Best Time to Visit

The fascination for the Island City of India, Mumbai, never gets exhausted. People plan trips according to their holidays and suitability, yet one should refer the weather and peak travel season of the city before scheduling the trip. Mumbai, being located on the coastline, observes humid and sultry climate throughout the year. Summers elongates from March to May, where high temperature doesn't allow enjoying the capital of Maharashtra.

Monsoon season gives an amusing breathing space, but excessive rains spoil the mood of a holiday. Frankly, one should not plan a tour to Bombay during the rainy season. Due to its propinquity with the sea, the Bollywood City virtually floats in the heavy showers. The cultural festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, held in August/ September, attracts people from various parts of the country as well as the world.

After monsoons, the weather changes and, owing to the light breezes, becomes quite agreeable. Winters arrive and make the climatic conditions truly pleasant. It is the time when the city is comparatively less humid. However, winters doesn't mean wearing loads of woolens in Mumbai. The weather is just fine to take pleasure in the attractions, which the city offers. Thus, the best and ideal time to visit Mumbai is between the months of October and February.

Mumbai Consulates

Mumbai, the Financial Hub of India, has foreign embassies of nearly all the major nations of the world. It also houses many consulates and deputy high commissions of different countries. A majority of the consulates are to be found in various towers at Nariman Point. These offices handle the allotment of visa and other relevant information for the convenience of the tourists. Scroll down to get the list of the major international embassies, consulates and high commissions in Mumbai (Bombay).

Afghanistan - Walkeshwar Road
Austria - Bandra-Kurla Complex
Australia - Cuffe Parade
Brazil - New Marine Lines
Bahrain - Cuffe Parade
Belgium - M. L. Dhanurkar Marg
Canada - Nariman Point
Cyprus - K. Dubash Marg
Czech Republic - Peddar Road
Denmark - Narottam Morarjee Marg
Dominican Republic - Nariman Point
Egypt - Narayan Dhabolkar Road
Finland - Peddar Road
France - N. G. Cross Road
Federal Republic of Germany - Nariman Point
Iceland - Sir P. M. Road
Indonesia - Altamount Road
Iran - Lady Jagmohandas Road
Republic of Ireland - Apollo Bunder, Colaba
Israel - Deshmukh Marg
Italy - G. Deshmukh Road
Japan - M. L. Dhanurkar Marg
Kuwait - Dinshaw Wachha Road
Madagascar - Ismail Building, Fountain
Malaysia - Homji Street
Mauritius - Nariman Point
Netherlands - Marine Lines Cross Road No. 1, Churchgate
Norway - Nathalal Parekh Marg
Sultanate of Oman - Nariman Point
Philippines - Nariman Point
Poland - Ridge Road, Malabar Hills
Qatar - Nariman Point
Russia - Napean Sea Road
Saudi Arabia - Cuffe Parade
Singapore - Nariman Point
South Africa - Altamount Road
Spain - K. Dubash Marg
Sri Lanka - Homi Modi Street
Sweden - Sayani Road
Switzerland - Nariman Point
Thailand - Bhulabhai Desai Road
Turkey - Swami Nityanand Marg, Vile Parle (East)
United Arab Emirates - Cuffe Parade
United Kingdom - J. Bajaj Marg, Nariman Point
United States of America - Bhulabhai Desai Road
Yemen - Cuffe Parade
Yugoslavia - Wachha Road, Churchgate

Mumbai Flights

Mumbai is a city that virtually never sleeps. Being the major gateway to India, the city receives tremendous international traffic. Since it is the country's entertainment and financial hub, people from all parts come here for leisure as well as business purposes. Resembling any other conurbation of the world, Mumbai is well-connected to all domestic and international cities by air. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport fulfills all the needs and requirements of its air-passengers by providing innumerable flights.

It is the busiest airport of the country as well as of the South Asia. Throughout the day, the airdrome operates and handles at least 45 landings and takeoffs per hour. The air-route between Delhi to Mumbai is the busiest route with no less than 50 flights per day. All the major airlines of India, such as Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Indian Airlines, Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Lite, Air Deccan, IndiGo and GoAir, operate regular flights to Mumbai from all the major locations across the country. There are many airlines that offer cheap flights to and from Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay).

