Mumbai: India's most colourful, exhilarating and busiest city

Mumbai is known as India's business capital. It's also the birthplace of Bollywood and home to an astounding 13 million residents.

Climate and dates of interest

Mumbai has three seasons, summer, monsoon and winter. The winter season begins in November and ends in February, while the monsoon season (June-September) is best avoided. Around winter time temperatures reach a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius, making this the best time to visit.

The Holi festival takes place during the full moon in March and Ganesh Chaturthi occurs in August/September. 10 day celebrations, festivities and processions are held around this time. If in Mumbai during the month of October, you'll get to enjoy the fireworks and light displays, occurring for Diwali festival of lights.

Useful info prior to travel

You'll need a visa to enter Mumbai, which can be obtained from the Indian High Commission.

Check on vaccines and get boosters if need be. Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are all recommended, and you may want to consider getting the Cholera vaccine, especially if travelling during the monsoon season. Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies shots are also available.

It's a good idea to avoid drinking tap water in India. Stick to boiled and fried foods, and be sure to peel your vegetables and fruits before consuming.

Smog is widespread during the dry season, which is rather unpleasant. 

The cost of living is significantly lower in India and you can get a budget meal from around 200 Indian Rupees, which is approximately £2.

Transportation and accommodation rates

Mumbai airport is located around 28 km from the city centre, and a prepaid taxi will cost you around 450 to 600 Rs.

Mumbai accommodation tends to cost more than other cities in India. If looking for budget accommodation and affordable guest houses, consider staying near South Mumbai, Colaba or the railway station. A dorm room in a hostel will cost you roughly 250 Rs, while 3 star hotel prices start from around 4000 Rs.      Taxis are generally cheap, and the minimum fare costs about 21 Rs for the first 1.5 km, and then 1 Rs for each additional mile. Suburban trains may be crowded at busy times such as the rush hour. Consider taking buses: day bus passes cost approximately 70 Rs, although you'll need Smart Photo ID to purchase one.