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Mumbai

HISTORY OF MUMBAI

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a cosmopolitan metropolis and the largest city in India. One of the most populous cities in the world, Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, was formed by merging seven small islands on the Konkan coastline which was later on joined by another neighboring island called Salsette to form what is now known as Greater Bombay. Being the financial and commercial capital of India, Mumbai is home to the biggest stock exchange in the country- The Bombay Stock Exchange and is renowned as eclectic, vibrant, and cosmopolitan because of the globally recognized Hindi film industry Bollywood.

The name Mumbai has been derived from the word 'Mumba' which is the name of the local Hindu goddess and 'Aai' means Mother in Marathi. The name Bombay is considered to be an anglicized version of 'Bom Bahia' given by Portuguese meaning 'Beautiful Bay' or 'The Good Bay' which was popularized by the Britishers. With a huge inpouring of immigrants from all over India, the city of Mumbai is a cultural melting pot with a diverse range of ethnicities and hence has an assortment of eclectic religious monuments.

The city is driven by wealth, fame, power, and glamour and is full of many historical events, architectural masterpieces, spectacular views of the pristine Arabian Sea, and the home of the stars where Bollywood resides. Mumbai is a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional which compels the visitors to experience its charm again and again. With a lively and vibrant atmosphere that is full of life, this waterfront city never fails to entice the visitors and leaves them with vivid impressions. Whether it's the dramatic beauty of the Victorian buildings or the sparkle and glamor of Bollywood, the breathtaking views of the Juhu beach, or its chaotic and bustling streets that have the constant aroma of the delectable street food, Mumbai is a traveler's paradise with stunning architecture, variety of museums, a plethora of different religious sites, exciting nightlife, drool-worthy food, pleasant weather, and most importantly an impressive landscape for Instagram-able shots.

EXPERIENCES & ATTRACTIONS

Most people from all over India visit Mumbai to sometimes just get a first-hand on experiencing life on the fast lane that it is and still find the irresistible calm within the chaos. Many people around the world also love to visit Mumbai on their trip to India for the unique experiences it offers. Very similar experiences to the ones here can’t be found elsewhere in the country, and hence, a visit to Mumbai definitely deserves to be on your list!

Being on the seaside (Arabian Sea) the city is also famous for its
incredible sea views and has many sea side hangout spots like Worli
Sea link and Marine Drive which are loved by people.

Some of the best things to do in the city include:

  • Experience sunset(s) on Marine Drive
  • Touring the city in auto rickshaws
  • Trying out the yummy street foods and local delicacies (Maharashtrian)
  • Visiting Taj Hotel and Gateway of India and clicking beautiful photographs
  • Hanging out in the beaches and looking at sunset while binging on some local snacks

HISTORICAL PLACES AND MONUMENTS

Apart from being a cosmopolitan city, Mumbai is the embodiment of rich culture and heritage imbued with the right combination of resilience, harmony, and multi-ethnicity that gives it a distinct charm and a flavor of its own. The infusion of diverse ethnicities can be seen in the historical monuments of this beautiful city that stand tall and proud and bring alive the era they were a part of. Some of the major historical monuments in Mumbai are:

SHOPPING

The vibrant cosmopolitan city of Mumbai and the fashion capital of India gets alive every morning when the streets are filled with shops and big fashion outlets dazzle with bright lights. No trip can be completed without buying souvenirs for friends and family and what better place then the markets of Mumbai and huge malls to go for your shopping spree? Below are the best markets to shop and the famous malls in Mumbai to go shopping:

FOOD

The island city of Mumbai has developed from a fishing village to a megapolis and with that came a horde of immigrants from all over the country. This culturally rich city has evolved in many ways and that includes the variety of food options that depicts the cosmopolitanism and the carbohydrate-fueled workaholics. Here are some of the famous food items that defines its rich cultural ethnicity and boasts of a diverse menu.

FESTIVALS

One of the most populous states of the country and home to many mega stars, the city of Mumbai is a multi-cultural state with people of varied communities living harmoniously. Since the population is made up of so many distinct religious communities, the city celebrates a plethora of festivals with enthusiasm and gusto. Here are some of the festivals celebrated all over Mumbai:

RESTAURANTS

Out of the many things Mumbai is famous for, food always bargains its place to the top. Because of its cultural diversity and a huge influx of international tourist and immigrants, the city offers its visitors and locals a gastronomical adventure with its delectable street food and a variety of North India, South Indian, Parsi, Iranian, and Continental eateries and much more.

