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Mumbai (Marathi: ⓘ, ISO: Muṁbaī; formerly known as Bombay) is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Mumbai is the financial capital and the most populous city of India with an estimated population of 12.5 million (1.25 crore).
Explore the diverse and vibrant city of Mumbai with this list of top tourist attractions. From historical monuments and religious sites to beaches and theme parks, Mumbai has something for everyone.
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Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra state in southwestern India. It is the country’s financial and commercial center and its principal port on the Arabian Sea.
When did Bombay restore its name to Mumbai?
Bombay restored its name to Mumbai officially in 1995. It became known as Bombay during the British colonial period. The name Bombay was possibly an Anglicized corruption of Mumbai or perhaps of Bom Baim (“Good Harbour”), supposedly a Portuguese name for the locale.
What kind of climate does Mumbai have?
The climate of Mumbai is warm and humid with monthly temperatures varying from 91 °F (33 °C) in May to 67 °F (19 °C) in January. Cool weather prevails from December to February and hot weather from March to May. The rainy season lasts from June to September and the post-monsoon season from October through November.
Who were the early inhabitants of Mumbai?
The city of Mumbai occupies a peninsular site on Bombay Island, a landmass originally composed of seven islets lying off the Konkan coast of western India. Since the 17th century the islets have been joined through drainage and reclamation projects, as well as through the construction of causeways and breakwaters, to form Bombay Island. East of the island are the sheltered waters of Mumbai (Bombay) Harbour. Bombay Island consists of a low-lying plain, about one-fourth of which lies below sea level; the plain is flanked on the east and west by two parallel ridges of low hills. Colaba Point, the headland formed on the extreme south by the longer of those ridges, protects Mumbai Harbour from the open sea.
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The western ridge terminates at Malabar Hill, which, rising 180 feet (55 metres) above sea level, is one of the highest points in Mumbai. Between Colaba Point and Malabar Hill lies the shallow expanse of Back Bay. On a slightly raised strip of land between the head of Back Bay and the harbour is an area called the Fort, the site of the 17th-century British fortifications (little of which remains standing) within and around which the city grew; the area is now occupied chiefly by public and commercial offices. From Back Bay the land stretches northward to the central plain. The extreme northern segment of Mumbai is occupied by a large salt marsh.
The old city covered about 26 square miles (67 square km), stretching from Colaba Point on the southern tip of Bombay Island to the areas known as Mahim and Sion on its northern coast. In 1950 Mumbai expanded northward, embracing the large island of Salsette, which was joined to Bombay Island by a causeway. By 1957 a number of suburban municipal boroughs and some neighbouring villages on Salsette were incorporated into Greater Mumbai—the metropolitan region surrounding Bombay Island and the city itself. Since then Greater Mumbai has continued to expand.
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The climate of Mumbai is warm and humid. There are four seasons. Cool weather prevails from December to February and hot weather from March to May. The rainy season, brought by monsoon winds from the southwest, lasts from June to September and is followed by the post-monsoon season, lasting through October and November, when the weather is again ho...
- Chakravarthi Raghavan
Top Things to Do in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Places to Visit in Mumbai. Explore popular experiences. See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. See All. Half-day Tours (272) Full-day Tours (165) Theme Parks (10) City Tours (186) Private Sightseeing Tours (576) Shopping Malls (48) Private and Luxury (161)
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- Gateway of India. Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India. Web Visit website. Mumbai's most recognized monument, the Gateway of India, was constructed in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city.
- Heritage Buildings. 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Lion Gate, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India. Phone +91 22 6958 4400. Web Visit website.
- Kala Ghoda Art Precinct. 161B, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001, India. Phone +91 22 2284 3989. Web Visit website.
- Banganga Tank. Banganga Tank, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006. Banganga Tank is the oldest continually inhabited place in Mumbai and provides an exceptional opportunity to be submerged in the history of the city.
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Apr 24, 2023 · Discover Mumbai's attractions, culture, nightlife and more with Lonely Planet's expert tips and advice. Explore beyond the city center and uncover hidden gems, historic landmarks and local experiences in India's premier metropolis.
Mar 28, 2024 · March 28, 2024. Mumbai appears as much a dream as a city. Sprinkled with the stardust of Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry that bases itself here, and studded with billionaires, India’s...
