CITIES
  • Bangkok
  • Hong Kong
  • Mumbai
  • Shanghai
  • Singapore
  • Tokyo
CNN International
Register
Sign In
Home   Mumbai   Mumbai Visitor's Guide
in
MUMBAI
Events
Map
Weather
  • eat
  • drink
  • play
  • shop
  • sleep
  • MUMBAI VISITOR'S GUIDE
  • ALL MUMBAI STORIES

Mumbai Visitor's Guide

share
email
print
   



   
POP: 16.4 MILLION
Currency: Rupee
EXCHANGE RATE

Mumbai today


You don’t dip your feet into Mumbai -- you dive in. Known as the commercial capital of India, the frenetic metropolis can overwhelm you with its noise, smells, crowds and chaos. But the land of Bollywood will also thrill you with its hustle and bustle, diverse art and culinary scenes, big festivals and warm, welcoming people.

  • Getting in and out
  • Getting around
  • Language
  • Good to know
  • Where to stay
  • What to do
  • Where to eat
  • Where to drink
  • Where to shop
  • Health and fitness
  • Business
  • Money
  • Emergency info

Getting in and out


By Air

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the main international gateway to India. It is served by several dozen airlines, including a slew of no-frills, budget carriers.

Prepaid taxis can be booked from counters in the arrivals area. (Each counter may offer a different rate, so shop around.) A ride to Mumbai's southernmost point of Colaba, the main tourist district, will cost about Rs 350 and take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the time of day.

By Land

Trains arrive from all over India, stopping at one of the three key stations: Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus, Dadar Terminus and Kurla Terminus.

Back to top

Getting around


While slow and dilapidated, the city's signature yellow and black taxis are also cheap and convenient. The readings on the mechanical meters are outdated, so insist on seeing an updated fare chart carried by each driver. Auto-rickshaws are a speedier alternative, but are only permitted in the suburbs. For the comfiest and safest ride, call the Group Mobile Cool Cab Service (+91 (0) 22 2490 5151), which offers cabs with air conditioning and seat belts.

Local trains and buses do exist, but often aren't practical options for visitors.

Back to top

Language


While Marathi is the official language, used by government officials and local police, a slang form of Hindi called Bambaya Hindi is popular on the streets. Most locals also speak English, which dominates the corporate industries.

Back to top

Good to know


  • The weather is always warm and humid, but it's most bearable between November and February when daily highs average 88°F (31°C). The monsoon can arrive anytime after late May, with the heaviest rainfall in June, July and August.
  • Pack light-colored clothing made of airy cotton or linen. For women, modesty is strongly advised. No spaghetti straps, low-cup shirts or miniskirts. Non-revealing attire is mandatory at temples and mosques.
  • During the rainy season, bring mosquito repellent to protect against malarial mosquitoes.
  • Drink only bottled water. When purchasing, make sure the seal is intact.
  • Smoking is not permitted in bars, restaurants and many other public spaces.
  • ATMs, located throughout the city, are the easiest way to get local currency. Most have 24-hour security.
  • When greeting locals, do as they do, whether they offer a handshake or a traditional ‘namaste.’ Never greet women with a kiss, even on the hand.
  • Be prepared to eat with your hands, though most restaurants will happily grant silverware upon request.
  • In crowded places, don’t be afraid to push your way through or risk being pushed out of the way.
  • India is four-and-a-half hours ahead of GMT time during the summer, five-and-a-half during the winter.

Back to top

Where to stay


The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower: With five restaurants, 565 elegant rooms and panoramic views of the landmark Gate of India and Arabian Sea, the five-star mega-hotel is the most celebrated address in (South) Mumbai. Apollo Bunder, +91 (0) 22 6665 3366

Gordon House: Chic and minimalist, this boutique hotel is a quiet refuge right in the middle of Colaba's action-packed neighborhood. 5 Battery Street, Colaba, +91 (0) 22 2287 1122

Ascot Hotel: A rare bargain, the Ascot offers fresh and modern rooms on a quiet street in Colaba. 38 Garden Road, Colaba, +91 (0) 22 6638 5566

