Mumbai, often referred as “the city of dreams” for all the right reasons, is a place that every traveller must visit. Mumbai presents a unique experience that is unmatched to any other destination. Capital city of Maharashtra state, Mumbai is the city of aspirations, power, wealth, glamour and nightlife along with stretches of shimmering beaches, caves, magnificent architecture, religious sites and a mouth-watering cuisine. With all this exciting and varied recreational opportunities Mumbai tourism offers a wholesome holiday experience.
Mumbai city constitutes of seven islands which were previously home of fishing communities. Till 1343 the city was earlier under the rule of many Hindu rulers and then it came under Gujarat Sultanate and eventually under the rule of Portuguese in 1534. It was then the city was called as Bon Bhaia which later became Bombay. The name is said to derived from an old Portuguese phrase “Bom Baim” which meant good little bay. It was during their reign that various structures including churches, and forts were built at Bandra, Bassein, Mahim and Sion.
Owing to its ideal location which protected it from land attacks and made it a natural harbour, British also showed interest in controlling it even while during the Portuguese rule. In 1661, the city came under the rule of England. The city was offered as a dowry to Charles II of England who married Catherine of Braganza who was the daughter of King John IV of Portugal. Later by 1666, British captured the other parts as well such as, Sion, Mahim, Wadala and Dharavi.
The city grew as a trade centre when Mr. Gerald Aungier was Governor of Bombay. Around 1835-38, when Sir Robert Grant was the Governor of Bombay, roads in and around the city were built, interlinking all the islands and the city to other parts of the country. By 1845, the city turned into a primary seaport on the Arabian Sea.
One of the most prominent parts of Mumbai Tourism is the list of sightseeing places that are worth visiting. There are many amazing places to visit in Mumbai that will make your tour enjoyable. From lakes, beaches, caves to temples and churches to historical buildings, art galleries, shopping hubs to entertainment parks, you will get ample of choices on your Mumbai tour.
Some of the popular sightseeing places in Mumbai are Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, Haji Ali Dargah, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Juhu beach, Mount Mary Church, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Nariman Point, Kanheri Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai Film City/Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri, Asiatic Society and many more. Places like Nehru Planetarium, Essel World and Taraporevala Aquarium are ideal for a visit with children. For shopping lovers, Colaba Causeway, Girgaon Chowpatty and Chor Bazaar are a few places to must visit.