Bombay, or Mumbai as it is now called, is the commercial capital of India, a city of entrepreneurs, concrete towers, clubs and discos, cricket, Bollywood and more.
History
The word Mumbai is derived from Mumbade vi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisherfolk, the oldest inhabitants of Mumbai. The name Mumbai, in its final form, dates back to the 18 th century. For Portuguese, the name Bombay is Good Bay ("Bom" "Bay" Good Bay). Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands. These islands of no great value were ceded to Portuguese in 1534 by the Sultan of Gujarat. The Portuguese in turn given these islands to Englands's Chareless II as part of the wedding dowry ofCatherine of Braganza when she married Englands's Charles II in 1661. In 1668, the British government leased the islands to the East India Company for 10 pounds per annum in the form of gold and Mumbai grew gradually to become centre of trade.
In 1661, Charles II of England received the islands of Bombay as dowry when he married Princess Catherine of Braganza. The British Government leased the islands to the East India Company, who developed it into a thriving trading port.
About City
The promise of business opportunities and rel igious freedom drew people to Bombay from all over the country. As the migrant population burgeoned, land was reclaimed, and the city began its haphazard metamorphosis from a trading post into a metropolis and industrial hub.
The city also became a hotbed of political activity during the struggle for independence, hosting the First Indian National Congress in 1885. Nearly fifty years later, the Quit India movement was launched in Bombay.
In the mid-'90s, the city was rechristened Mumbai.
Today, Mumbai is the country's financial and cultural centre. It is also home to a thriving film industry. It is seen, to the teeming masses that flock there to live and work, as a place where opportunities abound. Its inhabitants, an amalgam of great wealth and abject poverty, are swept into the endless maelstrom of activity that characterizes this city of dreams.
General Info:
State: Maharashtra
Population : About 15 million
Area: 440 sq km
Language: Marathi, Hindi, English, Gujarati
Climate : Being on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai's climate is largely influenced by the sea. The climate is moderate, with summers hot and winters pleasant. The monsoon lasts from June to September, and rainfalls heavy.
Summer(April,May and June): Max. 33.3 C and Min. 22.7 C.
Winter(Dec, Jan. and Feb) : Max. 29.5 C and Min. 19.4 C.
Shopping:
Mumbai is a great place for shopping, where you can find everything from all across the country!
The favourite for  shoppers of all shapes, sexes and wallet sizes is textiles and ready-made garments, including export surplus apparel, which you can pick up at throwaway prices. Head for ‘Fashion Street’, a long row of ‘illegal’ roadside stalls on MG Road. Heera Panna Market is the place for ‘foreign goods’, clothes with designer labels at reasonable prices, electronics and household stuff, while for trendy boutiques you could check out Kemp’s Corner, Napean Sea Road, Warden Road and Linking Road near Bandra. Colaba Causeway in downtown Mumbai is another great area for shopping for shoes, clothes, bags and everything you can think of and much that you can’t.
Best times to visit : The best time to visit Mumbai is between November and February. It is advisable to avoid Mumbai during the monsoon months.
Places of Interest:
Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus
Formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT), this is one of the most imposing buildings in Mumbai. It was from Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus that the country's first train rolled out. At the entrance to the terminus is a large statue of Queen Victoria. The clock on tower is 3.19m in diameter. Stone gargoyles, peacocks, monkeys, elephants and British lions are placed among the buttresses, domes, turrets, spires and stained glass windows. The Terminus looks more like a cathedral than a railway station.
Chowpatty Beach
The Chowpatty Beach overlooks a bay, and  turns into a magical brightly lit funfair at night with vendors, pony rides, fortune tellers, performing monkeys, fishermen and families out for a stroll. Ship lights twinkle in the distance, and Marine Drive, the city’s most famous boulevard, decorates the bay in a dramatic arc of streetlights christened the Queen’s Necklace. Marine Drive extends from Nariman Point to Malabar Hill past the famous Chowpatty beach, and is built on land reclaimed from Back Bay along the Arabian Sea.
