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Mumbai

Holiday in Mumbai
Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was presented to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal. Over the years, as colonialism gave way to independence, Mumbai has transformed itself into an entity with thriving markets, business houses and many different communities reflecting a cosmopolitan and trendy atmosphere rarely seen elsewhere. On the surface, it represents the ever-changing face of today's India -- the old coupled with the dynamic new, and yet at its very core, the heart of the city is steeped in Indian customs and values. It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood.

The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Mumbai is a shopper's delight with bargain buys, exclusive boutiques, ethnic markets and mini bazaars. This busy city is also the hub of a thriving cultural life, with a constant stream of performances in music, dance and drama. The seat of the Hindi film industry, known locally as Bollywood, it produces the largest number of films in the world. Mumbai caters to the adventurous and the romantic through its sporting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theaters, beaches and restaurants.

Museums
Prince of Wales Museum : 159 M G Road Fort, Mumbai-400001

Victoria & Albert Museum : Byculla East Nr Rly Stn.

Taraporewala Aquarium : Marine Drive Mumbai

Nehru Planetarium : Nehru Centre, Worli Mumbai-400018

Shopping
Chor Bazaar is commonly known as thieves' market, a name coined by the British but perhaps mistakenly. It is also thought that the original name was shor Bazaar(Noisy Market) which aptly described the yelling and shouting of the local traders on Mutton Street while selling their second hand house hold goods.Today, it is a hustling bustling market. The traders,whose families have been in this business for generations, scour the countryside buying goods to sell in the market.You must visit Chor Bazaar. Here are some of our favorite shops but rummage as many as you can as you never know what you may find - a treasure, a bargain or just what you need. Take a taxi or bus to Maulana Shaukat Ali Road and set off down Mutton Street.

Restaurants
The fast-paced life here, has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking pav bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Many hotels have in-house restaurants, which usually cater to different palettes. There are innumerable small-scale places offering South Indian Udipi fare, Gujarati thalis, 'Indian" Chinese, typical North Indian Mughlai food and the current rage of Manglorean fish. Though rest assured, international cuisine is also found here, with choices ranging from Italian pasta to Thai curry and even Lebanese kababs! Epicures can be treated to special treats at the continuous "food festivals" (see the local dailies for up-to-date information) held here. Check with your host or hotel for best places to visit around your area.

Entertainment
Nightlife in Mumbai is best described by the fact that Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. Trendy 'pubs' and discos or nightclubs are located in the Fountain/Colaba area and the suburbs too have plenty to offer. Many restaurants double up as bars and nightclubs and stay open till late hours. For those on a budget, the local beaches such as Chowpatty and Juhu have a life of their own during the nights, and often people are found strolling on the beachfronts enjoying the cool breeze. Both serve as playgrounds, open-air restaurants and amusements parks.

Bollywood and Movies
India's answer to Hollywood, Bollywood films have a fantastic mix of action, violence, music, dance, romance and an almost nonexistent story. Hindi films are a part and parcel of life not just in Mumbai but probably all over India. The industry rooted in Mumbai, produces over 200 films a year and is the largest maker of films anywhere in the world. The film stars or as they known as in 'filmi' parlance, the heroes and heroines are treated as mega-stars and likened to gods and goddesses. The masses adore their 'masala' films because they allow the people of India to escape into a fantasy and hang on to their dreams.