Mumbai (Bombay) Vacations, India

India is one of the most populous nations in the world. The city of Mumbai, better known as Bombay, carries this notion to ridiculous ends.

Mumbai - Bombay
Mumbai is located on the west coast of India and is a sight to be seen. Until 1997, the city was known as Bombay, but the government for some esoteric reason changed the name. "Mumbai" was the name used by locals for years and refers to a local goddess. Most of the city buildings and agencies still incorporate Bombay into their names. I know it gets confusing which is more or less a good way to describe the city.

A little know fact about Bombay is the geographic nature of the city. When originally settled, the city was actually a collection of islands. As the need for land has grown over the years, the water has been pushed back to the point where all the islands are now connected in one land mass. How's that for a topic at a party?

Serenity
If you're looking for a serene vacation destination, Bombay is simply the worst place you could go. Upwards of 17 million people live in the city. Spend a week there and you'll feel like you've rubbed up against every one of them. The city is so packed with people that getting from point "A" to point "B" can take forever. You will not find a secluded restaurant, tourist attraction or spot on the beach. Don't even begin to think otherwise.

Attractions
Bombay is full of interesting things to see if you can get to them. Victoria Train Station is definitely worth taking in for the unique architecture and absolute masses of people. The gardens at Horniman Circle are good for a stroll and one place where you won't feel completely overwhelmed with masses of humanity. For a humorous time, you can hit the beaches looking for one of the movie crews. Yep, Bombay is the home of the movie industry in India and is often referred to as "Bollywood."

In reality, the best thing to see in Bombay is Bombay. Just get out and walk. You'll see snake charmers, vendors hawking everything under the sun, the occasional elephant and taxi drivers that put a New York cabbie to shame.

Poverty
India has serious poverty issues in the larger cities. Bombay has a brutal poverty problem. As much as 30 percent of the population is living in severe poverty. By severe, I am referring to people living in cardboard shacks with no running water and so on. Even the most seasoned traveler will be overwhelmed. If you are going to visit Bombay, be prepared for it emotionally.

Whether you call it Bombay or Mumbai, there is no denying the uniqueness of this city. Some travelers can't stand it while others find it intoxicating. Of course, you'll never know if you don't give it a visit.

About the Author:

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories.

Things To Do in Mumbai (Bombay)

Gateway of India, Mumbai (Bombay)
The Gateway of India is of course, the logical place from where to begin your tour of Mumbai. After all, you're following in the footsteps of royalty! The English King George V landed in India in...
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest; Maritime museum

Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai (Bombay)
Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, this dome-topped museum with a blue and yellow stone facade, has art, architecture and natural history exhibits.
Attraction type: Museum

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, Mumbai (Bombay)
Mahatma Ghandi once lived in this simple, two-story building, which is now a museum, library and research center depicting Ghandi's life and struggles for Indian freedom through peaceful means.
Attraction type: Historic home; Museum

Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus),

Mumbai (Bombay)
India's most beautiful railway station is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with stained-glass windows, towering spires, domed arches and buttresses and pillars with animal images carved into them.
Attraction type: Architectural building

Phule Market (Crawford Market), Mumbai (Bombay)
Jyotiba Phule Market is the official name of this must-see market - but of course, no one calls it that! Crawford Market it was, and Crawford it remains. The market is housed in a building that looks...
Attraction type: Flea/street market; Architectural building

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