Mumbai

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and India's financial and entertainment centre, stretching along the Arabian Sea on the country's western coast. Formerly known as Bombay, it is a dense, fast-moving megacity where colonial-era landmarks, contemporary high-rises and busy port districts sit side by side. The Gateway of India, Marine Drive and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus are among its most recognisable sights.

The city grew from a cluster of islands into a major trading port, and its history remains visible in the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensembles around Fort, Churchgate and the Oval Maidan, which are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Museums such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum document the city's artistic and social past.

South Mumbai neighbourhoods such as Colaba, Fort and Nariman Point offer historic streets, museums, hotels and sea-facing promenades, while Bandra is known for cafés, street art and nightlife. Juhu draws visitors to its beach, Dadar is a busy market and transport hub, and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link connects the western suburbs to commercial districts.

As the home of the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange and many corporate headquarters, Mumbai is also a leading business destination, with growing commercial areas in Bandra Kurla Complex and Lower Parel. Its Hindi film industry, Bollywood, is based in Film City in Goregaon, and the city hosts a steady calendar of conferences, trade fairs and cultural events.

Visitors can experience a distinctive mix of street food, seafood, Irani cafés and fine dining, along with temples, mosques, churches, markets and a lively arts scene. For both leisure and business travellers, Mumbai offers a constantly active urban experience that combines heritage, commerce, culture and coastal character.