Guide Note:

Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the second most populous city in the world behind Shanghai, with an estimated population of 13.66 million. Because Mumbai is located on the coast of India and has a deep harbor, it is an active port city, handling over half of India’s maritime trade. Over the years, India’s economy has grown and Mumbai is a major component in the booming economy. The city is one of the world’s top 10 centers of commerce and the country’s most important financial institutions are located there. On the other hand, Mumbai is also a cultural and arts center, housing Bollywood, the Hindi film and television industry.

Fast Facts:

Country: India

Language Spoken: Marathi

Currency: Indian rupee

Country Code: 91

Area code: +022

Time zone: IST

Average climate: Range from a high of 100 °F to a low of 52 °F

Attractions

Banganga Tank: Located near the edge of the Arabian Sea, this pool of holy water is surrounded by dilapidated temples, while huge skyscrapers pierce the sky in the distance. It is believed that the water, which comes from the Ganga River, has a healing power.

Dhobi Ghat: The world's largest outdoor laundry, where the city's traditional washers, known as dhobis, wash and press laundry cheaply.

Elephanta Island Caves: The Shiva temple caves, which date back to 450-750 A.D., are an hour-long ferry trip from the city. Elephanta Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Gateway of India: The starting point for any tour of Mumbai, the Gateway of India, which was designed by George Wittet, was built to commemorate King George and Queen Mary's visit in 1911. It wasn't complete until 1924, however, and was the point of departure for the British when they left India in 1947.

Taj Mahal Hotel: The hotel located behind the Gateway was inspired by the Taj Mahal and was built over a century ago by Jamshedji Tata.

Jain Temple: Officially called the Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple, it is arguably the prettiest temple in Mumbai.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum: Mahatma Gandhi lived in this three-story home from 1917 to 1934. He also conducted a four-day fast here in November 1921 as an attempt to restore peace in the city. Browse the museum, perusing the library, photographs, posters and slogans relevant to Gandhi's life.

Chowpatty Beach: Cruise along Marine Drive, renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Marg, which hugs the sea, on your way to Chowpatty Beach, where city dwellers escape the crowds of Mumbai.

Prince of Wales Museum: Learn about India's culture and history at the Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai's top museum and possibly the best in India. Displays include sculptures of Hindu deities, temple art, Maratha weaponry, and a collection of more than 2,000 miniature paintings from India's various schools of art.

Victoria Terminus: Beautifully constructed and cathedral-like in appearance, Victoria Terminus, renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, is the station from which India's first steam engine departed in 1887. Today, at least one thousand trains leave this station every day and carry 2.5 million travelers in and out of Mumbai.