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India was built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. Built in the 16th century Gujarati style, the monument stood testament to British supremacy. Ironically, it was from here that the last British troops left the country after independence.
Haji Ali Mosque
This mosque is located at the end of a long causeway protruding into the Arabian Sea. The white mosque is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali, a wealthy Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to Mecca. It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket miraculously drifted to the spot at which the mosque is built toady. The mosque can only be approached during low tide.
Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens or Ferozshah Mehta Gardens were laid in 1881 on top of a reservoir on Malabar Hill. The garden provides a spectacular view of the city.
High Court
This building, designed in the English Gothic Style, was built in 1878. The main structure rises 54.2 m in height and is surmounted by statues representing Justice and Mercy.
Hutatma Chowk
Better known as Flora Fountain after the beautiful stone fountain at its centre, Hutatma Chowk is the established business centre of Mumbai. The Fountain was erected in 1869 in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of Bombay, who was responsible for shaping much of Bombay.
Jain Temple
The Jain Temple, built in white marble, is dedicated to Adinath, the first apostle of the Jains. The temple is decorated with paintings depicting incidents from the life of the Tirthankaras. The first floor of the temple is particularly dedicated to Parasnath. His image has been carved out in black marble and images of planets as seen in Hindu mythology, adorn the ceiling.
Kala Ghoda
Kala Ghoda (Black Horse) got its name from the imposing statue of King Edward VII, seated astride a black horse, which rested there. Although the statue has long since been removed, the name stubbornly lingers. The Kala Ghoda area is home to some of the city's most beautiful buildings - The Elphinstone College, the David Sassoon Library, the Army Navy Building and the once-celebrated Watson Hotel. In an attempt to turn the area into an art district, city conservationists organized the Kalaghoda Fair, an open air craft bazaar, and cultural arena. This festival has become an eagerly awaited annual event.
Kalbadevi
North of the Crawford market is a predominantly Muslim area, dotted with Chawls (dwelling clusters), and home to some of the busiest and most colourful bazaars in Mumbai. Near Kalbadevi is the Jama Masjid and the Mumbadevi temple, dedicated to the patron Goddess of Mumbai's original inhabitants. It is one of the best places to wander aimlessly.
Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Memorial)
Mahatma Gandhi's residence in Bombay between 1917-34 has been converted into a museum, which displays pictures and books related to his life.
Marine Drive
 Also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Marg, Marine Drive features a bustling waterfront promenade. Marine Drive is built on land reclaimed along the Arabian coast, and runs from Nariman point to the foot of Malabar Hill. Sunsets here are particularly beautiful.
National Gallery of Modern Art
The National Gallery of Modern art in Mumbai exhibits the work of prominent contemporary Indian artists. The National Gallery is housed in the building that was formerly Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall.
Nehru Planetarium
8 kilometers from the centre of the city is the Nehru Planetarium. It shows glimpses into the mysteries and wonders of outer space, and are particularly entertaining for children.
Prince of Wales Museum
Like the Gateway of India, this structure commemorates the visit of King George V. The building is built in Indo Sarcenic style and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The central hall features a huge dome which is believed to have been inspired by the Gol Gumbaz. The museum, which opened in 1923, has an impressive collection of artifacts from places such as Elephanta Island, Jogeshwari Caves, and the Indus valley. There is a large collection of terra-cotta figurines, ivory carvings, statues, and miniatures.
 Taraporewala Aquarium
The aquarium was opened in 1951 and has an interesting collection of marine and fresh water specimens. Shells, shell craft and fishery by-products are also on display.
Walkeshwar Temple
This Hindu temple, bordering the Banganga Tank at Walkeshwar, dates back to approximately 1715. Rama is said to have stopped here to rest on his way to Lanka to rescue Sita. Legend has it that the Banganga Tank was created when Rama shot an arrow into the ground, and water sprang forth. Despite its proximity to the sea, the Tank holds fresh water.
