Discovering the Busiest City in India: Mumbai
Friday, July 04, 2008
The city of dreams which full of energy and soul. This what will you have when discovering one of the most fascinating cities in India: Mumbai. The name of the city derived from the Mumba Devi, the Hindu Goddess. At first the British made the name as Bombay, and later changed to Mumbai since 1995.
As being one of the most populous city in the world, Mumbai is the home to more than 20 million people and currently holds the India's commercial capital. Some of the fastest growing enterprises are running their business from Mumbai.
Instead of the business capital, the tourism and entertainment are the other thing which make Mumbai so great. When Americans have Sylvester Stallone and Drew Barrymore, then India have their Amitabhachan and Rani Mukherjee. They're among the famous actors and actressess whom spread the magic of Bollywood movies. As well as Hollywood, the Bollywood which located in Mumbai is a famous tourist destination.
The Destination
Strolling down Marine Drive might be the possible way to discover the beauty of Mumbai. The drive is the windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of art deco buildings. Looped between the concrete jungle of Mumbai's Manhattan, Nariman Point and the green slopes of Malabar Hill, Marine Drive was once called the queen's necklace. It is the busiest Mumbai roads which plays important artery for the heavy suburban traffic heading downtown. Like other seafronts, this is where most of south Mumbai caome to breathe some fresh air.
A landmark which identify Mumbai among the other city is the Gate of India which is built to commemorate the visit of the British Monarch to India in 1911. You better not miss your photograph in here as you visit the city.
Some of the most famous museums and art galleries in India are found here. The Kala Ghoda area in South Mumbai teems with them, particularly the Prince of Wales Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Once again, most of them are concentrated in South Mumbai .
Some city parks are very well-maintained and combine history as well. The "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill offers stunning vistas of the Marine Drive. A gigantic shoe with steps is for the kids to play. Right across is an urban park mainly for walkers but sometimes one is surprised by a band playing!
The Language
Mumbai is India's melting pot - a confluence of peoples from various parts of India, but dominant are people from the west, then north and followed by the south. Marathi is the state and city official language - used by State Government agencies, municipal authorities and the local police.
On the street, a local version of colloquial Hindi, with strong Bollywood influence, called Bambaya Hindi is the "lingua franca".
English is widely used in the corporate world and in banking and trading. At most places you will be able to get by with Hindi and English, as most people you will encounter can communicate in broken English at the very least. So, if you prefer to stay in a good communication, it's better to pay for person to make India translation for you. Some pocket PC gadgets are offering the Hindi translation and Arabic translation which made you comfortable to bring them along with the trip.
As being one of the most populous city in the world, Mumbai is the home to more than 20 million people and currently holds the India's commercial capital. Some of the fastest growing enterprises are running their business from Mumbai.
Instead of the business capital, the tourism and entertainment are the other thing which make Mumbai so great. When Americans have Sylvester Stallone and Drew Barrymore, then India have their Amitabhachan and Rani Mukherjee. They're among the famous actors and actressess whom spread the magic of Bollywood movies. As well as Hollywood, the Bollywood which located in Mumbai is a famous tourist destination.
The Destination
Strolling down Marine Drive might be the possible way to discover the beauty of Mumbai. The drive is the windswept promenade, flanked by the sea and a row of art deco buildings. Looped between the concrete jungle of Mumbai's Manhattan, Nariman Point and the green slopes of Malabar Hill, Marine Drive was once called the queen's necklace. It is the busiest Mumbai roads which plays important artery for the heavy suburban traffic heading downtown. Like other seafronts, this is where most of south Mumbai caome to breathe some fresh air.
A landmark which identify Mumbai among the other city is the Gate of India which is built to commemorate the visit of the British Monarch to India in 1911. You better not miss your photograph in here as you visit the city.
Some of the most famous museums and art galleries in India are found here. The Kala Ghoda area in South Mumbai teems with them, particularly the Prince of Wales Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Once again, most of them are concentrated in South Mumbai .
Some city parks are very well-maintained and combine history as well. The "Hanging Gardens" on Malabar Hill offers stunning vistas of the Marine Drive. A gigantic shoe with steps is for the kids to play. Right across is an urban park mainly for walkers but sometimes one is surprised by a band playing!
The Language
Mumbai is India's melting pot - a confluence of peoples from various parts of India, but dominant are people from the west, then north and followed by the south. Marathi is the state and city official language - used by State Government agencies, municipal authorities and the local police.
On the street, a local version of colloquial Hindi, with strong Bollywood influence, called Bambaya Hindi is the "lingua franca".
English is widely used in the corporate world and in banking and trading. At most places you will be able to get by with Hindi and English, as most people you will encounter can communicate in broken English at the very least. So, if you prefer to stay in a good communication, it's better to pay for person to make India translation for you. Some pocket PC gadgets are offering the Hindi translation and Arabic translation which made you comfortable to bring them along with the trip.
Labels: india
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posted by Daniy @ 6:55 PM,
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Staying Cheap in India on Your Travel
Friday, June 20, 2008
When you’re on a budget when having a trip to India, you won’t need a costly accommodation. In fact, in India there is no dearth of cheap accommodations available, all you need is travel smarter in order to turn your trip into an enjoyable, smooth and affordable reality. The following are several tips that you can take when traveling to India and have a cheap yet clean and comfortable room.
- Check Discounts: Check prices of different rooms and ask for discounts. Room prices may vary largely even within a hotel. For example a room with shower is cheaper than a room with tub. Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms have different prices. Similarly rooms with pool or garden views pricier. If you want a cheap room, say it. Some hotels have a few rooms that need renovation without private baths, which they don't usually mention, figuring they would be unacceptable to tourists. And, if you plan to stay three or more nights, it's worth asking if any discounts are available.
- Consider Hotel Agents: As you step out from the airport or railway station, you'll be met by some hotel agents offering their rooms for rent. They are usually just hardworking entrepreneurs who don't have guidebook listing. If you like what the agent says, and the hotel isn't too far away or filthy (many are), follow him to his hotel. You are obliged only to inspect the hotel. If it's good, check into it. If not, leave. You are probably close to other budget hotels anyway.
- Compare Prices: Sometimes hotels differ in prices for the same amenities and class. It is worthwhile to check and compare prices of the hotels in the locality. Some hotels raise their prices due to locational advantage as they are near some favorite hot spot. Consider searching for hotels a little far from such spots.
- Bargain If It's Off Season: The hotels are governed by economics of demand and supply. Prices usually rise with demand during festivals and special occasions such as Christmas or New Year. If it is off-season, try bargaining. If it's too expensive, tell them your limit, they might meet it.
- Come Early: Early birds get the room easily. If you anticipate crowds, arrive in the morning when the most and best rooms are available. If there is none ready until noon, take one anyway. Leave your luggage with the front desk, they'll move you in later.
- Think Small: Larger hotels are usually costlier than small hotels.
- Let Hotel Managers Help: Have your current manager call ahead to make a booking at your next destination. If you're in a town and having problem finding a room, remember that nobody knows the hotel situation better than the local hotel managers.
- Consider a Chain: There are many hotel chains which offer cheap or moderately priced rooms. Although you may not find character, you'll surely get predictable comfort.
- Business Hotels: In Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh and Bangalore, business hotels need customers in the winter and on weekends, when their guests are away. And, the later you arrive, the better the discount.
- Buy a Good Guidebook: Good guidebooks are like good friends. They are like having a friend check places out for you. There are some good online guides too which can be of immense help to locate hotels while you are traveling in India.
Labels: india
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posted by Daniy @ 6:43 AM,
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