Bombay Nights
Mumbai formerly Bombay certainly hits the senses on walking out of the airport and you really do not know where to look when driving through the city, the colours and noise is overwhelming.
The capital of Mahrasthra State, the city is built on seven islands on the west coast with the port opening onto the Arabian sea.
Our hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace is located in Colaba and the impressive building dominates the seafront with the Gateway to India built by the British at the end close to the Tower Wing entrance.
The city is also home to Bollywood and expensive real estate which contrasts with the huge slums the city is known for.
How to get there and Transportation
By plane - connected to the majority of major cities around the world and linked to nearly all domestic areas.
By boat - cruises come in from Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai
Getting around
By Train - the Central and Western lines connect to all over India
Car - Highways connect to every part of India
Bus - The MSRTC buses run from the Asiad Bus Terminal and from Mumbai Central to most major cities along with private operators such as National, Sharma and Dolphin to name a few.
Local Transport
Taxi - Black and Yellow Top taxis are cheap and plentiful but do not expect a comfortable ride but do not take one of these from the airport and train station or you will be scammed. For a comfortable and safer ride chose a branded taxi which have modern cars and trained drivers operating at government approved tariffs. Uber Ola and GetMeCab are also easily available.
Auto Rickshaw - not the safest or most comfortable way to travel
Bus - the BEST company has an efficient service to all areas of the city, get on at the back and off at the front but beware there are normally no seats available.
Train - the Suburban Rail Network has 3 lines starting after 4 am and stop at midnight and 1am. You can buy a Tourist Ticket to travel in First Class but avoid using during rush hour (8.30 am to 10.30 am and 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm). If you do then do not stand near the edge as there is a mad rush and when getting off stand near the door and be prepared to be overun.
Metro - 12 stations and trains run every 4 minutes during peak and every 8 minutes off peak. The airport station is actually 2 kms from the airport.
Ferries -
- Gateway of India to Elephanta caves - the only way to get to Elephanta Caves.
- Marve Jetty (Malad) to Manori Jetty - connecting Manori and Gorai. Also services for Esselworld (Amusement Park).
- Versova (Andheri) to Madh Jetty - connecting Madh/Erangal/Aksa/Marve.
- Gorai (Borivali) to Gorai Beach - connecting Gorai Beach/Esselworld.
Car - arranged by your agent or the hotel this is the safest way to see the city.
Best time to Visit
November to February are the winter months and the best time to visit
March to May - rising humidity and hot
June to October - monsoon season so lots of rain particularly in July and August
Where to stay
Taj Mahal Palace - iconic hotel in great location
The Oberoi - difficult decision between the Oberoi and Taj!
St Regis - 5 star option
Grand Hyatt - check out the 3 floors of Art and inner courtyard.
Four Seasons - highly rated luxury option
Read More about The Taj Mahal Palace
What to See
Built in 1914 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. If you are going to Elephanta Island you will catch the boats from here.
Horniman Circle and Gardens
Similar to Bath Circle the gardens encompass an area of over 10,000 sq metres. The Asiatic Society overlooks the gardens and the Cathedral of St Thomas is close b
Sassoon Library/Elphinstone College
Famous heritage structure completed in 1870 the library is next to Elphinstone College which itself is one of the oldest colleges of the University of Mumbai
Iconic and stunning Victorian Gothic landmark.
A heritage building and the main museum in Mumbai
Elephanta Island
Home to the Elephanta Cave Temples dating back to the 5th century. Watch out for the monkeys.
Crawford Market
More gothic architecture built in 1869 this is the place to buy fruit, spices and imported goods.
Buleshwar Market
Wholesale and indian jewellery market
Jain Temple Malabar Hill
Built in 1094 this is the largest temple in Mumbai and very pretty. Check if possible to visit.
Parsees Towers of Silence
Not possible to visit but you pass by on the way to the Hanging Gardens although you still cannot see the tower and now possibly not any vultures which have been killed off by diclofenac poisoning.
Dhabi Ghat Public Washing Area
Great photo opportunity and fascinating to see.
Dr Lad Museum
The oldest museum established in 1855 tracing the city’s history. Some interesting bits but slightly disappointed.
Beaches
Chowpatty and Juhu are the most popular although Juhu is 18 kms from the city centre. Made Island Beach is one of the cleanest and popular with tourists.
Where to report animal cruelty in Mumbai
Restaurants
Trishna - Fort - Seafood - 134, B Bharucha Rd, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India - Tel +91 22 2270 3213
The Bombay Canteen - Indian snacks and cocktails - Unit-1, Process House, S.B. Road, Kamala Mills, Near Radio Mirchi Office Lower, Parel - Closes 1AM - Tel +91 22 4966 6666
The Table - Colaba - Global - Ground Floor, Kalapesi Trust Building, Opposite Dhanraj Mahal, Below Hotel Suba Palace, Apollo Bunder Marg, Colaba - Closes 3:30PM ⋅ Reopens 7PM - Tel +91 22 2282 5000
Masque - Mahalaxmi - Fine Dining - Unit G3, Shree Laxmi Woollen Mills, Shakti Mills Lane, Off, Dr E Moses Rd, Mahalakshmi - Opens 7:30PM - Tel +91 22 4973 7431
Slink and Bardot - Worli - French - Thadani House 329/A Opposite Indian Coast Guard Worli Village - Opens 7 pm - Tel+91 70459 04728
O Pedro - Bandra Kurla Complex - Goan - Unit No. 2, Plot No. C-68, Jet Airways - Godrej, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra - Closes 1 am - Tel +91 22 2653 4700
Wasabi by Morimoto - Taj Mahal Palace Hotel - Colaba - Japanese
Botticino - Trident Bandra Kurla - Italian
Gajalee - Vile Parle - Seafood - Kadamgiri Complex, Hanuman Rd, Next to Icici Bank, Vile Parle East - Close 3.30 pm Opens 7 pm - Tel +91 91678 91678
Royal China - Fort - Chinese - Victoria Terminus, Behind Sterling Cinema Building, Hazarimal Somani Road, Azad Maidan, Fort - Closes 3.45 pm Opens 7 pm - Tel +91 22 2207 2492
Shopping
Ahilya - Mandlik Road - behind the Taj - Kurtas and other stuff….I spent a good few hours in here, excellent value.
Central Cottage Industries Emporium - Chikan from Lucknow upstairs… lovely shirts… buy a lot, very cheap.
Tulsi - at The Courtyard Colaba - beautiful clothing and good value.
Ogaan - different designers in each store, I bought from here in Delhi.
Good Earth - homewares
Fab India - Cotton clothes and household items
Anokhi - one of my favourites for indian cotton clothes.
There is a huge selection of shops located in the area surrounding the Taj Mahal Palace, one good reason to stop there.
Tip
More than 2 nights needed to see everything.
Colaba is a great location with restaurants and shops within easy walking distance
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