Mumbai – The City of Dreams

📜  History of Mumbai

Once a group of seven islands, It was known as Bombay. The Portuguese gifted it to the British Crown as part of a royal dowry in 1661. Since then, it's grown from a humble fishing village into  Bollywood capital. It is a city built by migrants, where every dream is valid, and every voice finds its echo.

📌  Facts About The City

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Population: Over 20 million+

• 🚆 Most crowded local train: Churchgate to Virar (rush hour is wild!)

• 🍔 Street food heaven: Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri

• 🎥 Home to Bollywood — the largest film industry in the world

• 🌊 Famous beaches: Juhu & Chowpatty

• 📍 Formerly known as Bombay

🧳 Why Backpackers/Peoples Love Mumbai

• 24x7 vibe – This city literally never sleeps.

• Budget stays & Hostels – From Colaba to Bandra, there's something for every wallet.

• Insane street food – Cheap, delicious, and Instagram-worthy.

• Local train experience – It’s intense, but unforgettable.

• Culture overload – Art, music, spirituality, nightlife—all packed into one city.

📍 Must-Visit Spots in Mumbai

These are the places every traveler checks off — and honestly, you won’t regret a single one.

• Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace – Snap that iconic photo and watch the boats come and go.

• Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach – Grab a chai and chill by the sea as the city lights start to glow.

• Elephanta Caves – A cool ferry ride leads you to ancient rock-cut temples and (friendly?) monkeys.

• Colaba Causeway Market – Shop, bargain, repeat. From hippie pants to vintage maps.

• Haji Ali Dargah – A mosque floating on the sea, reached by a long walkway during low tide.

• Bandra-Worli Sea Link – Looks stunning at sunset. Pro tip: best seen from a cab ride.

• Sanjay Gandhi National Park – Yes, there’s a jungle in Mumbai. Go hike or spot some leopards (seriously).

• Bollywood Studio Tour – See the magic behind the movies. You might even bump into a star.

• Crawford Market & Mohammad Ali Road – It’s loud, chaotic, spicy, and delicious.

• Global Vipassana Pagoda – A massive golden dome where silence feels louder than the city buzz.

🔍 Hidden Gems We Backpackers Stumble Into (and Fall in Love With)

The places that don’t always show up on Google Maps — but stay in your memory forever.

• Banganga Tank – A sacred little water tank surrounded by temples and peace.

• Sewri Fort & Flamingo Point – Old fort + flamingos = Mumbai’s weirdest best combo.

• Worli Koli Village – A fishing village smack in the middle of modern Mumbai.

• CST at Night – When the lights come on, it feels like Hogwarts in India.

• Dharavi Slum Tour – Forget what you think you know. These tours show community, not pity.

✨ Experiences You Have To Try While You’re Here

• Watch the sunrise at Marine Drive – Everything is quiet, for once.

• Catch a Bollywood shoot – It happens randomly; ask locals or hostel staff where.

• Eat pav bhaji at Juhu Beach at sunset – Greasy, spicy, and unforgettable.

• Take the ferry from Gateway of India – Great views and a break from traffic.

• Party in Bandra or Lower Parel – Backpacker bars, rooftop spots, and great music scenes.

• Join Ganesh Chaturthi festivities – Loud, colorful, and spiritual chaos. Dance with the locals!

📖 Quick Travel Tips for the Backpacker Tribe

🛏️ Where to Crash (Cheap, Clean, & Chill)

• Backpacker Panda (Colaba) – Walk to the Gateway, meet travelers from everywhere.

• Zostel (Bandra) – Trendy neighborhood, close to cafes and nightlife.

• Horn Ok Please Hostel (Andheri) – Close to the airport, fun vibe, solid crowd.

🧳 What to Expect: Shared dorms, rooftop hangouts, solid WiFi, and people to swap stories with.

🚆 How to Get Around Like a Local

• Local Trains – It’s intense but super efficient. Just avoid rush hour unless you’re feeling brave.

• BEST Buses – They’re old school and slow, but give you that real local flavor.

• Auto Rickshaws – Cheap and zippy — only in suburbs though, not South Bombay.

• Uber/Ola – Handy for longer rides, night outs, or escaping rain.

💸 Budget Breakdown (Backpacker Style)

• Meals – ₹100–₹300 can fill you up with street food, thalis, or budget café meals.

• Stay – Expect ₹500–₹1200 per night in most hostels.

• Transport – Locals trains/buses cost peanuts (₹10–₹50), Ubers might be ₹100–₹200 per ride.

🌍 Best Time to Visit

• October to February – Cool and perfect for exploring.

• Avoid June–September unless you love monsoons (spoiler: the city floods).

You don’t just visit Mumbai — you survive it, absorb it, and carry it with you. For every backpacker, this city will gift something unique: a wild memory, a new friend, or just a moment on the steps of Marine Drive that you'll never forget.