Exploring Attractions in Mumbai

Attractions in Mumbai will never let you get bored or indifferent. Mumbai is itself a place that is known for being extremely cosmopolitan, both literally and in its outlook. In Mumbai, experience Govinda aala re on Krishna Janmashtami, play the Dandiya all night & watch huge Ganesh statues being immersed in the sea; have Pav Bhaji, Bhel puri & a Magai paan on the beach, try your hand at water sports, go bowling on Saturday nights, chill at water kingdom or simply party all night.

If you want to see as much attractions in Mumbai as it is possible you should be acquainted with transport system of the city. First of all, it is local trains. Local trains are one of the fastest, cheapest and most common modes of traveling in Mumbai. First timers to the city might want to experience a ride in them since it's possible to travel more than 25 Km from one end of the city to the other end by the local trains, avoiding the chaotic traffic on the roads. First class compartments / coach marked with green stripes & 'ladies only' coaches are an option too. But travel in the trains during peak hours is not advisable. There is a stampede to get off and one can be tramped by the crowd. Please beware of pickpockets in local trains and buses. Also always purchase a ticket from the Ticket Counter at the station on the starting point of your journey. Inspectors, both in the trains & on stations, conduct frequent checks.

Another option is buses. Buses are one of the most efficient modes of travel in terms of service and reliability for shorter and long distances. The only drawback is that it may take more time compared to a local train for long distances due to the heavy road traffic. The buses are generally red in color with the number and route details of the bus mentioned on its front and side in the Marathi language. Bus numbers are written on the respective bus stops too. In case of a problem in locating a bus or route, please check with other persons waiting for the bus at the bus stop. Most will help decide the right bus for you. Taxis and auto rickshaws are also available for exploring attractions in Mumbai.

One of the most popular attractions in Mumbai is Essel World, the first and foremost amusement park. It is located on Gorai Island on 64 acres of green lands. Essel World offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water Kingdom is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. This international-style theme park and amusement centre situated close to Gorai Beach is perfect for a one-day holiday. Special ferries get you across to the park and the entrance fee normally takes care of a fixed number of rides, which include the standard roller coaster and adventure themes, plus a water world section where kids can literally run amok. Summer is usually crowded, but the place also offers low budget monsoon packages and special deals on weekends.

Ajanta caves also receives a lot of guests. The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centres of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures. Exquisite wall - paintings and sculptures speak volumes of the India of yore. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others, are also elaborately portrayed.

Wanna find yourself in the heart of Mumbai? Then visit Flora Fountain, very popular among tourist attractions in Mumbai. Flora Fountain was originally meant to be named after Sir Bartle Frere, then governor of Bombay. However, the name was changed before the fountain was unveiled. It stood in the center of the town as it then was, but now this area is the heart of the business district of the town. Flora Fountain is now called Hutatma Chowk or Martyr's Square to honor those who died in the tumultuous birth of Maharashtra State. All around the square sit Mumbai's infamous vendors selling just about everything under the blazing tropical sun - from cheap nylon saris to herbal remedies. Tooting horns and traffic complete the chaotic picture, but through it all Flora manages to retain her serene composure.

Another kind of attractions in Mumbai is shopping centers and bazaars. The shops and bazaars offer a truly amazing diversity of goods, as well as being worth a visit in their own right. Mumbai sells everything from expensive European antiques to local spices by way of electrical goods and silks. In particular, it is the centre of the Indian clothing trade and caters for all tastes and budgets. 'Fashion Street', on M Gandhi Road between Cross Maidan and Azad Maidan, is a row of market stalls where some very good bargains can be found.

And if you're really lucky, bump into your favourite Bollywood actor as a perk of being in Mumbai. For non-starters Mumbai is also connected with such definitions as gateway of India and marine drive.

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