Sightseeing, shopping, dining and nightlife in India's jewel on the Arabian Sea. A guided introduction to Mumbai.
All of this glitz and glamor is set next to slums and tent cities. The structures of the city present an intermingling of Victorian architecture reminiscent of the English Raj, Palaces and temples built by Hindu kings, mosques created by Islamic invaders and colonial remnants left behind by Portuguese settlers. But despite all of these attractions and distinctions, what sets Mumbai apart from other Indian cities is the fact that all of the culture, history, flavor and population is crammed into one island.
Shopping
For those who dream of negotiating and haggling with merchants in exotic settings, Mumbai does not disappoint. Many of its bazaars are located in the area of Mumbai known as Kalbadevi and each of these colorful markets features its own specialty of Mumbai's finest wares.
Antiques
If you are in the market for antiques, be sure to check out Chor Bazaar or "Thieves' Market". Although your purchase might be a "steal", rest assured that the goods aren't actually stolen. Many believe that the origins of the name come from "Shor" Bazaar or "shouting" market, an allusion to the traders who bartered and hawked their goods. No matter which version of the name you may prefer, this market, located along Mutton Street, is the home of Mumbai's premiere second-hand market. Jewelry, furniture, china and decorative items a resplendently displayed.
Clothing
No visit to India is complete without purchasing a sari and Mangladas Bazaar is one of the best places in Mumbai to shop for one. A sari, or the traditional dress worn by Indian women, is simply a length of 5 and a half yards of fabric that is wrapped to form a skirt and is draped over the shoulder. It is worn over a fitted blouse called a choli. You may also be tempted by other traditional Indian women's clothing such as the ghangra (a long decorative skirt) or a salwar kameez (a loose pant suit made up of a long tunic over loose pants). Whatever your choice, Mangaldas Market is the premium location for silks, linens, cotton prints or premium weaves and embroideries.
Jewelry
Zaveri Bazaar is the traditional home of Mumbai's jewelry merchants. This is the perfect location to pick up a beautiful bindi for yourself or for a loved one especially if you've purchased a sari or salwar kameez at another Mumbai Bazaar. A bindi is an ornamental jewel that many Hindu women wear on their foreheads, between the eyes, as an ornament to compliment their saris. This ornamentation symbolizes the Hindu belief in the "third eye" or the gateway to the inner soul. Zaveri Bazaar also features a showcase of beautiful handcrafted Indian jewelry crafted in 22 carat gold. Indian gold jewelry is distinctive from that found in the west because of its distinctive reddish hue and because of its high level of purity. 22 carat is the purest form in which gold jewelry may be crafted and Indian jewelers are masters in capturing its rich hue and patina. An added pleasure in shopping in the Zaveri Bazaar is that if you are in Mumbai for a period of time, you may have a custom piece of gold jewelry made for you specifically to commemorate your visit.
Sightseeing
Chowpatty Beach
While this beach is not a destination for sunbathers or swimmers, it is a marvelous nighttime destination filled with street performers, vendors, masseurs and stalls. Chowpatty Beach is mobbed in August/September during Mumbai's Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, an eleven day event celebrating the Hindu elephant-headed god.
Colaba
Mumbai's attractions are concentrated in the Colaba Woods area in the southernmost tip of the island. Colaba is where many hotels and restaurants are located including the famous Taj Mahal Hotel and the Gateway of India. The Gateway of India is a sandstone monumental arch erected in the early 20th Century by the British Raj to commemorate a royal visit by King George and Queen Mary of England in 1911. It is also of great interest to the Indian nationalist movement since it marks the ceremonial departure point of the British colonials from the Indian subcontinent. The monument was built from yellow sandstone in a style reminiscent of 16th century Northern Indian architecture.
The arch frames an extension of the Taj Mahal Hotel, another popular tourist destination which fronts a bazaar resplendent in shops, street vendors, restaurants and street performers. Art lovers should also make sure to visit the National Gallery of Modern Art which showcases some of India's most prominent artists. The Gallery is located just north of the Taj Mahal Hotel.
Marine Drive
Formerly known as "Queen's Necklace" runs along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea on the Western coast of Mumbai to the foot of Malabar Hill. It's a favorite point to watch the sunset along a busy promenade.
Dining
Mumbai has an amazing selection of restaurants and nightlife. Whatever your palate desires, Mumbai provides, whether it is Chinese cuisine at the Balwas Hotel or Italian cuisine at Samudra Restaurant and Bar. Before leaving the city, be sure to sample Mumbai's specialty, the bhelpuri before departing the island. It is a spiced concoction of puffed rice mised with fried noodles, curried vegetables, wheat crisps, chutneys and pickles. Bhelpuri is available from vendors throughout the city. You may also want to sample Gujarati specialty platters, Kebabs, and Mumbai's special seafood dishes. Unlike many parts of India, the seafood in India is safe for consumption even in Monsoon months, but as always, prudence should be practiced when dining in outdoor venues.
Nightlife
Mumbai is one of the most "happening" cities in India in its nighttime offerings. One can stargaze for India's top Bollywood actors and actresses at Mumbai's numerous pubs, nightclubs, theaters and cultural centers. The Cyclone is a popular spot which features dancing and karaoke. Club Abyss caters to an "over 30" crowd and remains open until 1:30 AM. There is also a posh club at the Taj Mahal Hotel, for those with more liberal budgets, which offers music, dancing and a great view of the ocean.
