Restaurants

The fast-paced life here, has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking pav bhaji, bhel puri and kababs. There is no dearth, though of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs. Many hotels have in-house restaurants, which usually cater to different palettes. There are innumerable small-scale places offering South Indian Udipi fare, Gujarati thalis, 'Indian" Chinese, typical North Indian Mughlai food and the current rage of Manglorean fish. Though rest assured, international cuisine is also found here, with choices ranging from Italian pasta to Thai curry and even Lebanese kababs! Epicures can be treated to special treats at the continuous "food festivals" (see the local dailies for up-to-date information) held here. Check with your host or hotel for best places to visit around your area.

Accessibility

One of the advantages of being a major metropolis is that Mumbai is well connected to the rest of the state and country.

For those choosing to travel by train, Mumbai's two main railway terminals - Mumbai Central and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (or VT) connect it to the rest of the country. For up-to-date information on tickets and routes, check the Western Railway and Central Railway reservation centers.

If you are arriving by air, disembarkation would be either at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (formerly known as Saar Airport) or at Chhatrapati Shivaji Domestic Airport (formerly known as Santa Cruz Airport). They are about 4 kms apart and are approximately 30 kms and 26 kms away from the heart of the city - Nariman Point - in south Mumbai. An airport bus service operates between the airports and the Air India Building at Nariman Point. The journey takes an hour to the domestic terminal and fifteen minutes longer to the international terminal. However, be warned that during peak-hour traffic the journey could last almost two hours. Tickets can be bought either on the buses or at the booth outside the Air India Building. There is also a shuttle bus that operates at regular intervals between the domestic and international airports.

Long distance buses depart from Mumbai Central S.T. Bus Depot to several towns and cities. MTDC also operates a number of bus services throughout the year (except for the monsoon months) to many scenic spots and tourist centers. Check at MTDC counters for details.

Places for Kids

There are plenty of places of interest for children to see around the city.
Besides the usual, Mumbai has several lit buildings around the Fort area and a night ride by the buggy or Victoria (easily available) to these sights could be exciting. Also, during Diwali and Christmas the city takes on a particularly festive look and a special trip to a five-star hotel for its decorations, especially the well-lit and adorned Christmas tree is always fun.

Parks and Playground

There are many parks and playgrounds around the city providing the necessary outdoor activity, greenery and fresh air that kids enjoy. The beachfronts such as Chowpatty at Marine Drive, Worli sea face and Juhu are mini entertainment parks with Ferris-wheels, 'merry-go-rounds' and horse and camel rides.

Amusement Parks

There a few amusement parks such as Esselworld and Water Kingdom situated near Manori beach. Also Fantasy Land near Jogeshwari has some good rides.

Zoo

Besides these, the zoo (Jijamata Bhonsle Udyan) near Byculla is a joy for children. Housed in Victoria Gardens, the oldest and largest public garden in Mumbai, it is sprawling complex with a variety of animals and birds.

Aquarium

The Taraporewala Aquarium opposite Chowpatty, with its exotic marine life and rare species of fish, is a delight to kids

Nehru Planetarium

This planetarium is part of the Nehru Center complex and an excellent place to bring children. for educational programs and exhibits lunar and astronomical photographs. It holds regular audiovisual shows on astronomy. The Nehru Science Museum, also part of the complex, is an interesting experience as well. It is near the Mahalaxmi Race Course and railway station.

Excursions

Elephanta Caves
Across the Mumbai Harbor, lie the seventh-century rock-cut temples of Elephanta. Once known as Gharapuri, or the Fortress City, the caves are now designated as a World Heritage Site and visited by hundreds of tourists both for their art historical and scenic value.
The Portuguese renamed this island Elephanta after a large stone elephant found near the shore ( the elephant sculpture collapsed in 1814, when the British relocated it to the Victoria Gardens now Mumbai's zoo, where it still stands). The cave temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and there is one main cave with several sculpted panels. By far the most arresting sculpture is of Maheshamurti or the Great Lord Shiva representing the three-headed god as the creator, preserver and destroyer. There are other delicate and unusual panels on the doorways and side walls. Once a year the MTDC arranges a two-day festival of dance and music here.

