Bombay'''Bombay''', now known officially (and alternatively) as '''Mumbai''', is the largest city in India and the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Located on a tied island on the western coast of the Indian subcontinent, Bombay has an estimated metropolitan population of 17 million (2005), making it the 6th largest metropolis in the world. Bombay is also one of India's largest port cities and looms large as the commercial capital of India. Bombay's nature as (possible) 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. ==Understand== The official name of the city Mumbai is an eponym derived from ''Mumba'', the name of the local Hindu goddess Mumbadevi, and ''Aai'', meaning "mother" in Marathi. Portuguese explorers named the area "Bom Bahia" in the 16th century, translating as "Good Bay" and obviously referring to the deep water harbour. This designation was gradually corrupted to "Bomaím" and, after the British gained possession, the name was anglicised to Bombay. The name was officially changed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995, but the former name is still popularly used in the West to refer to the city, and is still used as an alternative by many of the city's inhabitants and famous institutions. ==Get in== ===By plane=== Bombay's '''[http://www.airportsindia.org.in/aai/mumbai/index.htm Chhatrapati Shivaji Int'l Airport]''' ('''BOM''') is one of India's major international gateways. Unfortunately, it's a bit of a fleapit and comes in high on lists of the world's worst airports, with chronic congestion, heavy time-consuming security, staff asking for baksheesh, filthy toilets. There are three international terminals (2A through 2C) and one domestic terminal, with a free (in theory) shuttle bus connecting them. Note that Terminal 2C, used by Air India and affiliates, is considerably better than the others, and upgrading is in slow progress at all terminals — bad as it may be, by all accounts it's now much better than 15 years ago. The airport is 28 kilometers from the city. Take a prepaid coupon taxi to town to minimize hassle. ===By train=== Trains arrive in Bombay from all over India. Two major stations are Chattarpati Shivaji Terminus(CST) ( formerly known as Victoria terminus) and Bombay Central. Both are well serviced with special ticket windows for foreign travellers (look for windows with MTDC printed on them). ===By bus=== Bombay is not well served by buses from destinations inside and outside India. Travller can also try the A1 air-conditioned buses that play only thru the suburbs, ask the locals around for the schedules. these buses are pretty cheap as well. ==Get around== ===By car=== Travel Agents and Hotels can arrange private chauffeur driven cars to provide services. Expensive by comparison, they are the most trusted, secure and comfortable way to travel around the city. Driving in India is an uphill task with the poor driver discipline and chauffeur services are very reasonable. These can be arranged by online travel companies or even in the countries of origin. ===By taxi=== Taxis are cheap and plentiful ($50 would be worth a lot of taxi rides). Taxis in Mumbai are small-medium sized cars, the now defunct Premier Padmini (Fiat), Fiat Uno and TATA Indica car models are most common. Taxis are of two types. '''Cool Cabs''' are Blue/Grey in colour and have electronic meters. You pay the amount on the meter. These cabs are 40% higher than the ordinary taxis. The '''Standard Yellow and Black Taxi''' generally uses mechanical meters and calculating the fare is done by matching the meter reading with a tariff card to arrive at the final payable fare. Prepaid plans have the fare collected at the start and thus the meter reading is not applicable. Night charges apply from 0000 hrs (midnight) to 0500 hrs. The fare is inflated by 25% in these hours. Follow the queue system to board a taxi. Quite frequently, tourists and new visitors are mobbed, by unscrupulous taxi drivers, at these points of entry. Most taximen are honest. However at rail stations and airports insist on a prepaid arrangement wherever available (At present, the prepaid option is available from Mumbai International Airport - Terminal 2 at Sahar, Andheri). Always ask taxis to go by the meter, and at the start of the journey, ensure that the meter is visible and shows the flag-down fare/meter reading. Luggage (large baggage pieces) are chargeable at approx. Rs 10 per piece (refer the tariff card for clarity). If you have extra pieces of luggage, then the boot of the taxi will not provide sufficient space (one large suitcase is all that will fit there) hiring a taxi with a top carrier will be better (top carriers can accommodate upto three large suitcases). Prior to starting the journey, ensure that the luggage is securely fastened to the carrier. The maximum number of passengers allowed for a trip (officially) is 4, three on the back seat and one in the front. Seat belts are not mandatory for taxi passengers, and most taxis will not have seat belts installed. The maximum speed that a taxi takes can be 100 kmph. However an additional person or a few kids can squeeze in. ===By autorickshaw=== Within the city limits, taxis are the only means of travel. However in Mumbai Suburbs, apart from taxis, the 3 wheeler autorickshaw (open taxi) is cheaper and more popular. The driver sits in the front, and the three adult passengers in the rear. Space for luggage is minimal, a few handbags/briefcases can be accommodated. Like taxis ensure that, at the start of the journey, ensure the meter is visible and shows the flag-down fare/meter reading. Autorickshaws