Ancient yet modern, fabulously rich yet achingly poor, Mumbai is India in microcosm. Once a sultry tropical archipelago of seven islands, and the Raj's brightest jewel, Mumbai was the dowry of Portuguese Princess Infanta Catherine de Braganza who married Charles II of England in 1661. Today it's a teeming metropolis, commercial hub of an old civilization seeking to find its place in the New World Order.

Forty percent of India's taxes come from this city alone, and half of India's international trade passes through its splendid natural harbour. In fact Mumbai is the very soul of human enterprise. At the city's Stock Exchange, millionaires and paupers are made overnight, and the sidewalks are crowded with vendors hawking everything from ballpoint pens to second hand mixies. Everyday, half of Mumbai's population commutes from far-flung suburbs to downtown offices, banks, factories and mills for a living.

Nearly thirteen million people live here - wealthy industrialists, flashy film stars, internationally acclaimed artists, workers, teachers and clerks - all existing cheek by jowl in soaring skyscrapers and sprawling slums. They come from diverse ethnic backgrounds and speak over a dozen tongues adding colour, flavour and texture to the Great Mumbai Melting Pot.

Geography
Mumbai lies off the west coast of India. It has a natural harbour and the wide bay between the city and its main land has allowed Mumbai to develop into a natural Shipping and Trading centre.

Location
18.54°N 72.4°E

Area
600 sq.. km.

Time Zone
Single Time zone - IST (Indian Standard Time).
5 1/2 hrs ahead of London (GMT),
10 1/2 hrs ahead of New York and behind Australia
and 2 1/2 hrs behind Hong Kong.

Population
Recent census figures claim 14.8 million.

Weather
Average monthly temperature in Mumbai in Celsius. Jan - 22°C Feb - 24°C Mar - 26°C Apr - 30°C
May - 33°C Jun - 29°C Jul - 24°C Aug - 27°C
Sep - 26°C Oct - 28°C Nov - 27°C Dec - 27°C ....more

Climate
Being on the sea coast, the temperature undergoes little seasonal fluctuation. Humidity is often very high.
Temperatures range from 19 to 34ºC
Rainfall between June and September averages 216 cm ....more

Mother Tongue
Marathi is the main language.
Hindi, Gujarati and English are also spoken.

Visas
Essential for visitors and usually valid for a period of six months.
Issued by the Indian High Commissions and Embassies ....more

Airport Tax
No departure tax for Domestic travel.
An Airport Tax of RS. 500/ head is applicable for International travel, payable on booking a ticket or at the Airport.

Customs
Import of 1 litre of spirits or wine and 200 cigarettes is permitted. Electronic items like Video cameras and Laptops must be declared at the Customs counter and taken back on departure.

Money
The Indian Rupee, which is equivalent to 100 paise. Appx. value : US $ 1/- = Appx. RS.47/- Brit. £ 1/- = Appx. RS.70/-

Communication
Phone and Fax (Local, Domestic & International are available at the hotel and all communication centres.
Cell phones are available on hire.

Tipping
Hotel porters and waiters are generally tipped.
Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.

Dress
Skimpily clad women will be stared at. Wear informal loose clothes during the day.
Suits are the norm for business meetings.

Etiquette
Shoes are never worn in Temples or Mosques and in some homes.

Bargaining
Street stalls are open to bargaining. Otherwise, fixed prices is the norm.

Medical Health
It is advisable to take Accident Insurance.
Immunization against Cholera, Typhoid and
Polio is recommended.
Carry a Mosquito repellent (they are also
available in Mumbai.)
Stick to purified water.

Essential Hindi
Here are a few handy Hindi phrases that you can use in Mumbai.

Transport

Rent a car
Our Travel desk can help you rent a car.

Autorickshaws
Three wheelers are available only in the suburbs, they are also metered, with a farecard.

Taxis
The best travel options are Regular Taxis. They are black and yellow and have a meter - but remember,
you pay the rate as per the Fare card.
AC Taxis or "Cool Cabs", are distinguished by their blue colour.
Our Travel desk can call one up for you. Buses:
Single and Double decker busses are an inexpensive mode of transport. They tend to get over crowded at peak hours.

Rail
The Western Railway line plies from Churchgate and the Central and Harbour line plies from Victoria Terminus (now CST). Tickets are available at the railway booking counters. Trains are non A/C, have Ist and llnd classes and separate compartment for Ladies.