PLACES OF INTEREST
Film City clings to the outskirts of the National Park, and is practically overrun by assorted stars and starlets. Bollywood churns out over 900 films every year, which is probably why Film City sets are heavily booked around the year. They are closed to visitors, but special permissions can always be "obtained" to check out the action.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, breathtakingly beautiful, filled with dense forests and dotted with sylvan lakes.
Kanheri Caves are Buddhist caves or monasteries where monks practiced their austerities around the first century AD. Situated in the heart of Mumbai's National Park, the complex contains more than a hundred tiny cells cut into the flank of a hill, each fitted with a stone plinth that evidently served as a bed.
Gateway of India, Mumbai's most famous monument, was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, when the British Rule ended in 1947 and the last of the British ships set sail for England from the Gateway.
Elephanta Caves, hewn out of solid rock, the Elephanta Caves date back to 600 AD, The cave complex is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls and porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture, and filled with exquisite stone sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
The Prince of Wales Museum is an Indo-Saracenic building that houses an excellent collection of antiques, miniature paintings, Buddhist images and sculptures originally from the Elephanta Caves.
Bombay Natural History Museum is the largest non-governmental organization in the subcontinent engaged in the conservation of nature and natural resources, education and research in natural history, with members in over 30 countries.
Jehangir Art Gallery, built in the year 1952 this is Mumbai’s main art gallery, next to the Prince of Wales Museum, displays changing exhibits by well-known Indian artists.
Marine Drive, A stroll down this place is possibly the best way to discover Mumbai. This is a windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of art deco buildings. Marine Drive is called the Queen's Necklace as it is strung with glittering street lights like an enormous strand of imperious jewels.
Hanging Gardens, perched at the top of Malabar Hill, these terraced gardens also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens provide a lovely sunset view over the Arabian Sea.
Markets - Bandra, Crawford Market, Zaveri market, Fashion Street, Chor Bazaar are some of the local marketing places.
CULTURE
As one would expect from a metropolis like Mumbai, it is a centre of cultural activity. Along with renowned art galleries, the downtown districts have some of India’s finest concert halls that regularly host visiting Western Classical musicians. While suburban Mumbai is the perfect stage for the best in local theatre and music. Get in touch with us and we’ll help arrange passes.
LANGUAGE
English is spoken at offices and commercial establishments. Hindi and Marathi are more commonly spoken. Different pockets of the city speak a host of Indian languages like Gujarati and Tamil, while shopkeepers and street vendors in Colaba speak a smattering of several European languages.
WEATHER
Mumbai experiences a tropical climate. The annual temperatures range from a high of 38°C to a low of 11°C.
The period between October and February is the most pleasant time to visit Mumbai, when the city enjoys a balmy season of blue skies and a cool breeze. Sometimes cold northerly winds are responsible for a high wind chill.
Between March to October, the weather is characterized by high humidity and temperatures of over 30°C.
The monsoon rains break in mid-June and last until September.
TRANSPORTATION
Mumbai has the best local transport systems in India. Regular local trains service all parts of Mumbai, as do the local buses. Taxis are also available through the day. If you do want to get a closer look at Mumbai, do contact Guest Relations and we’ll gladly arrange a tour for you.