Mumbai, which was previously known as Bombay is a major metropolitan city of India. It is the state capital of Maharashtra . Mumbai city is known as the business capital of India, it being the country's principal financial and communications centre. The city has the largest and the busiest port handling India's foreign trade and a major Interntional airport.

India's largest Stock Exchange which ranks as the third largest in the world, is situated in Mumbai. Here, trading of stocks is carried out in billions of rupees everyday. Discription about Mumbai/Bombay can not be complete without the mention of Bollywood, the biggest Indian film industry which churns out hundreds of Hindi block-busters every year.

History of Mumbai
In 1661, King Charles II of England, married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal, and as part of the dowry he received "Bombay" which is today known as Mumbai. Later in 1668 it was handed over to the East India Company. In 1858 the administration of the country was taken over by the Queen of England, Queen Victoria, from the East India Company.

A viceroy was appointed to rule India in the name of the Queen. Bombay came under the direct rule of the British in 1861. The first railway line in India was started between Bombay (VT) and Thane in 1861. In 1864, modern water supply was started in Bombay (Mumbai) and in 1885, Bombay was lit with gas. Mahatma Gandhi joining Indian Politics in 1920, was a turning point in the political destiny of India which led to the Independence of India from the British rule. Bombay (Mumbai) had an important role to play in this event.

Climate of Mumbai
Most of the year, Mumbai's climate is warm and humid. Between November and February, the skies are clear,and the temperature is cooler. From March the temperature becomes warm and humid till mid June, the beginning of monsoon. During monsoon there are torrential rains, sometimes causing the flooding of major roads and streets of Mumbai. The average rainfall which is brought by the south-west monsoon winds in Mumbai is 180 cms. Monsoon ends by the end of September. October is comparatively hot and humid.

Sight Seeing In Mumbai City
Gateway Of India
Mumbai's most famous landmark, The Gateway of India, is situated at Apollo Bunder. It was designed by George Wikket. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Through this magnificent monument, numerous viceroys and governors were welcomed to India as they disembarked from their steamers, hence the name.

Flora Fountain (Hutatma Chowk)
This marvellous fountain was built in 1869, in honor of Sir Henry Bartle and Edward Frere. It is situated in the heart of the Mumbai city at a junction of five streets. The fountain has a figure of "Flora", the Roman Goddess of Flowers at the top.

Chowpatty Beach & Juhu Beach
Chowpatty beach is situated on Marine Drive. This beach is well-known for it's stalls selling "Bhel-Puri and Pani -Puri chat" a favourite fast food among the Mumbaites and visitors to the city. Juhu Beach is the most popular beach in Mumbai which is 30 kms away from the heart of Mumbai. It is a long stretch of sandy beach from Santacruz to Vile-Parle. This is a very popular beach for picnic. Both these beaches are crowded on week-ends.

Mount Mary Church
This is one of most prominent and splendid churches in Mumbai, situated in Bandra (West). During the month of September a week long fair is held which is attended by the people of all relegions.

Sighseeing Outside Mumbai City
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are located on an island about 10 Kms. away from the Gateway of India. These caves consist of temples carved from rock which date back to the 7th century. The chief attraction is the three headed bust of Lord Shiva, popularly known as "Trimurti". One can reach there by taking a ferry from Gateway of India.

Lonavala, Khandala, Karla Caves
Situated atop Western Ghats ( Mountain range) on Mumbai-Pune highway are the twin Hill resorts of Khandala and Lonavala. During monsoon the beauty of Khandala is enhanced when the clouds envelope them and several gushing waterfalls can be seen from the lush green hills. At Lonavala the Valvan and Bushy dams are worth visiting. When you drive a little further towards Pune from Lonavala, you reach Karla, where the famous Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa Caves are situated.