Airlines like Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Jet Lite and GoAir are some of the airlines that provide cheap flights, which seem to be a nice option for budget travelers. Apart from the domestic flights, there are numerous airlines that operate international flights to and from Mumbai. Moreover, the airport also has the facility of cargo that brings and delivers stuffs from and to different cities all over the world. Scroll down to know about the airlines, which operate from the domestic and international terminals of the International Airport of Mumbai.

Domestic Airlines

• Indian Airlines
• Go Air
• Kingfisher Airlines
• Jet Lite
• Air Deccan
• Jet Airways
• IndiGo
• SpiceJet

International Airlines

• Air Arabia (Sharjah)
• Alitalia (Milan-Malpensa)
• All Nippon Airways (Tokyo-Narita)
• Austrian Airlines (Vienna)
• British Airways (London-Heathrow)
• Cathay Pacific (Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Dubai, Hong Kong)
• Delta Air Lines (Atlanta, New York-JFK)
• El Al Israel Airlines (Tel Aviv)
• Finnair (Helsinki)
• Gulf Air (Bahrain, Muscat)
• Indian Airlines (Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, Dubai, Sharjah)
• Iran Air (Teheran)
• Jazeera Airways (Dubai, Kuwait)
• Kenya Airways (Nairobi)
• Kuwait Airways (Kuwait)
• Lufthansa (Frankfurt)
• Northwest Airlines (Amsterdam, Seattle/Tacoma)
• Oman Air (Muscat)
• Pakistan International Airlines (Karachi)
• Qantas (Darwin, Sydney)
• Qatar Airways (Doha)
• Saudi Arabian Airlines (Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh)
• Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
• SriLankan Airlines (Colombo, Karachi)
• Swiss International Air Lines (Zurich)
• Virgin Atlantic (London-Heathrow)
• Aeroflot (Moscow-Sheremetyevo)
• Air France (Paris-Charles de Gaulle)
• Air Mauritius (Port Louis)
• Continental Airlines (Newark)
• Egyptair (Cairo, Kuala Lumpur)
• Emirates (Dubai)
• Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi)
• EVA Air (Taipei-Taiwan Taoyuan)
• Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa)
• Korean Air (Seoul-Incheon)
• Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur)
• Royal Jordanian Airlines (Amman)
• Thai Airways International (Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi)
• Turkish Airlines (Istanbul-Atatürk)
• South African Airways (Johannesburg)
• Yemenia (Aden, Sanaa)

How to Reach Mumbai

Mumbai, the erstwhile Bombay, is the largest city and the financial hub of India. Since it a major metropolis, it has the best national and international connections. Getting to the Island City is easy because it is well-connected by means of air, road, rail as well as water. The most far-reaching network of roads and rails hook up this city with all the nook and corners of the country. Moreover, it is connected with almost all the major cities round the world. Though limited to some places, traveling to the Bollywood city by boat or cruise is another option. Read further to know how to reach Mumbai.

By Air
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the major airdrome that receives both domestic and international traffic to the city. Almost all the airlines operate flights to and from Mumbai. It is the busiest airport of the country, that handles at least 45 landings and take-offs per hour. It has two domestic and two international terminals, which are connected by shuttle services.

By Rail
Mumbai boasts of an extensive network of rail tracks, which connects the city with all parts of the nation. It houses the headquarters of Central Railways and Western Railways. Besides Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal - the major one, there are other railway stations at Bombay Central, Churchgate, Dadar and Kurla. One can board trains from here to any place across the country.

By Road
The National Highways No. 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 17 pass through the city, making it accessible from all parts of the country. Besides these National Highways, the Mumbai-Pune expressway traverses through the city. Many long distance buses leave from the State Transport Terminal, which is located opposite Mumbai's Central Railway Station. Many deluxe buses connect Mumbai with all tourist destinations within and outside the state. One can always hire car to move around the city and its suburbs.

By Boat
One amongst the best natural harbors in the world, Mumbai port handles 50% of the passenger traffic and most of the cargo of the country. Above all, it serves as an important base for the Navy. One can reach close-by islands and beaches by getting in ferries that start from Ferry Wharf. Many travel companies provide sea-cruises to Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, etc.

