Mumbai

Location:	West Coast of India
Capital Of:	Maharashtra
Best Time to Visit:	October to March
Major Languages:	Marathi, Hindi and English
Major Religions:	Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Zoroastrians
Major Festivals:	Ganesh Chaturthi, Dusshera, Diwali, Navratri, etc
Major Attractions:	Juhu Beach, Siddhivinayak Mandir, Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, Bollywood, Chowpatty Beach, Nariman Point, Prithvi Theater, etc
Business Hours:	9:30 am to 5:30 pm

'Commercial Capital of India', 'City that Never Sleeps', 'City of Dreams', etc are some of the adages used in context of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. The city is forever alive, pulsating, vivacious and always on the move! Hoards of people travel here from different parts of the country as well as the world, for tourism purposes, for studying, on business, or to fulfill their dreams of being a part of the glamour industry. It is the place where liberalization and modernization have made a deep influence, adding to the enthusiastic spirit of the people.

Earlier known as Bombay, the city was once divided into seven separate islands that were later linked to form a single landmass. It first went into the hands of the Portugal and they later presented it to King Charles II of England, as a part of the dowry of Princess Catherine de Braganza. With time, the city developed to a great extent. The progress was further accelerated after India attained independence in the year 1947. Today, Mumbai is counted amongst the most popular and most visited cities of the country.

One of its major attractions is Bollywood, the dream destination of the aspiring actors and singers. People also come here to catch a glimpse of their favorite heros and heroines. Bombay come across as a blend of the modern views, combined the traditional Indian customs and values. On one hand, we can see the numerous pubs, bars, discotheques and clubs in the city, on the other hand are the religious places like Siddhivinayak Mandir, Haji Ali Dargah, St. Thomas' Cathedral, etc - all of them visited by Mumbaikars in large numbers.

The official language of Mumbai is Marathi, which is spoken by the majority of its population. Hindi and English are the other commonly spoken languages of the city. When here, whether for tourism or any other purpose; do not forget to taste the spicy, but delicious, street food. This includes food items like pav bhaji, bhel puri, sev puri, pani puri, vada pav, etc. Bombay is a shopper's delight, with its large number of shopping markets and shopping malls. Even the beaches situated there are definitely worth a visit. Traditional yet modern, fast paced yet dreamy - this is Mumbai for you!