Mumbai is the capital of Maharastra State and the gateway to this beguiling subcontinent. Of the four great cities in India, Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan, spear heading India's move into the 21st century.
The word Mumbai is derived from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisherfolk, the oldest inhabitants of Mumbai. It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood. The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Mumbai is a shopper's delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. This busy city is also the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world. Mumbai caters to the adventurous and the romantic through its sporting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants. Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern -- its all here for you to savour and enjoy!
Access : Mumbai is well linked to most parts of the globe by air. Domestic airlines link it to major towns in India. Mumbai is well connected to most major Indian town by rail. It is also connect to surrounding cities by road also. Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation and ITDC conducts tours in and around Mumbai.
Many of the spots listed on the tourist guide books are taken for granted by the average Mumbaiite. Edifices are too familiar a sight in their daily lives to be seen afresh. Yet the rulers of the past have left an indelible stamp, and much of it stands in its glory for all to see and appreciate. The colonial architecture of the 19th century rubs shoulders with the 18th century wood carvings made popular by the Muslims of Gujarat. Gothic arches, canopied balconies, bas-relief panels combine with oriental domes and spiral staircases to lend character to the imposing buildings.
The historic structures are best seen after sunset when, awash in flood light, they gain momentous character and stand out as proud reminder of an era gone by.