Mumbai Holidays

Mumbaikars, the residents of Mumbai, celebrate each and every event, festival and fairs with full gusto and fervor. While planning a trip to the city, it is always good to refer to the national as well as public holidays of the city, to avoid any inconvenience. In India, festivals usually don't fall on the same date and keep on changing every year, resulting in a change in the date of public holidays too. Lunar calendar is referred to commemorate the festivals of Hindus and Muslims. There are three national holidays, when the entire country observes complete holiday. Many organizations and several important services remain closed on Sundays and second Saturdays of the month.

National Holidays

• Republic Day - January 26
• Independence Day - August 15
• Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti - October 2

Public Holidays

• Mahashivratri
• Bakri-Id (Id-ul-zuha)
• Holi
• Gudi Padwa
• Ram Navmi
• Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti - April 14
• Moharram
• Good Friday
• Maharashtra Day - May 1
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti - May 5
• Buddha Purnima
• Id-e-Milad
• Parsi New Year
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Dussehra
• Diwali
• Guru Nanak Jayanti - November 11
• Christmas - December 25

Money Exchangers

• Skylark Build Foreign Exchange, Dadar (East)
• Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, Fort Area
• Parasrampuria Forex Pvt. Ltd., B. S. Marg
• LKP Forex, Nariman Point
• Forex Pvt. Ltd, Nariman Point
• MMS Forex, Andheri (West)
• R.R.S.B. Forex, Andheri (East)
• Zaveri Forex, Vile Parle
• Globe Forex and Travels Ltd, DN Road Fort
• Atlas Exchange Bureau P Ltd, Bandra(West)
• Federal Forex P Ltd, Andheri (East)
• Gharonda Financial Services, Ghatkopar (East)

Mumbai Weather

Mumbai, by and large, observes humidity throughout the year. Since it rests in the tropical zone, moreover close to sea, it enjoys more or less same weather. Its climate can be broadly divided into three seasons, namely winters (November-February), summers (March-May) and monsoons (June-September). The months between March and October are characterized by high humidity, while dryness persists from November to February.

During summers, the temperature rises up to 35°C and the climatic conditions flit around mugginess. Monsoons afflict the residents of Bombay with heavy showers. The temperature comes down to some extent, but extreme clamminess makes the conditions worse. Water-logging is a major problem in the city during this season. However, good news is that the air-conditioners really work well around this time.

The Island City receives an annual rainfall of 2,200 metres. The months of October and November bring a respite from the heavy rains. However, winters appear at their apex in December and January. The weather remains pleasant during these months, where the temperature goes down to the minimum of 15°C. February too, offers an enjoyable climate. In fact, the months from October to February provide the best time to visit Mumbai.

Mumbai Restaurants

Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is just right place to have food from the cuisines around the world. The dream city of India has innumerable restaurants, which specialize in one or the other cuisine. Here you can savor the scrumptious dishes, while sitting in splurge resto-bars or fine restaurants. Mumbaikars lead a fast-paced life, so the city has its own range of fast-food. Most of the local dishes are tangy and spicy, but amazingly delectable.

In case you are thinking what to eat, then here is the answer. Try 'Pani-puri', the water balls of India, which are famous throughout the world. You must also not avoid 'bhel-puri', a peppery and flavorful snack made of puffed rice. 'Vada-pav' is another snack that is usually referred as Indian burger, is worth a try. The idea of enjoying 'bhel-puri' and 'pani-puri' at Chowpatty Beach, while observing the waves of the sea, really sets one on fire.

In the Island City, you can relish a wide variety of Indian cuisines, such as Kashmiri, Mughlai, Parsi, Sindhi, Hyderabadi, Bengali, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Udipi, Konkani, Goan, etc. Varying from Chinese to Continental, Thai to Japanese, Russian to Italian, Eat-outs in Mumbai are host to almost all the cuisines. Due to its propinquity to the sea, the nation's commercial capital has excellent sea-food to dole out with a combination of coconut.