Getting There: Approach to the Island is by boat. Luxury and ordinary launches as well as catamarans leave for Elephanta from Apollo Bunder at the Gateway of India. Boats usually leave every half-hour from 9 am to 2 pm from Apollo Bunder and between 1 PM and 5 PM from Elephanta Island. Tickets are sold at booths near the Gateway of India and the MTDC offers daily tours to the Island. During the monsoons the ordinary boat services are usually suspended.

Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves
104 sq. kms of green hills and forests, this protected area lies near the northern suburb of Borivali. In fact the park was formerly known as the Borivali National Park. There is a Lion Safari Park 500 m inside the entrance and safari rides run daily except Monday from 9 am to 5 pm.
 The park is also well known for the 109 Kanheri Caves ( in particular Cave 3), built between the 2nd and 9th centuries as viharas (monasteries) and chaityas (prayer halls).

Getting There: Visitors can take the train on the Western line (from Churchgate) to Borivali station and then an auto-rickshaw to the caves. On Sundays and public holidays, a bus service runs from Borivali station to the caves. The MTDC suburban tour also includes Kanheri in its itinerary.

Entertainment

Nightlife
Nightlife in Mumbai is best described by the fact that Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. Trendy 'pubs' and discos or nightclubs are located in the Fountain/Colaba area and the suburbs too have plenty to offer. Many restaurants double up as bars and nightclubs and stay open till late hours. For those on a budget, the local beaches such as Chowpatty and Juhu have a life of their own during the nights, and often people are found strolling on the beachfronts enjoying the cool breeze. Both serve as playgrounds, open-air restaurants and amusements parks.

Bollywood and Movies
India's answer to Hollywood, Bollywood films have a fantastic mix of action, violence, music, dance, romance and an almost nonexistent story. Hindi films are a part and parcel of life not just in Mumbai but probably all over India. The industry rooted in Mumbai, produces over 200 films a year and is the largest maker of films anywhere in the world. The film stars or as they known as in 'filmi' parlance, the heroes and heroines are treated as mega-stars and likened to gods and goddesses. The masses adore their 'masala' films because they allow the people of India to escape into a fantasy and hang on to their dreams.

Every movie is punctuated with at least half a dozen songs and elaborate dance numbers, plus an equal number of costume and location changes. Given this, it is no wonder that the musical success of a film is vital to its overall success. The formula for a 'hit' film has been tried and tested hundreds of times, and many movies may be actual copies of Hollywood originals. However, nowadays they boast of outstanding production values, with breathtaking cinematography, intricate stunts and action shots, and a sophistication and slickness previously missing.

If you haven't seen one, it's worth a shot. Ask around for the latest good flicks running in a movie theater near you. A visit to the sets -- a wonderfully chaotic experience - is possible by contacting the managers or public relations officers of the following studios: Film City in Goregaon, Natraj in Andheri and RK Studio in Chembur.

Theater and Music
Traditionally, Mumbai has always had a strong local following for both music and theater In fact, theater performances in Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and English are of a very high standard. Both serious plays and lighter 'spoofs' or farcical comedies are performed. Usually plays are held on the weekends, as in many cases the actors have other professions as well. Check the local papers for the latest listings as plays are performed all over the city with a number of theater halls in the suburbs as well. The National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point and the Prithvi Theater in Juhu (with an excellent café) have regular performances.

Imagine you can hear the lilting sounds of a sitar against the gentle lapping of waves! Music is found all over the city, and the sheer number and variety of concerts will satisfy both western and Indian music lovers. Indian classical music is best heard outdoors in performances usually held in the winter months. The best and most talented artistes perform here, with such arresting backdrops as the Gateway of India and the Banganga Tank. There is no shortage of pop, rock, and jazz too. Many restaurants and venues have live performances by local and international artistes, all providing a pulsating and lively atmosphere. Check local papers for concerts and the NCPA program as well.

For music, dance, drama and the movies, the Government of India's tourist office publishes a fortnightly guide with the latest information of   what's on.