MUMBAITHE CITY OF DREAMS

Mumbai - At a Glance

#1 Best Time To Visit: October to March#2 Official Language: Marathi#3 Languages Spoken: Marwari, Hindi, English#4 Climate/Season: #5 Main Attractions: Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, Siddhivinayak Temple, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Essel World

What to See?Top 5 Places to Explore in Mumbai

Gateway of India

Completed in 1924, Gateway of India is one of the major tourist attractions in Mumbai. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this basalt arch was built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary. The British Governors used the waterways and entered India from here.

An Interesting Fact: This Gateway also acted as an epitaph for the British forces as they left India from this point and never came back!

Haji Ali Dargah

Situated on an islet just off the Worli coast, Haji Ali Dargah has the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. It is said that Peer Haji Ali was a rich merchant who donated all his possessions and went to Mecca. When he died, his coffin somehow came back to the shores of Bombay and got stuck in the islets. So the Dargah was made here.

An Interesting Fact: What makes the walk to the Dargah interesting is the 1 km pathway through the sea with water lashing on both sides.

Siddhivinayak Temple

Originally built in 1801, Siddhivinayak Temple is a very famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. From the common man to the dignitaries from all over India come here to take Lord Ganesha’s blessings.

An Interesting Fact: Siddhivinayak is also known as “Navasacha Ganapati”, meaning that “Ganapati always grants a wish when prayed humbly”.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park

One of the main national park built within a metropolis, Sanjay National Park is also the most visited national park in the world. The very famous Kanheri Caves, which was a Buddhist learning center, also lies within this national park.

An Interesting Fact: Sanjay National Park has remnants of the Greek and Mesopotamian culture associated with it.

Essel World

Being one of the largest Theme Parks in Asia, Essel World is spread across 64 acres of land and is situated in Boriwali West. With Water Park as its major attraction, this Amusement park draws about 1.20 million visitors every year.

An Interesting Fact: The way to reach EsselWorld is truly amazing. The Amusement park is built on an islet and ferries take the visitors to the Amusement park.

What Else?Wanna explore more…

Girgaum Chowpatty Beach

Girgaum Chowpatty is one of the most visited beaches in Bombay just adjoining the Marine Drive. People from all over the city come here to relax and unwind from the day’s work alone or with their families. Stalls offering street food are also set up here.

An Interesting Tip: Sunset at Girgaum Chowpatty is a must watch.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much pomp and show in Mumbai. It is celebrated to honour Lord Ganesha and is a 10 day festival. People worship Lord Ganesha by making his idols and decorating pandals. On the 10th day, the idol is taken all the way to Girgaum Chowpatty and immersed in the Arabian Sea.

An Interesting Fact: Different pandals are built and decorated during Ganesh Chaturthi and competitions are held. The most beautiful pandal gets prizes.

Krishna janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to honour the birth of Lord Krishna. In Mumbai, Dahi Handi is placed at a certain height in different localities and human pyramids are made to break those Dahi Handis. This is symbolic to Baby Krishna breaking handis in his village to steal buttermilk.

An Interesting Fact: Various competitions are held all across the city and it is a much celebrated festival for all.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is celebrated to worship Goddess Durga. Celebrated for 9 days, Pandals are decorated and people come and pray to Goddess Durga.

Madh Fort

Also known as Versova Fort, this fort was built by the Portugese and was used as a watchtower over the Marve Creek. Now under the control of the Indian Air Force, you will need permission to visit it. This fort is surrounded by many fishermen communities.

What to Eat?

Vada Pav

Chaat

Kanda Poha

A bun stuffed with fried potato ball and chutney is the ultimate street food in Mumbai. Enjoyed with fried salted chillis, it is a must have while in Mumbai.

Ragda Patties

Batata Vada

Served in Sev, chickpea and lots of chutneys, Ragda Patties is another spicy must have in Bombay.

Batata Vada means a mixture of potato with onions and spices fried with Besan all over it. Served with chutney, it is an evening snack.

What to Shop?

Colaba Causeway

Situated in Colaba, Colaba Causeway is a kilometer long lane lined with makeshift stalls offering clothes, handlooms, accessories and everything else. Imitations, paperback books and everything funky and stylish could be found here at throwaway prices. Don’t forget to bargain.

Chor Bazaar

One of the biggest organized flea markets in India, Chor Bazaar is situated near Bhendi Bazaar in South Bombay. This market is known for second hand goods ranging from regular household items to automobile parts to Victorian Furniture.

An interesting Tip: Chor Bazaar was originally known as Shor Bazaar. The current name came into use because of British mispronunciation.

Where to Stay?

Oyo Rooms is the ideal stay option across the most visited places in Mumbai. From Budget to Premium Rooms, you are spoilt for choice where you Pay less and Live Large! OYO Rooms offer one of the best budget hotels in Mumbai and you can book your OYO

online at http://www.oyorooms.com/mumbai