Shrikhand and Chikki are the famous sweet-dishes of Maharashtra, worth-trying. Like most of the parts of the country, here too, you can find 'thali' (Indian platter) that is equal to the complete diet of a person. This 'thali' could be arranged from different Indian cuisines like Mughlai, Punjabi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, South-Indian etc. It is mostly available with mid-range restaurants at lunch as well as dinner timings.

Eating Out in Mumbai is real fun, given the fact that there are ample of restaurants, road side food stalls, bars, pubs, coffee shops & fast food joints in the city. Numerous international food chains, like Nirulas, Mc Donalds, Subway, Pizza Hut, Domino's, etc, also have their outlets in the city. Mumbai has restaurants in five star hotels, malls, shopping places, markets, near colleges, business complexes and institutions and in fact, at every nook and corner.

Restaurants

Sea Food

• Mahesh Lunch Home
• Trishna
• Apurva
• Bharat Excellensea

• Don Giovanni's
• Mezzo Mezzo
• Vetro (The Oberoi Hotel)
• Celini (The Grand Hyatt)
• Mangi Ferra
• Taxi
• Spaghetti Kitchen

• Peshawari (Maratha Sheraton)
• Kandahar (The Oberoi Hotel)
• Kebab Corner (Hotel Intercontinental)
• Copper Chimney
• Khyber
• Kareem's Malad

• Dakshin (Maratha Sheraton)
• Woodlands
• Oh! Calcutta
• Poush
• Preetam's Dhaba
• Urban Tadka
• Chetana
• Thacker's
• Rajdhani
• Casa Soul Fry
• Brittania
• Jimmy Boy
• Sheetal Bukhara
• Great Punjab

• Swati Snacks
• Little Italy
• New Yorkers
• Creame Center
• Statua
• Relish (Hotel Samrat)

• India Jones
• Mainland China
• Ming's Pavillion
• Golden Dragon (Taj Mahal Hotel)
• Great Wall (Renaissance)
• Spices (JW Marriott)
• China Gate
• China White
• Royal China

• Wasabi by Morimoto (Taj Mahal Hotel)
• Tiffin (The Oberoi Hotel)
• Pan Asian (Maratha Sheraton)
• India Jones
• Spices (JW Marriott)
• Origami (Atria Mall)
• Japengo Café (CR2 Mall)
• Tetsuma

• India Jones
• Pan Asian (Maratha Sheraton)
• Seijo and Soul Dish
• Jos

• Olive
• Rain
• Indigo
• Cafe Leopold
• Cafe Mondegar
• Mocha

• Trattoria (Taj President)
• Frangipani
• Vista (Taj Land's End)
• Hornby's Pavilion (ITC Grand Central)
• Lotus Cafe (JW Marriott)

Mumbai Restaurants

Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, is just right place to have food from the cuisines around the world. The dream city of India has innumerable restaurants, which specialize in one or the other cuisine. Here you can savor the scrumptious dishes, while sitting in splurge resto-bars or fine restaurants. Mumbaikars lead a fast-paced life, so the city has its own range of fast-food. Most of the local dishes are tangy and spicy, but amazingly delectable.

In case you are thinking what to eat, then here is the answer. Try 'Pani-puri', the water balls of India, which are famous throughout the world. You must also not avoid 'bhel-puri', a peppery and flavorful snack made of puffed rice. 'Vada-pav' is another snack that is usually referred as Indian burger, is worth a try. The idea of enjoying 'bhel-puri' and 'pani-puri' at Chowpatty Beach, while observing the waves of the sea, really sets one on fire.

In the Island City, you can relish a wide variety of Indian cuisines, such as Kashmiri, Mughlai, Parsi, Sindhi, Hyderabadi, Bengali, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Udipi, Konkani, Goan, etc. Varying from Chinese to Continental, Thai to Japanese, Russian to Italian, Eat-outs in Mumbai are host to almost all the cuisines. Due to its propinquity to the sea, the nation's commercial capital has excellent sea-food to dole out with a combination of coconut.