  • Tanatan
  • Manuhaar – The Taste of Tradition
  • Citrus Café
  • Pizza by the Baya
  • Peshwa Pavillion
  • Mabruk
  • Namak
  • East Asian Spice Train
  • The Bombay Canteen
  • PARSI & IRANI CAFÉS & RESTAURANTS
  • Britannia & Co., (Ballard Estate)
  • Aatash Kitchen, (Andheri East)
  • Ideal Corner, (Ballard Estate)
  • A Parsi Affiar (TanazGoddiwala), (Grant Road East)
  • Jimmy Boy Restaurant, (Fort)
  • Soda Bottle Opener Wala Restaurant, (Bandra East)
  • BawaLicious, (Andheri West)
  • Café Excelsior, (Fort)
  • Café Irani Chai, (Mahim West)
  • RTI Foods by Sir Ratan Tata Institute, (Bandra West)
  • Koolar & Co, (Matunga)
  • Café Military, (Fort)
  • Dadar Parsi Youths Assembly Snack Centre (Perviz Hall), (Dadar)
  • Kairuzs Quick Bites, (Jogeshwari West)
  • Parsilicious, (Grant Road West)
  • Sassanian, (Dhobi Talao)
  • Parsi Amelioration Committee, (Grant Road West)
  • CHINESE
  • Yauatcha
  • House of Mandarin
  • The China Lawn
  • The Great Wall
  • Hakkasan
  • China Gate
  • China House
  • Asia Kitchens by Mainland China (Sakinaka & Malad East)
  • Ming Yang
  • Little Asia
  • Kung Fu Panda
  • China Town
  • 5 Spice
  • SEAFOOD
  • Mahesh Lunch Home (Fort, Juhu & Sakinaka)
  • Gajalee (Vile Parle, MIDC)
  • Knotty Yard Lounge
  • Let's Talk Fish
  • Fisherman's Cove
  • The Harbour Bay
  • Something's Fishy
  • Trishna
  • Oceanic Restaurant
  • Catch Flavors of the Sea
  • Ministry of Crab India
  • Ferry Wharf
  • Fresh Catch by Francis Fernandes
  • Sandeep Gomantak Hotel
  • Pradeep Gomantak Bhojanalay
  • Jai Hind Lunch Home
  • Konkan Swad Gomantak Food
  • Malwani Aswad
  • Achrekar's Malvan Katta

HOTELS

With a beautiful facade of historical monuments, stunning beaches, a raucous and vibrant nightlife, streets filled with movie theatres, and a pleasant weather, Mumbai is a fine example of an ideal travel destination. With that in mind, the city also offers both luxurious and affordable hotels to cater to the needs of every kind of visitor and to make their stay comfortable and peaceful.

  • LUXURY / HIGH END (RS.15,000 & ABOVE)
  • The Taj Mahal Palace, (Apollo Bunder)
  • President IHCL SeleQtions, (Cuffe Parade)
  • The Oberoi, (Nariman Point)
  • Trident, (Nariman Point)
  • ITC Maratha, (Sahar)
  • Grand Hyatt Mumbai, (Santacruz East)
  • The Leela, (Andheri East)
  • The Lalit, (Marol, Andheri East)
  • Sahara Star, (Vile Parle East)
  • The Ambassador, (Churchgate)
  • Renaissance Hotel & Convention Centre, (Powai)
  • Four Seasons, (Worli)
  • J W Marriott, (Juhu)
  • PREMIUM HOTELS (RS.8,000-12,000)
  • Hotel Marine Plaza, (Churchgate)
  • Taj Lands End, (Bandra West)
  • Sofitel, (BKC)
  • The Orchid, (Vile Parle East)
  • J W Marriott, (Andheri East)
  • Radission Blu, (Andheri East)
  • VITS (Mumbai International T2), (Andheri East)
  • Hilton Mumbai International Airport, (Andheri East)
  • Trident, (BKC)
  • Novotel, (Juhu)
  • Svenska Design Hotel, (Andheri West)
  • HIGH RANGE HOTELS (RS.5000-8000)
  • Hotel Sea Princess, (Juhu)
  • Courtyard by Marriott, (Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri East)
  • Kohinoor Continental, (J B Nagar, Andheri East)
  • Ramee Guestline, (Juhu)
  • Radission, (Goregaon West)
  • Holiday Inn an IHG Hotel, (Sakinaka, Andheri East)
  • Radission, (MIDC, Andheri East)
  • Goldfinch Hotel, (MIDC Andheri East)
  • Waterstones Hotel, (Marol, Andheri East)
  • Mirage, (Marol, Andheri East)
  • T24 Residency, (Marol, Andheri East)
  • The Beatle, (Powai)
  • The Fern Residency, (Chembur)
  • Residency Sarovar Portico, (Goregaon West)
  • Ramada by Wyndham, (Powai)
  • AFFORDABLE HOTELS (RS.3000-5500)
  • Mitron Peninsula Grand, (Sakinaka, Andheri East)
  • Suba International, (Chakala, Andheri East)
  • The Sahil Hotel, (Mumbai Central)
  • Fariyas, (Apollo Bunder)
  • Grand Hotel, (Ballard Estate)
  • Hotel Grace Galaxy, (Bandra West)
  • Hotel Diplomat, (Apollo Bunder)
  • Suncity Apollo Hotel, (Apollo Bunder)
  • Carlton Hotel, (Colaba)
  • Hotel Suba Palace, (Apollo Bunder)
  • Ascot Hotel, (Apollo Bunder)
  • Sea Green Hotel, (Marine Drive)
  • The Gordon House, (Apollo Bunder)
  • Bentley Hotel, (Marine Drive)
  • Hotel Gateway, (Colaba)
  • Colaba Suites, (Colaba)

