Located in Western India in the state of Maharashtra and the commercial capital of India , Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay but had its name changed by Parliament in 1997) is home to Juhu Beach, Pav Bhaji, Bollywood and Marine Drive . In 1932, JRD Tata made aviation history when he flew a light aircraft from Karachi to Juhu Aerodrome. This later became known as India's national carrier, Air India.

What to See / Do

Chowpatty & Juhu beaches top the list of must see sights in Mumbai. Tourists and locals alike gather en-masse at sunset to get some respite from the heat, enjoy the view and sample the refreshingly sweet & sour kalakhatta (a black drink), share a plate of paanipuri (hollow, fried, crispy golden shells filled with diced potatoes, chickpeas, onions and chillis and topped with tamarind chutney) or the malaikulfi on a stick.

Nearby is the ISKON temple and the morning aarti (prayers) resounds blissfully over Juhu beach with the melodious music making it more a spiritually enhancing experience rather than religious. The same can be said for the 15th century Haji Ali which is a famous dargah (mosque) housing the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. This white structure sits on a floating island off the coast of Worli (South Mumbai) which is connected to land by a narrow, stone path and one which regularly gets completely submerged during the monsoon season.

A ferry ride on the Arabian Sea departing from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves, on Elephanta Island is a really fun way to spend the day. A world heritage site, it will only cost you around £1.50 to visit! Following your day trip, why not pop into the nearby Leopolds Cafe for a pitcher of beer which is one of Mumbai's most iconic institutions and one which was under fire during the 26/11 terrorist attack on the city. If you fancy something a bit less raucous, the nearby Starbucks cafe, built over two floors, is probably one of the largest and finest coffee houses you've ever seen!

The $270 million Bandra-Worli Sea Link (officially known as the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link) is another new city attraction connecting the suburbs to South Mumbai in less than 20 minutes thereby saving commuters at least an hour on their journey time. The bridge features eight lanes with smooth, tarmac roads akin to those of a major freeway in the western world. If you're not cruising along it, then just observe it from a vantage point at Land's End, Bandra.