Mumbai (Bombay) India Travel Guide

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“Bounce back Bombay” as it is called by the locals, it is a city that has been through a lot in the recent past – floods, bomb blasts, riots – and come out stronger each time.

Mumbai History and Geography

This burgeoning metro of 15 million people sprang from modest roots however. The city is made up of seven islands surrounded by the calm waters of the Arabian Sea. Its importance was discovered mainly by the Portuguese who acquired the islands in 1534, calling the islands “Bom Bahia” which means good port.

The British utilised the city’s port facilities incessantly after the dowry of Catherine of Braganza brought the islands to Charles II of England. In 1668, these were handed over by the King to the East India Company at an annual rent of 10 pounds in gold.

During the 18th century, Mumbai became an increasingly important city with its harbour and naval base. British wealth and power in India reached its zenith in the mid to late 19th century and many of the Neo-Gothic buildings were erected during this period. Britain continued to view Mumbai as a jewel in its colonial crown and eventually Mumbai the capital of the East India Company’s regional holdings.

With Indian independence in 1947, Mumbai gained further importance as a centre of trade and commerce. Textiles and shipping were two of the major money-spinners before the software and service industry boom of today.

Today, Mumbai is known as the commercial and entertainment capital of India. Bollywood and the Mumbai Stock Exchange are the true symbols of this vibrant, chaotic and irrepressible city. The bulls and the bears rule the southern part of the Greater Mumbai area (which is also the city centre) while the stars and their satellites twinkle brightly in North Mumbai at Film City and the other studios. Hundreds of films a year are churned out and cinema-going is a passionate pastime – an estimated 750,000 Bombaywallahs go to the cinema halls each week !

Mumbai Things To Do and Attractions

Besides the movie halls and the chance encounter with the odd film star in Bandra or Juhu, there are a number of places to let down one’s hair.

One popular Mumbai thing to do is to hang out at a sophisticated night club or lounge like Vie, Zenzi or Athena, or dine at a world class Mumbai restaurant such as Royal China, Indigo.

As the economy grows in India, and money becomes available to youngsters, hanging out at five star Mumbai hotels’ eateries are becoming all the rage. The latest trends from the West are seen not only in the cuisine and the wine list – but in the Armani and Versace dresses and suits that dot the minimalist decor of these hot spots.

Mumbai Shopping

The boutiques that have recently sprung up all over the city supply the fashion thirsty populace with both Indian and foreign designer wear. Glossy malls such as Crossroads and In Orbit and Phoenix Mills are the new face of Mumbai shopping. With elaborate food courts and department stores that sell everything from furniture to baby wear, malls such as these are becoming a very popular Mumbai thing to do amongst youngsters.

The old ways also persist, however, in this city of contradictions. Bazaars and markets are a way of life here, as in other parts of India. There is Crawford Market and the wholesale cloth bazaar nearby; Zaveri Bazaar or the jewellers market and Chor Bazaar or the Thieves market which sells antique furniture and curios.

Something for everyone – that is Mumbai’s mantra and that is why thousands come flocking to this city of dreams everyday so that they may share in the gold that paves its very streets.

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