NIGHTLIFE

The cosmopolitan city of Mumbai is known for its vibrant and devilishly fun nightlife. Home to a lot of mega celebrities, millionaires, and billionaires, the city has both elite and non-elite clubs to welcome guests with pockets of all kinds. Below is a list of Membership clubs and non-membership clubs that you can enjoy in Mumbai.

  • MEMBERSHIP CLUBS (ELITE CLUBS)
  • Radio Club
  • Bombay Gymkhana Limited
  • Cricket Club of India
  • Breach Candy Club
  • Willingdon Sports Club
  • The Royal Western India Turf Club Limited
  • Dadar Club
  • Otters Club
  • Bandra Gymkhana
  • Khar Gymkhana
  • Santacruz Wellington Gymkhana
  • Andheri Recreation Club
  • Andheri Sports Club
  • Evershine Club
  • Acres Club
  • The Chembur Gymkhana
  • The Bombay Presidency Golf Club
  • Mulund Gymkhana
  • Mumbai Strikers Club

CLUBS (NON-MEMBERSHIP ONES)

  • Tote On The Turf, (Royal Western Turf Club, Mahalaxmi)
  • WINK, (President Hotel, Cuffe Parade)
  • Matahaari, (Level IV, Lotus Colony, Worli)
  • The Playboy Club, (Birla Centurion, Worli)
  • Kitty Su, (The Lalit Hotel, Andheri East)
  • Club Sirkus, (Hotel Sahara Star, Vile Parel)
  • XXO, (Level 37, St. Regis, Lower Parel)
  • Tryst, (62, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel)
  • Baroke, (Krishna Palace Hotel, Grant Road)
  • Club Escape, (Crystal Plaza, Andheri West)
  • Rock Bottom, (462, Juhu and other branches at Vile Parle West, Dadar West, Bhayander west)
  • Fever, (Malad West)
  • Radio Bar, (Khar West)
  • Beryl, (Kohinoor Continental, Andheri East)
  • Grand Club Lounge, (Grand Hayatt, Santacruz East)
  • Club Shaggarwal, (Ocean View, Bhulabhai Desai Marg)
  • Drop, (Waterfield Road, Bandra West)
  • Escobar &Tapas Bar, (Bandra West)
  • Tap Resto & Bar, (Bandra West)
  • HymusRestobar, (Andheri West)
  • China House Lounge, (Grand Hyatt, Santacuz East)
  • One Street Over, (Bandra West)
  • Play the Lounge, (The Orb, Andheri East)
  • Talaiva, (Oasis Complex, Lower Parel)
  • Bonobo, (Bandra West)
  • Hoppipola, (Todi Building, Lower Parel)
  • WE VIP, (Deluxe House, Andheri)
  • Rodeo Drive, (Marol Village, Andheri East)
  • Cavalry – The Lounge, (Powai)
  • The Ghetto, (Breach Candy, Mahalaxmi)
  • The Bar Exchange, (Lower Parel)
  • Trilogy, (Juhu Tara Road, Juhu)
  • Ra Adda, (Juhu)
  • Aer, (Worli)

MUSEUMS

Wondering what the bustling and chaotic streets of Mumbai has in it for you apart from the vibrant nightlife, exotic restaurants, and stunning places of attractions? Well, the city’s museums hold their end of the bargain pretty fine and delights almost every kind of visitor. From an art lover to history buffs, the science geeks or our techies, interested in coinage system or defense? Museums in Mumbai have something for everyone. Below is the list of some of famous in Mumbai.

