Mumbai - "City of Dreams

As a coastal city, the temperature in Mumbai hovers around 30ºC for much of the year; the weather is most pleasant from October to March, when it’s not too humid. If possible, avoid visiting the city during April and May when it’s particularly hot and humid, and during the monsoon (June–Sept), which often causes flooding in the low-lying areas and disruptions to public transport.

The District Mumbai City  is situated on the West coast of India between 18˚ 52′ and 19˚ 04′ North latitudes and 72˚47′ and 72˚54′ East longitudes. It is surrounded on three sides by water, the open Arabian Sea to the West and South and Thane creek to the East. To the North it is bordered by Mumbai (Suburban) District.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, formerly known as Sahar International Airport, is the primary international airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Area. It is situated about 30 km from CST Station. Domestic Airport is in Vile Parle East. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji has 2 terminals. Terminal 1 or Domestic Terminal used to be the old airport called Santacruz Airport, some locals are still using this name nowadays. Terminal 2 or International Terminal replaced the old terminal 2, formerly known as the Sahar Airport. The Santa Cruz Domestic Airport is about 4.5 kilometres from the international airport.

There are regular direct flights to Mumbai easily available from other airports. Buses and cabs are easily available from the airport to reach desired destinations.

Mumbai is very well connected to rest of India by trains. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is the most popular station in Mumbai. Trains to Mumbai are available from all major railway stations in India. Some important Mumbai trains to note are the Mumbai Rajdhani, Mumbai Duronto, Konkan Kanya Express.   However, if you are coming from other central or suburban railway stations, then you can reach CST through local transport. Mumbai is well-connected by road that leads to all major cities in India.

By Bus

Mumbai is well-connected with national highways and expressways . Mumbai visit by bus is the most economical for individual tourists. Government, as well as private buses, operate daily services to this route. Mumbai bus stand is situated at the centre of the city.

By Cab/Car

Travelling to Mumbai by car is the common choice made by travellers. One can easily opt for Mumbai car rental for this trip. So Mumbai travel by cab is one of the efficient ways to explore the city. Travelling to Mumbai by road is most suitable for those cruising with friends and family.

The country’s largest multicultural festival is held across nine days, with hundreds of events covering literature, performing and visual arts, among many other things.

Two- to three-day festival that sees classical Indian dance performed against the backdrop of the eponymous caves.

Ten days celebrating the beloved elephant-headed god Ganesha: street processions, loud music and lots of dancing culminate in idols of the god being immersed in the sea on the final day.

The birthday of Lord Krishna sees mass celebrations in the city, including special decorations and chanting of hymns at temples and homes, and rangoli (colourful floor designs).

Gateway of India, the best place to visit in Mumbai, was built in 1924 by George Willet to honor the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. Visit this place in the early morning or late evening hours to enjoy the cool breeze of the sea with your family sans the crowd. Located next to the iconic Taj Mahal Palace and facing the vast Arabian Sea, the Gateway of India leaves you spellbound in every way possible. Take a ferry ride offered here to experience a stupendous view of this monument right from the sea and you can also visit other main attractions nearby.

Sprawling over an area of 104 sq. km. of land, this is one of the most-visited national parks in Asia and because of this, I give it the 2nd spot among Mumbai’s famous places. With all sorts of fun activities, this park can surely be a family entertainer. You can watch the big cats of the park close enough in a safari cage and have a fun day boating in the artificial lake in the park. Take the forest road or stairs and hike towards the Gandhi Tekdi, a memorial built in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. The toy train, Van Rani, is another popular attraction here, especially among kids. You can also visit the 2000-years-old Kanheri Caves to capture the Buddha relics. The undisturbed natural trails and the Jain Temple in the forest are also sure to make your visit a memorable one.

Ever imagined standing next to Barack Obama, striking a pose with Michael Jackson or taking a selfie with Harry Potter? Yes, you read it right. Come to the city of dreams and fulfil this dream at the Red Carpet Wax Museum. It exhibits lifelike wax figures of prominent icons from various fields including science, politics, sports and world cinema. So, take selfies with your favorite icon, post it on social media, and make your friends jealous. This is my 3rd best place to visit in Mumbai.

How about taking a trip with your family to one of the most popular religious shrines in Mumbai, built right in the middle of the Arabian Sea? Yes, we are talking about Haji Ali Dargah that houses the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. This grand edifice is made of white marbles and exemplifies the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. A walk through the causeway that connects the Dargah to the Lala Rajput Rai Marg is the main attraction of this place. Feel the spirituality of this place with your dear ones while enjoying a panoramic view of the deep blue waters! I give the places Fab rank no.4 among all the best places to visit in Mumbai.

One of the most frequented temples in Mumbai, Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Devotees from across India including famous personalities from Bollywood and sports throng the temple to seek the blessings of Siddhivinayak Ganapati. The auspicious idol of Lord Ganesha is carved out in a single black stone with the trunk bent towards right making it one-of-its-kind. You can plan a visit to this temple with your family for an enriched spiritual experience.

Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus is another UNESCO World Heritage Site situated right in the heart of Mumbai. Built in the year 1888, during the British colonial period, this edifice exemplifies the Victorian-Gothic style of architecture. While you are here, don’t forget to take a photograph with your family and kids. And guess what, the magnificent CST is the most photographed building in India after Taj Mahal!

Boasting a grand Indo-Saracenic architectural style, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is one of the famous places in Mumbai that demand your attention as a centre of entertainment and learning. Since the museum was built to commemorate the India visit of George V’s, the then Prince of Wales, it was initially named as the Prince of Wales Museum. Home to about 50,000 artefacts, this beautiful museum has received the 2010 UNESCO Asia – Pacific Heritage Award and is a must-visit if you are keen to know about our country’s heritage.

Also known as Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari ji Temple, it is close to Juhu Beach and boasts 4 acres of land area. The gorgeously carved temple draws Hindu devotees in droves and hosts festivals like Ratha Yatra, Janmashtami, Radhasthami, Makarsankranti, and Gaura Purnima with great pomp and show. Crafted with marble, the temple comes with a 7-storey guesthouse, an auditorium, and a restaurant to help devotees attend spiritual programs with ease. The ISKCON Temple is also an educational hub and its library houses an impressive collection of spiritual books. 

Nothing can be more romantic than watching the crimson sun and the luminous orange sky on a breezy beach, with your loved one. Juhu Beach is one such spectacular place in Mumbai, often visited by couples who need a little romantic escape from the humdrum of city life. You can also plan a romantic date night at one of the amazing beachside restaurants available at Juhu. 

Walk hand in hand with your lover along the walkway at Marine Drive witnessing the sunset hues reflecting on the vast Arabian Sea. It is an ideal place to relax and spend some romantic moments on a beautiful evening. This is also one of the popular places to visit in Mumbai at night. Don’t forget to satiate your hunger with some delicious street food available here. 

If you are in search of a peaceful yet serene place to cherish some intimate moments with your partner, Chota Kashmir should be the right spot while you are in Mumbai. It has a beautifully landscaped garden and a placid lake that tranquillizes your body and mind. Recline peacefully on the greens of the garden or go boating in the lake and get lost in love on this little piece of paradise. Either way, you are sure to find a new spark in your love life!