Four Seasons Hotel: Centrally located in the emerging Worli district, the can't-go-wrong hotel giant whisks vacationers and business travelers into luxury with exquisite dining, an ayurveda spa and a lushly landscaped pool. 114 Dr. E. Moses Road, Worli, +91 (0) 22 2481 8000

Bentley's Hotel: One of Mumbai's most popular budget tourist hotels. The rooms, while without frills, still hint at Victorian grandeur. 17 Oliver Road, Colaba, +91 (0) 22 2284 1474

Back to top

What to do


The Gateway of India: With its unique Hindu-meets-Muslim architectural style, the basalt arch originally built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary offers beautiful views of the coast. Apollo Bunder, +91 22 2202 3585

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya: Formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai's biggest museum houses a fascinating mix of artifacts, paintings and sculptures from across India, dating to the ancient Indus Valley civilization. 159-161 Mahatma Gandhi Road, +91 (0) 22 2284 4519

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus): Built by the British in 1888 and considered one of the most architecturally stunning railway stations in the world, CST is more bustling than ever, with four million people passing through it each day.

Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach: The picturesque Marine Drive leads right up to Chowpatty Beach, a hub for aggressive vendors, snake charmers, masseurs and roadside restaurants serving popular Indian chow like bhel puri (a puffed rice dish) and kulfi (Indian ice cream).

Dhobi Ghat: In an open area in Central Mumbai, hundreds of men violently wash the city’s clothes. It's become a tourist spectacle of color and chaos. Dr. E. Moses Road, +91 (0) 22 2202 4482

Back to top

Where to eat


Indigo: Consistently tagged one of the best restaurants in the world, the fusion cuisine draws celebrity diners such as Bill Clinton and Brad Pitt. The legendary Sunday brunch comes complete with live jazz music and free-flowing Indian liquor. 4 Mandlik Road, Colaba, +91 (0) 22 6636 8980

Swati Snacks: Serving savory, Gujarati-style food such as paanki (garlicky rice pancakes steamed in banana leaves) and dal dhokli (Indian lasagna), this Tardeo spot is a vegetarian gem. 248, Karai Estate, opposite Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo Road, +91 (0) 22 6580 8405

Khyber: Intimate and nondescript -- the restaurant doesn't have an outdoor sign -- this local favorite is renowned for its North Indian and frontier dishes, especially the kebabs and dals. 145, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, +91 (0) 22 2267 3227

China House: At this multi-level lounge and restaurant, housed at the Grand Hyatt, diners can enjoy Indo-Chinese cuisine inside garden-surrounded pagodas. Grand Hyatt, off Western Express Highway, Santa Cruz East, +91 (0) 22 6676 1234

Trishna: Arguably the best seafood dishes in Mumbai are served at this upscale restaurant. Masterpieces include the perfectly spiced garlic king crab, pomfret (fish) and tiger prawns. Sai Baba Marg, next to Commerce House, near Rhythm House, Kala Ghoda, Fort, +91 (0) 22 2261 4991

Back to top

Where to drink


Blue Frog: With the acoustics of a symphony hall and the ambience of a spaceship, the 1,000-square-meter complex is the best place for live music in Mumbai.  Zeba Centre, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel, +91 (0) 22 4033 2300

Dome: A breezy and chic terrace bar with a spectacular view of Queen’s Necklace (the glittering lights along Marine Drive). InterContinental Hotel, 135, Marine Drive, + 91 (0) 22 3987 9999
 
Zenzi: With plush sofas, good snacks, a long outdoor bar and an upbeat playlist, this restaurant and lounge is the gathering place for Mumbai's suburban young elite. 183 Waterfield Road, Bandra, +91 (0) 22 6643 0670

Zenzi Mills: An offshoot of Zenzi, this hotspot is actually a converted cotton mill. Its industrial elements, such as exposed brick and air vents, are juxtaposed by a long, ultra-sleek bar. Mathuradas Mills Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel, +91 (0) 22 4345 5455

Leopold Café: The iconic pub, made famous by the novel "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts, is popular with backpackers and students looking for cheap three-liter pitchers of beer. Near Electric House, Colaba Causeway, +91 (0) 22 2282 8185

Back to top

Where to shop


Chor Bazaar: The city's bustling 'Thieves Market,' where bargain hunters sift through an eclectic range of new and used furniture, antiques and general bric-a-brac, puts your haggling skills to work. Mutton Street, Opposite Shafi Masjid

