Mumbai's Tourist Attractions

City Boasts Largest Film Industry

Sep 6, 2007 Scott Hayden

Discover Malabar Hill, Flora Fountain and the thriving film business in "Bollywood."

To fully understand India one should begin in Mumbai, formerly called Bombay. New Delhi is the capital of the nation and the centre of government activity, but the hopes and dreams of millions of Indians rests in Mumbai, which is now colloquially referred to as Bollywood. Mumbai produces more films per year than its famous American counterpart in California, and the city retains much of its British colonial heritage. This article takes a closer look at India's most dynamic city.

The most visited sights

The most well known landmark is the Gateway of India, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. In 1947 when India gained independence, the last British ship left for the United Kingdom from this location. Nariman Point on the south side of town is Mumbai's answer to Manhattan, and this is where all the work gets done. Not surprisingly, companies pay a pretty penny to rent office space here.

One of Mumbai's most pleasant spots to stroll in the late afternoon or early evening is on Marine Drive, where locals and tourists can catch a view of the Arabian Sea. It connects Nariman Point to the wealthy residential district of Malabar Hill. At the northern edge of Marine Drive you'll come to Chowpatty Beach, famous for its street food and snake charmers.

Shoppers will love Mumbai for its abundance of markets. Crawford Market is located north of Victoria Terminus Railway Station and most of the merchandise is fruit, vegetables and meat at wholesale prices. Chor Bazaar is the place to go for antiques, glassware and jewellry. Remember, the best deals go to those that are willing to bargain. Prices in Mumbai are generally higher than in other parts of India, but by Western standards they will be quite low.

Mumbai's distinct neighborhoods

At Malabar Hill you can see how the other half lives. The gap between the rich and poor in Mumbai is huge, and the difference between those that have money to spend and those that don't will be very clear once you step into this district. Some nice green areas here include the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park, where you can get a nice view of Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach. This area is in stark contrast to Dharavi, Mumbai's largest slum which used to be a fishing village.

In the heart of the busiest section of Mumbai stands Flora Fountain, built in 1869 to honour the British governor at that time, Sir Henry Bartle Frere. It is also called Martyr's Square and many souvenirs can be purchased here amid the noisy and chaotic traffic.

Where to stay

Your best bet for a cheap place to stay is to head to Colaba near the Gateway of India. If you have more money to spend try one of the luxury hotels. The Orchid Hotel and the Oberoi are two of Mumbai's best. Another notable five star hotel closer to the international airport is the Leela Kempinski.

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Gateway of India