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Information on Mumbai with annaul travel insurance from Essential Travel

Travel to Mumbai

Mumbai (once called Bombay) is Indias largest, richest and most fast-paced city. This vibrant metropolis is the entry point for most visitors to India, and it is well connected to the rest of the country. It is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world and can be exotic, if a little disturbing at the same time.

Getting there

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is located in Sahar, 30kms north of Mumbai’s centre. Transfers can be made by shuttle buses and taxis. By rail, trains arrive from around the country at Victoria station (or Chatrapathi Shivaji Terminus) or at Mumbai Central. Trains travel frequently from Agra (1345kms), Bangalore (1210kms) and Delhi (1385kms), among other cities.

Key attractions

Mumbai has a few attractions worth visiting. The Fort is home to opulent Victorian gothic buildings; while in nearby Colaba is the Gateway of India – an arch of triumph officially opened in 1924. Another attraction, the National Gallery of Modern Art in the nearby Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall, showcases Indian modern art. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (once called the Prince of Wales Museum) is Mumbais top museum and arguably the best in India, providing insight to Indian history and culture. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is located in the house where Mahatma Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1934. It was here that he fasted for four days in November 1921 in order to restore peace to the city. The museum contains a library of Gandhi-related works, as well as displays of photographs, posters and other items

Out and about

an excursion to Maharashtra is worth it just to see the the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the ancient cave temples at Ellora and Ajanta. Alternatively, you can head to Elephanta Island to see the rock-cut temples which are believed to have been carved between 450 and 750 AD. Matheran is the nearest hill station to Mumbai - 50kms east of the city. Here, you’ll find a relaxing and cool atmosphere, with plenty of shade trees, walking tracks and lookout points. Another beautiful area is Sanjay Gandhi National Park, most famous for the 109 Kanheri Caves in the centre of the park that were used by Buddhist monks between the 2nd and 9th centuries AD.

Leisure options

Chowpatty Beach is a famous attraction in Mumbai but not for sunbathing or swimming. Its an excellent night-time venue and also hosts the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in August/September. Crawford Market is another sight you shouldnt miss. If you run out of things to do, you can always catch a Bollywood blockbuster and dance in the aisles with the locals.

Safety

Be alert for pickpockets when visiting Mumbai, especially around busy tourist areas. Also be careful of what you eat and drink, and make sure your vaccines are up to date. Tourists are always more susceptible when in an unfamiliar environment. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.

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