Overview

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is one of the largest cities in the world. It is home to over 17 million people, which makes it the second most populated city in the world. Situated on the west coast of India, it has a deep natural harbor. Tagged as India's financial powerhouse, Mumbai always seems to be in the limelight as the center of fashion, film, and late night frolics. The skyscrapers stand in drastic contrast to the obvious signs of poverty prevalent on its streets.

It has been said that Mumbai is different from the rest of India just as New York is different from the rest of the United States. The city has a hurried pace and making money seems to be on everyone's mind.

Mumbai is also considered the commercial capital of India with its richest neighborhoods in South Mumbai. North Central Mumbai is the upper middle class region. The middle class people live in the central suburbs.

Activities & Attractions

From legendary sites to new world wonders, religious places and archaeological sites attracting worldwide audiences, Mumbai lacks nothing. The city also has some of the finest restaurants and tourist spots. Mumbai always delights its visitors with little surprises popping up around every corner. The city entertains its tourists with a never-ending list of places ideal for sight-seeing, like its brightest jewel -- the Gateway of India. A stroll along the Marine Drive, which was once known as the queen's necklace, is definitely exhilarating. You can taste the delicacies at roadside kiosks near the Chowpatty Beach at the northern end of the Marine Drive.

South Mumbai is the oldest area of the city. The area also has many museums, bars, art galleries, and upscale restaurants. Meanwhile, the white-collar hub of Mumbai, South Central Mumbai, is home to the only zoo in the area, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. While in Mumbai, you can visit the Elephanta Caves, Jehangir Art Gallery, the Hanging Gardens, and more.

Lodging

From five-star hotels, which suit the luxury traveler (starting from $80) to economical lodges, you can find accommodations strewn across the city. Most of these hotels offer great discounts along with customer-friendly service. You can even book them online. If you choose small hotel rooms, it merely comes to around $6 per day.

Transportation

Taxis are the chief mode of transportation in Mumbai. It's quite handy to have the Taxi Meter Card issued by The Mumbai Traffic Police with you. You can access the same via online. Once beyond Bandra, you can also take advantage of the auto-rickshaws, which are allowed to operate only in that area and not in downtown areas. Buses and trains are the other options of public transportation in Mumbai.