Mumbai, India's largest city with a population of over 21 million, has earned the nickname "the city that never sleeps". The metropolis is a composite of seven islands on India's western coast along the Arabian Sea and is the country's financial heart. People from across India flock to Mumbai in search of economic opportunities, many hoping to make it big in the multibillion-dollar film industry.
The city is home to Asia's oldest stock exchange, the Bombay Stock Exchange, as well as the Reserve Bank of India, making it India's richest city with the country's highest concentration of millionaires and billionaires. Mumbai's colonial legacy is evident in the architecture of many of its public buildings, including the magnificent Municipal Corporation building. The city's iconic tourist attraction, the Gateway of India, is also a legacy of British rule.
The Gateway of India, located on the waterfront of Mumbai Harbour, was built by the British Raj to commemorate the 1911 visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It later became a powerful symbol of the end of British rule, with the last British troops passing through the gateway, marked by a 21-gun salute. A ferry trip to the Elephanta Caves, east of the Gateway of India, offered a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage.
The ancient cave temples, perched atop a hill, required a climb of 120 steps to reach and were dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The 5th-7th-century rock-cut temples were brought to life by a guide, who explained the history behind the complex. The massive, awe-inspiring rock sculptures, with intricate details, were painstakingly carved by hand using simple tools.
A visit to Mumbai's Film City provided an opportunity for journalists to let loose and explore sets where popular Bollywood films and game shows have been filmed. The highlight was getting to don glamorous costumes worn by Bollywood stars, a moment of pure fun after days of intense coverage.
No visit to Mumbai would be complete without exploring its bustling markets and bazaars, where beautiful Indian garments, colourful kurtis, saris, and handmade shoes are sold at affordable prices. The city's high-end shopping centres also offer international and local designer brands at competitive prices.
For foreign journalists who visited Mumbai after covering the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the experience was fascinating and memorable. The city's vibrant, chaotic, entrepreneurial, diverse, and exhilarating atmosphere left a lasting impression, making the few days spent in India's City of Dreams among the most memorable overseas trips.
Key points
- Mumbai is known as the "City of Dreams" due to its multibillion-dollar film industry and economic opportunities.
