Mumbai is the capital of Maharastra State and the gateway to this beguiling subcontinent. Of the four great cities in India, Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan, spear heading India's move into the 21st century. The word Mumbai is derived from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisherfolk, the oldest inhabitants of Mumbai. The name Mumbai, in its final form, dates back to the 18 th century. For Portuguese, the name Bombay is Good Bay ("Bom" "Bay" Good Bay). Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands. These islands of no great value were ceded to Portuguese in 1534 by the Sultan of Gujarat. The Portuguese in turn given these islands to Englands's Chareless II as part of the wedding dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Englands's Charles II in 1661. In 1668, the British government leased the islands to the East India Company for 10 pounds per annum in the form of gold and Mumbai grew gradually to become centre of trade.

Gateway of India
What could be more appropriate a beginning than the 'entrance' to the port of Mumbai? The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to Commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911.
Flora Fountain
It stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of the commercial Fort area. The beautifully sculptured fountain was errected in the memory of the Governor, Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere, as a tribute for his contribution towards the building of Mumbai.
Shivaji Terminus
One of the finest examples of high Victorian Gothic architecture, it is the headquarters of the Central Railways and is one of the finest railway stations in the world.
Marine Drive
This sweeping Queen's Necklace, flickering with a thousand lights at night turns into the main thoroughfare linking Malabar Hill - and the northern parts of the island - to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point and Fort.
CHOWPATTY (GIRGAUM)
Situated at the northern end of Marine Drive, it is a stretch of sandy beach and attracts hordes of people during the weekends and on holidays. A 'food-mart' of stalls have become a permanent feature and offer a range of eatables from 'bhel-puri'.
JUHU Situated 30 km from the city, it is a crowded beach with residential apartments and bungalows surrounding it. It seems as if the entire population of the area descends on the beach for a breath of fresh air! The central part has food stalls again, similar to Chowpatty. And a lot more, in terms of fun-rides for children.

Elephanta Caves
Located nine kilometres by sea from the Gateway of India, are the Elephanta Caves, a place you must include in your excursion itinerary. The Elephanta Caves are characterised by rock temples carved out of two hills that emerge from the centre of the island.
Kanheri Caves
A small trip of about four miles will take you to the famous Kanheri Caves a must visit excursion spot of Mumbai. The caves are believed to have been carved out by Buddhist monks between the 2nd and 9th centuries and have many interesting facts related to them
Lonavla
Located at a distance of 120 kilometres from Mumbai, Lonavla is a favourite hilly destination around Mumbai. Ideal for a day or weekend trip, Lonavla is beautiful and cool hill station decorated with gurgling streams and quiet glided walks.

• Air :Mumbai is an international Airport. Many international Airlines operate flights to Mumbai from various parts of world. Sahar airport is for international flights and Santacruz airport is for domestic schedules.
  
• Road: You can reach Mumbai by road from other cities from central areas like Mulund and Chembur and through Dahisar from western area.
  
• Rail: Western Railway debarking station is Mumbai Central and intermediate stations are Dadar and Borivali. The central railway demarbking stations are Kurla , Dadar and Mumbai C.S.T.