Shrikhand and Chikki are the famous sweet-dishes of Maharashtra, worth-trying. Like most of the parts of the country, here too, you can find 'thali' (Indian platter) that is equal to the complete diet of a person. This 'thali' could be arranged from different Indian cuisines like Mughlai, Punjabi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, South-Indian etc. It is mostly available with mid-range restaurants at lunch as well as dinner timings.

Eating Out in Mumbai is real fun, given the fact that there are ample of restaurants, road side food stalls, bars, pubs, coffee shops & fast food joints in the city. Numerous international food chains, like Nirulas, Mc Donalds, Subway, Pizza Hut, Domino's, etc, also have their outlets in the city. Mumbai has restaurants in five star hotels, malls, shopping places, markets, near colleges, business complexes and institutions and in fact, at every nook and corner.

Restaurants

Sea Food

• Mahesh Lunch Home
• Trishna
• Apurva
• Bharat Excellensea

• Don Giovanni's
• Mezzo Mezzo
• Vetro (The Oberoi Hotel)
• Celini (The Grand Hyatt)
• Mangi Ferra
• Taxi
• Spaghetti Kitchen

• Peshawari (Maratha Sheraton)
• Kandahar (The Oberoi Hotel)
• Kebab Corner (Hotel Intercontinental)
• Copper Chimney
• Khyber
• Kareem's Malad

• Dakshin (Maratha Sheraton)
• Woodlands
• Oh! Calcutta
• Poush
• Preetam's Dhaba
• Urban Tadka
• Chetana
• Thacker's
• Rajdhani
• Casa Soul Fry
• Brittania
• Jimmy Boy
• Sheetal Bukhara
• Great Punjab

• Swati Snacks
• Little Italy
• New Yorkers
• Creame Center
• Statua
• Relish (Hotel Samrat)

• India Jones
• Mainland China
• Ming's Pavillion
• Golden Dragon (Taj Mahal Hotel)
• Great Wall (Renaissance)
• Spices (JW Marriott)
• China Gate
• China White
• Royal China

• Wasabi by Morimoto (Taj Mahal Hotel)
• Tiffin (The Oberoi Hotel)
• Pan Asian (Maratha Sheraton)
• India Jones
• Spices (JW Marriott)
• Origami (Atria Mall)
• Japengo Café (CR2 Mall)
• Tetsuma

• India Jones
• Pan Asian (Maratha Sheraton)
• Seijo and Soul Dish
• Jos

• Olive
• Rain
• Indigo
• Cafe Leopold
• Cafe Mondegar
• Mocha

• Trattoria (Taj President)
• Frangipani
• Vista (Taj Land's End)
• Hornby's Pavilion (ITC Grand Central)
• Lotus Cafe (JW Marriott)

Passport Office Mumbai

What to Wear in Mumbai

Mumbai is the most-sought after destination in India, attributable to the glamorous silver-screen and the business hub. Another reason could be that it is a major international doorway to the spiritual country. People visiting this glittering city for the first time must be pondering as what to wear and how to dress up here. Candidly speaking, Mumbai's 'bindaas' attitude evidently appears in the clothes people wear.

Here you can find girls wearing the outfits of the latest fashion. Even boys are not behind in dressing themselves as per the current trends. In fact, you can find the replica of Hrithik Roshan as well as Kareena Kapoor in their newest movie clothing while walking through the streets. So don't get confused, it is just about fashion in Bombay. People tend to garb in the hottest fashion clothes as soon as they appear in the market.

Mumbaikars from old age group wear very simple dresses, which could be sari or suit for women and kurta-pyjamas or shirt-trousers for men. All types of clothing are acceptable in Mumbai, be it traditional or most-modern. However, one should wear what he/she can carry in a better way. It's always preferable to dress in a decent manner, so as to avoid any unwanted attention. Since Mumbai is located on the coast moreover in the tropical region, it is always warm and humid.

One should prefer wearing cotton clothes that can absorb the sweat and make you feel comfortable. Throughout the year, cotton clothing is all you will need in Mumbai. Girls can team t-shirts or kurtis with jeans or capris or shorts. For boys too, t-shirts, shorts and jeans will do. Pack a pair of slippers or sneakers to dress your feet. Mumbai is hot and muggy for most of the time, so prefer wearing light cotton clothes.