Mumbai - City Guide

Mumbai houses India's largest Stock Exchange, which is supposed to be the third largest in the world. Located on the West Coast of India, Mumbai is a place for fun lovers. The city has natural harbor which was developed by British. It is one of the busy ports of India and handles approximately 40 % of India maritime trade.

The group of seven island was leased to East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Mumbai is more than a cosmopolitan city made of concrete buildings . The factories and mills in Mumbai operate day and night and thereby meet the growing demands of the commercial city of Mumbai.

Apart from being the commercial city of India, Mumbai boast number of tourists attractions. Some of the tourists spots to name are Gateway Of India, Haji Ali Mosque, Chowapathy beach, Marine drive.

Important Facts

Some important facts about the city are as:

State: Maharashtra
Area: 440 sq. km.
Sea Level Elevation: 225 m. (741 ft)
Population: 18 million
Principal Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
One rupee=100 paise. Indian coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 paise and 1, 2 and 5 rupees. Notes are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. If you are handed a grubby note, insist on having it exchanged for a newer one. Have a big supply of small bills as change almost does not exist in India

Must Know

Airport: Mumbai's Chatrpathi Shivaji international airport
Visas: Standard tourist visa valid for six months. Business visas for one or more years with multiple entries allowed
Credit Cards: Large establishments accept Master Card, Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Mercard
Climate: Two main seasons in Mumbai that is dry season from Nov to Feb. and humid season from Mar to Oct.
Rainfall: From 50 cms. to 200cms
Entertainment: Mumbai is home to Bollywood. Cinemas, theatres, Beaches, clubs and parks provide entertainment in Mumbai
Culture: Cosmopolitan
Transport: Air travel, railways, buses, taxis and auto rickshaws

Climate

Summer 20 °C - 39 °C

Winter 12 °C - 34 °C

Mumbai has a truly tropical climate and temperatures remain fairly uniform throughout the year. You never need to pack woolens for Mumbai, not even in December. Mumbai is drowned every year under torrential Indian Ocean monsoon rains between June and September, usually beginning by 7th June every year.

It is said that Mumbai has three seasons: hot, humid and very humid. The period between October and February is the most pleasant. During this time, the city enjoys a balmy season of blue skies and a cool breeze. From March, the temperature gradually rises and the humidity reaches saturation point. It is very hot just before the monsoon rains break in mid-June. The rains last until September. They come as a welcome relief to Bombayites but when the drainage system fails, everyone encounters difficulties getting around town. After the initial few days of flooded roads, however, Bombayites take the downpours and regular drenching in their stride. In September, the humidity and temperature begin to fall.

Best season to visit:
If you are wondering about which is the best season to visit Mumbai, then the answer is that one can visit Mumbai any time of the year and the city will never disappoint. The activity goes on 365 days a year and the city never comes standstill. But there are certain periods when the excitement of Mumbai touches a feverish pitch especially during the months of October and November when Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival, is celebrated for 11 days. This festival in Mumbai brings with it lots of joy and fun as processions are taken out. In fact, during this time, the entire state reels in celebration.

Another occasion when you make a trip to Mumbai to feel the excitement seep through you is during Diwali. Diwali, the moonless night turns out to be the brightest night of the year with all the homes being lit with lamps and lights.

Embassies

Consulate General of France Datta Prasad building
2nd floor, 10
Nowroji Gamadia Cross road- off Peddar road
Bombay 400026
Tel No :- [91] (22) 495 09 18 - 495 18 70
Fax No :- [91] (22) 495 03 12

Consulate General of United States
Bombay Lincoln House
78 Bhulabhai Desai Road
Mumbai 400 026
Tel No.: (22) 3633611 Fax No.: 22) 3630350

Consulate General of United States
Bombay (Mumbai), Lincoln House, 78
Bhulabhai Desai Road
Mumbai 400 026, India
Tel No :- (91) (22) 363-3611
Fax No :- (91) (22) 363-0350

Australian Consulate-General
16th Floor
Maker Towers E , Maker Towers E, Cuffe Parada
Colaba, Mumbai 400005
Email: atcmumbai@vsnl.com
Tel No :- 91 22 218 1071, 218
Fax No :- 91 22 218 8228, 218

Consulate General of Belgium
Morena, 11 , M.L. Dahanukar Marg (Carmichael Road)
Mumbai 400.026
Email: Mumbai@diplobel.org
Tel No :- (91) (22) 493.81.15, (91) (22) 495.51.86
Fax No :- (91) (22) 495.04.20

Generalkonsulat,
26 Maker Chambers VI,
Nariman Point,
Mumbai 400 021
Tel No :- (+91 / 22) 285 17 74, (+91 / 22) 285 17
Fax No :- (+91 / 22) 287 05 02