Travel

A travel guide to Mumbai, India

India is a popular destination for gap year students and travel enthusiasts and this article explores what Mumbai has to offer.

Mumbai is a very beautiful city and is considered to be India’s most cosmopolitan city, with it being the world’s largest democracy. India as we all know has blazing temperatures, which in just April can reach up to an uncomfortable 43°C. But worry not India loves air con just like the States does. The best cooling temperatures can be experienced during February, which is when surprisingly the creepy-crawlies are also at bay.

This bright and colourful city has a lot to offer and provides you with a great range of sights and activities to do, which will all amount to unforgettable experiences for you. The list includes haggling at street markets in Colaba (an area within Mumbai), where you can get great buys and ornaments to take home. Colaba also has the infamous Gateway to India, in which the last British troops to leave India after India got independence in 1948 left through these gates. They are a part of history and Mumbai certainly has a lot to offer. There are many famous buildings within Mumbai, which were built by the British and remain popular tourist sites such as CST Station also known as Victoria Terminus, which is a fusion of Indian and British architecture.

 

The activities in India are life changing and some of your experiences will be one of a kind, and those you’ll never forget. For example, going on a train journey across Mumbai is eye-opening as you get to see everyone rush like ants on a trail to get on the train. The journey itself can be relaxing as you can feel the breeze of India brush across you. When in India, be sure to go on a rickshaw, which is full of fun and exhilaration at how fast they can go and how they weave between all the traffic and busy roads. The Elephanta caves are located on an Island just off Mumbai; on the Arabian Sea show the hidden temples of India and statues of Lord Shiva, which date back to the fifth century. And you’ll be sure to come across some wondering monkeys here too.

But the best part of Mumbai is the taste of India you get literally. The curries and street food are delicious and are so traditional and authentic, it will leave your palette wanting more. A personal favourite and popular restaurant is one in Colaba called Gaylord (yes you read it right). The staff are friendly and very hospitable and you get served the best curries and side dishes here. Another must do in Mumbai is to visit the spice market, where you can get fresh ground garam masala, chili powder and more to make your own authentic curries on your return.

The infamous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is absolutely stunning to visit and also serves delicious authentic chai. The place itself is breathtakingly beautiful and unique to Mumbai: it has a beautiful lounge area and also has designer shops with the likes of Dior and Louis Vuitton in it.

Mumbai is a great city to visit and will show you different cultures and traditions to western society which can be a real eye opener. (Just be sure not to drink the tap water!) And a visit to the cinema is a treat you won’t forget and will allow you to get a taste of Bollywood.

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