are slower than cars (they are modified scooters in reality) and have terrible suspensions. Pregnant ladies are most strongly advised NOT to travel by autorickshaws since the combination of rash driving, poor suspensions and horrible road conditions in Mumbai have quite often lead to serious complications for expectant women. The Autorickshaw is a slow vehicle and not recommended for very long distances. ===By train=== Mumbai has an extensive network, with three lines, the Western, the Central Main Line and the Harbour Line. Mumbai is a linear city and the Western Line travels from Churchgate to Virar via Mumbai's Western Suburbs. The Central Main Line travels from Mumbai CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) aka VT Victoria Terminus to Kalyan via Mumbai's Central Suburbs and Thane, with some services running beyond to Karjat, Khopoli and Kasara. The interchange point for these two lines is Dadar. The '''Harbour Line''' has a common stretch between Mumbai CST (aka VT Victoria Terminus) and Vadala. The harbour line splits into two spurs, the main one running to Mumbai's Eastern Suburbs and Navi Mumbai, upto Panvel. The Interchange point of this line with the Central Main Line is at Kurla. The other spur of the Harbour Line runs upto Mahim on the Western Line and runs parallel upto Andheri. The best interchange stations with the Western line is at Bandra and Andheri. * [http://www.geocities.com/indianrailnut/mumbai.htm MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) Rail Network Map] Trains on all lines start operations after 0400 hrs and close operations between midnight and 0100 hrs. Second class travel is very cheap. However it is advisable to buy first class tickets as the economy class is extremely crowded (First Class can be quite expensive and if 4 people are travelling together a taxi might be better). Also avoid using local trains during rush hour, first class or otherwise. ===Buses=== In Mumbai City, '''[http://www.bestundertaking.com BEST]''' (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) is the Bus Corporation providing efficient, comprehensive services connecting up all places of the city and the suburbs. Some services also link the city with the extended suburbs like Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayanadar areas. The bus services are well patronised and they would always have most of all seats occupied. Special seats are marked for Ladies, Senior Citizens, Handicapped, Expectant Women and Women with infants. Buses run from 0500 hrs to midnight. Selective routes run beyond these timings, even all night but with very reduced frequency. Average frequency between buses ranges from 05 mins to 30 mins between buses depending on the route. Fares are reasonable and even in peak hours, buses can be travelled in (unlike rail which is far too crowded). Some routes do get extremely crowded however. Peak hours also have traffic snarls which may depend on the area traversed and the state of the roads. BEST City and Suburban routes are basically of four types # Feeder Services between places in the interiors (residiential/industrial areas) and Suburban Stations. Mini buses are under the 600 series. # Trunk Routes running from South (City) to North/East (Suburbs/Extended Suburbs) # Cross routes that travel connecting up places not on the railway line across the city. # Routes connecting the Extended Suburbs (Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mira-Bhayanadar). Bus Services to Navi Mumbai are in the 500 series and buses to the Mira-Bhayander area are in the 700 series. Generally, buses around the city and trunk routes would be under the 1-100 and 100-199 series. Buses in the western suburbs would be the 200 series. Buses in the central and eastern suburbs would be under the 300 and 400 series. BEST offers a few AC (Air Conditioned) Services. These are reasonably priced and comfortable. The '''MSRTC''' (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation), commonly known as ST, operates services from selected points in the city to the extended suburbs. From Dadar, services to Navi Mumbai and Panvel and from Borivali to Thane being the most prominent. Numerous other important routes are also covered in the MMR (Mumbai Metropolitan Region) by the MSRTC. '''TMT''' (Thane Municipal Transport) operates services in the Thane city and areas around it. '''[http://www.geocities.com/skiposeidon/index.html NMMT]''' (Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport) operates services in Navi Mumbai Area, and a few points around. They also have services from Mulund in Greater Mumbai. '''KDMT''' (Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Transport) operates in the Kalyan Dombivali Area with a few connections to Navi Mumbai. NAVI MUMBAI BUS TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION : External Link ===By ferry=== These are few. The following are the routes # FERRY WHARF (Mazagaon) - MORA (Uran) # FERRY WHARF (Mazagaon) - REWAS (near Mandwa) - The above services from Ferry Wharf are ordinary services for the benefit of the common man and are thus cheap. #. GATEWAY OF INDIA - MANDWA - Fast boats and Catamarans operated by private operators. These are moderately priced. # GATEWAY OF INDIA - ELEPHANTA CAVES - Fast boats and Catamarans operated by private operators. These are moderately priced. For tourists to Elephanta Caves. # GATEWAY OF INDIA - Harbour Cruise - Fast boats and Catamarans operated by private operators. These are moderately priced. For tourists. #. MARVE JETTY (MALAD) - MANORI JETTY - Cheap ferry (by BEST) connecting Manori and Gorai. Also services