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Mumbai (Marathi and Hindi: मुंबई Mumbaī), formerly known as Bombay, is the largest city in western India and the capital of the state of Maharashtra. A cosmopolitan metropolis, Mumbai was built on seven islands on the Konkan coastline which over time were joined to form the island city of Bombay. The island was in turn joined with the neighbouring island of Salsette to form "Greater Bombay". The city has a metropolitan population of over 20 million (2025).
One of the affluent residential areas in Old Mumbai, and is considered the heart of this commercial capital of India. The richest neighbourhoods in the country are here, which command among the highest property rates in the world. Real estate prices here are comparable to those in Manhattan. This is the primary tourist district of Mumbai and home to most of the city’s bars, upscale restaurants and the Gateway of India.
The old business district of Mumbai, and home to the of the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai.
Check out the fine examples of rock sculptures dedicated to Shiva on a remote island. Even though many of them have been vandalised by Portuguese invaders, their grandeur has hardly been diminished. The island has two groups of caves in the rock-cut architectural style. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock.
Home to Mumbai's only zoo, and the temple to what people consider the city's guardian deity.
Used to be Mumbai's industrial heartland, but went into decline when the industries did. Now this area has been revamped into a white-collar office location. It's primarily an upper-middle-class district, except for Dharavi, which contains Asia's second largest slum.
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organised by two architects, these walks take you around various historic and architecturally significant areas of the city. Walks are organised on the third Sunday of every month (with a break from June through August for the monsoons) and the route varies each time. The walks last around 2 hours. Discounted rates for students and the physically challenged.
(Jan) The musical festival is organised by Maharashtra Tourism (MTDC) annually at Banganga Tank on Malabar Hill.
(March) Organised by Maharashtra Tourism, the festival of music and dance at Elephanta Caves has in the past seen performances by renowned artists like Alarmel Valli, Sanjeev Abhyankar, and Ananda Shankar and traditional Koli dances as well as traditional food. 7PM-10PM (Ferries start at 4PM)
The arts and crafts festival is held in the last week of Jan or first week of Feb annually in the historic precinct of Kala ghoda in Mumbai.
By boat
Thane Creek is bustling with ferries to central Mumbai from various cities on the southern and eastern side of the creek, such as Alibag.
By train
The first commercial railway service began on 16 April 1853 at 3:35PM on its first run between Bori Bunder (present-day CSMT) and Thane.
By car
National highway numbers 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 17, and the Mumbai-Pune expressway radiate from the city providing links to all parts of the country.
By bus
Mumbai is well served by buses from destinations inside India.
By train
The Mumbai Suburban Railway, commonly referred to as "Locals", is both an icon and a vital artery of Mumbai and a ride on it should be on every visitor's agenda.
By metro
The modern Mumbai Metro is expanding rapidly and offers by far the most comfortable rides in the city.
By bus
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region around Mumbai is fast developing into a major conurbation. If you need to get to the surrounding cities of Thane, Navi Mumbai or Kalyan, bus services are available.
By taxi
Once upon a time, there used to be a fleet of Premier Padmini taxis plying around in Mumbai. They were fondly called "Kaali-Peeli" for their distinctive black and yellow colour.
By auto-rickshaw
Auto-rickshaws are only allowed to operate beyond Bandra and Sion. They are not issued the licence for Old Mumbai.
By ferry
These are a few intra-city ferry services:
By car
Travel agents and hotels can arrange private chauffeur-driven cars to provide services.
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Mumbai · International · BOM
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