Mumbai formerly known as Bombay in English is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, including the cities of Navi Mumbai and Thane, it is one of the most populous urban regions in the world.
Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India.
The city also enjoys close proximity to the holiday hot spot of Goa. Quite naturally, the destination continues to be a major draw for scores of travelers booking Flights to Mumbai. Check out five of the hot tourist spots in the city.
Colaba
Colaba is the place to be if you want to put your finger on the pulse of the city during your Mumbai Holidays Many of the budget as well as mid range Mumbai hotels are also located in Colaba. Crawling with bars, markets, and street stalls, Colaba absolutely redefines the word bustling. Check out the delights on offer at the Colaba Market with its numerous fruit and vegetable stalls and jewellery shops. Quite a few visitors also hop into Church of St John the Evangelist, which was built for paying homage to the British soldiers who lost their lives in the First Afghan War of 1838 to 1843. Similarly, the early morning sight of fisherwoman arranging the huge cache of wishes is another fine time killer and is definitely much more exciting than what it reads here.
Elephanta Island
This famous Island has become somewhat of a legend due to the well known cave temples adorning the place. A number of elaborate Shaivite temples have been carved out in the rocks here. A humongous Mahesh Murti statue depicting Shiva in the role of creator, preserver and destroyer of the universe steals the show. Regular boat service is available from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. Deluxe and Economy category boats are available to the Elephanta Island.
Chowpatty Beach
Since generations, a huge mass of humanity has been descending upon the Chowpatty Beach almost on a daily basis. Lined with a number of beachside stalls, the place is wonderful for gorging on bhelpuri and other local delicious varieties of street food. Many tourists find that the best time of the day to visit the beach is evening when the place gets illuminated with dazzling lights. If you plan your holidays to Mumbai sometime during August or September, remember to witness the frenzy of the mass on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi. The sight is unforgettable as countless ardent devotees carry statues of God Ganesh and immerse the same in the sea.
Gateway of India
'People watching' is probably at its best at the historic Gateway of India. Modelled on 16th century Gujarat's Islamic architecture styles, the Gateway of India is associated with some colourful events in Indian history. While the place was built for commemorating the King George V's royal visit to India in 1911, it is also the spot which was used by the British Government for sending its last regiment from India. The Gateway of India thrives with life and is frequented by almost every kind of character, right from foreign tourists to hawkers, beggars, photographers, and soothsayers. A popular activity here is to take a ride in the elaborately decorated horse carriages affectionately called Victoria.
Marine Drive
Gracing some scene in many of the Indian flicks, the Marine Drive is one of the most defining landmarks in Mumbai's character. This stretch of road runs along from Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hills. The Marine Drive is amongst the best places in Mumbai for watching sunsets and is in close proximity to quite a few popular hotels in Mumbai. During night, the brightly glowing lights here resemble a gigantic necklace from a distance and have earned it the epithet of Queen's Necklace.
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