Mumbai - “Gateway of India. Bombay slums of India (54 photos) What to see in the vicinity

Mumbai is the most populous city in India: the concept of a city includes the so-called. Mumbai Municipal Corporation, which includes two districts of the state of Maharashtra: "Mumbai" proper (157 km², 3 145 966 \u200b\u200binhabitants in 2011), as well as the Mumbai (suburban) district (446 km², 9 332 481 inhabitants. in 2011), total 603 km², 12 478 447 inhab. in 2011. Together with satellite cities, it forms the fifth largest urban agglomeration in the world with a population of 21.3 million people [ unauthorized source?] .

Located 10 meters above sea level. The population density is 21,665 people per km² (the city ranks first in the world in terms of density), about 1/2 of the population - Marathi, about 1/4 - Gujarati. The city itself occupies the island of Bombay (German)russian (eng. Isle of bombay) and the southern part of Salsett Island, which are connected by bridges and dams.

Mumbai is a major international transport hub. The city has a deep natural harbor and is the largest port in western India. About half of India's passenger flow passes through the passenger terminal. Mumbai, one of the most important economic and cultural centers of India, is a city of great contrasts, where luxury and wealth coexist with poverty. Modern neighborhoods coexist with slums - the northern districts of the city, which are considered breeding grounds for various diseases.

Compared to other cities in India, Mumbai has a relatively high standard of living and high business activity. Job opportunities to the city attract labor from all over South Asia, excluding India itself.

Origin of the city name

The name of the city of Mumbai comes from "Mumb", this is the name of the local Hindu goddess Mumba Devi and aiwhich means "mother" in the Marathi language. There is an opinion that the name "Bombain", which the Portuguese gave to the city in the 16th century, supposedly comes from the words meaning "good bay", but modern research refutes this. Under British rule, the word was Anglicized in Bombay. The name was officially changed to Mumbai in 1995. The former name is still used by residents of the city and famous institutions, and is also popular in the West.

Geographic location

Mumbai is located at the mouth of the Ulhas River (eng. Ulhas), occupying the islands of Bombay, Salsett and the adjacent coast. Mumbai is located at an altitude of 10 to 15 meters above sea level. The northern part of Mumbai is hilly, with the highest point in the city at 450 meters above sea level. The area of \u200b\u200bthe city is 603.4 km².

There are lakes within the city boundaries: Tulsi (eng. Tulsi), Vihar (eng. Vihar), Povai (eng. Powai). The first two, located in Borivali National Park (eng. Borivali), supply part of the city with drinking water. There are three rivers flowing in Mumbai, originating in the national park. There are mangrove swamps within the city boundaries. The city's coastline is cut by numerous streams and bays. The soil in the city is mainly sandy due to the proximity of the sea, in the suburbs it is alluvial and clayey. Rocks are classified as black basalts. Mumbai is in an area of \u200b\u200bseismic activity.

Climatic conditions

Seaside within the city

The city is located in the subequatorial belt. There are two seasons: wet and dry. The rainy season lasts from June to November, with particularly intense monsoon rains from June to September, causing increased humidity in the city. Average temperature is about 30 ° C, temperature fluctuates from 11 ° C to 38 ° C. The amount of annual precipitation is 2200 mm. Especially a lot of precipitation fell in 1954 - 3451.6 mm. The dry season from December to May is characterized by moderate humidity. Due to the prevalence of the cold north wind, January and February are the coldest months, the absolute minimum in the city was +10 degrees.

Demography

Street traffic in Mumbai

The population of Mumbai is over 17 million people. The ratio of women to men is 811 to 1000. The greater number of men is explained by the influx of men from rural areas into the city to earn money. The literacy rate is 77%, which is higher than the national average. Literacy among men is 82%, among women - 71.6%. On a religious basis, persons professing Hinduism make up 68% of the city's population, Muslims - 17%, Christians - 4% and Buddhists - 4%. In addition, the city is inhabited by followers of Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Sikhism and Judaism, there are atheists. Mumbai uses a colloquial form of Hindi (a mixture of Hindi, Marathi and English), but the official language of the state of Maharashtra is Marathi. English is popular among the working intelligentsia. In the city you can also hear speech in Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, Nepali, Marathi, Telugu, Urdu, Gujarati.

History of the city

City map. 1888 year

In the second half of the 19th century in Bombay, for the first time in India, a national industry and a large national commercial and industrial bourgeoisie began to emerge and form. Together with this, the city becomes the center of the labor movement in India. Repeatedly there were massive demonstrations of workers and sailors. The uprising of sailors in February 1946 in Bombay led to the conquest of independence by India ().

Economic potential

Mumbai is one of the largest economic centers in the country. About 10% of all workers in the country work in this city. The city provides 33% of income tax receipts and 60% of all customs duties. Mumbai accounts for 40% of all India's foreign trade. The city has developed industries: cotton, oil refining, chemical, mechanical engineering. Electricity is provided by hydroelectric power plants located at the foot of the Western Ghats, thermal power plants on the island of Trombay. There is a nuclear power plant. Many financial institutions are located in Mumbai: Bombay Stock Exchange, Reserve Bank of India, National Stock Exchange, Mint. Large companies such as Tata Group, Godredzh (eng. Godrej) and many others have their headquarters in the city.

The business center is located in the southern part of Mumbai. In addition to Indian financial institutions, the business center houses various foreign organizations. Until the 1980s, Mumbai's economy was heavily dependent on the textile industry and maritime trade. The port's cargo turnover was 25 million tons. 60% of all imports passed through the cargo port.

After the 80s of the XX century, other, more progressive and highly qualified industries began to develop in Mumbai, such as: the development and polishing of diamonds, high information technology, and healthcare.

It is worth noting that employees working for the state make up a significant part of the entire workforce of the city, but at the same time there are many residents engaged in low and medium skilled labor: taxi drivers, shopkeepers, mechanics, repairmen and others.

Mumbai is a major hub for the entertainment industry. Most of India's television and satellite networks are located in this city. Film Industry Center of India, so-called. Bollywood (eng. Bollywood), located in Mumbai, which has other lesser-known film studios.

City government

Mumbai is the state capital. Consists of two separate districts - Cities and Suburbs, which also form two districts in the state of Maharashtra.

The city is governed by a municipal council, headed by a mayor who performs purely nominal functions. Real executive power is concentrated in the hands of a commissioner appointed by the state government.

The Municipal City Council is responsible for the development of the city. Mumbai is divided into 23 urban districts, headed by an Assistant Commissioner.

Crime among the population

Crime in Mumbai is moderate by Indian standards. In Mumbai, in 2004, 27,577 cases were registered (in 2001 - 30,991 cases), there is a decrease in crime during this time by 11%. The main prison of the city is Arthur Road. On November 27, 2008, riots and a chain of explosions broke out in Mumbai. There are victims.

Social and cultural life of the city, architecture, sights

Mumbai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in India. The city is home to European and Asian cultural traditions. There are many celebrations and festivals of various ethnic groups and religions. The population of the city takes a wide part in them, often regardless of religion.

Mumbai has its own roadside fast food chain: Vada Pavs and Bhelpuri.

