Mumbai, the financial capital of India is a wonderful place to travel. Formerly known as Bombay, the city is the capital of the state of Maharashtra. Tourists who embark on Mumbai travel get a feel of the rich cultural heritage and charming beauty of the place. Located by the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is a popular tourist destination and booming trading hub. Mumbai travel is a major part of the itinerary for a tour of India.
The ideal time for travel to Mumbai is between the months of October and March. The weather during this part of the year is pleasant. Mumbai mostly experiences a seaside climate. The summer months are hot and humid while the winter months are pleasant.
Day 1: Local Sightseeing
Arrive in Mumbai and check into the hotel. Being an important metropolitan city, there are various ways for reaching Mumbai. The city is served by the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport which is one of the busiest airports in India. It links the city with various destinations in India and across the world. Train services link Mumbai with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad and other places across the country. Bus services are also well developed.
There are numerous tourist attractions in Mumbai. Mumbai was an important establishment during the British rule and as such one can find lots of colonial structures and monuments in the city. The beautiful coastline also adds to the charm. Various sightseeing tours are offered by the both the tourist board and various travel agencies. Some popular points of interest in the city that you should tour are:
- Gateway of India
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- Jehangir Art Gallery
- Prince of Wales Museum
- Hanging Gardens
- Taraporewala Aquarium
- Juhu Beach
- Chowpatty Beach
- Borivali national park
- Mahalaxmi Race Course
Day 2: Excursion to Elephanta Caves
In the morning, make a trip to the legendary Elephanta caves. Located few kilometers from Mumbai across the sea on the Elephanta Island, the Elephanta Caves offer a deep insight into the ancient tradition of the region. Listed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, there are 7 caves which are dedicated to the greatness of Lord Shiva in the form of rock carvings and sculptures. The caves were built in the period between 7th and 12th century AD and portray Shiva as Andhakasura Vadh, Kalyanasundara, Ardhanarishwara, Nataraja and Ravana anugraha. The famous Trimurti-Sadashiva statue is located in the main chamber.
Come back to the city, and if possible visit the shopping precincts of Fashion Street, Colaba and Link Road.