Mumbai

 

          The earliest historical reference to Mumbai was during the late Magadha empire, when it was a group of islands which was home to group of fishermen, where a group of Buddhist monks had set up an outpost. The islands passed from one empire to another for the next two millennia, until the maritime trade empire of the British began to develop this natural harbour on the west coast of India into a city. Over the course of the next four centuries, the city has grown by a series of land reclamations which now link the original islands into one mass.Today Mumbai serves the dual role of being the financial capital of India as well as the home to India’s highly popular film industry. It is a vibrant, bustling metropolis with an indomitable spirit.

Reaching Mumbai    
By Air

Mumbai?s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport receives both domestic and international traffic to the city from a large number of airlines. It is the busiest airport of the country, and handles at least 45 landings and take-offs per hour. The two domestic and two international terminals are connected to each other by shuttle services.

By Road
Mumbai is accessible from all parts of the country by road, with several national highways passing through the city. The neighbouring city of Pune can be reached via the Pune expressway. Standard and deluxe long distance buses are available at the State Transport Terminal, located opposite Mumbai Central Railway Station. It is also possible to hire cars to move around the city and its suburbs.

By Train
Mumbai is the headquarters of the Central and Western Railways. The city possesses an impressive rail network connecting the city with all parts of India. Depending on which part of the city you wish to reach, there is the option of embarking or disembarking from several stations in the city ? Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, Mumbai Central, Church Gate, Dadar and Kurla.

Monuments in Mumbai
Marine Drive
Also known as the Queen?s Necklace, the Marine Drive is a road running along the sea shore from one end of the city to another, passing several beaches along the way. It is one of the busiest roads in Mumbai, and it is a pleasure to take a walk or drive down this very popular route.

Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty Beach is where the common man comes to spend a fun evening and sample delicious snacks like bhelpuri, pao bhaji, chuski and chutney sandwiches. During the months of August and September, the beach transforms itself and comes alive as thousands of devotees come to immerse their idols of Lord Ganesha marking the end of the Ganpati festival.

Hanging Gardens:
The picturesque Ferozshah Metha Gardens, popularly known as the Hanging Gardens is built over three huge reservoirs that store water before it is cleaned and pumped back into the city.