Along with the nearby Thane and Navi Mumbai, Mumbai is home to 21 million individuals, and is among the most heavily populated areas of India. The city is energetic, multicultural and has one the biggest slums on earth along with some of the priciest houses. To understand the vibe of this mega-city it's better to visit on your own. If coming from nearby cities, check for the schedule, say, Surat to Mumbai train timetable, and make further reservations accordingly.
Mumbai was initially an archipelago of seven islands that after a several shifting of power, landed at the hands of the British as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, when she married Charles II of England. In 1845, the seven isles united as part of multiple land reclamation treaty to form Bombay. Over the centuries, Mumbai became an important port for the British, thanks to its natural harbour. But, Mumbai's popularity actually grew during the American Civil War, which cut off the cotton supplies to Great Britain from America. As much as 80 million pounds were made by dealers during this interval, thus, giving rise to a fresh elite of Bombay's own merchant and tycoons.
Remnants of this glorious past, from dilapidated palatial bungalows to cotton factories that are sealed off, stay scattered in and around the city even to this day. Much has changed since then, but, still the city shows extraordinary resilience in the face of difficult times and continues to keep its cosmopolitan nature upbeat. Perhaps, there are hardly any cities like Mumbai, which tolerate you as its own. Mumbai's energy is truly infectious, and as they say, there is something for everyone here. So, if you really want to soak in the spirit of Mumbai, plan an exciting itinerary. If coming from nearby cities, check for the schedule, say, Surat to Mumbai train timetable, and make further reservations accordingly.
The colonial buildings in Mumbai are a sight for anyone seeing the city for the first time. Walk around the roads between Colaba and Churchgate to experience the beauty of these buildings. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus, Flora Fountain, Gateway of India, Municipal Corporation and Police Headquarters, High Court, Asiatic Society and the Taj Mahal Hotel and many others are a must visit, if you're new to the city.
Marine Drive, a three kilometer-long promenade is popular among walkers. Also referred to as the Queen's Necklace, when lit up at night, the lights along the expanse of the promenade resemble a string of pearls. Only off Marine Drive, is Mani Bhavan that functioned during the independence struggle as Mahatma Gandhi's home in Mumbai, and is home to some important memorials related to him. The first floor of the building plays recordings of his addresses and screens movies on Gandhi. Another great place to visit is the Haji Ali Dargah which is situated on a little islet in the Arabian sea. Constructed in the 15 century, the dargah sees about hundreds of thousands of visitors across all faiths.
With several of theme parks, movie theatres, clubs, pubs, art galleries and shopping areas, there's always something. If you love to shop, the roads of Mumbai that offer virtually everything you could possibly want, can keep you busy from sun up to sundown. From theatre to theatre, the city also has the possibility to bring out the play lover in you giving you the chance to to see with the Movie City situated in Goregaon to get a first hand encounter of Bollywood shoots.