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Mumbai, the city of dreams and India’s entertainment capital should definitely be on your travel wishlist. This major city boasts mega shopping malls, bustling markets where you can haggle for a bargain, an eclectic nightlife with some of the finest night spots in the country, and so much more. Brightsun Travel offers great value luxury holidays to Mumbai from the UK.
Foodies will be in paradise at Mumbai; the city has an incredible culinary culture, home to some of the finest restaurants in India, plus traditional cafes and roadside vendors serving up tantalising street snacks. Mumbai is also a historic city dating back thousands of years; it’s been home to a number of ancient civilisations and there is plentiful evidence of this across the city, with sightseeing landmarks, as well as religious temples. You can delve even deeper into Mumbai’s history by exploring its top-class museums.
Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu Beach, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Mumbai, India’s bustling financial capital, has a well-developed transportation network to help you navigate the city efficiently.
The Mumbai Suburban Railway is the city’s local train network, and the most popular mode of transportation for daily commuters. The Mumbai Metro is an expanding network with several lines connecting different parts of the city. This network avoids road traffic and is more comfortable than local trains, however coverage is more limited.
BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) operates a comprehensive bus network throughout Mumbai. It’s an affordable service, covering extensive routes, but it can be slow due to traffic congestion, and buses can be crowded during peak hours. Auto-rickshaws are widely available across Mumbai, which are ideal for short trips.
Taxis are available and are easily found at taxi stands, or you can book them via apps. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola operate in Mumbai, and you can also use car rental services with or without drivers.
Mumbai is considered relatively safe in terms of violent crime when compared to other major global cities. Police presence is generally strong, especially in crowded areas, ensuring a decent level of public security. Like many big cities, Mumbai experiences petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams, particularly in tourist-heavy or crowded areas such as railway stations, markets, and festivals.
Keep emergency contact numbers handy. In India, the emergency number for police is 100, and for ambulance services, it’s 108.
Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food that might not adhere to hygiene standards. Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. Familiarise yourself with nearby hospitals or clinics. Mumbai has several reputable medical facilities, including Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Lilavati Hospital.
Mumbai is a melting pot of diverse cultures and cuisines, offering a wide array of local and regional dishes. When in Mumbai, you must try the street food. Staples include vada pav - often referred to as Mumbai’s burger, it’s a spicy potato fritter served in a bun with chutneys and fried green chili, then there’s bhel puri, a tangy and spicy snack made with puffed rice, vegetables, and tamarind chutney.
Other delicious Indian snacks and chaats to savour in Mumbai include kachori, samosa, and pithla bhakri. You can also enjoy regional Maharashtrian cuisine, like puran poli (sweet flatbread), and varan bhat (dal with rice), plus tasty sweet treats like kulfi and ras malai, finishing off with a cup of chai tea.
Gateway of India - an iconic monument overlooking the Arabian Sea. It’s a great spot for photos and often serves as a starting point for exploring the city.
Marine Drive - a scenic promenade along the coast, ideal for a leisurely stroll, especially at sunset. Known as the "Queen’s Necklace" for its illuminated curve at night.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) - a historic railway station with stunning Victorian Gothic architecture, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Elephanta Caves – located on an island accessible by ferry, these ancient rock-cut caves feature impressive Hindu sculptures and carvings.
Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) - an impressive museum showcasing a rich collection of artifacts, sculptures, and art.
Haji Ali Dargah – an intricate mosque and tomb located on an islet off the coast, accessible by a causeway. It’s a significant religious site and offers stunning views of the sea.
Colaba Causeway – this bustling street market is home to an eclectic mix of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
Crawford Market - a vibrant market offering fresh produce, spices, and a variety of goods in a historic setting.
Zaveri Bazaar - one of Mumbai’s largest jewellery markets, famous for its gold and diamond items.
Thieves’ Market - locally known as Chor Bazaar, this is one of the most famous and bustling markets in Mumbai. Despite its name, which means "market of thieves," Chor Bazaar is more of a haven for antique lovers, collectors, and bargain hunters. It is one of the largest flea markets in India, known for its diverse collection of goods.
Juhu Beach - a popular beach with a lively atmosphere, street food stalls, and a place to relax and people-watch.
Chowpatty Beach - known for its street food offerings and vibrant local culture, especially during the evenings.
Hanging Gardens (Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens) - located on Malabar Hill, these terraced gardens offer a peaceful escape and beautiful views of the city.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park - a large green space with walking trails, a lake, and the Kanheri Caves, offering a break from the urban hustle.
Victoria Gardens - now known as Jijamata Udyan, this historic garden and zoo is located in Byculla, Mumbai. It is one of the oldest and most significant green spaces in the city, serving both as a botanical garden and a zoological park.
Siddhivinayak Temple - this famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is known for its religious significance, attracting large crowds of devotees.
ISKCON Temple - a serene temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, offering a peaceful environment and spiritual activities.
Haji Ali Dargah - a revered mosque and tomb located on an islet off the coast of Worli, Mumbai. It is one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks and an important pilgrimage site for Muslims, although it is visited by people of all faiths.
Mumbai experiences a tropical climate with distinct seasons.
Mumbai’s winter weather is pleasant and dry, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Humidity levels are lower, and rainfall is minimal. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.
In spring the temperature gradually increases, and humidity starts to rise. It’s warmer and drier compared to other seasons, but temperatures can become quite hot towards the end of spring. Daytime temperatures begin to rise, ranging from 25°C to 35°C.
This period is characterised by heavy and frequent rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. Humidity is high, and the city experiences occasional flooding and waterlogging. Despite the rain, temperatures remain relatively stable. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C.
The monsoon rains taper off in autumn, leading to more pleasant weather. Humidity decreases, and the weather becomes cooler and more comfortable compared to the summer and monsoon months, with daytime temperature ranges of 25°C to 35°C.
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