Home to glamorous Bollywood, India’s business elite, the country’s largest middle class and its biggest slum, the disparity in Mumbai is striking. However, get past that and it is a cultural melting pot (India’s economic, cultural and fashion centre) with great food, nightclubs and an energy that is non-stop. Situated on the Arabian sea, Bombay gets beautiful sunsets and a cooling breeze, especially in the winter months. Look out for the beautiful neo-Gothic architecture in the heart of the city and the decaying but beautiful Art Deco buildings along Marine Drive.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
Watch your stomach - avoid raw food and beware of ice. Don't eat street food no matter how tempting it might look. |
| 02 |
Make sure you carry around bottled water to drink - it is hot. |
| 03 |
Be careful when asking for directions - people tend to point somewhere even if they don't know where they are pointing. |
| 04 |
Whatever anyone quotes you - try for at least 50 per cent less. |
| 05 |
Don't be fooled by the children begging, the money goes straight to their ringleader. Try to give them food instead. |
| 06 |
Be prepared for the monsoon if you go between June and late September. Umbrellas don't always do the trick so if you have a meeting you might want to take a change of clothes. |
| 07 |
Leave plenty of time to get around - the traffic can be terrible. |
| 08 |
Do try the famous Bombay chaat - bhel puri, sev puri and dahi bata puri is a must eat. But have it somewhere reliable like the Sea Lounge at the Taj Mahal Hotel, or the informal Swati Snacks. |
| 09 |
Everyone is warm and friendly; you can learn a lot chatting to your cab driver. |
| 10 |
Perfect your Indian head nod. Just move it side to side and you will fit right in. |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
The Gordon House Hotel
5 Battery Street, Apollo Bunder, Colaba
+ 91 22 2287 1122
ghhotel.com
Dependable
The Oberoi
Nariman Point
+ 91 22 6632 5757
oberoihotels.com
Premium
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
Apollo Bunder
+ 91 22 6665 3366
tajhotels.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
Indigo Deli
Apollo Bunder
+ 91 22 6655 1010
Business breakfast
Frangi Pani
Hilton Towers, Nariman Point
+ 91 22 6632 4343
hilton.co.uk/mumbai
Mid-morning coffee
Barrista
(Many locations)
barista.co.in
Working lunch with colleagues
Konkan Café
The Taj President Hotel, Cuffe Parade
+ 91 22 6665 0808
tajhotels.com
Need-to-impress-clients lunch
India Jones
Hilton Towers, Nariman Point
+ 91 22 6632 4343
hilton.co.uk/mumbai
Lunch on your own
Swati Snacks
Tardeo, Near Bhatia Hospital
+ 91 22 5660 8405
Afternoon tea/drink
Moshe
7 Minoo Manor, Cuffe Parade
+ 91 22 2216 1226
mosheshek.com
Dinner on your own
Chetna
Lane Fort
+ 91 22 2284 4968
Dinner with colleagues
Copper Chimney
Dr Annie Beasant Road, Worli
+ 91 22 2492 0505
Private dinner
Wasabi
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
+ 91 22 6665 3366
tajhotels.com
Big dinner with partner/clients
Indigo
4 Mandlik Road, Colaba
+ 91 22 5636 8999
Drink after dinner
Salt Water Grill
H2O Water Sports Complex
+ 91 22 2368 5459
Late drinks
Henry Thams
Dhanraj Mahal, Colaba
+ 91 22 2202 3186
Late bite
Shamiana
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
+ 91 22 6665 3366
tajhotels.com
On the tiles
Prive
Minoo Desai Road, Colaba
+ 91 22 2202 8700
Ra
462 Phoenix Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel
+ 91 22 5661 4343
04
Reading
Books
Crossword
(Many locations)
crossword
bookstores.com
05
Thank yous
Wine from Indigo Deli
Apollo Bunder
+ 91 22 6655 1010
06
Shopping
Something you can't get anywhere else
Antiques from Chor Bazzaar
Motton Street
Lost luggage - where to buy dress shirts, socks and undies
Pantaloon
Phoenix Mills shopping complex, Lower Parel
Something for the kids
Toys from Phoenix Mills shopping complex
Something for someone you love
Contemporary silver and glass from Ravissant
Taj Mahal Hotel Shopping Arcade
+ 91 22 2281 5225
Something for yourself
Indian artefacts from Oberoi Shopping centre
Nariman Point
+ 91 22 6632 5757
07
Two hour tour
| 01 |
The Gateway of India
Apollo Bunder
|
02 |
Mahatma Gandhi Museum
19 Laburnum Road, Gamdevi
+ 91 22 2380 5864
|
03 |
Ballad Estate
Drive there at night to avoid the traffic, and enjoy the Victorian architecture.
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08
Limousine/car
V-Link Taxis Private Limited
+ 91 22 4052 0100
09
Transport
Hire a car or hail a taxi - they are readily available. An air-conditioned car is a must. Taking the bus isn't the best idea - too crowded and confusing.
10
Fitness
Good Gym
Moksh Wellness Place
Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy, Cumbala Hill
+ 91 22 2367 6990
Good running route
Priyadarshini Park
Napean Sea Road
Alternative diversion
Yoga at Purna Swasthya Yoga
Therapy Center, Bhartiya Stree Seva Sangh, 1st Floor, Krishna Kunj, Behind Wilson College
+ 91 22 5605 7567
drpragna.com