The commercial and financial capital of India, Mumbai, is also the state capital of Maharashtra. The glamorous cosmopolitan metro is the economic base of the country. The tourists come to Mumbai observe the vibrant culture inherent in this capital of Maharashtra. This historic city, extending along the sea, has grand buildings and is the center of India's Hindi film industry, known as Bollywood, the Indian Hollywood.

Area: 440 sq km

Population: 18 million (approx.)

Places to see:

• Gateway of India: This historical gateway built in British style, stands prominently at the Arabian sea. This graceful ceremonial archway was built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary for the Mumbai Durbar of 1911. After Independence, British left through this gateway only.
• Marine Drive: Mumbai's distinctive curving seafront avenue connects the skyscrapers of Nariman Point to the green villas of Malabar Hill. It is also called the Queen's Necklace because of its appearance after dark, when the street lights sparkle around the curve of the bay.
• Elephanta Island: Situated out in the Arabian sea, this island has a beautiful rock-cut Shiva Temple on top of a hill. The island can be reached by a short enjoyable ferry ride.
• Prince of Wales Museum: Prince of Wales Museum is designed into the Indo-Saracenic style. It is one of the finest buildings constructed during British rule. Prince of Wales museum was designed in the Honour of the Prince of Wales on his first visit to India
• Mahalaxmi Temple: One of the famous temples in Mumbai, Mahalaxmi temple is devoted to The Goddess of wealth Mahalaxmi. Idols of Hindu Goddesses Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali are also situated in the temple.
• The Tomb of Haji Ali: The Mosque at the tomb of Haji Ali is a magnificent piece of architecture standing on an island. Hundreds of devotees arrive everyday to pay homage to the Saint Haji Ali.
• Chowpatty beach: The famous beach of India holds a special attraction for both the tourists and local people. The attraction of chowpatty enhances many folds during Maharashtar's most famous festival of Ganesh chatturathi.

• By Air: Mumbai has more flights connecting it than even the national capital New Mumbai. All major airlines fly to and from Mumbai to most of the important cities of the world. The international terminal of Mumbai is known as Sahar and the domestic terminal is known as Santa Cruz. The Sahara terminal is 30 km from downtown Mumbai and Santa Cruz is at a distance of 25kms. Besides taxis, there are regular shuttle services plying between the two terminals.
• By Rail: The Indian Railways has connected the city of Mumbai well with the rest of the country. Mumbai is the headquarters for the Central and the western zones of railways. The Victoria Terminal alias the Chattrapati Shivaji Terminal is the main railway station in Mumbai besides other stations at Dadar, Churchgate, and Kurla.
• By Road: If you would like to travel by bus within India, most long distance buses leave from the State Transport Terminal located opposite Mumbai's Central Railway Station. The city of Mumbai has an amazing network of bus services that link the various cities of Maharashtra.