Excursions Of Mumbai:
Matheran
This quaint hillside retreat was discovered in 1850 and is the nearest hill station from Mumbai, and provides a welcome respite from the heat and crowds of the city.
Lonavla
 Lonavla and Khandala are twin resorts just over 100 kms from the rat race of Mumbai. The towns are perched high on the Western Ghats, and popular tourist destinations. Both towns are famous for their delicious chikki (molasses candy) and chocolate fudge.
Sanjay Gandhi National ParkPreviously known as the Borivali National Park, this protected forest area is on the northern outskirts of Mumbai. The Lion Safari is popular attraction. However, the small population of animals, which includes a few tigers and panthers, faces extinction due to urban encroachment.
Bassein
This fortified city, built by the Portuguese, separates greater Mumbai from the Indian mainland. The city of Bassein was at its architectural best in 1534, with one cathedral, five convents and 13 churches. In 1739, the city was lost to the Marathas. The ruins of the fort are the only evidence of a glorious past.
Elephanta Island
The Elephanta island is known as Gharapuri (fortress city). The 7th century cave temple complex, which has been carved out of rock under two small holls, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was a flourishing place of pilgrimage tilla few centuries ago. It has a magnificent 18 feet high, three-headed bust of Shiva- the Maheshmurti. The main cave, which is known as Elephanta, is supported by masasiva pillars, each restin gon a supported by massive pillars, each resing on a square base with fluted shafts. inside is the main hall housing sculptures of various gods in the Hinu mythology. This well known tourist spot is accessible by boat from the Gateway of India.
Special Festivals:
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Mumbai. The ten  day long event held in August/September was given religious and cultural dimensions to engender feelings of nationalism and self-esteem by Lokmanya Tilak during the freedom movement. Colourful pavilions house ornate statues of the God Ganesh and the nights come alive with the folk dances- Dandiya and Garba- before the festival culminates with the idols ceremoniously taken in procession to be immersed in the sea on Chowpatty beach. The Hindu festivals of Dashera or Navratri and Diwali; Muslim festivals of Id and Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas are celebrated with great community participation and gusto.
Elephanta Festival
The Elephanta Festival held in February on the Elephanta Island is a festival of classical Indian dance and music organised by the MTDC. Famous classical dancers, singers and musicians perform during this festival.
Diwali:
The festival of light is celebrated with great fervour. The festival commemorates the day Rama is believed to have returned to Ayodhya after rescuing Sita from Ravana. Homes are aglow with diyas or lamps, and many people burst fireworks. Diwali lamps are specially floated in the Banganga Tank.
 Navratri:
Navaratri is a nine-day long festival honoring the manifestations of Shakti, which represent action (Durga), wealth (Lakshmi) and learning (Saraswati). In Mumbai the festival is celebrated with elaborate dandiya and garba dances. Dussehra, the tenth day, marks Ramas victory over Ravana, and is celebrated with Ramlilas, (enactments of the Ramayana).
Id-e-Milad:
This religious holiday falls in the third month of the Islamic calendar. It marks the birthday, as well as the death anniversary of prophet Mohammed.
Christmas:
Christians in Mumbai celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with great fanfare. Many attend the long midnight mass held at churches all over the city. Predominantly Christian quarters are decorated with stars and lanterns. It is a time of family togetherness. Despite the diverse religious beliefs of the city's population, Christmas is seen as a universal festival. In the week between Christmas and the New Year in Bombay, social activities peak and parties abound.
How to get there:
By Road : Mumbai is well connected by major National Highways to almost all parts of the country.
 By Air :Mumbai is India's busiest International Airport and is served by all major International Airlines. On the domestic network, Mumbai is connected by Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines, to most major cities in India by frequent daily flights.
By Rail :Mumbai is the headquarters of the Central and Western Railways. Regualr trains connect it with all major cities like Aghamedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Calcutta, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Madras, Nagapur and Trivandrum.
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