A Short Stay in Mumbai: Impressions & Practical Advice for Travelers

 

Mumbai

Mumbai is one of those places you hear a lot about even before getting there — usually words like chaotic, crowded, vibrant, and nonstop come up. All true, but they come with a unique feeling, a different color — chaotic in Mumbai is different from chaotic in New York City. You have to personally experience it to get the distinction. Formerly known as Bombay, the city has a history shaped by colonialism, trade, migration, and constant reinvention. It started as seven separate islands, gradually connected by land reclamation, and became a key port under British rule. Today, it's not only the capital of the state of Maharashtra but also the financial and entertainment hub of India — home to Bollywood, stock exchanges, tech startups, slums, skyscrapers, and just about everything in between.

As of now, Mumbai has a population of over 20 million people, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It’s a city where space is limited, time moves fast, and people keep going. Compared to most other Indian states, Maharashtra is more urbanized, more industrial, and — at least in the cities — a little more progressive. However, you’ll also find deep-rooted customs and traditions, and a strong movement around speaking Marathi (the local language) is just one example of the region’s strong identity.

Getting around

Getting around Mumbai can be challenging. The local trains are famously packed, and the traffic never really stops. But I have to say, after spending a week in other Indian cities, I actually felt pretty comfortable here. Thinking about all those quotes like "crossing the street may feel like an adventure" just made me smile. Yes, some areas feel chaotic and finding parking can be tough, but all in all, it’s more than manageable.

In fact, watching drivers stop for traffic lights along Marine Drive almost made me smile — it was a degree of order I had assumed was impossible in the city by that point. So no, I never really felt like I was barely ‘surviving’ in Mumbai, as some blogs would have you believe.

Practically speaking, I walked a fair bit, but given the weather — it’s very humid and hot during the summer — it quickly saps your energy. So I mostly used Uber to get around. It’s an affordable and convenient option. For example, a ride from the Gateway of India to Marine Drive cost around 180 rupees — or about 2 USD — for roughly a 15-minute trip. So really, what more can one desire?

Work in progress... To be continued...