Bombay (Mumbai)

Only politicians and bureaucrats call India’s largest, most cosmopolitan, colourful, energetic and overcrowded city Mumbai – to everyone else it’s still Bombay and has a buzzing atmosphere that’s almost palpable. The sprawling city is the country’s main centre of business, fashion and film.

Until the 17^th century the seven islands that make up the city were home only to fishermen but after passing into the hands of the British East India Company its fortunes grew from the ship building yards and later, trade. The Fort and Colaba areas are testimony to Bombay’s growing wealth in the Victorian era with public buildings and churches in Indo-Saracenic, gothic and early English architectural styles vying for attention.  Across the city there are teeming markets to explore, fascinating museums and galleries in which to spend hours, retail therapy for the most jaded of shoppers and some of the best cuisine in India to keep you going along the way.

From the Gateway of India a boat trip to Elephanta Caves 10km to the east of the harbour is a relaxing way to gain a fabulous view of Bombay from the sea. The caves themselves date from the 6-8^th centuries and contain huge rock carvings of the Hindu god Shiva in various forms.