There are many adherents of Chinese and South Indian cuisine in the city. The city is a mixture of international and Indian tastes in the fields of music, food, art.

In 2004, Mumbai received three awards from UNESCO for the preservation of national traditions. Mumbai is the birthplace of Indian cinema, the first film was released in 1896. The city is home to a large number of cinemas, including the largest in Asia, the IMAX Cinema, which shows new films from Bollywood and Hollywood.

In addition to cinema, the city hosts many exhibitions, and many plays are staged in theaters. The city has art galleries: the Jehanjir Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Prince of Wales Museum, and others.

Mumbai is home to India's only permanent symphony orchestra (The Bombay Chamber Orchestra).

The public library, the oldest in the city, is the library of the Asiatic Society, built in 1833.

Mumbai has six sister cities (this is the maximum allowed by the Indian government):

Bombay was actively built up during the period of British rule, in the second half of the 19th and 20th centuries. Its layout and development retains the features of colonial rule and social inequality. There are many buildings in the spirit of English neoclassicism and neo-Gothic, as well as imitations of Indian architecture -XVIII centuries (Gateway to India, Prince of Wales Museum). The city has many European and American style buildings. In the old business district is the Armenian Church of St. Peter (18th century)

The center of the city, around which Bombay (Mumbai) was formed, is a former English fortress, a fort located in the southeastern part of the island of Bombay. The area has a correct layout, wide streets, lots of greenery. On the territory of the fort there are government offices, banks, shops, a university (), offices of commercial and industrial companies.

To the north of the fort are the randomly built up residential areas (the lower floors of the houses are occupied by shops and workshops) of the former "Black City". Warehouses, docks, and piers stretch along the eastern coast of the island; branches of both railways connecting Bombay with the mainland also fit here. Along the west coast of the island - rich neighborhoods (villas, the governor's residence); in the Malabar Hill area - Hanging Garden Park. One of the symbols of Mumbai, the Haji Ali Mosque, is located on the island off the west coast.

The semicircular Marine Drive hugs Back Bay in the south of the island. 8 km from Bombay - Elephanta Island (Gharapuri) with cave temples (dating back to the VIII century); the largest of them contains a giant bust of the three-faced Shiva (about 6 m high; 8th century) and reliefs.

The city expands towards Salsett Island, and the official urban area (since 1950) stretches from south to north, from the fort to Thana town. In the northern part of Bombay there are the Trombay nuclear research center, a technological institute (-, built with the help of the USSR), an oil refinery, a chemical, an engineering plant, and a thermal power plant.

The city has announced the construction of the second tallest building in the world, India Tower. This building should be completed by 2016.

Housing and utilities

The municipality supplies the city with drinking water from the lakes of the national park and collects garbage (78,000 metric tons per year).

The city has a developed telephone network and mobile operators with a wide coverage of the area.

media

Newspapers are published in Mumbai in English (Times of India, Midday, Aftonun, Asia Age, Economics Times, Indian Express), Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Hindi. The city has television channels (more than 100 in different languages), radio stations (8 stations broadcast in FM and 3 in AM).

Education

There are public and private schools in Mumbai. Private schools base their policies on better education and good knowledge of the English language. The children of the poor are taught in public schools who cannot afford to pay for their education in private schools. After ten years of study (secondary education), students study in colleges for 2 years in four areas: art, trade, the science and legislation... This is accompanied by a professional training course. Most vocational colleges in Mumbai are affiliated with the University of Mumbai (one of the largest universities in the world). Mumbai also has a developed system of higher university education and university science. Mumbai universities are considered to be among the best in India and throughout Asia.
Among them:

• - the leading technological and engineering university in the country and one of the main research centers in the world.

The westernmost, multinational and largest city in India, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is often called the "Gateway of India". Mumbai's streets are filled with people from different cultures and backgrounds. It is a city of contrasts, where unprecedented abundance coexists with appalling poverty. Migrants, fascinated by the imagery of Bollywood, come to Mumbai from all over India as well as from countries in South Asia. Despite the incredible population density of 21,665 people per km², people continue to arrive in this "golden city" as Mumbai is a place where dreams and nightmares can come true.

Video: Mumbai

History

Once upon a time, this place was just a chain of swampy, malaria-infested islands inhabited by a few fishermen and peasants who extracted juice from palm trees. The first name in the Marathi language came from the name of the goddess Mumba, who was revered even in the days of the first inhabitants - koli. They lived on all seven islands that have been part of the city since the 2nd century. BC. It is striking, but true: the remains of this culture are still preserved along the coastline of the city.

The islands were ruled by Hindu dynasties from the 6th century until the Muslim Sultan of Gujarat took over these territories in the 14th century, and they were eventually transferred to Portugal in 1534. The only significant contribution of the Portuguese to the development of the territory was that they christened it “ Bom Bahai " (Bom Bahai) before giving the land with the dowry of Catherine de Braganza, when she married the English king Charles II (1661) ... The British government took possession of the islands in 1665, but three years later "leased them" to the East India Company (East India Company) for a ridiculous £ 10 annual rent.

The city was then renamed Bombay and became a thriving trading port. It developed so rapidly that after 20 years it became the main residence of the East India Company, which moved to Bombay from the city of Surat. The construction of the Bombay fortress was completed in the 20s of the 18th century, and only 100 years later, according to an ambitious plan, this land was united with the islands and became the territory that we know today. Although the city developed significantly in the 19th century, it was still relatively isolated from its coastal zone until the British defeated the Marathas. (by the population of Central India, who controlled most of the country's territories at different times)by annexing part of western India to their possessions in 1818.

The walls of the fortress were dismantled in 1864: large-scale construction work began in the city, the main goal of which was to transform the city into an example of the colonial style. When Bombay became Britain's main supplier of cotton during the American Civil War, the country's population increased and trade intensified as money flowed into the city.

An important fighter in the independence movement, Bombay became the city where the first Indian National Congress took place in 1885, and the campaign for the liberation of India was launched in 1942 by frequent visitor to the city, Mahatma Gandhi. The city became the capital of the president after gaining independence, but in 1960 Maharashtra and Gujarat were separated by language - and Bombay became the capital of the state of Maharashtra.

Growth of the regional pro-Maratha movement led by Shiv Sen (by the Hindu party; literally "Shivaji's army"), agitated the multinational population of the city with active discrimination against Muslims and opponents of the Maharaja. Shiv Sena won the city's municipal elections in 1985. Tensions in the city increased and cosmopolitan Bombay came under threat when some 800 people died in riots following the destruction of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in December 1992.

The riots were accompanied by dozens of explosions on 12 March 1993, which killed more than 300 people; these explosions damaged the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Air India building. July 2006: train explosion that killed more than 200 people; in November 2008 - planned attacks on 10 city attractions, which lasted three days (as a result 173 people died)... all of this suggests that tension is always present.

“26/11,” as the attacks in Mumbai came to be called, were a wake-up call for the city. Security is being strengthened at many well-known tourist sites, well-known hotels and important financial and government buildings. Entire streets have been blocked off in some cases, becoming an impromptu cricket field for large youths. But Mumbai continues to live, and its rebellious Marathi spirit is not broken, thanks to which life in the commercial center of India and the world's financial "engine" is stabilized.

