Thriving Capital of Maharashtra

Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Its name is derived from Mumba Devi—the name of the goddess of the native community. Situated within a crowded market area, this temple is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai. Mumba Devi temple boasts of simple yet beautiful architecture.

Mumbai forms the sixth most populous metropolitan area in the world with a population of over 23 million. It lies on the Konkan coast on the west coast of India and has a natural harbour.

Mumbai is built on what was once an archipelago of seven islands: Isle of Bombay, Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, and Old Woman's Island (Little Colaba).

Being financial, commercial and the entertainment capital of India, it is one of the world's top ten centres of commerce in terms of global financial flow. The city is also home to Bollywood(Indian film industry) and Marathi(Regional language) cinema industries. Mumbai's business opportunities attract migrants from all over India, thus gaining the name as "City of Dreams".

This city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the statue of Sadashiva at Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and also famous for the city's distinctive Victorian Art Deco buildings.

Statue of Sadashiva

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Some glimpses of Victorian Arts

Mumbai also has many other tourist sites to offer such as...

the Gateway of India, which is a major tourist attraction for first time visitors. Built during the 20th century, it was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary, the first British monarch to visit India in December 1911. Hotel Taj Mahal which is the most luxurious five-star hotel of Mumbai lies exactly to the opposite side of Gateway of India.

Hotel Taj Mahal, Mumbai

One of the most beautiful and a big tourist attraction of South Mumbai is the Rajabai Clock Tower. It is located in the Fort campus of the University of Mumbai. It stands at a height of 85 m. It was built during British rule where its design was based on the model of the Big Ben, the clock tower in the United Kingdom.

Rajabai Tower

Formerly named as the Prince of Wales Museum, it is the main museum in Mumbai. Its collections include Tibetan art, Chinese porcelain, Mughal and Rajput miniatures, jewelry and glass collections along with the natural history section. The history section contains dioramas, and there is a collection of exhibits from the period of the Maratha confederacy (17th–18th century).

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusanghralay (Prince of Wales Museum)

It is the oldest museum in Mumbai situated in the vicinity of Byculla Zoo. The exhibitions here consisting of dioramas and models strongly focus on decorative arts collection. This forms the place to understand Mumbai’s origins and development in the 18th, 19th and early 20th century and culture and lifestyle of communities migrated to Mumbai.

Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Established in 1996, known for its dense forests, vast bird life, butterflies, and wildlife, Sanjaj Gandhi National Park (SGNP) is notable as one of the major national parks existing within a metropolis limit. The infamous Kanheri Caves are located within the park. These are 110 Buddhist caves inhabited for nearly a millennium until the 11th century. They also have the distinction of having the largest number of cave excavations from a single hill.

Langur at Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Kanheri Caves

And lastly, we have Marine drive on our list, which is a 3.6-kilometre-long promenade in South Mumbai. Visit this serene location for watching mesmerizing sunset or for taking an evening stroll enjoying the cool breeze from the hustle and bustle of this metropolitan city.

Sea face at Marine drive

If you visit Mumbai, be sure to take a halt and explore these known and unknown places. Hope you to have a good time in the City of Dreams!