Discover Mumbai

Mumbai Destination Guides

Originally known as Bombay, with 13 million inhabitants, this is India’s largest city. It is an amazing mixture of crowds, noise and traffic that is bursting with people. A megalopolis you will either love or hate, the pace is fast and furious and never stops. Hot and humid, it has a vibrant and dynamic population that just gets on with the life! Once you have come to grips with the city, it is the kind of place where you will need to go with the flow. The atmosphere is heady here, where all walks of life meet together in a huge melting pot of colours, noises, smells and excitement.

You will never be bored in energetic and exuberant Mumbai. Being India’s financial and entertainment capital it has become a varied mix of India’s unique people; a polyglot of religion, language and culture. Mumbai has grown dramatically in the last 50 years with a huge influx of immigrants taking their shot in the city of dreams, to make money.

With a wealth of sites to visit you will have little time to stop and take a breather, so be prepared to be swept up in this beehive of activity. From the contemporary hustle around the Flora Fountain Statue to the 9th-13th century rock hewn temples of Elephanta Island, there is something to do for all tastes.

Films in India are a very important part of daily life and Mumbai is the birthplace of Indian film industry. Silent movies were made here in the early 1900s. Bollywood produces the most films, in terms of numbers, in the world. See if you can get yourself a permit to visit Bollywood.

Essential Information

Airport -- There are two airports in Mumbai, The Chattrapathi Shivaji (Mumbai) International Airport and Santa Cruz Domestic Airport. Mumbai Airport is the busiest airport in India and is 35 km from the CBD and Santa Cruz is 25 km from the CBD.

Expect to take around ninety minutes to get into the city centre as the traffic can be very heavy. Take a prepaid taxi which are available outside arrivals and there is a free bus service between the two terminals.

Public Transport -- This includes taxis, trains and BEST buses. Probably the fastest way of getting around is by local train. City buses are fine for short trips with fares starting at 2 rupees. Be prepared for crowded conditions on all local transport. BEST buses go out to all corners of the city. Tickets can be bought from the conductor on the bus but do avoid the rush hours if you can.

Taxi -- There is no shortage of taxis with the average price being 12 rupees per kilometre. They usually have meters. However watch out for those metres set on the previous fares and make sure your driver has a conversion card.

Dining

In Mumbai can you sample the best of the Indian kitchen, abundant in its regional variations and cross-variations, as well as its international selection. Also give the street food a try, especially the bhel puri, the sweet and sour Mumbai speciality of deep fried pastry shells with onion, tomato and chilies. Juice bars are a good place for a drink but keep away from ice made with untreated water.

Shopping

Mumbai is a shoppers’ paradise. Handicrafts and textiles are both plentiful and varied, in quality and price. There is a wide range of upmarket outlets. The stalls along MG Road have a wide selection of reject items which are from name brand manufacturers. Better quality items can be purchased along Colaba Causeway. Bazaars are good to visit for a price check or the action but not always the best place to buy. There are also excellent opportunities of choice and price for household items and soft furnishing.

Nightlife

Mumbai has changed a great deal over the past few years, 10 years ago you could say the nightlife didn’t exist, but now has a vigorous club and bar scene. Mumbai has a license to party. Less strict than many other Indian’s cities the most famous hangout is Enigma where you will spot a range of Bollywood stars and models that is if you can get in.

Useful Qatar Airways links

Check flight schedules and fares on qatarairways.com

Contact Qatar Airways in Mumbai: +91 124 456 6000

Qatar Airways

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