search

Keyword
e.g. Taj Palace, Hotel Himani
Search in section
  
 
 
 
▼ Weekend Getaways
Plan your weekend
 
 

Travel Guides

nothing lonely about the planet
Travel Guide » Asia » Mumbai
Explore: The World | India
Mumbai
book a hotel
(Maharashtra)


Melting Pot

If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home, from the very earliest days when man began the dream for existence, it is Mumbai! These words of Romain Rolland say it all. Mumbai is the nagaria of dreams. People come in from all over the country to make their life here, some succeed and move to the tallest and posh-est of homes others are reduced to nothing and pass their nights on railway platforms. It is also a city of contrasts. Huge contrasts.A strong regional movement turned the name of the city and its institutions around, Bombay became Mumbai, Victoria terminus became Chattrapati Shivaji terminus and a lot many more but the heart of Bombay has not changed. It will take you into its folds no matter what your status or signature.
book a hotel
|
Getting There
|
To Do & See
|
Entertainment & Night Life
|
Entertainment & Night Life
Entertainment
The city that's always caught in the rat race, has time for entertainment too, and it's seen with Mumbai's love for movies and theatre, cultural programmes and musical escapades Prithvi Theatre Not far from Juhu Beach, is one of Mumbai's best-known theatres that belong to the Kapoor family, the First Family of Bollywood. Their annual drama festival features the best plays from India and several theatre workshops teach acting. See a play and chill out after that in its cafeiscussing the art and sipping the Irish Coffee, it's the best you can get this side of town. For show schedules, look up www.prithvitheatre.org. Prithvi is on Juhu Church Road, Vile Parle; Tel: 26149546. Kala Ghoda Festival This is one festival that's held for the karigars (craftsmen). The entire stretch of Kala Ghoda (Fort) is lined with artisans who sell their wares in all kinds of material. During the festival one can also catch the best of movies, open air plays and take part in one the Fort walks in the area. There are ten such walks to choose from. National Centre for the Performing Arts From tribal music to symphony orchestra, from poetry readings to modern dance, you can catch everything here. It's amongst the most active cultural centres in India with shows and performances everyday. NCPA is at Nariman Point; call 22833737 for information. If you are in the city between November and April, we suggest you catch a few races at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Besides moments of thrill, you might get to watch some celebrities up close. Check out the dailies for the racing schedule, as races are not held everyday. For some Bollywood/Hollywood movies, check out these theatres: 24-Carat (Hindi) in Jogeshwari, Apsara Multiplex (Hindi) in Versova, Regal Cinema (English) in Colaba, Fame Adlabs (both languages) in Versova, Fun Republic (both) in Andheri, Galaxy Cinema (Hindi) in Bandra, Metro Cinema (Hindi) in Dhobitalao, Inox (both) in Nariman Point.
Nightlife
It is a city that never sleeps. Most nightclubs stay open till the wee hours and are packed on weekends. At the top-end is Insomnia (Taj Mahal Palace and Hotel, Apollo Bunder; open 8 pm-3 am), where you are guaranteed the darshan (sighting) of at least one Bollywood star. Next on the popularity chart is Athena (Minoo Desai Marg, Colaba; open 8 pm-1 am) which mixes some great cocktails. For shaking a leg Polly Esther's (Battery Street, Colaba; open 8.30 pm-1 am). The music extends from Rock, Pop, Hip-hop to Desi. The entrance to these pubs is usually couple-only and most of them have a certain cover charge. They usually serve cocktails, mocktails and starters. Towards the north are lounges like Bed in Bandra, Ontoes in Juhu.
Kidding around
Kamala Nehru Park On Malabar Hill, children love he Old Woman's Shoe a slide shaped like a shoe. The night view of Marine Drive from here is simply fantastic. Amusement Parks Bombay has plenty of these what with Essel World and its neighbor Water World, being the current favorite for all kids with rides that drop you from a few hundred feet to nothing in few seconds. Then there's also Fantasy land. They are built in international-style and great getaways for kids. Essel World is situated at Gorai / Marve creek and it is approachable by road Via Bhayandar. Most smaller travel agents will book your tickets on buses that ply between the city and this kids kingdom. Special ferries can also get you across to the park and the entrance fee normally takes care of a fixed number of rides. These include the standard roller coaster and adventure themes, plus the water world section. Summer is usually crowded, but the place also offers low budget monsoon packages and special deals on weekends. Check these out before you go.Fantasy land is easily approachable and lies in Jogeshwari east, any train going to Andheri and then auto will take you there.
  
Best viewed in 1024 x 768 pixels screen resolution and IE 6.0 and above