STADIUMS & SPORTS COMPLEXES

Home to many sports personalities, the vast city of Mumbai has numerous sports academies where you can spend time watching your favorite sports personality or learn a sport yourself. Mumbai has some of the very old and huge sports complexes in the country that are renowned throughout the world and some others which are also hugely popular in the country. Here is a list down below:

  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Indoor Statdium
  • The National Sports Club of India
  • Central Railway Sports Complex
  • Andheri Sports Complex
  • Goregaon Sports Complex
  • Thakur Cricket Stadium

LOCAL TRANSPORT

Public transport within Mumbai includes train, road, and water transports. Mumbai has the largest organized bus and train transport network among major Indian cities. The city also has a vast network of auto rickshaws and taxis.

Mumbai has large water bodies surrounding it and some places which are separated by water bodies too, and hence the city’s transport system also consists of water transport which are ferries and catamarans. These are used to travel to places including Elephanta Island, Manori, Navi Mumbai, Alibaug, and a few other places which have waterways connecting them.

Mumbai’s public transport also consists of a rapid transit or mass transit system augmented by commuter rail (local train) serving various suburbs. Besides these, recently a monorail and metro train system were also planned and developed for the city and because of its ever-growing population and occupancy, a commercial seaplane service has also been planned for the city.

RELIGIOUS PLACES

The city of Mumbai has a harmonious blend of different cultures and ethnicities that is marked with several distinct religious places. The fast-paced life of this metropolitan city is moderated by many serene temples, dargahs, churches, gurudwaras, and even worship places of Parsis and Buddhist communities which offer the much-needed calmness in our hectic lives. Places of worship of the major communities of Mumbai are:

TEMPLES

  • Mumba Devi Temple, (Zaveri Bazaar)
  • Babulnath Temple, (Near Chowpatty)
  • Mahalaxmi Temple, (Bhulabhai Desai Road)
  • Walkeshwar Temple, (Malabar Hill)
  • Swaminarayan Temple, (Bhuleshwar)
  • Sri Sri Radha Govind Temple, (Girgaum)
  • Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Mandir, (Walkeshwar Road)
  • Siddhivinayak Temple, (Prabhadevi)
  • ISKCON, (Hare Krishna Land Juhu)
  • Mini Sabarimala, (Kanjurmarg)
  • Sainath Temple, (Malad East)

MOSQUES AND DARGAH

  • Hazrat Jaffar Shah Mastan Dargah and Masjid
  • Haji Ali Dargah
  • Juma Masjid
  • Maula Ali Dargah (Sunni Masjid)
  • Dargah Masjid
  • A Rahman Baba Dargah
  • Chand Shah Wali Masjid
  • Sufi Haidar Ali
  • Dargah Hazrat Sufi Bismillah Shah
  • Dargah Masjid
  • Hazrat Sayeed Jalal Saha Qadri Baghdadi Rehmat Ullah Aalhe Dargah
  • Dargah Hazrat Abu-Fazlil Abbas
  • Makhdoom Fakih Ali Mahimi Dargah
  • Gausul Azam Dastagir Dargah Sharif
  • Teen Dargah Masjid
  • Masjid and Dargah Hazrat Sayyed Shamshuddin Rehmatullah Alaih
  • Sunni Dargah Masjid
  • Hazrat Arab Shah Baba Dargah
  • Magrabi Shah Dargah and Masjid

GURUDWARA

  • Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha, (Dadar East)
  • Gurudwara Khalsa Sabha, (Matunga)
  • Gurudwara Guru Teg Bahadur Darbar, (Sion)
  • Gurudwara Shri Dashmesh Darbar, (Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar)
  • Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha, (Chembur East)
  • Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar, (Chembur)
  • Gurudwara Sahib, (Bandra East)
  • Gurudwara Dhan Pothohar Nagar, (Santacruz West)
  • Gurudwara Guru Nanak Satsang, (Kalina)
  • Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar, (Marol)
  • Gurudwara Nanaksar Sahib, (Andheri East)
  • Gurudwara Shri Gurunanak Nagar, (Andheri East)
  • Gurudwara Sachkhand Darbar, (Versova)
  • Gurudwara Punjabi Sabha, (Powai)
  • Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha, (Malad East)
  • Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Darbar, (Borivali West)

