Mumbai
The Magic of Mumbai
Mumbai: the wealthiest city in India, the centre of the country’s commerce and entertainment. Here are some of the wealthiest people and companies in the country, as well as Bollywood itself. Here one may find too some of the most modern (and also expensive) hotels in the world, which provide just about every amenity guests could think of and which are flanked by private properties and high-rise apartments so valuable that their prices are comparable to those in Manhattan. This is a land of luxury, of opulence, of Indian glamour at its best, and even the most demanding traveler shall surely find something to suit his comfort needs.
Yet despite all these offerings and pleasures, Mumbai’s allure as a tourist spot is not built on modernity alone. Mumbai has a rich history, one whose time of habitation may go as far back as the Stone Age. It has gone from being a fishing village to a part of the Gujarat Sultanate and saw the struggles of the Portuguese and British, and now that India is independent, it is the capital of Maharashtra State. All of that has left a mark on the city, which, like its cuisine, is redolent with the hints of many different cultures having added their flavors to its pot.
This makes Mumbai an even more fascinating place to visit, as it has developed a character that stays distinct even while evoking some of its history. This is a place of upscale shopping brands—think Hermes and Armani—and modern cafes as well as the Elephanta and Jogeshwari Caves (both dating back to around the sixth century). This is a place where you can enjoy the finest in international cuisine from world-class chefs as well as classic US fast food even while having your pick of the best Marathi and Indian cookeries and restaurants at every corner. This is a place where most people on the street can handle English yet also welcome you with local greetings with relish. Not for nothing is Mumbai the place where one may find the Gateway to India.
