If you love chaotic, exhilarating cities, then Mumbai is your type of place.
You'll be dazzled by the graceful colonial Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
in the Fort area and the Mughal domes of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu
Sangrahalaya Museum. Once you've visited the museums and galleries in
the Kala Ghoda district, relax in the peaceful Babulnath Mandir Hindu
temple, and dress up for a night out around Juhu.
Background
The hub of sprawling Mumbai is in the southern districts of Colaba and
Fort, with the stone arch of the Gateway of India at its tip.
Leftovers of the British Raj add grace to the hustle and bustle: soak up the
atmosphere as you watch ad hoc cricket games in Churchgate. The Arabian
Sea laps Chowpatty Beach along Mumbai's western strip, where
locals stroll at sunset and nibble on savoury bhel poori puffed rice snacks
from beachfront stalls. Nearby is plush residential Malabar Hill, and further
north is stylish Juhu Beach.
First-time visit
Head to the colonial grandeur of Fort, marked by Raj-era architecture and
outstanding museums. Here, you can peruse ancient Asian sculptures and miniatures at
the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, or
today's best Indian artists at the National Gallery of Modern Art.
Alternatively, gaze at the ornate Victorian façade of Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai's rail hub. Bargain for books and clothes
at nearby street market Fashion Street or search for antiques amid the junk
at Chor Bazaar on Mutton Street. You can enjoy local feasts everywhere, from
savoury snacks on Chowpatty Beach to spicy seafood in Fort.
Return visit
From the Gateway of India, Mumbai's icon, take a boat to Elephanta
Island for cave temples from around the ninth century, and a huge stone
sculpture of Lord Shiva. In Malabar Hill, seek solace at shrine-laden Hindu
temple Babulnath Mandir, then enjoy the Arabian Sea views from the lush
Hanging Gardens. Join pilgrims flocking to majestic white Haji
Ali's Tomb, a landmark on Worli waterfront.
South Asia's busiest airport, located in the commercial capital of Mumbai,
has undergone huge expansion and flies over 25 million passengers a year. The 35-km
(22-mile) journey into the city's southern hub takes at least an hour by
taxi – traffic permitting.
A free shuttle bus runs between the international and domestic terminals every 30
minutes during the day and takes 20 minutes. International passengers must possess a
confirmed ticket for an onward domestic flight. A taxi costs Rs110 and takes 15
minutes.
Airport parking
There are car parks at all terminals, including short-stay and long-stay.
Time Zone
GMT +5.5
Useful tips
Queues can be extraordinarily long, especially for night flights so take snacks and
books to read. On departure, Indian rupees can only be changed with a receipt from a
registered money changer or from the ATM machine where the money was withdrawn. It
is worth having small dollar bills to change on arrival.
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