Mumbai Bombay

Mumbai's entrepreneurial dreams climb as high as the gleaming skyscrapers that define its skyline. As the economical powerhouse of India, this go-getting city is a magnet for high-flyers and business gurus looking to make a cool million. Mumbai's name however comes from much humbler beginnings. From a cluster of seven islands inhabited by Koli fishermen, living on the shores of the Arabian Sea and worshipping Mumbadevi, this impressive city was born. Today, people from all over India flock to Mumbai, which is renowned as being the centre of India's glamorous Bollywood cinema. As a result, Mumbai has a very strong multi-lingual and multi-cultural flavour with just a sprinkling of silver screen induced glitz. Being the commercial hub of India, Mumbai is also a fantastic place to do some shopping and pick up some great souvenirs deriving from anywhere in India. Everything is on sale and the 'fashion street' is a stretch of stalls lining the MG road between Cross-and Azad Maidan. There are more bazaars than even the hardened shop-aholic can manage.

Mumbai has a number of wonderful sites including the immense Gateway of India erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and his Queen and now stands 26m high as the icon of Mumbai itself. Other places not to be missed are Malabar Hill and Marine Drive . The views of the city from Malabar Hill are unsurpassable and from here, a walk down the Netaji Subhash Road, a modern promenade by the warm Arabian Sea, is perfect for a stroll in the cool evenings. The Hanging Gardens (Kamala Nehru Park) are another firm favourite of visitors to Mumbai. From here you can get an amazing panoramic view of the city replete with Manhattan style skyline, the vibrant Chaupati Beach and immediately below and in the distance, the faint outline of the hills. Mumbai also encompasses the rather famous, if less family orientated, red light district of Kamathipura. All in all, Mumbai is an enigmatic mix of all things Indian set against a curiously Westernised backdrop. It brims with character and personality with a street and nightlife unequalled in all of India. "Hurray for Bollywood"...…

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