Mumbai
India
- Gateway of India
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
- Elephanta Caves
- Marine Drive
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
About Mumbai
Mumbai, on India's west coast, is the capital of Maharashtra and the country's financial and film capital. Built on a group of former islands joined by land reclamation, it grew into a major port under British rule.
Colonial-era landmarks such as the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the seafront promenade of Marine Drive and the rock-cut temples of Elephanta Island shape the city's character.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Monsoon rains (June–September) — June–September is monsoon season: short but heavy downpours, high humidity and occasional flooding. Keep your plans flexible for transport delays.
How many days do you need?
Allow at least three days: one for South Mumbai's Fort area, the Gateway of India and Colaba Causeway, one for the Elephanta Caves by ferry from the Gateway, and one for Marine Drive, the museum and the Bandra seafront.
Where to stay
- Colaba — Close to the Gateway of India and the Elephanta ferries, with plenty of hotels.
- Fort and Churchgate — Among heritage buildings, within walking distance of CSMT and Marine Drive.
- Bandra — A lively suburb full of cafés, closer to the airport.
From the airport to the city
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is about 15 miles north of South Mumbai. The underground Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) serves both terminals and runs south to Cuffe Parade; prepaid and app-based taxis are also available. Some flights use the new Navi Mumbai International Airport across the harbour.
Getting around
Suburban trains on the Western and Central lines are fast but extremely crowded at rush hour; there are first-class and women-only carriages. The metro network is growing, and black-and-yellow taxis and auto-rickshaws (suburbs only) are widely used.
Good to know
- Elephanta ferries leave from the Gateway of India; the caves are closed on Mondays.
- The monsoon from June to September brings very heavy rain and occasional flooding; November to February is the most comfortable season.
- Most visitors need a visa, which many nationalities can get as an e-Visa. The currency is the Indian rupee.
Useful links
- Maharashtra Tourism maharashtratourism.gov.in
- Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism) incredibleindia.gov.in
- Mumbai Airport (CSMIA) csmia.adaniairports.com
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: October–January. The warmest month is April (average high 103 °F); the wettest is July (38.9 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 89.1 | 0.04 | Good |
| February | 94.6 | 0.09 | Very hot |
| March | 100.2 | 0.24 | Very hot |
| April | 103.1 | 0.14 | Very hot |
| May | 100.4 | 1.36 | Very hot |
| June | 90.0 | 20.61 | Very hot |
| July | 83.5 | 38.89 | Cool or rainy |
| August | 83.1 | 22.81 | Cool or rainy |
| September | 84.4 | 17.47 | Cool or rainy |
| October | 88.3 | 4.62 | Good |
| November | 87.8 | 0.80 | Good |
| December | 87.4 | 0.34 | Good |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- Republic DayJanuary 26
- Good FridayMarch 26
- Ambedkar JayantiApril 14
- Independence DayAugust 15
- Gandhi JayantiOctober 2
- Christmas DayDecember 25
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyIndian Rupee (₹)
- Dialling code+91
- Plugs & voltageType C, D, M · 230 V · 50 Hz
- Emergency112
- DrivingOn the left
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.