Have you considered taking a flight on your holidays to Mumbai? Mumbai offers amazing cultural and historical opportunities, as well as the chance to explore food, religion and more. Mumbai is a common destination for those returning to India to learn more about their own heritage, for students travelling in the gap year, and even as a vacation destination. Many people also visit the beaches of Goa, and spending a day or two in Mumbai along the way can allow you to explore this ancient city. The city of Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is situated on a peninsula halfway up the west coast of India. This city is considered by many to be the economic capital of India. You will find in Mumbai both the wealth of the trading city and extreme poverty. The population of the city is currently approximately 15 million.



Mumbai has ancient roots, and the seven now merged islands were originally a part of the kingdom of Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the great ruler of India. The islands were under the control of Hindu rulers until 1343, when Muslim rulers from Gujerat took possession of the islands. Mumbai was taken by force as a Portuguese colony in 1534, and remained in western control during the coming centuries as Bombay (Mumbai). The name Bombay derives from the Portuguese Bom Baia or good bay. In 1662, the islands were gifted to King Charles II of England as part of his Portuguese bride's dowry. In 1668, the King leased the islands to the East India Trading Company. Construction projects between 1817 and the 1840's reshaped the seven individual islands into a merged land mass, increasing the available land in the city. In 1869, the opening of the Suez canal made Mumbai one of the largest seaports on the Arabian sea. The final British withdrawal from the city did not occur until 1947. You will be amazed at the history of the city during your holidays to Mumbai.

Mumbai today offers a blending of cultures. The religions of India, including Hindus (68% of the population), Muslims (17% of the population), and Christians and Jains (4% each) are all found in Mumbai. The remainder of the population is made up of Parsis, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jews and atheists. You will find temples of all faiths, as well as monuments constructed for religious purposes in the city, and some of these are quite interesting to visit on your holidays to Mumbai.

Architectural monuments built in traditional Indian styles sit alongside British architecture from the last several centuries. The Fort area of the city offers a chance to experience colonial British architecture, including the Victoria Terminus train station completed in 1888 and St. Thomas' Cathedral (1672-1718). The cathedral offers not only architectural interest, but also many mementos of colonial life. The Colaba area offers several great museums dedicated to Indian art, both ancient and modern. You will also find the so-called Gateway to India in Colaba, a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Those looking for a taste of traditional ancient Indian art and architecture will find both in Mumbai the capital of Bollywood films industry. Two cave complexes in Mumbai offer a stunning look at this fascinating form of architecture. The Elephanta Caves draw more visitors than the entire city of Mumbai, and for good reason. These stunning caves feature beautiful carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses in remarkable repair, undisturbed since their construction in 600 CE. The Kanheri, dating to the first century AD, offers a fascinating contrast to the lavish décor and sculpture of the Elephanta caves. These spartan Buddhist caves served as a monastery, with cells, a larger congregational area, and serve as evidence of the height, and later fall of Buddhism in India. Make a point of visiting both colonial and traditional sites on your holidays to Mumbai for the best overall picture of the history of this great city.

Mumbai today is a crowded, polluted city with cars, pedestrians, rickshaws and cattle crowding the streets. The glamour of Bollywood combines with the poverty of the city, the dock workers and fishermen, the beggars and merchants in the city of Mumbai. You will find excellent food (although do be wary of tap water in the city), inexpensive hotels, and markets of all sorts in Mumbai. This is a particularly vivacious city and a great way to experience the lively and thriving spirit of India on your holidays to Mumbai. Whether you travel to Mumbai to learn more about history, spirituality or simply plan your holidays to Mumbai along the way to the beaches of India, you are sure to find this journey one of personal growth and education. Holidays to Mumbai can be deeply personal or just an opportunity to explore a new party place. Regardless of why you take a cheap flight to Mumbai, take the time to experience the fascinating history of this growing city.