With India more and more in the geopolitical mix, with a population that will overtake China this century and a diverse economy with enviable growth rates, tourist allure is at a near apex.
A spiritual and ancient land, the country has forever had a mystical pull. The enigmatic aura of India however, is less murky at present as the nation of well over a billion people opens up to outsiders. Investments in the tourism industry and improvements in infrastructure have had transformative effects not only to foreigners, but to the citizens of India as well.
We begin a prefatory glance at travel in India with Mumbai. The financial heart of India with a metropolitan population just under 20 million, the city provides no shortage of stupefaction to first-time visitors. To aid your grip on the capital of Maharashtra on the west coast of India, here are the best attractions in the city we once knew as Bombay.
20. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
With claims as the national park of record within close range of a major city, Sanjay Gandhi receives over 2 million visitors a year. At over 100 square km, the park is immense and features ancient caves, dense forests and a wealth of biodiversity.
The first stock exchange in Asia provides a rare glimpse into the financial hub of India. In terms of importance as a nexus point of commerce, trade and industry, Mumbai sits atop the summit. A tour of the historic BSE is a wonderful introduction to illustrate the point.
18. Elephanta Caves
Well worth a day trip in order to elude the urban crush of the city, the Elephanta Caves on Gharapuri Island, just off Mumbai harbour, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave and temple complex are thought to originate from the Hindu Silhara Dynasty, some one thousand years ago, and cover over 60,000 square feet.
17. Beaches
One should endeavour to hit a beach or two while in Mumbai. Juhu and Girgaum Chaupati are perhaps the most popular of the lot, both famous for superb food vendors and spiritual celebrations. Other beaches at Madh Island and Powai Lake provide idyllic escapes outside the downtown core.
16. Mahalaxmi Temple
With consecration in 1785, the Mahalaxmi Temple has been a major cultural and ecclesiastical centre in Mumbai for quite some time. The impressive structure is visible from the Arabian Sea and constitutes essential visitation for any tourist with even a partial interest in India’s vast spiritual tapestry.
15. Cricket
Other than religion, devotion to cricket in India has no rival. The country is mad for the sport and the denizens of Mumbai display a relish for the game few can match. If you can obtain entry to a contest at either Wankhede or Brabourne Stadium, do not miss the chance. Mumbai is the home of the great Sachin Tendulkar, after all.
14. Festivals
Too copious to name, religious festivals in India dot the calendar like pushpins on a map. While they range in grandeur from one region and city to the next, several endure as quasi-national in diverse India. If you happen to be in Mumbai for Diwali, Holi or Navratri, take full advantage of events and performances around town that connect with these important festivals.
One of the best science museums in the world, in a country that prizes knowledge of the discipline, the Nehru Science Centre (NSC) welcomes close to a million people every year and represents one of the most popular attractions in the Mumbai metropolitan area. With over 50 interactive exhibits, a rainy afternoon is the ideal time to escape to the NSC.
12. Fashion Street
While retail districts in many parts of Asia simply offer luxury brand names with a slim disparity in price from home, Fashion Street in Mumbai is a veritable kaleidoscope of nonpareil and discount garments. If you want to get your haggle on and test your skills with the best in the world, this is the place to shop until you drop.
Sometimes a court date can be fun - educational even. The High Court is not only a place of peerless historical merit, in India as well as Mumbai, but a structure of architectural distinction. A visit to the grounds and interior is well worth your time.
Discover terrific rates on hotels in and around Mumbai.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
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August 31st, 2008 at 12:19 am
I am a ‘mumbaikar ‘ as natives of Mumbai ( the erstwhile Bombay) like to call themselves ..it is a great city ..a mad cacophony of sights and sounds and have to add that you should try Mumbai’s incredible street foods though not on the streets ..but in safe restaurants like Swati Snacks located at Tardeo so that you dont succumb to the dreaded Mumbai belly- enjoy!!