Places of Interest In Mumbai

known as Bombay a distortion of the Portuguese phrase bom bahia meaning "good bay". The promulgation of an act by the Parliament in 1997 was responsible for its present name that pays a tribute to the local Goddess Mumba Ma.

Located on Salsette Island, Mumbai city consists of an archipelago of seven islands namely, Colaba, Mazagaon, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel, and Matunga-Sion. The city is shrouded in history from the days of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka's rule to the Portugeuse invasion, the Parsi migration from Iran, the British Rule and the fight for India's Independence.

Mumbai, a city of dreams witnesses a large influx of tourists all over the year for sightseeing, pilgrimage as well as seeking employment opportunities. The city is the home of those rolling in wealth as well as those shrouded in extreme poverty extending from the posh Cuffparade and Juhu areas to the poverty stricken slums of Dharavi, Asia's largest slum.

The city, which rarely sleeps at night, has recorded the fourth largest populace in the world. Mumbai metropolis also houses the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the corporate powerhouse of many Indian business conglomerates. Mumbai is also the headquarters of the Indian entertainment industry and thus has fans flocking there for a glimpse of their favorite Bollywood bigwigs.

The city offers a diverse platter of tourist attractions, shopping malls and beaches ranging from the Gateway of India, Bombay Natural History Museum, Chor Bazaar, Chowpatty Beach, Juhu Beach, Crawford Market, Elephanta Caves, Film City, Essel World, Prithvi Theatre, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Afghan Church, Haji Ali Dargah and Shangrila Water Park to name a few.

Last Updated on 19 May 2011