Climate: Its climate can be broadly divided into  three seasons, namely winter(November-February), summer (March-May) and monsoon (June-September). Generally May is the hottest month of the year and January is the coldest month in Mumbai.

Geography: Mumbai is located on Salsette Island which lies at the mouth of Ulhas River off the western coast of India in the coastal region known as the Konkan.

Winter in Mumbai lasts from November to February and during this season the weather of Mumbai is really pleasant and attracts large number of tourists. In fact, the months from October to February provide the best time to visit Mumbai.

Mumbai is an island, connected by bridges with the mainland. At one time it was actually a number of islands namely COLABA, MAHIM, GIRGAUM, MAZGAON, PAREL, WORLI AND DONGRI. The principal part of the city is concentrated at the southern end of the island and the northern end is comparatively  less populated. The Santa Cruz airport  is  on the north. There are three main railway stations in the city centre. Churchgate and Victoria Terminus are conveniently central but Mumbai Central is  at some distance further out. Mumbai's two main landmarks" The Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Hotel " are at Colaba. Mumbai is the glamour of Bollywood cinema.
 Film City: Built in 1978 to meet the needs of Mumbai's booming Hindi film industry, better known as Bollywood, Film City sprawls over 140 ha (346 acres) in the city's northern outskirts. Bollywood produces some 120 feature films a year, making it the world's largest film industry, rivalled only by South India's Telugu and Tamil film industries. Film City is where many Bollywood blockbusters are shot. Sound-and-dance routines, scenes of tear-jerking melo drama and action-packed fight sequences take place simultaneously on Film City's dozen shooting stages, against outsize backdrops of medieval forts, dense jungles and opulent cardboard palaces.

Gateway of India: This Gateway of India in Mumbai is a major tourist spot that draws numerous tourists from national as well as international areas. Presently the Gateway of India in Mumbai stands as a memorial of the struggle of our freedom   fighters to free the country from the clutches of British rule.

Mumbai lies on India's west coast in the state of Maharashtra facing the Arabian sea. The city occupies an area of 440 sq km. One fourth of the city lies below sea level. Located in central India, Maharashtra is bounded in north and east by Madhya Pradesh, south by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa, west by the Arabian Sea and northwest by Daman and Gujarat.

Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation provides public bus service to the public in the state of Maharashtra. From Mumbai, regular MSRTC buses and private buses ply to Pune. The bus route also  runs through the Western Ghats. Maharash State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has bus stations within Pune at Kothrud, Katraj, Market Yard, Pune station, Swargate, Shivajinagar. Shivajinagar bus stand has 10  platforms catering  to  the needs of the passengers who travel within Maharashtra and the adjoining states of Maharashtra.

The Mumbai Suburban Railway, is composed of three rail networks and runs along the length of the city. The Western Railway runs along the western region of the city, while the Central Railway covers most of the central and northeast parts of the metropolis. The Harbour Line is a sub-division of the Central Railway, covering a distance of 54 km along the extreme east areas of the city region near the docks and extending into New Bombay. The city is also the headquarters of two rail divisions, the Central Railway (CR) headquartered at Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly known as Victoria Terminus) and the Western Railway (WR) headquartered at Mumbai Central.

Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the busiest airport in India. Most of the International-Airlines touch Mumbai and connect it with major cities of the world. 
Domestic Flights from Mumbai: Gujarat Airways:-Santacruz Airport -6177063/022 There are flights to more than 30 Indian cities including daily flights to Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Delhi, Goa and Varanasi.

The largest part of shipping to the Bombay port consists of cargo. Cargo handling facilities have also been set up in Nhava and Sheva in New Bombay. There are passenger services to nearby beaches and to Goa by catamaran and hovercraft.

Some of the major festivals celebrated in Mumbai are Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Diwali, Christmas, Id-ul-Fitr, Mumbai International Film Festival, Elephanta Festival, etc,. 
Mumbai International Film Festival : (February) Mumbai International Film Festival is organized once in every two years. Different film producers and directors throng to Mumbai for the festival. Mumbaites and visitors from outside ,especially the film buffs can enjoy good time during this festival.
 Ganesh Chaturthi Festival : Ganesh Chaturthi,the worship of the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is widely celebrated in Mumbai. It is the biggest festival in Mumbai. It is celebrated with great grandeur for 11 days in the month of August or September. 
Diwali Festival: (November) The festival of lights - Diwali, is a great time to travel to Mumbai. In the Banganga tank  the auspicious occasion of Diwali is celebrated in a traditional manner. The earthen lamps are floated in the water. The shimmering flames on the water create a picturesque sight.

