Mumbai Holidays - All One Needs to Know

Mumbai is the mesmeric Indian metropolis that is most known for being the fashion and financial capital of the nation. However the city is equally popular among tourists. No wonder, holiday many revere packages to Mumbai.Date : Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Mumbai, India's financial hub is an incredible amalgamation of a variety of cultures and traditions. Apart from being the commercial lifeline of one of the biggest economies in the world, Mumbai is a charming tourist destination that beguiles leisure travellers and solo backpackers. In fact, it is a must-visit metropolis for those hoping to enjoy the true essence of India holidays.

Top Mumbai Attractions

Mumbai, Maharashtra may not boast of as many historical attractions as say Delhi or Rajasthan but the place is replete with a stunning array of unique and interesting sights. And this is the exact reason holidays to Mumbai are sought after all over the world. Take a brief look at some of the biggest charmers of the mesmerising Mumbai!

Gateway of India

Gateway of India has to be the most recognisable structure in Mumbai. It is an excellent insignia of the British Raj in the country that was build to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. Gateway of India is the first edifice that travellers who visit by ship or boat get to see in this country of heritage and historical wonders. This is one of the best spots in Mumbai to explore its eclectic aura. On most evenings, the place resembles a circus that is teeming with all kinds of characters, from vendors selling balloons to European tourists clicking away furiously trying to capture each and every frame of life in the city! Some of the popular luxury hotels in Mumbai can be found near this landmark.

Haji Ali Dargah

Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque as well as a tomb in the Mahim Bay of Mumbai that is accessible by a slender causeway only at low tide. It is radiant illustration of Indian Islamic architecture and surely warrants a visit from the travellers on Mumbai holidays.

Heritage Buildings

Mumbai features some incredible heritage buildings that are staggering specimens of elaborate colonial architecture. Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus, University of Mumbai and the Bombay High Court are few such heritage marvels that are frequented by the tourists.

Chowpatty Beach

Chowpatty Beach remains the hub of commotion in Mumbai. Dotted with a variety of beachside stalls, Chowpatty Beach is a wonderful place to gorge on some scrumptious bhelpuri and other local street food delicacies. It really is a must-visit for those on holidays to Mumbai as the food offered here is quiet easy on pockets apart from being a treat for the taste buds! A number of luxury Mumbai hotels can also be found near the beach.

Elephanta Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are located on the Elephanta Island, few kilometres to the east of Mumbai. It is a popular tourist spot that comprises Hindu and Buddhist caves. The Great Cave is the biggest highlight among the group and is a prominent centre of worship for the Hindus.

Festivals in Mumbai

Mumbai has a vibrant cultural and religious atmosphere that is reflected magnificently through its different festivals and events. Most of the festivals celebrated in the city are enjoyed all over the nation. However, there are few festivals that are primarily celebrated in and around Mumbai.

Gudhi Padava

Gudhi Padava is essentially a Maharashtrian festival that marks the beginning of New Year in the region. It is a day of great joy and revelries for the people of the state. Families celebrate the day by cleaning their houses and embellishing them with wonderful rangoli designs. People wrap the Bamboo staffs (gudhi) with colourful silk clothes and decorate them coconuts, marigolds or/and mango leaves. These Bamboo staffs are supposed to ward off evil from the houses.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is another fascinating festival whose celebratory frenzy is most felt in and around Mumbai. It is a highly popular festival of the city, preparations for which start months ahead. During the period, the city is inundated with images and idols of Ganesha, elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. On the day of Ganesh Chaturthi, multitudes of processions converge on the beaches of Mumbai to immerge the idols of Ganesha into the sea. ‘Ganesh immersion' is accompanied by dancing, singing and drum beating.

Culture of Mumbai

India is an exceedingly diversified nation in terms of religion and language and Mumbai brings forth that diversity like no other. The city attracts immigrants from all over the country and that means Mumbai has an assortment of people that is highly pied! The city's charming diversity is further accentuated with the presence of 'Bollywood', where a potpourri of multi-ethnic culture is observed. It must be mentioned that in spite of Mumbai being the ‘city of celebrities', the glittery metropolis is highly respectful towards its heritage and history.