Mumbai (Bombay) Sightseeing

Mumbai's main sights can be found in south Mumbai, where the European settlers established themselves and local communities took root. The centre of Imperial Bombay is the area known as Fort, after the fortifications that protected the British settlement. This area and its surrounds are lined with an array of grandiose Victorian buildings and art deco apartment blocks. North of here are the narrow, twisting streets and medieval bazaars.

Superimposed on these two distinctly different parts of Mumbai is the modern city: the 1930s developments along Marine Drive and on Cumbala Hill, the modern office blocks to the west of the Maidans, and the tower blocks that line the southern end of Back Bay. Further north, up the peninsula, are the city suburbs, where the worst of the shantytowns and slums are located.

Most attractions are fairly central and can be reached on foot; otherwise taxis are the easiest way to get around. Most sights have a different admission fee for Indians and foreigners and may impose camera/video charges. Admission fees for foreigners are sometimes displayed in US Dollars but are payable in the Rupee equivalent.

Government of India tourist office
123 Mararishi Karve Road, Churchgate
Tel: (022) 2207 4333/4 or 2203 3144/5.
Website: www.incredibleindia.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1800, Sat 0830-1400.

There are also offices at the international and the domestic airports. Many of the individual states of India have their own tourist office in Mumbai. The Government of India tourist office provides contact details.

There are currently no tourist passes available in Mumbai.