Mumbai today

Today, Mumbai is home to the most successful film production company, one of the largest slums in Asia and the largest rainforest in the city. This city is the "financial aorta" of India, the center of fashion and the intersection of numerous religions. Amidst fantastic architecture and modern skyscrapers, busy streets with luxurious restaurants, city bustle and suburban glamor, clutter and madness, playful and mesmerizing motives of raga - complex music played to the rhythm of deshi drums - quietly sound.

Mumbai is also the capital of the state of Maharashtra - an island connected by bridges to the mainland. Marine docks located outside the city dominate the east coast of the island. The commercial and cultural center of the city lies in the south of the claw-like island and is known as South Mumbai. The southern peninsula of Colaba is the traditional center where most of the attractions are concentrated, and directly north of Colaba is a business center called the Fort (Fort)where an old British fortress was once located. It is bordered to the west by a green area of \u200b\u200bseveral interconnected fenced-in grasslands known as maidans (pronounced "maidans").

Although the north is as important a part of the city as South Mumbai, it is often referred to as the "suburb" (Suburbs)... Here, especially in the expensive suburbs of Bandra (Bandra) and Juhu (Juhu), is the airport and many of Mumbai's best restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

The opening of the Bandra Worli sea channel in 2009 shortened the road between the two regions from one hour to seven minutes, making these prestigious suburbs accessible to tourists.

Occasionally, a luxury liner can be seen slipping past a large stone triumphal arch, the Apollo Promenade and the Yacht Club, docking at Ballard Pier. For the rest of the mortals, landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport. The hustle and bustle of the dock porters and rickshaws that a newcomer once plunged into is now replaced by a new, modern kind of bustle. In Mumbai, new skyscrapers are springing up almost every month. It is the largest and busiest industrial and commercial city in India, producing cars, textiles, chemicals and nuclear energy. It is also the site of a revival of Indian art. But this enormous wealth is combined with the blatant poverty embodied by women who wear bricks on their heads to build luxury apartments. This is despite the fact that the largest slum area in Asia is located on the outskirts of the city.

For many, a visit to the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai means delicious food, nightlife and shopping, but the city has much more to offer than just nightlife and shopping. Nowhere in the world do the colorfully impressive buildings of the Gothic, Victorian and Indo-Saracenic eras and artistic decoration merge with the remnants of the British colonial era and many years of European influence. Chhatrapati Shivaji Station (Victoria station), Supreme Court, University of Mumbai, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (Taj Mahal Palace) and the gates of India (India Gate) are among the most famous landmarks - small architectural gems add an indescribable charm to the overall architectural style, to the delight of all visitors to the city.

Mumbai is a wonderful mix of dreamers and workaholics, actors and bandits, stray dogs and exotic birds, entertainers and servants, fishermen and babies. (millionaires) and much more. The dilapidated architecture suggests that Mumbai once played a more important role in the world, reminiscent of a whole brick and lime museum. Only one thing is beyond doubt: this city on the world map will always be synonymous with creative disorder!

For anyone who has not come to Mumbai on business, three, maximum four days should be enough to get a fairly complete picture of this, so to speak, exhausting city. At the start of your stay, you may need advice on what to see in the city, which stretches 20 km from north to south. Then contact the Indian Tourism Bureau (India Tourism Office)located opposite Churchgate train station (Churchgate)... Then start from the same place as King George V and Queen Mary during their visit in 1911, namely, from the headland at the end of the Apollo promenade. Today the world famous Gateway of India is located on this site. (Gateway of India), a monument that excites more with its symbolism than its beauty (of course, depending on how you think about the splendor of the British Empire after which it was installed)... In his Ballad of East and West, Rudyard Kipling insisted that "these two will never meet," but the British did their best to install on this triumphal arch, generally marked by a pronounced Romanesque style, four domes characteristic of architecture of Gujarat. This monument was unveiled in 1924. 24 years later, the Somerset Light Infantry Regiment, the last British units to leave India, solemnly marched through the India Gate.

Today the arch is a favorite meeting place for locals and those who like to watch what is happening around. Giant balloon sellers, photographers, beggars and barkers, along with Indian and foreign tourists, create the hubbub of the bazaar. Boats depart from the berths to the islands of Elephanta and Mandwa.

The Indian equestrian statue of Shivaji is facing the gate. It was installed in 1961 in honor of this Marathi hero - a Hindu nationalist - a fighter against the oppression of the Great Mughals.

Behind the statue is the Taj Mahal Hotel (Taj Mahal Hotel), built by a member of the Tatas family, a Persian industrialist. The idea is said to have come to his mind when he was refused admission to Watson's, the finest hotel in town. Architecturally, the hotel is a mix of Western and Eastern styles. Sea Hall for a cup of tea Apart from the memorial in memory of the 31 people who died here, there is no trace of the destruction that occurred here in November 2008, when Islamic terrorists chose the hotel as one of the targets in the attack on the main tourist and business district of the city.

Raj District

To the northwest of the Taj Mahal, in the area around Maidan, the heart of British Mumbai, a connoisseur can appreciate architecture that a fan would call “eclectic” and an opponent “wacky”.

The building of the old Secretariat is mainly attributed to the Venetian Gothic style; the university library to French Gothic; telegraph building - to the Romanesque style; the building of the Supreme Court and the Cathedral of St. Thomas - in the early English style. The architects were British, but the builders and designers were Indians, and they are masters of adding details reminiscent of Rajput fortresses or Mughal palaces.

The influence of the national style is felt in the octagonal spire of the Rajabay clock tower on the university building (Rajabai Clocktower)... It is adorned with 24 figures representing the castes of the former district of Bombay, of which it was the capital. In the Cathedral of St. Thomas, even ardent opponents of imperialism can be touched by some heartbreaking epitaphs for those who died in military or civil service for their country. For fans of the period of British rule in India, Victoria Station is a great example of the Indian Gothic style. (Victoria Terminus)... It used to be called VT for short, and now it is CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus)... Impressive, opulent and always crowded, this building is considered the most extravagant piece of Gothic in the city, the beating heart of its railway network and an example of colonial Indian architecture. As historian Christopher London put it, "Victoria Station means to the British government what the Taj Mahal means to the Mughal Empire." It is a mix of Victorian, Hindu and Islamic styles, with buttresses, domes, turrets, spiers and stained glass windows.

Opened on the day of the jubilee in 1857, it served as both the starting point for India's first railroad and a symbol of all that the British had by then achieved on the Indian subcontinent; a symbol of their pride, power and seemingly limitless potential.

Northwest of Victoria Station is the bustling Crawford Market (Crawford Market), which after independence became known as Mahatma Jyotiba Fule (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule)... Behind a brick facade with a gate, the friezes of which are decorated with bas-reliefs made by Kipling's father, the stalls retain their original position: vegetables - to the left; fruits and flowers - to the right; fish, lamb and poultry are straight ahead.

