Welcome to the commercial hub of India – Mumbai, a city that never sleeps. Business flourishes here with the Bombay Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange, Reserve Bank of India and large corporate headquarters operating around the clock. Settled on the seven islands that were later joined together as a result of the city’s renewal, the booming city has one of the most expensive real estate deals.

Large skyscrapers loom on one side while 60 percent of the population lives in slums on the other. Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, home to 800,000 people in Mumbai. At 10 meters above sea level, Mumbai has six major lakes, along with the Bhatsa Dam, which supply the city with water. The best places to catch a glimpse of the Arabian Sea are the beaches of Juhu and Chowpatti. You’ll experience a true taste of India there, from traditional Indian dishes like Bhelpuri, to a diverse demographic like yoga practitioners showing off their supple bodies.

The main historical sites in Mumbai are the Gateway of India, Elephanta caves and Kanheri caves. The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO heritage site, were formed in AD 600. Every year there is the spectacular Elephanta Festival with dance and music. The Gateway of India is located on the seafront in South Mumbai and was once the entrance for people coming to India via Mumbai.

For those looking to enjoy the water, but not the sea, then Essel World is the place. There you will find an international style water theme park complete with rides, roller coasters and adventure themes. You can also take a trip through the six-lane Marine Drive around Mumbai’s natural bay. Haji Ali, a spiritual wonder that attracts people of all faiths, is located on the Worli coast in south Mumbai. Animal and bird lovers can visit the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, full of beautiful wildlife. The park is also home to the 2,400-year-old Kanheri Caves, carved out of rock and stone. If you want to experience a beautiful sunset away from the noise of the city, go to the terraced gardens called Hanging Gardens.

Hindi movies, famous all over the world for their romantic stories, are made in Bollywood, also known as Film City, which is located near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. You can go there and find live footage of Hindi movies. Mumbai is also famous for its Ganesh Festival and the renowned Siddhi Vinayak Temple, where worshipers come to pray. Other places of interest include the Dhobi Ghat, Flora Fountain, Jehangir Art Gallery, Nehru Center, Taj Mahal Hotel where you can also stay, Worli Fishing Village and Vihar Lake. Lonavala, also called Khandala, is 106 km from the International Airport and is by far the most romantic place in the area.

Traveling is not easy in Mumbai as it is heavily populated. The buses are always overcrowded and the roads congested. Railways are the best option for most Mumbaikars as they are frequent and non-stop. Ferries are also a viable source of transportation across the sea. The subway is currently under construction and is planned to be an underground option that will be faster than all other sources of transportation. Although not an exhaustive list, some of the top hotels for tourists are the Ramada Plaza Palm Grove, The Retreat, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, and the Godwin Hotel.