Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the financial capital of India and one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It’s a diverse and cosmopolitan city, the centre of the Bollywood film industry, and a thriving hub for business, fashion, and entertainment.

Traffic is heavy in Mumbai so the local trains are the most punctual and economical way of getting across the vast city. The central train station, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, is one of the many grand buildings that reveal the city’s colonial past. One of Mumbai’s most iconic sights is the Gateway to India, a monumental stone arch overlooking the boats bobbing about on the Arabian Sea.

Shop for souvenirs in one of Mumbai’s bustling markets and bazaars, and you’ll find everything from textiles to electronics in the many shops and department stores. If you get peckish, the city has a thriving street food scene with local specialities such as poha, misaal pav and pav bhaji.

If you want to stretch your legs, you can enjoy sweeping views along the 3.5 km beachfront promenade of Marine Drive which stretches from Chowpatty Beach to Nariman Point. It’s one of the best places to pick up an ice cream and watch the beautiful sunset.

The best time to explore Mumbai is between October and February when temperatures are slightly cooler. Try to avoid the monsoon season around June - August if you can, when the heavy rains can cause issues with flooding.

India’s biggest airline, IndiGo, is now offering direct flights to Mumbai, making it even easier to visit friends and family, enjoy sightseeing, create business connections, or even watch test match cricket.