Area : 440 sq km
Population : 18 million (approx.)

Mumbai also called as Bombay, has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of discos, nightclubs, pubs, bowling alleys, and amusement parks. Being home to Bollywood, the Hindi film industry means you are sure to find glamour everywhere. Don't be surprised if you bump into some familiar faces from the film world. All you need to do is to travel to Mumbai to experience the excitement.

Places to see

• Gateway of India
  This historical gateway built in British style, stands prominently at the Arabian sea. This graceful ceremonial archway was built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar of 1911. After Independence, British left through this gateway only.
• Elephanta Island
  Situated out in the Arabian sea, this island has a beautiful rock-cut Shiva Temple on top of a hill. The island can be reached by a short enjoyable ferry ride.
• The Tomb of Haji Ali
  The Mosque at the tomb of Haji Ali is a magnificent piece of architecture standing on an island. Hundreds of devotees arrive everyday to pay homage to the Saint Haji Ali.
• Marine Drive
  Mumbai's distinctive curving seafront avenue connects the skyscrapers of Nariman Point to the green villas of Malabar Hill. It is also called the Queen's Necklace because of its appearance after dark, when the street lights sparkle around the curve of the bay.
• Prince of Wales Museum
  Prince of Wales Museum is designed into the Indo-Saracenic style. It is one of the finest buildings constructed during British rule. Prince of Wales museum was designed in the Honour of the Prince of Wales on his first visit to India
• Mahalaxmi Temple
  One of the famous temples in Mumbai, Mahalaxmi temple is devoted to The Goddess of wealth Mahalaxmi. Idols of Hindu Goddesses Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali are also situated in the temple.
• Chowpatty Beach
  The famous beach of India holds a special attraction for both the tourists and local people. The attraction of chowpatty enhances many folds during Maharashtar's most famous festival of Ganesh chatturathi.

Festivals in Mumbai / Bombay
Different communities of people celebrating a number of festivals.Ganesh Chaturthi (late August-early September), Navratri (October-November), Gokul Ashtami (mid-August), and Holi (mid-March) are important festivals of Mumbai. Gudi Padava, in March/April, is the start of the Maharashtrian New Year. It is marked by the erection of gudis (bamboo sticks) decorated with colorful cloth and topped with an upturned drinking vessel.

Entertainment In Mumbai / Bombay

• Essel World
  Essel World is the India's largest amusement park, Essel World, spread over a sprawling 64 acres, is situated at Gorai. It offers more than 45 thrilling and scintillating rides and games.
• Water Kingdom
  The highlights of Asia's largest theme water park, Water Kingdom, is the world's biggest wave pool, heart stopping rides 'n' slides, river adventure cruises and much more. Fantasy Land is another amusement park located in Jogeshwari East.

Shopping in Mumbai / Bombay
Mumbai is India's greatest marketplace and the shopping opportunities it offers are enormous. The main areas for the shopping are Crawford Market (fruit and vegetables), Mangaldas Market (silk and cloth), Zaveri Bazaar (jewelry), and Chor Bazaar. For handicrafts, one can go to the emporia at the World Trade Center or to Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Shivaji Marg. Clothes at cheap rates can be purchased from the Fashion Street. From Parsi dhansaak to Gujarati thalis, and Muslim kebabs to Goan vindaloos, Mumbai has it all. During the summers, mango, especially the Alphonso variety, is a choice hard to resist.

How to reach

• By Air
  Mumbai has more flights connecting it than even the national capital New Delhi. All major airlines fly to and from Mumbai to most of the important cities of the world. The international terminal of Mumbai is known as Sahar and the domestic terminal is known as Santa Cruz. The Sahara terminal is 30 km from downtown Mumbai and Santa Cruz is at a distance of 25kms. Besides taxis, there are regular shuttle services plying between the two terminals.
• By Rail
  The Indian Railways has connected the city of Mumbai well with the rest of the country. Mumbai is the headquarters for the Central and the western zones of railways. The Victoria Terminal alias the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminal is the main railway station in Mumbai besides other stations at Dadar, Churchgate, and Kurla.
• By Road
  If you would like to travel by bus within India, most long distance buses leave from the State Transport Terminal located opposite Mumbai's Central Railway Station. The city of Mumbai has an amazing network of bus services that link the various cities of Maharashtra.