers, screaming children and courting couples, the beach covers an area of about 5 kilometres. Juhu beach is attractively studded with many five star hotels offering the customers a splendid view of the coast. The beach remains noticeably crowded on weekends. Moreover, the beach activities like camel rides, pony rides, acrobats, performing monkeys and entertainers will keep you enthralled all the time. Keep away from hawkers.
• Chowpatty
  Another sandy gateway of Mumbai is the Chowpatty beach in the suburbs of the city. Chowpatty is perhaps the most famous beach of Mumbai, characterised by the usual hustle and bustle of stallwalahs, people snoozing under the shade of its stunted trees, screaming kids, Ferris wheels, pony rides, wayside astrologers, monkey shows, and even the odd self-styled gymnast demonstrating their skill for a fee. Moreover, the bhelpuri shops and sometimes the film shoot or a street play also adds to the festive atmosphere of the beach. A beach of action, Chowpatty is a must during your travel to Mumbai.

Hoe to reach

• By Air
  Mumbai is an international airport. Many international airlines operate flights to Mumbai from various parts of the world. Indian Airlines and many private airlines connect Mumbai with all major tourist centres in India.
• By Rail
  Mumbai is the headquarters of the Cent6ral and Western Railways. Regualr trains connect it with all major cities like Aghamedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Calcutta, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Madras, Nagapur and Trivandrum.
• By Road
  Mumbai is connected by good motorable roads with all major tourist centres