Flights to Mumbai

The city of stars and India’s answer to Hollywood, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is fashionable, bustling and ready for you to visit. At the western edge of India, Mumbai offers visitors the chance to make what they want of their holiday. With a population of 13 million, busy streets and markets blossom with shopping destinations, while hidden treasures await explorers wishing to discover the depth of the mangroves and lakes, or simply relax with a beachside holiday. The city’s diversity is what led to the foundation of the famous Bollywood film industry on its shores. Whatever your ideal film, be it romance, comedy or thriller, anything is possible, as long as there is dancing -- lots of dancing!

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What to do in Mumbai?

Tourism is one of the main industries within Mumbai. As a result, there are plenty of things to do:

1. Built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, the Gateway to India’s pristine archway summons up visions of grandeur. Originally, the building stood for the British Empire’s power but it has grown out of that shadow to become a symbol for the new India and all its regality.
2. The doorway of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel faces out into the Indian Ocean and to the Gateway to India. Not quite as illustrious as its namesake, it is the second most photographed building in India after the Taj Mahal in Agra. This hotel was built when Jamsetji Tata was refused entry into the nearby foreign hotel because he was ‘a native’.
3. Across the bay from the Gateway is Elephanta Island. Boats leave every half an hour, and it’s well worth the journey. The island is a shrine of sculptures cut from sandstone rocks. This UNESCO World Heritage site was named after Portuguese sailors discovered a carved statue of an elephant on the island.
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5. The sandstone elephant has since been moved to the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum. This museum is a veritable treasure trove of Mumbai history, for those wanting more facts about the city.
6. If you are looking for a museum to take you out of the Mumbai sun, then you should head to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Designed by the same man who designed the Gateway to India, this museum plays hosts to Mumbai Experience, a 20-minute video tour of Mumbai’s rich past.
7. Located just behind the Juhu beach, in the north of Mumbai, the white building of ISKCON Temple is the perfect place to find out about the history of Hare Krishna.
8. For utter peace, travel north for an hour and visit the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. For those wanting to trek through the Gardens pre-booking is advised.

Practical information for your trip to Mumbai

Brussels Airlines flights land at the Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Taxi ranks abound, but be careful when accepting a fare anywhere. Pre-booked is always best. It should take about an hour to travel into the heart of Mumbai, though heavy traffic is to be expected, no matter the time. Several train lines and buses service the airport. BEST Bus offer air-conditioned coaches to a good number of places in the city. Line 1 of the Mumbai Metro offers the closest metro access. The Western and Harbour lines of the Suburban Rail Network also provide transport into downtown Mumbai.

• Time Zone: Mumbai is on Indian Standard Time, which is +5:30 on GMT.
• Currency: The currency is the Indian rupee.
• Country Dialling Code: +91.
• Electrical Sockets: In India the power sockets are often dual-pronged, but most hotels should be able to provide adapters if required.
• Travel information: When visiting make sure you have a valid passport. Visitors from the European Union, the United States, Canada and several other countries require an e-Tourist Visa, which needs to be obtained in advance here. Be aware that there are no ways to obtain it upon arrival!
• IMPORTANT: Please print a paper copy of your e-visa. A digital copy will not suffice. If you are unable to present a paper copy of your visa upon arrival, you will be denied entry to the country and a penalty fee may be charged.
  For all information on visas and travel documents, visit iatatravelcentre.com.
• Vaccinations: Vaccines for hepatitis A, tetanus, and typhoid are recommended for most travellers. For more information visit iatatravelcentre.com.

The Do’s and Don’ts in Mumbai

• Mumbai is a city steeped in religious history with influences of all the major religions in the world. As a result, the locals are accepting of most visitors, but are still generally traditional and conservative. It is common for women and men to dress conservatively, particularly at places of religious significance. Even on beaches, revealing clothing (particularly on women) may garner unwanted attention. Do be mindful of this when packing.
• Dharavi, the slums, in the north of the city, are the second largest in Asia, so be careful when walking around the area.
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• When in temples, it is good to follow any advisory signs. Most photography is banned, and sometimes it is required to stand in a particularly respectful manner, such as facing away from deities. Look out for signs, and ask registered guides if unsure.
• Do celebrate local culture and cuisine. It is tradition for people to eat with their hands, but don’t use your left hand – it is associated with going to the bathroom and thus considered unclean. You should also be careful when shaking hands, as it is customary to use your right hand for this as well.
• When visiting people at their homes, make sure you take your shoes off before entering. A friendly greeting is to say Namaste and put both hands together in prayer.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

Hindi is the major language spoken within Mumbai.

• Namaste (pronounced: na-ma-stay) is the traditional greeting, though you may hear svagat hai (pronounced: swav-gut-hey), which means welcome.
• Dhanyavad (da-ney-vad) means thank you.
• Alvida (al-ve-da) means goodbye.
• People from the region are called Mumbaikar, with kar meaning citizen of.

When to go to Mumbai?

Mumbai is a country with a tropical climate. Temperatures often and easily reach 30+ degrees Celsius all year round. The cooler periods in summer come generally during monsoon season, when the rains bring much-needed relief. These begin around June every year and last through to the end of August. Post-monsoon when the weather has settled is perhaps the best time of year to go. From October-December to the middle of spring, the air is less humid.

What to eat in Mumbai?

Some people say that variety is the spice of life; in Mumbai they would say that spice is the variety of life. From the wholesome masala bhaat rice dish served with vegetables, to the intricate flavours of a paneer dosa, Mumbai’s street food culture is full of flavour. As it is a port city, fish is the main meat found in the region, and there is a host of excellent vegetarian fare.

Mumbai treats you must try:

• Mumbai Sandwiches – Excellent toasted sandwiches.
• Falooda – An Indian take on bubble tea.
• Crispy Bhindi – Fried Okra.
• Chilli Paneer – cubes of cheese in a chilli sauce.

Cultural events in Mumbai

• February/ March – Holi, the festival of colours, is a Hindu festival which celebrates the turning of a new year, of repairing broken relationships and hoping for a good future. It is a national holiday, though celebrations begin the night before. Celebrations can consist of throwing coloured water or powders over friends and relatives, as well as dedicated pyres and the sharing of food.
• September/ October - Navaratri is a nine-night celebration of the Mother Goddess. In Mumbai, the traditional dances are performed in circles using decorated sticks called dandiyas. The city’s nightlife booms, as stadiums and clubs become awash with Hindi music
• Autumn – Diwali, the celebration of good over evil, is celebrated over five days. The holy festival of lights, in part, tells the story of Rama and Sita and her rescue from the evil Ravana.

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