for ESSELWORLD (Amusement Park) # VERSOVA (ANDHERI) - MADH JETTY - Cheap ferry connecting Madh/Erangal/Aksa/Marve. # GORAI (Borivali) - Cheap ferry connecting Gorai Beach/Esselworld. ===By hovercraft=== Plans are on for introduction between (a) Nariman Point and Versova/Borivali (b) Gateway of India and Navi Mumbai (Vashi/Nerul-Seawoods/Belapur) ==Talk== A majority of the people speak fluent English, especially in the developed parts of the city . If you cannot find your way around, try asking for directions in one of the stores. ==See== Several landmarks include: *The '''Gateway of India''' *The '''Taj''' (Hotel) *'''Flora Fountain'''. Known as Fountain area which is prominent hub for commercial activity of Mumbai as all the Major banks are located here. You may encash your Traveller's Cheques here. Also country's premier stock exchange Bombay Stock Exchange(BSE) is situated here. This(BSE) tall building is visible from anywhere in VT/Churchgate and makes an prominent skyline of Bombay. *'''Victoria Terminus''' (V.T.). At the other end of Fountain is Victoria Terminus now known as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus which is the disembarking station for Central Railway local Trains and Long-distance trains. Adjacent to V.T. station is General Post Office, a grand building which is open 24 hours. The road further goes up to Ballard Estate where a lot of Corporate Offices and Mumbai Port is situated. The V.T. station building is a fine piece of architecture. *'''Nariman Point''': Nariman Point is one of the posh areas of Mumbai and the erstwhile business hub of Mumbai. However with the change in economic conditions, many Corporates have been shifted/re-located to other areas of Mumbai like Parel, Worli, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Andheri-Kurla Road and Powai. The top end hotel The Oberoi is located here with a number of Airlines Offices in this area. Don't miss out the Air-India building while at the Nariman Point/Marine Drive. *'''Cuffe Parade''' is one of the high-end areas where the famous World Trade Centre and Unit Trust of India offices are located. The President Hotel is located here. Navy Nagar/Army cantonment area is located here which is the boundary of Mumbai. *'''Sanjay Gandhi National Park'''. Check out this relatively unknown national park, situated in north Bombay. It's in Borivali, and serves as the lungs of Bombay. It's quite famous for its leopards and the caves inside the NP. *'''Elephanta Caves'''. Catch a jetty from Gateway of India. The round trip costs INR 100 and will take 45 minutes one way. ==Do== * It is a beautiful sight and experience to drive on Marine Drive. * Also a very good place to hang out and take in the sea without the menacing crowds is Carter road and Bandstand in Mumbai's poshest suburb, Bandra . ==Learn== ==Music scene == Note: this is not for the faint hearted! If you dont like taking uncalculated risks plese do not indulge in these acivites !. Karjat , a place outside mumbai is known for its "rave" parties.try searching on Google for these parties. many international underground and electronic Djs like. Infected Mushroom, Skazi , Astral Projection , and others have played here . These parties are not well publicised and are often held on the quiet,so finding one might be tough . The rock scene is also very good here in Mumbai , as compared to the rest of the country , ..these are very safe to go to and are recommended for rock fans . for locations etc see Gigpad.com. for loctions and the bandds playing. Most bands cover heavy metal acts like pantera , six feet under , slipknot etc..but at places like , Not just jazz bay the bay , there are treats for Jazz fans, as well. To try to find places with specific music tastes try asking students outside mumbai's colleges. ==Work== A good idea to make quik money is to work part-time in a BPO . or a call center.A part-time job can pay you as much as $350 a month for just 6 hrs a day for 5 days in a week .note : only good for enlglish speaking travellers ==Buy== *Buy some material and get some clothes made up by a tailor. It's an incredibly cheap way to get quality made-to-measure clothes. Usually only takes a couple of days. *Also for antiques , see Mumbai's Chor bazaar located in the Grant Road suburb . Be careful as to what you are buying and also bargain a lot. theres nothing like taking a local along to shop for you ==Drink== ''' coffee houses ''' There many coffeeshops in and around mumbai , try the "cafe coffee day" and "barista" chains of coffee shops there are the best around town and also serve some pretty neat coffee for cheap. ==Sleep== It is very difficult to find budget hotels in Mumbai. A good recommendation could be to live with a family as a paying guest . For travellers with deeper pockets, try any one of the follwing:- * JW Marriott hotel, Juhu * The Taj mahal hotel , Colaba * Taj land's end, Bandra There are a lot of guesthouses at Colaba, where you find most of budget foreign travellers staying. Also note that this entire stretch called Colaba Causeway is known as a tourist haunt, so don't be surprised if the street vendors greet you in French, German or even Russian. ==Stay safe== Although famous for its night-life, foreigners (especially women travelling alone) are advised not to stay out late alone and if by chance you do its better to avoid taking the help of strangers when alone at night. Also, do not wear attractive and extravagant jewellery in public (it may get stolen). {{msg:stub}} fr:BombayWikiPedia:Mumbai First page | Prev | Next | Last page |

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