Information about flights to Mumbai
Still one of the world's most populous cities, Mumbai is noted for its tremendous variety of medieval and colonial architecture. It is now categorised as an alpha world city, ranking alongside other major world cities such as Mexico City, Amsterdam and Los Angeles.
Notable architectural sights
The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most exquisite architectural creations known to mankind and dates back to the mid-17th century. The mausoleum was designed by the emperor Shah Jahan, who found the inspiration to build the magnificent structure from his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Another illustrious landmark is the Norman and Flemish-style Crawford Market, which was built in the 1860s by William Emerson, a distinguished British architect. The market now sells a wide selection of fresh produce, clothing and souvenir items, and was the first building in the country to be powered by electricity, in 1882. You should also take time to explore The Mumbai High Court, another remarkable building that dates back to the early Victorian period and was designed in the decorative neo-Gothic style.
Other attractions
If you love all things fabric, you'll need to head to Fabindia, which provides an exhaustive range of traditional and contemporary Indian fabrics from local artisans. For a fun day trip, head to Elephanta Island and discover its impressive temple artworks and dramatic caves that also comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The historic Gateway of India monument is one of Mumbai's best known attractions and was scheduled to be completed in 1911, when Queen Mary and King George V embarked on a royal tour of India. However the building was not finished until the 1920s, when the 83-foot high dome and a grand Roman arch were finally completed. This monument also has an important place in Indian history, as it was the last place that British troops passed through in February 1948 following the Indian Independence Act of the previous year.
Food
As you would expect for such a large metropolis, Mumbai is home to an immense restaurant scene. One of the most acclaimed venues is the Wasabi By Morimoto, which specialises in traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern touch and was once voted among the top 50 restaurants in the world. The Sigree Global Grill, meanwhile, focuses on authentic North Indian, Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine, and features a spectacular buffet. Other revered culinary establishments include Global Fusion, serving many types of Asian cuisine, and Aer Four Season, which specialises in European and Lebanese dishes. Please note, tourists are strongly advised not to drink tap water in Mumbai.