Uptown

Behind Crawford Market lies the heart of Mumbai, where Indians from across the country compete in bazaars with lively Maharashtra merchants (Mumbai is its capital)... Among the colorful Hindu temples and mosques in the Muslim neighborhoods in the neighborhood, Jain merchants sell gold at the Zaveri bazaar, and on other streets they sell products made of silver, brass, copper, leather, and lace.

Another famous landmark of the city is the Marina Drive (Marine Drive), which starts from Nariman Point and reaches the residential area of \u200b\u200bMalabar Hill (Malabar Hill), skirting around Back Bay. A must-see place is Chowpatty Beach, not because you can sunbathe and swim there, but because it is one of the most extensive places in Western India where you can watch people: fakirs walk on fire, sleep on nails, walk on ropes or bury their heads in the sand; food vendors offer kulfi ice cream, as well as betel nut and belpuri, local spices.

Museums

Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum (Chatrapati Shivaji Museum) - formerly called the Prince of Wales Museum - located at the end of Mahatma Gandhi Road. It was built in 1871. The building includes elements of medieval Gujarati and Bijapur architecture, as well as urban architecture of Manchester. It contains a collection of miniatures and valuable sculptures of the 7th century. from the caves of the island of Elephanta. At the adjacent Jahandir Art Gallery (Jehangir Art Gallery) works illustrating contemporary trends in Indian painting are presented.

Bollywood

Mumbai is the glittering hub of the giant Indian Hindi film industry. Starting with silent films exclusively with male actors (some - disguised as women) - the epic 1913 film "Raja Harishchandra" - and the first sound film "Lama Aha" (1931) , now it produces over 1000 films a year: more than Hollywood. Not surprising when you remember that Bollywood supports an audience of one-sixth of the world's population, plus sizable Indian communities overseas.

Every part of India has its own regional film studios, but Bollywood continues to represent the nation in its most colorful form: lovers constantly singing and dancing, fighting for love and opposing the forces that try to tear them apart. Now pro-Hollywood thrillers and blockbusters on TV vie for the attention of moviegoers with the usual sugary films that are more family-oriented.

Bollywood stars in India can achieve near-godlike status, and talking about stars has become a favorite pastime in Mumbai's institutions.

Studios sometimes invite Western actors (or use provocative outfits)to add a European twist to the movie. This trend developed so much that 100,000 young actors went on strike in 2008 to protest job losses caused by foreigners who work for less money.

If you're interested in an adventure like this, just walk around Colaba, where studios are recruiting people to shoot the next day. Work day 500 rupees. You will receive lunch and something else to eat if filming starts early or ends late. Transport is usually 2nd class trains if there are not enough tourists to hire private transport. A shooting day can take quite a long time, in addition, heat and stress should be taken into account; not everyone is happy with this experience. Sometimes people complain about lack of food and water or about dangerous situations and intimidation, and invited Western actors do not complain about this. Some people find this experience exciting. Always ask for a recruiter's ID before agreeing and listen to your gut!

Mumbai: a foodie's paradise

In Mumbai, you can find culinary masterpieces not only from all over India, but also from all over the world. Do not hold back, because you should definitely try Parsi dhansak (seasoned meat with lentils and rice), Gujarati or Kerala thali (a set of dishes from the series "eat as much as you like"), kebab from Great Mughal cuisine, Goan and Mangalore seafood. And don't forget: if a Bombay duck is listed on the menu, it is actually the bombil fish, sun-dried and deep-fried.

It is very important to visit the famous Mumbai beach and visit one of the bhelpuri located on Girga um Chowpatty, where you can enjoy the taste of crispy fried thin cakes with steamed rice, lentils, lemon juice, onions, herbs, red pepper and tamarind chutney. Other establishments offer rice dishes, samosas, pav bhaji (vegetables with spices and bread) and wada pav (deep fried lentil and seasoning sandwich) - so it's best to find time for everything.

Mumbai festival

In January, the Mumbai Festival takes place, on this day, scenes are organized throughout the city, food is offered, and dancing takes place. This celebration shows off the cultural diversity in Mumbai in all its glory.

Dharavi slums

Mumbai residents have mixed feelings about the 2008 hit, Slumdog Millionaire (in Hindi - "Slumdog Crorepati")... But slums are part of what many would say is the backbone of Mumbai's urban life. Surprisingly, 55% of Mumbai's population lives in slums, and one of the largest slum areas in Mumbai (and in Asia, for that matter) Is Dharavi. Initially, the area inhabited by fishermen consisted of only streams, swamps and islands. It became attractive to migrant workers from southern Mumbai and beyond, and then the swamps began to populate for natural and artificial reasons. The area currently includes 1.75 km between Mumbai's two main rail lines and is home to over a million people.

While it may look a little chaotic, the maze of dusty alleys and sewer streets of this city within a city is actually a cluster of adjacent settlements. In some parts of Dharavi, there is a mixed population: people from different parts of India and representatives of different professions who have built themselves houses and tiny factories. Saurashtra potters live in one area, Muslim tanners in another; embroidery specialists from Uttar Pradesh work side by side with blacksmiths, workers recycle plastic, and women dry pappadamas in the blazing sun. Some of these businesses, about 10,000 in total, sell goods for export, and Dhavari's annual turnover is no less than $ 665 million.

Life in the slums of Mumbai is no different if you take a closer look. Residents pay rent, most houses have kitchens and electricity, and building materials from corrugated iron to multi-story concrete structures. Many families have lived here for generations and some of Dhavari's young residents even work in offices. But often they decide to stay in the areas where they grew up.

Slum tourism is a controversial topic, so you'll have to decide for yourself. If you decide to visit a slum, Reality Tours & Travel can offer you an exciting journey, and a percentage of the profits goes back to Dhavari to establish community centers and schools. Some tourists decide to visit this area of \u200b\u200bMumbai on their own - this is normal, just do without a camera. Take the train from Churchgeit Station towards Mahim (12 rupees), exit on the west side, then cross the bridge to Dhavari.

Legendary wadi (village) Is the bastion of life in Mumbai as it was before the appearance of skyscrapers. The Christian enclave of elegant two-story wooden mansions is located 500 meters northeast of Girguam Chowpatty, adjacent to the Indian and Muslim districts of Mumbai. These wind-blown streets offer views of a quiet, peaceful life, without cars or auto rickshaws. The village is small in every sense, but you can admire these mesmerizing alleys for hours and, most amazingly, all this is a step away from the noise and din of real Mumbai.

To find the village, walk to the Church of St. Teresa (St Teresa "s Church) at the corner of Jagannath Shankarsheth Marg (JS Marg) and RR Roy Marg (Charni Ra), then turn your back to the church and follow JS Marg until you dive into the second or third alley on the left.

Entertainment

The Daily Mid-Day Overview in English includes information on the main entertainment in Mumbai. Check out the newspapers and Time Out Mumbai for a list of events and movie shows, and at www.nh7.in for live music ratings. Modern project Bombay Elektrik Projekt (www.bombayelektrik.com) organizes all kinds of events, from DJs and poetry evenings to screenings of short films.