Mumbai is known to be one of the most liberal and cosmopolitan cities of India. The smell of modern India can be better felt in Mumbai due to the conglomeration of Indo - western culture. People try to follow the celebrity lifestyle as they belong to the Film City of India. They participate in every occasion irrespective of caste and religion. 
Language: The official language of the city is Marathi. Apart from that, English and Hindi  are also spoken here.
 Music: The Marathi koli songs, which was the original music of the city is still heard in many coastal areas in its original form and even in repacked pop/party remix forms.
 Festival: Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Navratri, Good Friday, Id, Dussera, Moharram, Ganesh Chaturthi and Maha Shivratri are some of the most popular festivals in the city. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most major festivals that is celebrated in the city with great fervour.

Some of the famous pilgrimage destination of Bombay are Mahalaxmi Temple, Jain Temple, Mumbadevi temple, Siddhivinayak Temple and Haji Ali Dargah. Mumba Devi Temple : Built in 1675, located in Bhuleshwar area in South Mumbai,  it is an old Hindu temple in the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) dedicated to the goddess Mumba, the local incarnation of the Devi (Mother Goddess). It is a sacred pilgrimage spot and place of worship for Hindus and is thus visited daily by hundreds of people.
 Haji Ali Mosque : Approached by a long causeway which gets submerged at high tide, is the dargah (tomb) of a rich merchant, Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up his wealth after a pilgrimage to Mecca. The dargah dates to the 15th century, but the dazzling white mosque was built in the 1940s and seems to float on its small island in the Arabian Sea. The causeway, usually lined with beggars, leads to a huge marble courtyard. The tomb lies at its centre and devotees touch their heads to the heavily embroidered chador(ceremonial cloth) covering it. Female devotees sit behind a jali(stone screen).

Gateway of India : Located on the waterfront in South Mumbai, the Gateway is a basalt arch 26 metres high. The Gateway of India is a monument in Mumbai,   It is traditionally the first thing visitors arriving by boat would see of Mumbai.  It  is built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. Though built in   Indo-Saracenic iMGat. n architectural style, elements are derived from the Muslim architectural styles of 16th century Gujarat. The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs, borne mainly by the Government of India. It was built  to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in 1991. It is regarded as one of the most celebrated monuments of India. Visit to Mumbai is incomplete without visiting this glorious monument. Most of the five star hotels of Bombay are located around the Gateway of India.

Matheran : It is a fascinating hill-station 80-km east of Mumbai in Alibag district and is worth visiting any time of the year. An Englishman, Hugh Mallet, Collector of Thane, discovered it in 1850. One can have a nice walk in Matheran at points like Louisa Point, Panorama Point and Little Chouk Point. Make it a point to watch the sunset from Louisa Point. As vehicles of any kind are not permitted in the town, one can breathe  the fresh air here. For the adventurous trekkers, the interesting places to visit are the romantic precipice called the Byron Garbutt Point  and , Panorama Point.

Nightlife is dazzling in Mumbai and that is why it is called - the city that never sleeps. Nightlife had always been active in Mumbai, but in the presence of silver-screen stars, leading millionaires and high-profile society, it has become even more happening. The city is dotted with cocktail clubs, hard-rock discos, pubs and coffeehouses. Some of the most hip, hop and happening pubs in Mumbai are the Leopold's Café Mondegar, The Tavern, Earthquake and Wild Orchids.'Not Just Jazz by the Bay' at Marine Drive has live music on Wednesday and Saturday nights. This is a trendy hangout. Although Western music is popular, Mumbaiikers (thankfully) have a deep passion for contemporary Hindi songs as well.

Essel World The city offers scopes for mega  entertainment at Esselworld. It is Mumbai's only international style theme park and scintillating amusement  centre that is located close to Gorai Beach. There is something for all ages; the entire fun extravaganza includes Children's Rides, Adult's Rides and Family Rides. You would also love to try some of the coin-operated games, like Crazy Shuttle, Aqua Blasta, Water Lazer etc.

Mumbai is dotted with number of markets - Chor bazaars, Crawford markets, Dharavi markets are to name some. 
Crawford market now renamed Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market, lies to the north of Victoria Terminus is famous for flowers, fruits, meat and fish.It is certainly a  place worth capturing on your camera. Just west of Crawford Market is Zaveri Bazaar, where diamond, gold and silver merchants have their opulent stores. Northwest of Crawford Market, on Mutton Street, is Chor Bazaar ("Thieves' Market"), with its fascinating antique and bric-a-brac shops.

Mumbai is famous for sea food and Bhel puri.  It has many famous restaurants where vegetarian and non vegetarian food is available. The stalls near Juhu Beach and Chowpatty are very famous. You find the rich and famous, celebrities and even the general public enjoying food here. The mouth- watering Gujarati and South Indian thalis, the delicious Parathas give tough competition to the Pizza parlours, fast food joints and sandwich corners. Not to forget the local Famous Junk Food of Mumbai - Pav Bhaji and Bhel Puri, Pani Puri stalls and the roadside Vadapav and Usal Pav stalls, which gather the maximum crowds.

