We had spent some days on a vacation in Chennai. Now, we decided to move to Mumbai for sightseeing in that city. Chennai is a South Indian city while Mumbai is located in western India. Thus, it is not difficult to travel from Chennai to Mumbai, as there are plenty of flights and one can also go by road.
Brief information about Mumbai
Mumbai is known as the financial capital of India. It comprises seven islands, which were developed by Portuguese and East India Company. Now, it is also a commercial hub and entertainment capital of this country. However, it is also a popular tourist destination, with various historical sites, art galleries, museums, parks, and cultural festivals held at various times of the year.
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How to travel to Mumbai
There are several airlines that operate the best flights from Chennai (MAA) to Mumbai (BOM) airport. Air India, SpiceJet, Vistara, Go Air, and IndiGo are the major airlines to conduct flights on this specific route. There are also some direct trains from Chennai Central station to Dadar Railway station in Mumbai. People can also board long-distance buses to travel to Mumbai from Chennai, though it will take around 27 hours while the train route takes more than 24 hours and one can cover this distance only in less than 2 hours by flight.
Where to stay in Mumbai
Some localities in Mumbai are friendlier for tourists, due to the presence of many hotels in affordable price ranges. Colaba, Andheri West, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra West, Marine Drive, Worli, and Fort Kala Ghoda are the most popular areas where tourists can find suitable accommodations. These places are close to different tourist attractions and also conveyances are available to the nearest railway stations and airports.
Getting around Mumbai
The cheapest way to get around Mumbai is to ride local trains from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Churchgate station, to reach anywhere in Navi Mumbai and to the suburbs of Mumbai. However, the trains are too crowded during office hours and not suitable for tourists.
The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) runs numerous AC and non-AC buses all over the city, which stop at several points. Plenty of black-yellow cabs and auto-rickshaws are also available at affordable costs for traveling short distances in Mumbai. Cabs can also be hired through Uber and Ola apps from any location of the city.
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Lifestyle & culture of Mumbai
Since Mumbai is inhabited by people belonging to various cultural backgrounds, this city is marked with a huge cultural diversity. The lifestyle is very fast for most people living in Mumbai, as everyone is too busy in earning money. Different types of cuisines, cultural festivals, vernacular languages, and art forms mark this diverse nature of the culture of this city. People enjoy a lot in celebrating festivals, like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Eid, and Christmas. The film industry of Mumbai, known as Bollywood, also depicts this unity among local people through various Hindi films.
Enjoy Theme parks in Mumbai
Tourists can enjoy by visiting several exciting theme parks in Mumbai. Essel World is known as one of the earliest theme parks in this city while Imagica Adlabs is a much newer addition. Both these parks are popular among people of all ages for housing various thrilling rides. Vardhman Fantasy Amusement Park holds replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World, along with a few rides. Snow World at Kurla West and Timezone at Infinity Mall are two indoor amusement parks.
Street food in Mumbai
Mumbai is famous for its delicious street foods, which are available at very cheap prices. Vada Pav, Bhelpuri, Pav bhaji, Sev puri, Batata vada, Bombay sandwich, Akuri, Ragda pattice, Baida roti, Kanda poha, and Zhunka Bhakar are the most popular street foods that food lovers cannot miss to taste. Keema Pav, Dabeli, and Misal Pav are common breakfast items for the people of Mumbai. Falooda is a popular dessert made of vermicelli and milk, with several spices.
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Places to visit in Mumbai
Gateway of India is the most prominent landmark of Mumbai. Kala Ghoda Art Precinct, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) rail station, Bombay High Court, Horniman Circle, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum are heritage buildings of Mumbai. Juhu Beach and Marine Drive are notable tourist attractions in this city. Elephanta Caves and Kanheri Buddhist Caves are included in all sightseeing packages in Mumbai. Haji Ali Dargah is an ancient mosque located in the ocean water and it houses the tomb of Sufi saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.
What & Where to Eat in Mumbai
There are some renowned eateries in Mumbai where tourists can taste local cuisines and get the feel of the city. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and roadside eateries in Marine Drive, Juhu Beach, outside CSMT station, Colaba, and other prominent busy places of Mumbai. Gaylord Bakery, Café Mondegar, Bombay Canteen, Taj Mahal Tea House, Trishna Restaurant, and Masala Library are only a few examples of numerous eateries where people can relish on all types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods.
Explore the shopping market in the city.
There are some large shopping malls and places for street shopping in Mumbai, where tourists can buy various items of their choice. Colaba Causeway, Chor Bazaar, Crawford Market, Linking Road in Bandra, and Fashion Street are some popular markets. Also, people flock to Book Street for books, Zaveri Bazaar for gold ornaments, Mangaldas Market and Mulji Jetha Market for dress materials, Dadar flower market for flowers, and Sassoon Docks Fish Market for fresh fishes.
Nightlife in Mumbai
Nariman Point in Marine Drive, Chowpatty of Juhu Beach, Worli Sea Face, Bandra, and Lower Parel are some places in Mumbai, where several restaurants, small eateries, nightclubs, bars, and pubs remain open throughout the night and provide entertainment to tourists.
Thus, the vacation in Mumbai is sure to be enjoyable for us and all tourists visiting this city.
