Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is a densely populated, bustling city on the West coast of India. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:
Get Your Visa Sorted
As always when traveling internationally, the first thing you’ll want to take care of is your visa. Luckily, India is a country that doesn’t ask its visitors to jump through too many hoops. In most cases, you can even get your visa for India. Once your visa is sorted, you’ll feel good, and you’ll be able to focus on the more exciting parts of planning your trip!
Book Your Hotel… Or Don’t.
The Oberoi Hotel is one of the top rated hotels in the city. This luxury hotel welcomes guests into a breathtaking atrium lobby, with high ceilings and beautiful design. The Hotel also features spacious suites, some with views over the water and others over the so called ‘Queen’s Necklace’. The hotel is also home to two restaurants, one of them operated by Michelin Star Chef Vineet Bhatia, a luxury spa (open 24 hours a day!), and a lovely swimming pool.
For those on a tighter budget, or hoping for a more authentic experience, staying in an Ashram is also a great choice. You will be far from the luxury of the Oberoi Hotel, but you will get to mingle with other travels and local Indians, and, if you find the right place, join in on daily yoga or meditation practices. Some ashrams are listed online, but for many, the adventure lies in arriving to India and finding a place to stay once you’re there.
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Transport From the Airport
Ccatrapati Shijavi International Airport is the main airport that serves travelers arriving internationally to the city of Mumbai. Traffic and all, it takes about 90 minutes to arrive from the airport to the center of the city. Higher end hotels, such as the previously mentioned Oberoi will be able to help their guests order a taxi in advanced. Another option, is to make your way out of the doors of the airport where countless tuk-tuks will be waiting, their drivers yelling and calling to travelers offering them a ride to their accommodation. A ride on a tuk-tuk, zooming through traffic, is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Be warned: these small little vehicles come without seat belts, aircon and often without windows… so hold on tight!
Sights to See
The Gateway of India is a famous landmark, built during the twentieth century and located on the waterfront in Mumbai. It’s iconic and really worth taking the time to visit.
Next, head out to The Haji Ali Dargah mosque. This beautiful white structure is located on an islet in the Southern part of the city. For many, the arrival to the mosque is the highlight of the trip. The road to The Haji Ali Dargah is only accessible during low tide, and while you walk across it you will have ocean on both sides of you.
With your visa in hand, your accommodation sorted (or purposely not sorted), and the sights you want to see planned out, you’re well on your way to the trip of a lifetime. Pack your bags, and enjoy all that the city of Mumbai has to offer.
Have a great trip!
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