Mumbai is among the most sought after travel destination for the tourists across the globe. Mumbai or Bombay as the city is popularly called has its own verve and dynamism to boast of. One needs to have an eye for what the city offers in order to relish the typical Mumbaiya experience. Prior info about Mumbai and its neighboring tourist spots is mandatory for any tourist to enjoy the every moment of his trip.

Mumbai lies in the Tropical zone and its proximity to the Arabian Sea makes the city devoid of any distinct weather except Humid and Dry seasons. Book your travel to Mumbai between October and February, when the otherwise humid city is the most pleasant. During this period the city has cool breeze to balm your frayed nerves and clear blue sky to pep you up.

Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and is well connected to all the major cities of the world. All major airlines fly to and from Mumbai. Sahar is the international terminal and Santa Cruz is the domestic terminal in Mumbai. Shuttle services ply between the two terminals. For intra-city traveling you can board any of the red buses - single, double-decker or AC - managed by BEST.

For inter-state travel there is State Transport Terminal opposite Mumbai's Central Railway station, which offers long distance commuting for the tourists. Mumbai has locals or suburban trains for easy commuting through the city. There are black and yellow public Taxi and auto rickshaw services and blue and silver as cool cab service for city ride. You can also avail of waterway services that include hovercrafts and ferry services. With such easy connectivity and warm population of Mumbai, you are sure to enjoy the every moment of your stay in Mumbai.

Airport: Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (also known as Sahar Airport) is the main gateway to India. It is 25 km from the main business district and is not served by bus or train; use car or taxi. Travel time from the airport to the city is about one hour, but during peak hours it can take two hours also to reach the airport.

Visa: All foreign visitors to India require a valid visa. A tourist visa, valid for 90 days from the date of entry, can be obtained from any Indian embassy, high commission or consulate. If you intend to leave India and return within the 90-day period (such as from a trip to Sri Lanka or Pakistan), then it is worth applying for a double or triple-entry visa. An extension for a further 90 days can be given to a tourist visa by the Regional Registration Office, Annex 2, Office of the Commissioner of Police, B. T. Marg near Dhobi Talao, St. Xavier's College Lane, Mumbai. If the visit extends beyond 90 days, an Income Tax Clearance Certificate is required at the time of departure. This is available from the main tax office in Mumbai.

Climate and Clothing: The period between October and February is the most pleasant time to visit Mumbai, when the city enjoys a balmy season of blue skies and a cool breeze. From March, the temperature gradually rises and the humidity reaches saturation point. It is very hot just before the monsoon rains break in mid-June. The rains last until September. The rainfall in Mumbai is very heavy. Always remember to carry an umbrella or raincoat during monsoon season.

Health Risks: Gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera or jaundice may be acquired through unhygienic water or food. Conjunctivitis is common as the pollution level is high. As protection from disease-carrying mosquitoes, flies, etc., wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses. Drink bottled water only. Some travelers develop a problem on their second or third day in India because of a lack of acclimatization or heat exhaustion, rather than a reaction to the change in food and water. They are advised to drink lots of fluids (water with a little salt and sugar) and keep to a diet of rice and curd for a couple of days to give their system time to adjust. If an upset stomach persists, seek medical advice

Time Zone: Despite its size, India has a single time zone. It is 5-1/2 hours ahead of London (GMT), 4-1/2 hours ahead of British Summer Time, 10-1/2 hours ahead of New York and 13-1/2 hours ahead of San Francisco

Currency: One rupee=100 paisa. Earlier Indian coins came in the denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 paisa but now only coins of denominations of 1, 2 and 5 rupees are acceptable. Indian Notes come in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 rupees. If you are handed a grubby note, insist on having it exchanged for a newer one. Have a big supply of small currency notes, as change almost does not exist in India. Use our currency converter to check the exchange rate on the day you travel.

Credit Cards: American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are accepted by large establishments, but it is still wise to carry Indian currency. Credit cards can be used to get cash advances in rupees.

Tipping: 10% is the norm in high-end restaurants that do not add a service charge to the bill. Small change in modest restaurants is acceptable. Round off taxi fare; add more for exceptionally good service.