Cottage Industries Emporium: This massive gift shop offers an exciting hodgepodge of crafts, handicrafts and artifacts, from silk rugs to jewelry and scarves. 34, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg, Apollo Bunder, +91 (0) 22 2202 6564

Fabindia: This vast, long-standing boutique offers shirts, trousers, kurtas and salwar kameez all made from colorful block-printed silk and cotton. Jeroo Building, 137, M.G. Road, Kala Ghoda, +91 (0) 22 2262 6539. Outlets also located at Bandra, Lower Parel, Khar, Ghatkopar, Malad and Vashi.

Good Earth: A stylish home and interior decor store for contemporary Indian design, with a popular restaurant called The Tasting Room attached to their flagship store. Raghuvanshi Mansions, Raghuvanshi Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, +91 (0) 22 2495 1954

Back to top

Health and fitness


Hotel gyms are convenient and cool, but those who dare to face the heat have several options.

For walkers and runners, Priyadarshini Park on Napean Sea Road features a jogging track with a sea view; Mahalaxmi Race Course has a 2.2 km dirt track where you can walk while watching race horses warm up; Oval and Azad Maidans in Churchgate are nice locales for leisurely strolls -- watch out for flying cricket balls.

For golfers, Bombay Presidency Golf Club welcomes visitors for a fee. Dr. Choithram Gidwani Road, Chembur, +91 (0) 22 2520 5874

Tennis enthusiasts can get courts at Maharashtra State Lawn Tennis Association for a fee. 165, G.A. Ranade Tennis Centre, Maharishi Karve Road, Nariman Point, +91 (0) 22 2287 4806

Back to top

Business


Wi-Fi: Mumbai is a bit behind when it comes to wireless Internet technology. It's best to buy a portable plug. Service providers include Tata Indicom, Idea and Vodafone, though the tech-savvy will tell you Reliance is the fastest option. Almost all five-star hotels are Wi-Fi-enabled or have broadband service, but getting online usually comes with a hefty price tag. Domestic and international airports have wireless service, but the connections are slow.

Business attire: Suits are reserved for boardrooms, conferences and top management. A full-sleeved shirt and trousers is generally considered business wear. Skirts are acceptable for women as long as they're at least knee length.

Back to top

Money


  • Visitors can exchange foreign currency at the airport or any of the banks in the city. The American Express Travel Services office near Regal Cinema in Colaba is also a reliable place to exchange money.
  • Most major banks are on the Cirrus and Visa networks.
  • Thomas Cook, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank and Bank of America have offices in the Fort area in South Mumbai.

Back to top

Emergency info


  • Ambulance: 103, 1298
  • Fire: 102
  • Police: 101
  • Call-a-Cab services:
    Meru Cabs +91 (0) 22 4422 4422
    Mega Cabs +91 (0) 22 4242 4242
    Gold Cabs +91 (0) 22 3244 3333/9999
    Priyadarshini taxis for women +91 (0) 22 6730 9550
  • JustDial (telephone directory service):  +91 (0) 22 2888 8888

    Back to top
Get CNNGo in your inbox
Be first to know with our daily and weekly newsletters subscribe

local blog buzz

Jimmy Boy
Eating out in Bombay (Mumbai)
"Jimmy Boy is an old Irani and has been around forever. Located in the heart of commercial territory, their finest hour is lunch. I havent been to an Irani in a long long time but it looks just like it needs to. It was deserted and we were the only ones there at the hour."
Chocolate Sandesh for the Hindi Bindi Club
Bombay Foodie (Mumbai)
"When it came to picking a recipe, I wanted to pick one from the Uma-Rani repertoire. Not to mention something that showcased their combined cultural influences. So I picked Rani's chocolate Sandesh truffles - the delicate, traditional sandesh presented as you would a truffle."
Lara in Elle India: Decoded
High Heel Confidential (Mumbai)
You can catch Bipasha in the D&G and wearing the Marilyn print Dolce gown in her interview with HeadlinesToday here and Lara’s inteview in Elle here.
© 2010 Cable News Network
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Terms of Service | Privacy Guidelines | Advertise with us | Write for CNNGo | About us | Contact us | Share | Site Map