CHURCHES

  • Afgan Church or The Church of St. John the Evangelist, (Colaba)
  • St. Thomas Cathedral, (Colaba)
  • Cathedral of the Holy Name, (Apollo Bunder)
  • Gloria Church, (Byculla)
  • Our Lady of Salvation Church or Portuguese Church, (Dadar West)
  • St. Michael’s Church, (Mahim)
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, (Bandra West)
  • St. Andrew’s Church, (Bandra West)
  • Our Lady of Egypt Church, (Kalina)
  • Holy Cross Church, (Kurla West)
  • St. Vincent Pallotti Church, (Marol Maroshi Road)
  • St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, (Andheri East)
  • Holy Family Church, (Andheri East)
  • St. John the Baptiste Church, (Andheri East)
  • Sacred Heart Church, (Andheri East)
  • St. John the Evangelist, (Andheri East)
  • Kristuraj Church, (Andheri East)
  • Good Shepherd Church, (Andheri West)
  • Mary Matha Syrian-Malabar Catholic Church, (Sakinaka)
  • St. Blaise Church, (Amboli)
  • Church of Our lady of the Rosary, (Goregaon)

PARSI WORSHIP PLACE

  • Wadiaji Ateshbehram (One of the only 8 Ateshbehrams in the world), (Marine Lines)
  • Sethna Agiary, (Tardeo)
  • Parsi Fire Temple, (Ballard Estate)
  • Parsi Fire Temple, (Tardeo)
  • Vachha Gandhi Agiary, (Gamdevi)
  • Anjuman Parsi Fire Temple, (Kalbadevi)
  • Maneckji Seth Agiary, (Ballard Estate)
  • Tata Agiary, (Bandra West)
  • Parsi Agiary, (Kalbadevi)
  • Sorabji Thoothi Agiary, (Walkeshwar)
  • Behram Bag Agiary, (Jogeshwari West)
  • Panthaki Agiary, (Bandra West)
  • Seth Pirojsha Ardesher Patel Deremeher, (Andheri West)
  • Salsette Parsi Colony Agiary, (Andheri East)
  • Bhikha Behram Well, (Marine Lines)
  • Banaji Agiary, (Kala Ghoda)
  • Rustom Framna Agiary, (Dadar)
  • Gamadiya Parsi Agiary, (Ballard Estate)
  • Ranji Agiary, (Grant Road)
  • Ash Burner Agiary, (Girgaon)

BUDDHIST WORSHIP PLACES

  • Buddhist Temple, (Worli)
  • Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, (Worli)
  • Pagoda Temple (Global Vipassana Campus), (Gorai)
  • Triratna Buddha Vihar Sanghakaya Meditation Center & Buddhist Studies Centre, (Old RTO, Ghatkopar East)
  • Jain Mandir, (Khar West)
  • Lumbini Buddha Vihar, (Vile Parle East)
  • Sanchi Buddh Vihar, (Sahar Village)
  • Lumbini Buddh Vihar, (Chandivali)
  • Jetvan Buddh Vihar, (Kurla)
  • Sarnath Buddhist Temple, (Ghatkopar East)
  • Amrapali Buddh Vihar, (Ghatkopar West)
  • Buddhist Temple, (Ghatkopar West)
  • Ratanbodhi Buddh Vihar, (Vikroli)
  • Rajgruha Mahabodhi Vihara Buddh Vihar, (Bhandup West)
  • Shravasti Buddh Vihar, (Goregaon West)
  • Chandramani Buddh Vihar, (Goregaon)
  • Chandramani Buddh Vihar, (Chembur)
  • Sarvodaya Maha Buddh Vihar, (Tilak Nagar, Chembur)
  • Ashok Samrat Buddh Vihar, (Azad Nagar, Chembur)

LANGUAGE

Marathi is the main language of Mumbai. But, languages like Hindi, English
and Gujarati are spoken as well.

  • MARATHI
  • Welcome - Tumcha svagat aso
  • How are you? - Tu kas ahes
  • What's your name? - Tujha nav kay ahe
  • Where are you from? - Apaṇ kothale ahat?
  • Good morning - Su-prabhat
  • Have a nice day - Sukhi raha
  • GUJRATI
  • Welcome - padhaaro
  • How are you? - tame kem chho
  • What's your name? - taru naam su chhe
  • Where are you from? - tame kyaan na chho
  • Goodbye - avjo
  • Good night - shubh ratri
  • HINDI
  • Welcome - Svagat
  • How are you? - Aap kaise hai?
  • What's your name? - Aapka naam kya hai?
  • I don't know - Mujhe nahi pata
  • I don't understand - Mein samjha nahi
  • Thank you - Dhanyavad

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