It would be a crime not to go to the cinema in the capital of the Indian film industry. Unfortunately, Indian films are shown without English subtitles. The cinemas listed here show films in English and several Bollywood films.

The busiest club nights (surprisingly) on Wednesday, as well as on the more familiar to us Friday and Saturday; admission is usually paid. There is a dress code in the clubs, so don't stick around in shorts and sandals. Lately, resto lounges are trendy in Mumbai as opposed to crowded nightclubs - high taxes on discos (which does not apply to lounges and restaurants) made the people smarter.

Where to eat

At this gastronomic epicenter, a cornucopia of flavors from all over India clashes with international trends. Colaba is home to most of the cheap eateries for tourists, while Fort and Churchgate have better quality restaurants. This trend continues as we move further north towards Mahalakshmi and the Central Suburbs, home to some of the most stunning, upscale and expensive restaurants in Mumbai.

For those who love to cook on their own, Colaba Market is open in Mumbai (Lala Nigam St)... Fresh fruits and vegetables are sold here. Good selection of products at Saharkari Bhandar Supermarket (22022248; crossroads of Colaba, Colaba and Wodehouse Rd; 10.00-20.30) and Suryodaya (22040979; Veer Nariman Rd; 7.30-20.30); the second is even better.

Alcohol

Mumbai is quite alcohol loyal, which means there are plenty of places to sell alcohol, from garage-style beer bars and mind-blowing lounges to daring, multi-level super clubs; but don't be surprised when you find in your invoice 25% of the price - alcohol tax.

Shopping

Mumbai is the largest market in India and therefore has the best shopping conditions in the country.

Anything can be bought at the busy bazaars north of CST. Mumbai's premier trading floor is the Crawford Market , Mangaldas Market (silk and clothing), Zaveri Bazaar (decoration), Bhuleshwar Market (fruits and vegetarian products) and Chor Bazaar (antiques and furniture)... Dhabu St sells leather goods, while Mutton St sells antiques, reproductions and pretty knick-knacks. Crawford Market (Mahatma Phule Market) - this is the last outpost of British Bombay, behind which the noise and cries of the central bazaars begin. Bas-reliefs by Father Rudyard Kipling (Rudyard Kipling), Lockwood Kipling (Lockwood Kipling)decorate buildings of Norman-Gothic architecture.

Immerse yourself in the bustling shopping on Fashion Street (Fashion Street) - A strip of shops along MG Rd, between Cross Maidan and Azad Maidan, or in Bangra on Linking Rd, near Waterfield Rd - hone your bargaining skills. Kemp's Corner has a lot of good designer stores.

A variety of government-owned malls in Mumbai sell handicrafts at the World Trade Center Arcade near Cuffe Parade. Small shops for rare items and antiques are located along Merewether Rd behind the Taj Mahal Palace. It is not cheap here, but the quality makes itself felt - it is an order of magnitude higher than in state shopping centers. If you like things from the colonial era, head to Chor Bazaar: the busiest street is Mutton St, where you can find many shops with antiques (as well as lots of ingenious fakes, so be on your guard) and various old stuff.

Mumbai Food Vendors (Dabba Walla)

A small miracle of logistics - 5,000 food delivery men or, as they are called, dabba-wallahs (dabba means a container of food; there are also tiffin-wallahs) in Mumbai tirelessly delivering hot meals to office workers throughout the city.

Lunch boxes are picked up from homes and restaurants each time and delivered on heads, bicycles and trains to the central marshalling yard. A complex system of numbers and colors (many of the delivery men are illiterate) dictates where to bring the lunch. They serve over 200,000 meals daily - always on time, despite (monsoon) rain or (scorching) the sun.

This system has been used for centuries and on average there is only one mistake for every six million deliveries. Not surprisingly, the dabba wallas are extremely proud of their work.

Great Wall of Mumbai

This art initiative is somewhat reminiscent of the East Side Gallery in Berlin. (although there hasn't been 28 years of oppression and isolation in Mumbai)... Wall project (www.thewallproject.com) started with a few graduate students in art and design who decided to paint the walls of neighboring houses with local drawings and art graffiti. The idea soon turned into a public project that exploded the walls of any houses on the outskirts of Bandra, from residential to hospitals, in color. The number of drawings began to increase as weeds and soon, dilapidated buildings and abandoned walls turned into a real museum of modern urban art. At the time of this writing, hundreds of artists (and just amateurs) have already drawn more than 600 drawings, the longest strip of which started from the Mahim station (West) on Tulsi Pipe Rd (Senapati Bapat Marg) and along the Western Railway to the Matunga Rd stop. It is called the Great Wall of Mumbai.

Anyone can leave their drawing here as long as there is no literal sexual, political, religious or commercial message in it. Get some acrylic tempera - this is the best paint to use due to the harsh weather conditions - and get creative!

Transport in Mumbai

To / from airports

International Airport:

A taxi pre-order kiosk is located near the international airport. Here you can hire a taxi at fixed prices to any area of \u200b\u200bthe city; Colaba, Fort and Marine Drive cost with / without air conditioning Rs 495/395, Bandra West Rs 310/260 and Juhu Rs 235/190. In addition, the service fee is Rs 10 and each piece of baggage is Rs 10. You will be taken to Colaba in 45 minutes at night and in 1.5-2 hours in the afternoon. No tip is needed.

You can find auto rickshaws near the arrival terminal, but do not try to drive with them to the southern part of Mumbai: auto rickshaws can only take you to Mahim Creek. You can go on an autorickshaw (about 40 rupees) to Andkheri railway station and change to a suburban train (7 rupees, 45 minutes) to Churchgate station or CST. Such a trip only makes sense if you arrive during the day and not during rush hour (6.00-11.00) and also without heavy luggage.

Minibuses near the arrivals gate provide free access to the airport for domestic flights and to hotels in Juhu.

Taxis from South Mumbai to the international airport will cost Rs 350-400 if you bargain well; the official luggage fee is Rs 10 per seat. From midnight to 5 am - plus 25% to the cost. We loved the old black and yellow taxis, but Meru also offers decent air-conditioned taxis with a meter (44224422; www.merucabs.com)... The price is 20 rupees for the first km and 14 rupees for all subsequent (25% more expensive at night)... The route is determined by GPS, so you will not be fooled!

Domestic airport:

There are autoshaws and taxis near all domestic terminals. You can pre-order a car right at the gate for arrivals. Air-conditioned taxi to Colaba or Fort costs 350/400 at any time of the day, plus 10 rupees for luggage. In Juhu - 150/200 rupees.

A cheaper alternative is an auto rickshaw from the airport to the Vile Parle train station (Rs 20-30)and from here the train to Churchgate (7 rupees, 45 minutes)... Don't even try to drive this way during rush hour (6-11 hours).

Boat

In PNP (22885220) and Maldar Catamarans (22829695) there are regular boats to Mandwa island (one way 110 rupees)... From here, you can reach Murud Janjir and other parts of the Konkan coastline without having to bounce around on the bus. Ticket offices are located at the Apollo pier (Apollo Bunder; near Gateway to India).

