Introduction:
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, a city of eighteen million offers you a vista of stimulating experiences. From history to modern culture and everything in between it is a buffet for the senses. It is one of the few cities in the world which has a beach in the centre of the city- Chowpatty Beach- and a beautiful scenic route curving right along the Arabian sea, aptly called the Queen’s Necklace, which sparkles at night with an arc of pearly halogens.
The city is primarily divisible into South Mumbai- where the venue of the Summit- the Taj Hotel- is located; South Central Mumbai- an upcoming area with business hotels and shopping malls; North Central Mumbai- an area traditionally populated by migrants to Mumbai after Independence in 1947; Western Suburbs- home to Bollywood and the two airports; Central Suburbs; Harbour Suburbs and Northwest Mumbai- which are mainly urban sprawls and sattelite parts of this ever-growing city.
Tourist Attractions:
The Gateway of India -Mumbai’s most famous monument, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India, is visible from the Taj and hardly a few metres across the street.
From the Gateway of India, it is possible to board a ferry for a one-hour ride to the Elephanta caves which date back to 600 AD.
In the heart of South Mumbai is the Banganga Tank, which is an ancient, sacred water tank surrounded by 400 year- old temples and modern residential skyscrapers. The dichotomy of Bombay is best seen here, where ancient culture meets modern progress.
To see the best of Victorian and Baroque architecture, take a drive from Flora Fountain to Colaba and stop at the art-deco Jehangir Art Gallery in between, to catch a glimpse of original contemporary Indian art.
For more information on Mumbai’s various tourist attractions, please visit http://www.mumbainet.com/template1.php?CID=25&SCID=11
Important Travel Information:
Although Mumbai, like New York and London, has an impressive network of public transport- buses, taxis and trains- it can be quite confusing to navigate on one’s own. For an easier mode of transport, you can ask your hotel to arrange an air-conditioned tourist car or call one of Mumbai’s private air-conditioned metred taxi services.
Please note the below mentioned cab services will drop you to the airport but do not arrange to pick you up from the airport. Meru Cabs- 022 44224422; Mega Cabs- 022 42424242; Gold Cabs- 022 32443333. Alternatively your hotel can send cars to fetch you from the airport upon request. There is also a pre-paid taxi arrangement within the airport, just before the Exit doors which is safe to use. Travel time from the airport to South Mumbai is approximately between 60-90 minutes depending on peak traffic hours.
Foreigners need a valid Passport and a pre-acquired Indian visa for travel. India does not offer visa on arrival except for nationals of Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. The Consular Passport and Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuance of Indian visas. This facility is granted through various Indian missions abroad. Those who need a letter of invitation for applying for a visa are requested to provide their name as per their passport, Passport Number, Date & Place of Issue, Date of Expiry. You will be required to present your visa at the immigration desk at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (also commonly known as Sahar Airport). The airport code for Mumbai is BOM.
Weather Information:
Mumbai has typical tropical climate and even in winter the temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees Centigrade and in the day can be as high as 32 degrees Centigrade. It is advisable to wear cotton, linen or lightweight fabrics. It does not rain in the winter months.
Health Information:
There is no need for inoculations against cholera, yellow fever or malaria. The recent H1N1 virus is not concentrated in Mumbai and sensible precautions will ensure that you remain healthy. Common drugs like Paracetamol, Amoxicillin and other international standard anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibiotic drugs are easily available at all pharmacies. There are about 5 leading hospitals in South Mumbai in case of a medical emergency.
Entertainment:
Mumbai has a vibrant nightlife. Most restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and lounges are open until 1 am and serve all kinds of world cuisine and alcohol. Some of the well-known options in South Mumbai are Indigo, Indigo Deli, Olive, Moshe’s, Tote on the Turf, Blue Frog, Hard Rock Café, Tetsuma, Three Flights Up and restaurants within the Taj, The Trident and the President Hotels. There is also the National Centre of Performing Arts (NCPA) http://www.ncpamumbai.com/ for a choice of theatre and music. There are 4 large shopping malls in South Mumbai besides a variety of street shopping avenues.