Exploring Mumbai

Mumbai is none other than the familiar Bombay, which changed its name three years ago and reclaimed its old name, Mumbai. It is true that much has been written about this city, but its true atmosphere cannot be described in words.

Its main characteristics are its diverse cultures and incredible contrasts. It is the capital of the Maharashtra Region, which means 'The Great Land'.

 

Mumbai Tour

Coastal Mumbai is a vast city that holds an 'unpleasant' record. It is the city with the largest slums and shantytowns. Naturally, contrast reigns supreme. The tour will cause 'culture shock', as is often the case throughout Asia.

Ask to go to the Elephanta Caves, an area which, of course, no longer has elephants, but offers a different spectacle.

Take a stroll along Mumbai's beachfront near the palace hotels, Oberoi Hotel, and Taj Palace Hotel. See the house where Gandhi lived for many years, enjoy the 'Gateway of India', built in 1911 to mark the visit of King George V.

 

Getting Around Mumbai

It is the fate of Asian cities to have heavy traffic. Prepare for chaos. Traffic lights operate, but no one pays them any attention.

Mumbai has 13 million inhabitants and approximately 3 million workers living in the suburbs, who seem to be constantly on the move!

Most cars on the road are old, but you should ask for an air-conditioned limousine.

In this case, the car will be a standard car by our criteria, with a driver, which you will have at your disposal all day for less than 20 euros!

 

Food

Indian cuisine is known for its spices. Indeed, even boiled vegetables taste of spices. The only exception might be fruits!

The variety is enormous and caters to all tastes: various meats, pasta, vegetables, but all with spices.

Mumbai's cuisine has been influenced by the diversity of cultures present in the city. You will find cuisine from Goa, China, South India, Iran, etc. Try 'Bhel Puri', Mumbai's speciality consisting of rice, noodles, and spices!!

In five-star hotels, you will find delicious seafood. Our advice is not to eat outside the hotel, as it is not safe for your health. Water? Only bottled.

 

Don't Miss

You absolutely must try not just one, but several massages! The Indian art of massage is unique and will be unforgettable. There are many types of massage, which an experienced doctor will recommend, depending on your needs.

 

Bollywood

Bollywood is India's Hollywood, where dreams come true. See young aspiring actors performing on the streets.

Watch famous Indian actors filming movies. Don't be confused by the double-decker red buses and think you're in London. However, feel as if you are in Paris, as the city also enjoys this nickname: The little Paris of India…

 

Shopping

Shopping in Mumbai is a delight. Prices are very low for products such as silk fabrics and clothing, handmade silk or wool carpets, diamonds, and pearls. To avoid high taxation when bringing your handmade carpets to Greece, you will need to obtain a certificate stating they are handmade.

Of course, good shops usually send them to Greece via courier without charging you extra. Which carpet will you choose? It depends on the use. We are talking about pure silk carpets of 700 or 1,000 knots per square inch. There are two prevalent designs: the Kashan, which has rounded shapes and is not suitable for placing furniture on, and the Hamadan, which has square designs and you can comfortably place a table on it.

As the years pass, your carpet gets better and better and acquires collector's value. Carpets 100 – 120 years old are sold at very high prices. How will you place it? With the pile facing the side where the sun enters… to make it shine even better!

 

Accommodation

It is worth staying in an Indian Palace to experience how Indian maharajas live. Luxury in India is affordable for Europeans, even for Greeks.

 

Tips 

Don't forget to obtain a visa from the Indian Embassy in Athens, where it will take five days to submit your documents and collect it. You don't need any special vaccinations.

However, to feel more at ease, you can visit the World Health Organization website (www.who.int) for more information.

Book cheap airtickets for Mumbai with flights from Athens and Eleftherios Venizelos airport. Air tickets start from €780.