Mumbai city is the financial and commercial capital of India and a teeming metropolis which is home to nearly 19 million people. This exciting and vivacious city is usually your gateway to other destinations in India and it is worth spending a few days in Mumbai city to discover its curious energy, which has often led Mumbai to be called the ‘New York of India’.
Mumbai, which is still called by its old name of ‘ Bombay’ by most of its residents, has two distinct sections, North and South Mumbai. While North Mumbai is considered to be suburban and populated by ‘New money’, South Mumbai is considered to be the epicenter of the city and is home to ‘Old Money’.
Bollywood, the world renowned Indian film industry is based in North Mumbai while many corporate head quarters and well known Mumbai city landmarks are based in South Mumbai. However, both parts of the city are currently witnessing exciting growth and changes in retail, food and nightlife and no matter where you go in Mumbai you are sure to have a wonderful time.
What to see
Mumbai has some magnificent Victorian buildings which date back to the time when India was a part of the British Empire. Many of these buildings such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, The J.J. School of Art, The Bombay University Campus, The Gateway of India, and The Prince of Wales Museum are all located in center of South Mumbai. Take a guided walking tour through these heritage buildings to discover the secrets of old Mumbai. ‘The Bombay Heritage walks’ organizes many different walks for visitors who want to learn about the history of Mumbai.
What to do
Mumbai has many bustling bazaars and in order to really feel the pulse of the city, do head out the Crawford Market, which is of one of the largest markets in Mumbai located in Central Mumbai. This market is housed in an imposing Gothic building which dates back to the nineteenth century and the market is a wholesale market for fruits, vegetables, poultry, household goods and even pets. In a lane opposite Crawford Market is the premier cloth market of Mumbai called ‘Mangaldas Market’. This is another large building which has numerous vendors of fine textiles within its environs. Designers from all parts of the world come to Mangaldas market to source textiles for their creations. If you have the time you might also want to visit Mumbai’s famous ‘Chor Bazaar’ or ‘thieves market’ which is located on Mutton Street and is a treasure trove for antiques and tchotchkes.
Where to Shop and Play
‘Colaba Causeway’ is one of Mumbai’s main shopping drags, which is filled with roadside shops and trendy boutiques. Head to Curio Cottage located here for lovely silver and beaded trinkets and the Cottage Industries Emporium to pick up gifts for friends back home.
For contemporary Indian fashions like stylish tunics and silks head to stores such as Ensemble, Melange, Neemrana, the Courtyard and the shopping arcade located in the Oberoi Hotel located in the Central Business District of Mumbai called Nariman Point.
Mumbai is known for its many different restaurants and several road side eateries. To get first hand taste of the variety on offer you may want to enjoy a fusion Indian meal at the über-chic award wining Indigo restaurant also located in Colaba. If fusion is not your thing, why not sample the myriad sea food delights of this coastal city at the Trishna restaurant located at Kala Ghoda or indulge in the delights of delectable Mumbai street food at Swati Snacks located in the area of Tardeo. You could also soak in the old world charm of the city by having a cup of tea in the spectacular sea facing restaurant called the Sea Lounge located in the grand Taj Palace and Tower Hotel . The hotel for years has played host to numerous Kings, Queens, Maharajas, Presidents and Heads of State.
Then depending on your preference you can either dance the night away to Bollywood beats and world music at Mumbai clubs like Enigma, Poison and Shiro or listen to live music at Mumbai’s newest jazz club called Blue Frog or just nurse a drink atop the rooftop bar of the Intercontinental Hotel called the Dome which has a awe inspiring view of the Arabian Sea and the bright lights of the Queen’s Necklace on Mumbai’s sea front promenade called Marine Drive.
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This entry was posted on Thursday, July 17th, 2008 at 1:17 am and is filed under Asia, Fun, Shopping. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