Bus

Single-decker and double-decker buses in Mumbai are a good choice for short-distance travel. Price in South Mumbai is Rs 3 per stop; pay the conductor at the entrance. This service is provided by BEST (www.bestundertaking.com), with garage in Colaba (the site has the ability to search for bus routes around the city)... Hop on a double-decker bus to get a cheap view of South Mumbai (e.g. bus 103)... A day pass costs Rs 25.

A machine

Cars are usually rented for a day (maximum eight hours and 80 km)... If you exceed the allowed limit, you will have to pay extra. The best price for an air-conditioned car is about Rs 1,000.

An agent at the booth at the Apollo Wharf near the Gateway to India can arrange for a Maruti with driver, but no air conditioning, for a half-day excursion for Rs 1,000 (you will have time to reach Mahalakshmi and Malabar Hill)... Ordinary taxi drivers often agree to this price too.

Metro

The Mumbai metro project, which cost US $ 8.17 billion, was never completed. The Colaba-Bandra-Airport line would be very useful for tourists, but it will take several more years to complete.

Motorcycle

Allibhai Premji Tyrewalla (www.premjis.com; 205/207 Dr D Bhadkamkar Rd; 10.00-19.00 Mon-Sat) has been selling new and used motorcycles for about a century with a guaranteed return option when you no longer need it. If you want to rent a bike for two to three weeks, you still have to pay the full price for it. The company is more fond of long-term deals of two months or more. In any case, it comes out cheaper. Used Hero Honda Karizma 150cc cm or 225 cc cm costs from 725,000 to 780,000, while it will be bought back from you for about 60% in three months (sometimes there are Enfields with a large engine capacity)... Smaller bike (100-180 cc) you can take from 725 000. The company can arrange sending a motorcycle abroad by sea (about 724,000 to UK).

Taxi and auto rickshaws

It seems that every second car in Mumbai is a yellow and black Premier taxi (Indian version of 1950s Fiat)... Car is the most convenient way to get around the city, and in the southern part of Mumbai, drivers almost always count the cost correctly by the meter. There are autoshaws only on the northern outskirts of Mahim Creek.

Not all drivers know the names of city streets (especially new ones)so it’s better to use some sights to explain where you want to go. Fares increased in 2010, and now the meter starts working from Rs 16 in the afternoon (Rs 20 after midnight) for the first 1.6 km and then 10 rupees per kilometer (12 rupees after midnight)... The minimum cost for an autoshaw is 11 rupees.

Let's not point a finger, but Mumbaikar taxis and autoshaws can cash in on foreigners from time to time. You may be tricked by rickshaws and taxi drivers who use old meters (fixed outside left)... The cost of a taxi with an old meter will be approximately 16 times higher than indicated. To prevent this from happening, print a handy fare converter, you can get it from Mumbai Traffic Police (www.trafficpolicemumbai.org/Tariffcard_ Auto_taxiJorm.htm) - that's the whole conversation (until next time).

Train

Mumbai has a good but crowded commuter train network.

There are three main lines, so it's pretty easy to figure it out. Most Useful Direction - From Churchgate North to Charni Rd Stations (for transfer to Girgaum Chowpatty), Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi (for transfer to Dhobi Ghat), Vile Parle (for domestic flights), Andheri (for international flights) and Borivali (for Sanjay Gandhi National Park)... Other commuter lines connect CST and Baykulla (for Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan, former Victoria Gardens), Dadar and Neral (for Materan)... Trains run from 4.00 to 1.00. Ticket prices are from Churchgate, 2nd / 1st class 4/41 at Mumbai Central, 77/78 at Wile Parle or Andheri, and 79/104 at Borivali.

Mumbai Neighborhood

Elephanta island

From Mumbai you can take a pleasant boat excursion to the 7th century temple caves. on the island of Elephanta. A ferry goes there from the Apollo embankment. Known as Gharapuri, the Holy City of Kings, the island was named Elephanta by Portuguese sailors. Although their muskets damaged many of the sculptures of the gods in the caves, they nevertheless survived enough to make a stop on the island. Carved into the rocky hills in the center of the island, the caves contain some of the finest examples of sculpture from Ancient India, including the famous depiction of Trimurti, the three-headed Shiva, whose imposing profile has become almost as recognizable as the Taj Mahal.

Known as "Maheshmurti", the panel occupies the wall of one of the largest caves in the complex. While there is some disagreement as to the date of this magnificent relief, scholars are unanimous in the opinion that it is an outstanding piece of Indian sculpture: there is no other ancient statue in the entire Indian subcontinent that gives off a living feeling of such strength and serenity. On both sides there are impressive bas-reliefs depicting mythological scenes. The main entrance to the cave is guarded by a multi-armed, frightening deity (dvarapala) A fawn in Sanjay Gandhi Park comes to the boy every day for food

It’s hard to believe that just 1.5 hours drive from the crowded metropolis is a protected tropical forest with an area of \u200b\u200b104 sq. km. (28866449; adult / child 30/15, transport on two wheels / on four wheels 15/50 rupees; 7.30-18.00)... Here, instead of the pollution and crowds of Mumbai, you'll see vibrant flora, birds, butterflies and elusive leopards surrounded by forested mountains on the northern edge of the city. Urbanization and urban shacks are trying to squeeze into this wilderness, but the status of a national park keeps the forest green and quiet.

To escape for a day from brain-blasting Mumbai, you can choose the well-trodden paths to Shilonda Falls (Shilonda) and lakes Vihar and Tulsi (Vihar and Tulsi), safari in search of lions and tigers, and Kanheri caves (Kanheri)

The best time to arrive

October to March.

Special offers for hotels

Road to Mumbai and back

Plane

Mumbai is the main international gateway to southern India and is also the busiest domestic airport. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Chhatrapa-ti Shivaji International Airport; Domestic 26264000; International 26813000; www.csia.in), located about 30 km from the city center. Since 2006, it has been modernized in the amount of $ 2 billion. At the time of this writing, there were three internal (1A, 1B and 1C) and one international terminal (2A)... The airport terminal for domestic flights, known as Santa Cruz Airport, can be reached via Vile Parle, while the international airport is four kilometers on Andheri and is called Sahar by locals. Both terminals have ATMs, currency exchange and tourist information booths. A free shuttle bus runs between airports every half hour; to get into it, you need to have a plane ticket. By 2014, a shiny new T2 Terminal will be ready to serve both domestic and international flights, and Santa Cruz will become a cargo airport.

International airlines:

It is best to book your ticket through a travel agency or the Internet, because even in offices you are constantly redirected to call centers.

