Cheap Flights to Mumbai
If your aspirations are unfettered and yearning to see the ‘City of Dreams’ then plan to take flights to Mumbai, India’s largest city and the country’s financial and entertainment hub, for a memorable vacation. Maharashtra’s capital city and the state’s biggest metropolis is filled with dreamers who arrive here from different parts of India to try their luck and earn fortune. Renowned as “Entertainment Capital of India” and home to the country’s premier film industry Bollywood, Mumbai has been welcoming all those visiting here. This city of contrasts is home to Asia’s biggest slum as well as home to the rich and famous. A trip to Mumbai is therefore a must to experience India’s microcosm and diversity.
Mumbai at first sight might look intimidating for all those visiting here for the first time, but on the contrary it is one of India’s friendliest cities, full of vibrancy and energy that is simply unmatched. A collection of seven islands, Mumbai is going to captivate you with its beautiful colonial architecture, historic sites, museums, beaches, upscale restaurants, fishing colonies, distinct bazaars, delicious Indian cuisines and seafood, and a rocking nightlife. It’s no wonder that the island city with its fascinating attractions and diverse experience will leave you awestruck and won’t cease to impress you. Whether you are visiting Mumbai for a brief getaway or an extended stay, soak up all that this magnificent city has to offer to tourists.
Top Things to Do in Mumbai
Mumbai with its impressive colonial buildings, history and art museums, colorful bazaars, swanky fashion boutiques, crowded street food stalls, fine dining restaurants, chaotic streets, vibrant atmosphere and nation’s best nightlife, is a city which should be definitely experienced at least once-in-a-lifetime. There are many reasons to book cheap flight tickets to Mumbai for a vacation.
Mumbai is packed with numerous historical and cultural sites thus making it one of the most fascinating destinations to visit in India. The Gateway of India is a major attraction for millions of tourists visiting the city every year. Apart from this, there are many other attractions too that are ready to catch your fancy. These include Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Gandhi House, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Haji Ali Mosque, The Asiatic Society of Mumbai building, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mount Mary Church, Marine Drive, Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mahalakshmi Temple, Chowpatty Beach, and the Elephanta Caves on the Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbor.
Mumbai is famous for its great food. It’s in fact a city of stalls and food vendors. The rich gastronomy can be experienced with yummy delicacies available at every corner in the city. Even for those who love fine dining, you are in for a treat as the city is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. The popular regional dishes such as the Bombay sandwich (buttered bread with beetroot, mint, onion, tomatoes, cucumbers and boiled potatoes), Akuri on toast (scrambled eggs with fresh coriander, onions, red chilli powder and tomatoes), Kanda poha, Kebab and Bhel puri are worth checking out.
Mumbai is home to India’s largest film industry in India Bollywood, or Hindi cinema. Your visit to Mumbai won’t be complete unless you visit a cinema hall to catch a movie, see lively theatres, tour the Film City’s studios in Goregaon, or see elegant homes of Bollywood celebrities in the hip neighborhood of Bandra. The vibrant Bollywood is a true reflection of the abiding passion for music, dance, art and movies of the Indian people.
If you love a good life and partying then visit Mumbai for enjoying India’s best nightlife. Numerous bars and clubs as well as street food stalls come to life as the sun goes down. Whether it’s exclusive nightclubs, swanky lounges, stylish cafes, comedy clubs, live-music venues, or “permit rooms” (dingy dive bars), this cosmopolitan metropolis offers something for every partygoer.
Best Time to Visit Mumbai
The best time for visiting Mumbai is between October and February when the weather is conducive and pleasant and great for sightseeing and outdoors. The temperature ranges from 10 C to 35 C during this period. This is also a great time to attend the popular Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Mumbai receives heavy rainfall from June to September with the temperature ranging from 20 C to 30 C. The monsoon is a great time for trekking on the surrounding hills. Avoid visiting during summer as it’s too hot and humid.
What and Where to Eat in Mumbai
The metropolitan city of Mumbai is a foodie’s paradise. The city caters to every palate with its distinctive street foods such as pav bhaji (spicy mashed vegetables served with a bun) and vada pav (a spicy deep fried ball of mashed potato in a bun). In fact, Mumbai has a special street called the Khau Galli where all kinds of street food are served. Visit one of the Irani restaurants for delicious bun maska with chai. There are many Udupi restaurants in the city serving authentic South Indian feasts. Visit the famous Madras Café for mouth watering South Indian fare including idli, dosas and vadas. If you are looking to sample international cuisines like American Fast Food, Greek, French, Italian, Thai and Japanese then these can be found at expensive restaurants. You will also discover international fast food chains offering competitive fare such as TGIF, Subway, Dominos, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and KFC.
Places to Stay in Mumbai
Mumbai is Maharashtra’s biggest metropolis with several interesting neighborhoods. The tourists booking tickets to Mumbai for vacation are spoilt with choices in terms of accommodations. South Mumbai is the most preferred place to stay for all those visiting Mumbai for the first time or arriving here frequently. Hotels for a varied budget are mostly found in areas like Colaba and Fort, which offer access to shops, cafes, restaurants and train stations. Major landmarks found around these areas include the Prince of Wales Museum, Bombay High Court, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), the Taj Mahal Palace hotel and the Gateway of India.
Getting Around in Mumbai
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (MUM), located in Vile Parle area, has nonstop and connecting flights from major U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington, Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The flights from these cities are offered by Air India, United Airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates. After you land at the airport, reaching different parts of Mumbai is easier through app-based cabs, private cabs, prepaid taxis and metered taxis.
Are you planning your next visit to Mumbai? India’s entertainment hub is a sheer delight for tourists from world over. There are many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered in the city of dreams that never sleeps.
Major Festivals & Events in Mumbai
Banganga Festival: This popular music festival is held annually in January for a period of 48 hours in the Malabar Hills. The festival is jointly organized by the Government of Maharashtra and the Indian Heritage Society to promote tourism.
Elephanta Festival: The 2-day Elephanta Festival is organized by the state government in February every year. It is held during the evening on the Elephanta Islands, 11 km away from Mumbai mainland. The festival is marked by music, dance, rituals, talent shows and much more.
Kala Ghoda Festival: The famous 9-day Kala Ghoda Festival is held in February every year. This cultural festival is hugely popular for theater, music, dance and art forms. Many exhibits can also be found during the festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai’s biggest and most popular festival Ganesh Chaturthi is held in August/September to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesh. The festival is held for 11 days. Dance and music celebrations are organized at decorated pandals throughout the city. The last day of the festival is a big draw for tourists as the locals can be seen walking in procession towards the Arabian Sea to immerse the idols of Lord Ganesh in the water.
Janmashtami: The festival of Janmashtami is usually held at the end of August to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. The festival is best known for its street games, especially the human pyramid game Dahi Handi.
Travel Tips for first-time visitors to Mumbai
- Plan a trip to Mumbai during the annual Ganesh festival for an unforgettable experience. It is the biggest festivals in the city and attracts huge tourist crowds
- Beware of pickpockets in tourist areas, especially the Colaba Causeway Market
- Most bars in the city close by 1:30 am due to alcohol licensing restrictions. Nightclubs are however opened till late, some until 4 am on weekends
- App-based cab booking services like Ola and Uber are quite popular. They are available throughout day and night, and are the most reliable modes to get around in the city. The fares are determined according to demand and surge pricing
- Ferry services from the dock area in South Mumbai are the best mode to visit the nearby islands such as Elephanta Caves and Alibaug. These are cost-effective and fastest way to visit these beautiful places
