Mumbai, also known as the Mayanagri (city of dreams), is where thousands of Indians from all over the country dream of going to dazzle like their favourite superstars from Bollywood. Some make it to the screen and some lose themselves totally in the crowd swarming the city. The house of Bollywood also happens to hold in its womb a history so deep and so old that only the rubbles of it can be found here and there. However, some such sights have been protected by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) and many new attractions have been erected to keep the tourists and visitors from the country and the rest of the world engaged and excited. Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai has been the backdrop of thousands of Bollywood Movies and a handful of Hollywood movies too – Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol, Slumdog Millionaire, and A Mighty Heart, to name a few!
Now, let’s look at some of the must-visit attractions in the City of Dreams:
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3 to 4 daysEasyThe city ha countless ATMS, banks, hospitals, and travel agencies so you can always find what you need within close proximity, however, check the weather before you arrive in the city so you can bring proper clothes. Also, don't forget your camera as the city of Mumbai provides endless photography opportunities at every corner of the city.Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport is the city's link to the rest of the world. It is approx. 30km from the city centre. Santacruz airport is the domestic wing of the airport. The city of Mumbai is widely connected to the rest of the country and the world via regular flights. There are two railway stations in Mumbai - Mumbai Central Station for trains coming from the North, and Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus or VT which sees trains arriving from east, west, and central India. The latter is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are arriving from one of the neighboring cities such as Pune, Nashik, and Goa, you can take a normal bus in the day or a night sleeper Volvo.Mumbai is well connected with local buses, taxis, and local trains. It is very easy to get to one place from another but because of the traffic and overpacked streets it can feel a little frightening. Keep a guide map and always ask whenever unsure of where to go or what mode of transportation is the best.Mumbai is neatly divided into two segments - the slums and the skyscrapers. Though most people are helpful, beware of the touts. It can get too overwhelming to be the centre of attraction all the time, especially if this is your first time in a proper city in India, but trust your instincts before selecting a guide, agency, or anything. Stay out of any signs of trouble.Eating in Mumbai can also be as basic and as lavish as the accommodation scene in the city. You can enjoy a quick bite of the vada pao/batata vada, bhelpuri, and panipuri at almost any of the thousands of street vendors scattered around the city streets. Some of the popular dinners in the city include Koyla, Indigo, and Basilico in Colaba, and Pradeep Gomantak Bhojanalya (best for sampling local Maharasthrian cuisine at very affordable costs), Suzette, and Koh (India's first signature Thai restaurant) in Church gate and Fort Area. For drinking and nightlife. Some of the best pubs and bars in the town are located at the Western Suburbs such as Olive Bar and Kitchen, Aer, and Shiro.Mumbai can provide you with al sort of accommodation options. From homestays to five-star hotels, from bed and breakfast to boutique hotels, name it and you shall have it. If you wish to stay with a local family in Mumbai, visit the India Tourism website (www.incrediblindia.com) which gives you a detailed list of PG and B&B accommodations available in the city. An AC room at YWCA with breakfast and dinner, complimentary newspaper and wi-fi starts at INR2200 (approx.) for single and goes up to INR7000 for quadruple. On the other hand, staying at the magnificent Taj Mahal Palace can cost you around INR30000-40000, or maybe more depending upon the facilities they provide you.Just like any other city in India, Mumbai also has plenty of attractions - some famous some off-the-beaten-path, that you can explore on your visit to the city. Apart from the list given here, a few other notable sites to visit are the bazaars of Mumbai which are every shopaholic's' delight, the Prince of Wales Museum (also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya which is the city's largest and the best museum, Marine Drive and Girgaum Chowpatty which is Mumbai's most popular sunset viewing spots and lip smacking bhelpuris, Haji Ali Dargah which is an Indo-Islamic shrine and one of the top religious sites in the whole country, and of course a tour of Bollywood!!!
Updated: April 26, 2015