The following airlines are located in Mumbai:

• Air India (27580777, airport 26156633; www.airindia.com; Air India building, corner of Marine Dr and Madame Kama Rd, Nariman Point; 9.15-18.30 Mon-Fri until 17.15 Sat and Sun)
• Cathay pacific (66572222, airport 66859002/3; www.cathaypacific.com; 2 Brady Gladys Plaza, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel; 9.30-18.30 Mon-Sat)
• Emirates airlines (40974097; www.emirates.com; 3 Mittal Chambers, 228 Nariman Point; 9.00-17.30 Mon-Sat)
• El al airlines (66207400, airport 66859425/6; www.elal.co.il; 7th floor, NKM International House, VM Chinai Marg, Nariman Point; 9.30-17.30 Mon-Fri, until 13.00 Sat)
• Qantas (61111818; www.qantas.com.au; 5th floor, Sunteck Center, 37-40 Subhash Rd, Vile Parle; 9.00-13.15 and 14.30-17.30 Mon-Fri)
• Swiss (67137240; www.swiss.com; 3rd Floor, Vashani Chambers, New Marine Ln, 9; 9.00-17.30 Mon-Sat)
• Thai airways (61395599; www.thaiair.com; 2A Mittal Towers Wing A, Nariman Point 9.30-17.30 Mon-Fri, until 16 Sat)

Domestic airlines:

• GoAir (call center 1800 222111, airport 26264/89; www.goair.in)
• Indian Airlines (22023031, call center 1800 1801407; www.indianairlines.nic.in; Air India building, corner of Marine Dr and Madame Kama Rd, Nariman Point)
• IndiGo (call center 18001803838; www.goindigo.in)
• Jet airways (call center 39893333, airport 26266575; www.jetairways.com; Amarchand Mansion, Madame Kama Rd; 9.30-18.00 Mon-Fri, 13.00 Sat)
• JetLite (call center 1800 225522; www. jetlite.com)
• Kingfisher / Kingfisher Red (call center 1800 2331310, airport 26262605; www.flykingfisher.com; Nirmal building, Marine Dr, Nariman Point; 9.00-19.00 Mon-Sat, 10.00-14.00 Sun)

  Private company buses are usually more convenient and easier to book, but they cost an order of magnitude more than government buses; departure from Dr Anadrao Nair Rd near the Central Railway Station in Mumbai. Prices for popular destinations (e.g. Goa) in high season they increase up to 75%. To find out the departure time and current prices, contact the National STS (23015652; Dr Anadrao Nair Rd; 7.00-22.00).

  
  

  It is more convenient to travel to Goa and other southern cities by Chandni Travels buses (22713901) which depart three times a day from Azad-Maidan (Azad Maidan), south of the Metro cinema. Ticket agents are located near the departure point.

  Long distance government buses depart from Central Bus Station in Mumbai (Mumbai Central bus terminal; 23074272/1524) next to Mumbai Central Railway Station. Buses run to major cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states. They are cheaper and more frequent than private buses, but the quality of service and the number of people can vary.

  Train

  There are three rail lines in Mumbai, with the best service offered by Central Railways and Western Railways.

  
  

  A ticket to any destination can be bought at any station, in the southern part of Mumbai or in the suburbs where there are computerized ticket offices. At Central Railways (134) there are trains heading east, south, and several trains heading north from CST. Preliminary cash desk (139; 8.00-20.00 Mon-Sat, until 14.00 Sun) located near the taxi rank on the CST. Tickets at prices for foreigners (tourist-quota tickets; window 52) can be purchased 90 days before travel, but they must be paid in foreign currency or rupees with a receipt from a bank or ATM. Indrail travel coupons can be bought in window 52. You can buy tickets at regular prices using Visa or MasterCard at more convenient and faster cash desks where credit cards are accepted (10 and 11) for an additional 30 rupees. Refunds for Indians and foreigners are made in window 8.

  Some Central Railways trains depart from Dadar Station (D) - a few stops north of CST or Churchgate / (Lokmanya Tilak; T) 16km north of CST.

  On Western Railways (131,132) trains run north (including to Rajasthan and Delhi) from Mumbai Central Station (Mumbai Central (MC); 23061763, 23073535)commonly referred to as Bombay Central (Bombay Central; VST)... Preliminary cash desk (8.00-20.00 Mon-Sat, until 14.00 Sun), located opposite Churchgate train station, here you can buy a ticket for a tourist quota (window 14)... Same rules as on DXI (CST)... Credit cards are accepted in window number 6.

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Elephanta Island is one of the intimate corners of India, which is definitely worth a visit. Formerly known as Gharapauri, or "place of caves", this island is located in front of the triumphal arch of Mumbai (Bombay) - the so-called "Gateway of India".

You can get to the island in just an hour by sightseeing ferry. Elephanta Island is replete with a large number of historical monuments listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most impressive among them is a complex of ancient cave temples with huge statues inside. So, for example, there is a massive five-meter bust of the three-headed Shiva, united in the images of the Creator, Guardian and Destroyer. All "Shiva's Caves" are carved into the rock.

By the way, the island of Elephanta got its name in the 17th century, when Portuguese navigators stumbled upon a stone sculpture of an elephant on the shore.

Coordinates: 18.96133100,72.93291100

Victoria station

Victoria Terminus Station is a historic station, the most striking example of Victorian Gothic in Mumbai. Named after the national hero Chhatrapati Shivaji. It was opened on January 1, 1882.

The building was designed by Frederick William Stevens. Stevens took the London Pancras Station by George Gilbert Scott as a model. However, the new creation became grander and more magnificently decorated.

The structure is distinguished by a riot of colors of various parts of the masonry, decorative metal parts, marble, mosaic tiles and many sculptures. Most of the decor was done by Indian students of the Bombay School of Art.

The huge and elaborately decorated station became a symbol of Bombay, an important trade center in India, and in 2004 it was inscribed on the UN World Heritage List. The Gateway to India is located a few hundred meters from the station, and together they form a single complex that welcomes anyone who comes to this large Indian city.

The station operates 24 hours a day, serving millions of people on trains throughout India.

Coordinates: 18.93972200,72.83527700

What sights of Mumbai do you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate this or that place.

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves are located in the central part of the island of Gharapuri (Elephanta), located in the Arabian Sea near the city of Mumbai. The so-called "City of Caves" contains a large collection of rock art dedicated to the cult of the god Shiva. In 1987, the cave temples on the island of Gharapuri (Elephanta) were included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Elephanta Caves - a complex of ancient cave temples telling about Shiva and his world, on the island of Gharapuri. It is about an hour by ferry from the Gateway to India, on the embankment in Mubai, along the Arabian Sea. The extraordinary ancient caves of the island of Elephanta conquer at first sight. Carved into the rock, they constitute a single sacred temple complex dedicated to the god Shiva.

Overflowing with silence, the echoing cave halls of Shiva instill peace in the heart and bestow peace. The Elephanta Caves were carved into the rocks, presumably in the fifth to eighth centuries by monks who settled on the island. Shiva appears as huge sculptures in the cave halls, and each time in a new image. The main sight is a five-meter massive bust of the three-headed Shiva, who embodies his incarnations as Creator, Protector and Destroyer.

Coordinates: 18.96539000,72.93125900

The Marine Drive promenade runs along Back Bay, passing through Chowpatty Beach, and ending at Malabar Hill.

The hill is known for being home to the wealthiest inhabitants of Bombay. The former seat of British government offices called Raj Bhavan is also located on Malabar Hill. The building currently serves as the residence for the Governor of Maharashtra State.

Marine Drive embankment attracts completely different tourists. Here everyone will find a place to their liking. In 1961, the Taraporevala aquarium was built on the embankment, which will be of interest to fans of both freshwater and marine flora and fauna. The aquarium is considered one of the best in India.