Prince of Wales Museum : It is located in the heart of South Mumbai near the Gateway of India. Built in a confluence of Gothic and Moorish styles, and crowned by a sparkling white dome. Its foundation stone was laid by the Prince of Wales (the future George V)in 1905. During World War I, it served as a military hospital, and was formally inaugurated in 1923. It boasts a good collection of ancient Indus Valley artifacts dating back to 2000 BC, plus some priceless Tibetan and Nepali Art. The chief attraction here is the collection of over 2000 miniature paintings from the various art schools of India. 
Malabar Hill: Located at South Mumbai,this lush green residential area, once dotted with bungalows set in large  compounds with garden  is today crowded with highrise apartment blocks, home to Mumbai's rich and famous. 
The main attractions of this hill are : Hanging Gardens, Banganga Tank and Parsi Tower of Silence. 
The Hangind Gardens provide a pleasant open space in the vicinity, with good views of the city. Hidden amidst the soaring skyscrapers of Malabar Hill is the small settlement of Banganga, set around a sacred tank. According to legend, Rama, hero of the Ramayana, pausing here while on his way to rescue the abducted wife Sita, shot an arrow into the ground and a spring gushed forth. This is the origin of the tank, and devotees take regular ritual dips in it. The site has several temples - the Jabreshwar Mahadeo, at the tank's corner, is the prettiest, while the Walkeshwar Temple, built in the 18th century, has a linga said to have been built by Rama himself.

Essel World : The city offers mega entertainment scopes at Essel World. It is Mumbai's only international style theme park and scintillating amusement centre  that is located close to Gorai Beach. 
How to Reach Essel World: (70 km at Gorai) Nearest Railway Stations: Malad or Borivili from where the journey must be made by Road and Sea. Also approachable by road via Bhayandar on Western Express Highway. 
Shivaji Park : This park is situated in the Dadar area of Mumbai. If one notices the grand statue of Shivaji adorning this maidan (ground), it is surprising to note that this is one of the very few statues in which Shivaji is depicted without having drawn out his sword. Instead, Shivaji is shown simply leading the way with his arm outstretched. In modern times though, one relates Shivaji Park more with being the cradle of Indian cricket, with its innumerable cricket academies like those of late Anna Vaidya and Ramakant Acharekar which produced several international cricketers for India. Some famous names being Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar,etc,.

Lakes: The Vihar Lake and the Tulsi Lake are present within the National Park and supply part of the city's drinking water.
 Beaches: Situated on the coast of Arabian Sea, it also offers many beautiful beaches for its tourists to enjoy sun, sand and sea. Two of its very famous beaches are Chowpatty and Juhu Beach. 
Chowpatty Beach:  is situated on the Marine Drive and it is famous for its Bhelpuri' and Panipuri'. At night  it is lined with vendors, entertainers and children's rides. 
Juhu Beach: The sandy coastline of Juhu Beach lies to the north of the city centre. Especially on weekends  it is packed with families of picnickers playing cricket on the beach, paddling tentatively in the water and enjoying the sea breeze. Crowds of vendors offering snacks, toys and fair ground rides add to the mela atmosphere.

Tips to tourists: 1. Beware of strangers who offer you bargain.
 2. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers. 
3. Large establishments including hotels, shops, and airlines generally accept American Express, Master Card, Visa and Diners Club credit cards. 
Religion: 1. Always show due respect to religious structures and people at prayer.
 2. Do not enter a temple, a shrine or a mosque unless it is permitted.
 3. Always remove your footwear before you  enter  a religious place and follow the dresscode prescribed.

Churchgate: The Railway Booking Office and Department of Tourism Office are located near Churchgate station. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, CDO Hutments, Madam Cama Road, Tel: 2026713, 2027762 Fax: 2852182. Government Tourist Offices: Siddiqui & Tourist Centre Shariga Mansion Shop No 3, Dadar E, Mumbai - 400014 Phone: +(91)-(22)-24158223 Government Of India Tourist Office Domestic Airpt Domestic Airport, Santacruz E, Mumbai - 400029 Phone: +(91)-(22)-26156920 Government Of India Tourist Office Intl Airport Intl Airport,Sahar, Andheri E, Mumbai - 400099 Phone: +(91)-(22)-26829248, 28325351

ICICI Bank ATM Centre: Charisma Centre Shop #5 Chembur Mumbai - 400071 Landmark: Near Ambedkar Garden Phone: 022-28307777 CITI Bank ATM Centres: Kohinoor Bhavan, Veer Savarkar Marg, Prabhadevi (Opp. Siddhi Vinayak Temple). 130, Gokhale Road, Naupada, Near Thane Rly. Station, Thane (W). 5, Cornerstone, Film City Road, Malad East. HSBC ATM Center: Area Tardeo Address Crossroads Plaza, Opp.Haji Ali, Tardeo, Mumbai 400 034 Maharashtra West Area Malad(West) Address HyperCity, Mindspace, Next to In Orbit, Malad Link Road, Malad (W), Mumbai - 400 064 Maharashtra West

Visit to Mumbai is incomplete without visiting  the glorious monument Gateway of India. It is definitely a must visit site.