Fascinating Tours

Mumbai, also called as the Manchester of India, is the commercial capital of India. Before 1996, Mumbai was known as Bombay, derived from 'Bom Bahai', which means 'Good Bay' in Portuguese. British corrupted the Portuguese word to Bombay. The Kolis, original inhabitants of Mumbai, called these islands as Mumba after Mumba Devi, the local Hindu goddess. The city was formed by the reclamation of the 7 islands, namely, Colaba, Mazagaon, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel and Matunga-Sion on the central-western coast along the Arabian Sea. The islands were given as dowry to the English King, Charles II on his marriage to Portuguese Princess, Catherine of Braganza in 1662 AD. Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra.

The Gateway of India, the majestic landmark of Mumbai, was built in 1911 AD to commemorate the visit of the King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. Designed by George Wittet, the gateway is the point from where tourists commence their tours of Mumbai. The last British troop First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the Gateway of India on 28 February 1948 when they left India.

The Elephanta Caves are a must see attraction on tours to Mumbai. They are merely 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai and are reached by motorboats from Apollo Bunder. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, these caves are hewn out of rocks almost in the 5th century BC.

Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, is one of the most prestigious museums in the world. Designed by George Wittet, the museum showcases antiquities from Indus Valley Civilization, Tibetan and Nepali Art, Buddhist Tankha Scrolls and Tibetan Bronzes. But the prized possession of the museum are more than 2000 miniature paintings belonging to various Indian schools of art of the 16th to 18th centuries.

Sir Pherozashah Mehta Gardens, more popularly known as Hanging Gardens are perched on the top of the Malabar Hill. Laid out in 1881 AD, they are called Hanging Gardens because of its location on the slope of a hill. The gardens are ideal for early morning or late evening walks and is popular with local residents.

Chowpatty Beach is the most popular of all the beaches in Mumbai. Thousand of tourists and locals frequent the beach everyday. From this beach one can enjoy the sea waves, sunset and a long aimless stroll. The beach adorns a new colorful look during Ganesh Chatturathi, the most famous festival of Maharashtra.

Mumbai is a metropolitan city with lots of places to visit on tours to Mumbai. You may also visit Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Shrine, Jehangir Art Gallery, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Tadoba Tiger Reserve, National Art Gallery and Museums, Flora Fountain and Kala Ghoda Art District on tours to Mumbai.

How to Reach
By Air: The Sahar International and Santa Cruz are the two international and domestic air terminals respectively at Mumbai Airport. Both are well connected with cities both in India and abroad.

By Rail: Mumbai has several railway stations connecting it with almost all the major cities and towns in India. Mumbai also has a local rail network as well.

By Road: Mumbai well connected with other cities by national highways.