History lovers will be interested in seeing the monument to one of the most popular Maratha leaders of the national liberation movement - Balu Gangadhar Tilak. The monument was erected in 1920.

Coordinates: 18.93933200,72.82406300

Fort "Kalavantin Durg"

Fort "Kalavantin Durg", located on the top of a high hill, is a unique architectural monument. Every year he is of great interest to many fans of difficult hikes. To overcome the three-hour climb to the top, you need a fair amount of endurance and physical fitness, because travelers have to climb the narrow steps of a staircase cut into a steep slope.

Fort "Kalavantin Durg" is part of the Panhalgada forts, which were built by the Shilahar dynasty at the turn of the XII-XIII centuries in the most strategically important sites. For those lucky ones who have enough strength to climb the top of the hill, a landscape of amazing beauty with a magnificent view of Mumbai and the neighboring forts. Despite the fact that a visit to the "Kalavantin Durg" fort takes a lot of energy, it leaves an incredible and indescribable feeling.

Coordinates: 18.98248600,73.21975500

Prince of Wales Museum Mumbai

The Prince of Wales Museum is located in the south of Mumbai, India. It was founded in 1905 with funds from wealthy citizens of Mumbai in honor of the future King George V, then Prince of Wales. It is noteworthy that the young man of royal blood himself laid the first stone in the foundation of the foundation.

The construction of the building was completed in 1915, but World War I delayed the opening of the Museum, which finally took place only in 1922. The Prince of Wales Museum occupies a fairly large area, and the three-story building with a total area of \u200b\u200b12,000 square meters contains a rather large collection of artifacts. The entire collection stored here is divided into three sections: the arts, nature and archaeological section. In addition, not so long ago, namely in 2008, an exhibition of ancient Indian costumes and the textile industry appeared in the Prince of Wales Museum.

The collection of the museum is so large and unique that you can spend half a day here without getting tired. A ticket to the Museum costs 40 rupees, and with an audio guide - 300 rupees, for children - 5 rupees. Traditionally, the building houses a souvenir shop.

Coordinates: 18.92670200,72.83245100

Olive Bar & Kitchen Restaurant

The Olive Bar & Kitchen restaurant chain is very popular in India. One of them is located in Mumbai and attracts with its light atmosphere, varied food, drinks and live performances of musicians in the evenings. This very restaurant is often visited by world celebrities.

Olive Bar & Kitchen serves Mediterranean cuisine. The menu is in English only. At Olive Bar & Kitchen, you should definitely try Moroccan chicken pie, as well as risotto with mushrooms and Indian spices.

On weekdays, the restaurant is always in a romantic setting, with candles and dim lights, and from Friday evening entertainment music programs await visitors.

Coordinates: 19.07158900,72.82843400

Are you curious to know how well you know the sights of Mumbai? ...

Play Center Happy Planet

Happy Planet is a great entertainment center for children of all ages. It is located in the Indian city of Mumbai. The amusement park covers an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 15 thousand square meters and includes many attractions for children: boat rides, cannon shooting, slides, playgrounds for toddlers and much more.

At the entrance to the park, guests are greeted by consultants who can help choose the best entertainment option for the child. During the children's games, parents can relax at the Bliss Spa.

On the territory of the entertainment center, you can have a great lunch at the FOOD PLANET restaurant with a special children's menu.

For holding children's parties and birthdays, special rooms are allocated where children can jump, run, have fun, enjoying absolute freedom.

Coordinates: 19.13011600,72.93296300

The most popular attractions in Mumbai with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Mumbai on our website.

Updated 06.18.2019

Mumbai is an amazing Indian city. Earlier, before 1995, the city was called Bombay, and although it changed its name and was renamed, the local population continues to call it that way. Despite the fact that Mumbai is not the capital of India, it is the most populated city in the country.

Mumbai is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is the capital of the state of Maharashta and is the largest Indian port, commercial and industrial center of the country.

The population of the city of Mumbai in 2011 was over 3 million inhabitants.

If we talk about the origin of the names of the city, then it is believed that the old name comes from the word that the Portuguese called this area (which means "good bay" in translation). And the name "Mumbai", according to legend, comes from the name of the Hindu goddess Mumbadeva.

Sights. What to see in Mumbai?

The city is an interesting combination of two cultures: European and Asian. When visiting Bombay, you should pay attention to the Elephant Island, the Prince of Wales Museum and the buildings of the Supreme Court, the University and Victoria Station (it’s even a monument of architecture, rather than just a train station).

In general, a lot of conditions have been created here for tourists: a large number hotels, restaurants and all kinds of shops and local breakdowns. The city is very popular with tourists for its beautiful places and leisure opportunities.

Pay attention to Chor Bazar - an interesting flea market where you can find many original cheap gizmos. And there is also an unusual area for us, called Dhobi-Ghat. There is a lot of washing - you can see a huge number of baths in which women wash every day (however, tourists are not liked here, it is better to look from afar).

In Mumbai you can find exhibitions, cinemas, art galleries... It is noteworthy that there is a symphony orchestra (the only one in India!). By the way, the construction of a building there, which should become the second tallest in the world - the Towers of India, is underway, and the authorities plan to complete the construction by 2016.

Moomb andth, or moomb andand - a city in western India, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, at the mouth of the Ulhas River. Until 1995, the city was called Bombay, and its current name - Mumbai - was given in honor of one of the incarnations of the Earth Mother Goddess Mumbadeva - Maha Amba Aiee, who is worshiped by the Marathi who inhabit the lands of Maharashtra.

Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, it is the most populous city in India: the metropolis of Mumbai, together with its satellite cities, is the fifth largest urban agglomeration in the world with a population of 28.8 million. Mumbai is an administrative unit called Mumbai Municipal Corporation, which includes two counties (districts) of the state of Maharashtra: the city of Mumbai proper (603 km², 15,414,288 people in 2018) and the suburb of Mumbai. Mumbai is divided into 23 urban areas.

Founded: 1507 year
Area: 603 km 2
Population: 15 414 288 people (2018)
Currency: Indian rupee
Tongue: marathi
Of.site: http://www.mcgm.gov.in

Current time in Mumbai:
(UTC +5: 30)

Compared to other cities in India, Mumbai has a high standard of living and high business activity with great job opportunities. The city is today the largest port in western India.

How to get there

There are no direct flights connecting Russia and Mumbai, but, on the other hand, there are a lot of connecting options, thanks to which you can fly to Mumbai from several cities in Russia. Below we list these options (in parentheses - the cities of connections).

• Turkish Airlines (Istanbul): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Ufa, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi
• Lufthansa (Frankfurt am Main or Munich): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara
• Emirates (Dubai): Moscow, St. Petersburg
• Qatar Airways (Doha): Moscow
• Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi): Moscow
• Air France (Paris): Moscow, St. Petersburg
• Swiss (Zurich): Moscow, St. Petersburg
• KLM (Amsterdam): Moscow, St. Petersburg
• Virgin Atlantic and British Airways (London): Moscow

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