Mumbai – The City of dreams

Mumbai was originally an archipelago of 7 islands inhabited by the Koli fishing community. It was later ruled by a succession of Muslim and Hindu dynasties. In 1534, the islands were ceded to the Portuguese. They renamed the islands “Bom Bahia” meaning “good bay” in Portuguese. In 1661, the islands were given to the British as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married King Charles II of England.

The British developed the islands into a major port city and naval base. They merged the 7 islands into a single landmass. Mumbai became the capital of the Bombay Presidency, which included much of western and central India. After India’s independence in 1947, the city’s name was changed from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995.

“Destination Mumbai” encapsulates a journey filled with vibrant experiences, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories. From the bustling streets to the serene shores, Mumbai offers a tapestry of sights, sounds and flavors waiting to be explored. Start your journey at the iconic Gateway of India, where the city’s history unfolds against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that marries Victorian Gothic architecture with the pulse of Mumbai’s bustling railway network. Venture into the heart of the city’s neighborhoods where every street corner tells a story. Indulge in the flavors of Mumbai’s street food scene from the spicy tang of pani puri to the comforting warmth of pav bhaji.

Mumbai is a culinary paradise offering a diverse array of flavours and cuisines to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some must-try dishes and food experiences in the city: 

1. Vada Pav: Often referred to as the “Indian burger,” vada pav is Mumbai’s quintessential street food. It consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) served inside a bread bun (pav) with spicy chutneys.

2.Pav Bhaji: Another popular street food, pav bhaji is a spicy vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish enjoyed by Mumbaikars of all ages.

3. Pani Puri/ Golgappa: These crispy hollow spheres filled with spicy tangy water and various fillings like chickpeas, potatoes and tamarind chutney are a favorite snack for locals. They’re best enjoyed fresh from street vendors.

4. Bombay Sandwich: Made with layers of vegetables, chutneys, and spices sandwiched between slices of bread, the Bombay sandwich is a delicious and satisfying snack commonly found at street stalls and sandwich shops.

5. Seafood: Being a coastal city, Mumbai boasts an abundance of fresh seafood. Don’t miss trying dishes like fish curry, prawn masala and crab fry at local seafood restaurants and stalls.

6. Parsi Cuisine: Mumbai has a vibrant Parsi community known for their unique and flavorful cuisine. Don’t miss classics like dhansak (a lentil-based curry), patra ni machhi (fish wrapped in banana leaves) and berry pulao.

7. Street Food: Mumbai’s streets are lined with vendors selling a variety of snacks and treats from spicy chaat (snack) items like bhel puri and sev puri to sweet delights like jalebi and kulfi (Indian ice cream).

8. Maharashtrian Thali: Experience the flavors of Maharashtra with a traditional thali meal featuring an assortment of dishes like puran poli (sweet flatbread), amti (spiced lentil curry), bhakri (millet bread), and sol kadhi (a tangy drink made from kokum).

9. Irani Cafes: Step back in time and enjoy the old-world charm of Mumbai’s iconic Irani cafes known for their bun maska (bread and butter), chai (tea) and delicious baked goods like mawa cake and brun maska.

10. Fine Dining: Mumbai also offers a thriving fine dining scene with restaurants serving a wide range of international cuisines, innovative fusion dishes, and gourmet experiences. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets or dining in a chic restaurant, Mumbai’s food scene promises to delight and satisfy every palate.

Lose yourself in the labyrinthine lanes of Colaba Causeway where vibrant markets beckon with treasures waiting to be discovered. Embrace the city’s cultural diversity with a visit to Haji Ali Dargah, a sacred Islamic shrine nestled amidst the waves. Explore the bustling bazaars of Crawford Market where the colors and aromas of India come alive in a riot of sights and scents. For a taste of Mumbai’s artistic soul, head to Kala Ghoda where galleries and cafes line the streets celebrating the city’s vibrant creative spirit.

Experience the magic of Bollywood with a tour of Film City, where dreams are brought to life on the silver screen. As the sun sets, retreat to Marine Drive, where the Queen’sNecklace shimmers in the twilight offering a moment of serenity amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. End your day with a culinary adventure savoring the flavors of coastal cuisine at a local seafood restaurant or indulging in the decadence of Parsi delicacies at an iconic Irani cafe.

Below are the places to visit:

Gateway Of India

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Mount Mary Church, Bandra

Marine Drive, The Queen’s Necklace

Haji Ali Dargah, Worli

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Mahalakshmi Temple

There is a small history associated with the existence of this temple. And if these stories are anything to go by, it is said that when Bombay was just an island, William Hornby who was the then Governor of Mumbai wanted to ensure that this seven islands are brought together so that people living are not affected by floods caused due to high tide. However, when work began to make this happen, they noticed that a particular fencing in the Worli Island kept falling off. It is at that moment when Dadaji envisioned a goddess in the sea. People immediately began a search to find out the idol and surprisingly they did find it. Since it was such an important and significant discovery, they decided to build a temple around the idol of this Goddess. The temple was built and since then there is a popular belief that anybody who worships the Goddess will be blessed with the completion of any project successfully.

Mumbai is the city that never sleeps and is famous for its high-end malls and lucrative streets. Mumbai City, also known as ‘Bombay’ offers unique experiences from the beautiful promenades to the cosmopolitan culture.

Mumbai India is known as the City of Dreams (Maayaanagri)! It is the Capital City of the Indian State of Maharashtra. Mumbai is also the second most populous city in India with a population of 19.98 million. Moreover, it lies on the Konkan Coast, which is on the West Coast of India with its very own natural harbour.

The city is truly Cosmopolitan and representatives of almost every religion and region of the world can be found there. Almost half the population is Hindu. Significant religious minorities include Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Zoroastrians and Jews. Almostevery Indian language and many foreign languages are spoken in Mumbai. Marathi, the State Language, is the dominant Indian language followed by Gujarati, Hindi and Bengali (Bangla). Other languages include Pashto, Arabic, Chinese, English and Urdu.

The south of Mumbai is equipped with Colonial-era buildings and Soviet-style Offices which offer a breath-taking view to every visitor. These brilliant masterpieces are Mumbai’s unique offering to the rest of the subcontinent.

From dawn till dusk, Mumbai invites you to embark on a journey of discovery, where every moment is a destination in itself and every experience leaves an indelible mark on your soul.

Welcome to Destination Mumbai, where the spirit of the city beckons you to explore, embrace and celebrate life in all its myriad hues!

By: Mr. Anselm Ekka (Officer – Mumbai)

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