Once a tiny island overrun by swaying palm trees, Mumbai used to belong to the native Koli fisher-folk, who still live here in their little villages surrounded by soaring skyscrapers. Portuguese came here in the seventeenth century and dotted the place with several forts, which stand even today. Later Mumbai came under the British rule and eventually became one of the largest ports in the British Empire.

Sightseeing
Once you are in Mumbai, the list of sites to visit is endless. First of all the twinkling lights from the skyscrapers itself will keep your eyes wide open with excitement and wonder. And to add up to your excitement you have a number of sites to visit that could be teamed up as historical sites, contemporary wonders, archaeological sites, religious sites and natural wonders. The Gateway of India is the main attraction of Mumbai city. Built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in the year 1911, this massive historical monument makes a must visit during your Mumbai sightseeing. Moreover, there are sites like the Mani Bhawan or the Gandhi memorial, Prince of Wales Museum, Marine Drive and Juhu that give you the feeling of being in the commercial capital of India. The gardens like the Hanging Garden and the Kamla Nehru Garden will provide you the much needed rest between your sightseeing trips and the Chowpatty gives you the view of one of the most happening beaches of Mumbai.


Excursions
And if you get tired of visiting sites in Mumbai and want to get away from the city to spend some time in tranquility, move out to visit the many cool and calm destinations around the city. This would include the thrilling caves of Elephanta, the Karla caves, the unique Kanheri caves and the best known hill stations of Mumbai, Matheran and Lonavla. All these places make the favourite destination not only for the tourists who visit Mumbai but also for the local people who come here on holidays and vacations.