Mumbai, earlier known as Bombay, is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. Mumbai was originally a conglomeration of 7 islands on the Konkan coastline which over time were joined to form the island city of Bombay. The island was in turn joined with the neighbouring island of Salsette to form Greater Bombay. The city has an estimated metropolitan population of 17 million (2005), making it one of the largest cities in the world. Mumbai is also one of India's largest port cities and looms large as the commercial capital of India. Mumbai's nature as the most eclectic and cosmopolitan Indian city is symbolised in the presence of Bollywood within the city, the centre of the globally-influential Hindi film and TV industries.

Mumbai History
Once a cluster of seven islands—Colaba, Mumbai, Mazagaon, Old Woman's island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel, and Matunga Sion—the home of the Koli fishing community is today the financial capital of India. The islands were ruled by a succession of Hindu dynasties, invaded by Muslims in the 14th century, and then ceded to Portugal by the sultan of Gujarat in 1534. In 1662, these islands were given to the English King Charles the Second, as a part of the wedding dowry for the Portuguese princess, Catherine of Braganza. In 1668, Bombay was given to the East India Company. This was the time when foundation for a modern city was laid and Bombay eclipsed other port cities of western India in trading activities. In the 18th century, the city grew into a major port as the shipbuilding industry was shifted to Bombay from Surat. The American civil war led to the opening of the Suez Canal and cotton began to be exported from Bombay. Bombay played a formative role in the struggle for Independence, hosting the first Indian National Congress in 1885 and the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942. Bombay later became the capital of the Bombay Presidency that had to be divided into Gujarat and Maharashtra in 1966. "Bombay" was the name given to the islands by the Portuguese. The word means "good bay" in Portuguese. In 1996, Bombay officially came to be known as Mumbai. The present name derives from Mumbadevi, the goddess of the Kolis.


Place to See
Gateway of India
What could be more appropriate a beginning than the 'entrance' to the port of Mumbai? The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to Commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Constructed in honey-coloured basalt, the gateway was designed by George Wittet, inspired by 16th century Gujarat Style. The changing light of the rising and setting sun gives varied hues of gold, russet and pink to the imposing arch. Historically, the Gateway holds greater significance as the last of the British troops left Independent India by sea, marched through its portals. .

Haji Ali Mosque
This early 18th century shrine contains the tomb of HAZRATH HAJI ALI, a Muslim Sufi saint. There are two local legends which claim to trace the hazrath’s antecedents. One story has it that Haji Ali was a rich , local businessman who gave up materialism after a visit to Mecca and then took up meditation.

CHOWPATTY (GIRGAUM)
Situated at the northern end of Marine Drive, it is a stretch of sandy beach and attracts hordes of people during the weekends and on holidays. A 'food-mart' of stalls have become a permanent feature and offer a range of eatables from 'bhel-puri'. The local speciality, to 'chaat', 'kulfi', coconut and other snacks. A larger portion of the terrain is left open for the public where people come to enjoy the evening sea breeze and the children to play. As a part of the city's cleanliness and beautification drive, Chowpatty is also being given a face lift. JUHU Situated 30 km from the city, it is a crowded beach with residential apartments and bungalows surrounding it. It seems as if the entire population of the area descends on the beach for a breath of fresh air! The central part has food stalls again, similar to Chowpatty. And a lot more, in terms of fun-rides for children.

Beyond the city are the relatively unspoilt, secluded beaches at Versova, Madh Island, Marve, Manori and Gorai. However, Versova is also seemingly going the juhu way, primarily on account of the density of highrise buildings that have come up in the recent years. The beaches at Madh and Marve have their dangerous spots which are marked by signboards. Care should be taken to avoid these zones. The spots further ahead, Gorai and Manori, two fishing villages, are accessible by ferry.

Town Hall
With its columns and tall Grecian porticos, this structure has been the foundation of the Library Society of Mumbai which moved into the Town Hall in 1830, soon after which a union was effected with the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. One of its greatest assets is its library, a storehouse of knowledge, which may not have an equal in the east.

Marine Drive
This sweeping Queen's Necklace, flickering with a thousand lights at night turns into the main thoroughfare linking Malabar Hill - and the northern parts of the island - to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point and Fort.

Prince of Wales Museum
King George V, who as Prince of Wales, laid the foundation stone of this museum in 1905. Situated near the gateway of India, it was designed in the Indo-Saracenic style to commemorate the King's first visit to India. During the First World War, it was used as a hospital. It was opened as a museum in 1923 and has three main sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History. One of the best museums in the country, it is a treasure house of art, sculpture, China, rare coins and old firearms. It also has a priceless collection of miniature paintings.
The glistering white marble dome crowning this building can be sighted from a distance as it lies nestled amidst a well-laid out garden.


How to Reach
Air : Mumbai has both domestic and international airport, it is well connected to all the major cities like Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopla, Bhubaneswar, Calcutta, Calicut, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kathmandu, Lucknow, Madurai, Patna, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Varanasi, Vishakapatnam etc. & also connected to the major international cities.

Rail : Mumabi Central is Main Railway Station, it the hub for express & regular tains to & from all across India including Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Madras, Cochin, Delhi, Gwalior, Jhansi, Calcutta, Trivandrum, Varanasi.

Road : The main bus stand is the VT Station, You can get Maharashtra State Transport Buses or private luxury buses to & from the other major cities of India. Mumbai roads are in good condition and well connected to the state cites & the other sates cites.