Mumbai - the capital of cinematography
Mumbai is a city that you will find a fascinating gateway to the world of India. Oriental cuisine full of spices, a feast of colors on the streets, and on top of that the cinematic world of Bollywood.... Experience for yourself how unique Mumbai is!
Mumbai - facts and curiosities
Once Bombay, now Mumbai
Bombay or Mumbai? The linguistic intricacies associated with the name of the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra can mess with your head! Until the last century, this largest city in India was called Mumbai, derived from "Bom Bhaia," which means "good bay" in the language of the Portuguese colonizers. It wasn't until 1995 that the change was made to Mumbai, which was taken from the name of the patron saint of fishermen, the goddess Mumba.
Bollywood? It is actually Mumbai!
The capital of world cinema is not Hollywood or Los Angeles, nor much less Cannes, but... Mumbai, which is the epicenter of the Indian cinema industry. The first film was shot in Mumbai as early as 1896, and today about 850 films are made here annually (the most in the world!). Most of them are, of course, Indian cinema, but such masterpieces as "Slumdog Millionaire from the Street," "Hotel Marigold" and "Taste of Curry" were created in Mumbai. Rumor has it that all you have to do is walk down the main street of the Colaba district to be accosted by a "headhunter" and made a movie star. However, it is worth remembering that the term "Bollywood" is considered offensive by Hindus - it is best to use the name "Hindi Cinema" or "Hindi-urdu cinema."
Gateway of India - start your adventure with India here!
The Colaba district is home to one of Mumbai's greatest icons, the 26-meter-high Gateway of India. Mumbai itself is called the gateway to Asia by its harbor location, and the Gateway of India is the gateway to this gateway. It was erected between 1911 and 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V of England, so you may be surprised by its appearance, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, rather than buildings from Britain.
Elephant Caves - more than 1500 years of tradition!
Not only great art, phenomenal nature and beautiful traditions - Mumbai is also an ideal place for history lovers. The oldest sites in Mumbai are the Elephant Caves, located on Gharapuri Island (Elephant Island). Built between the 5th and 6th centuries AD, this complex of seven rock-cut temples attracts attention with its majestic statues of Hindu deities, beautiful altars and intricate reliefs. It's no wonder they've been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Start your adventure with India right in Mumbai! It's a place where you're sure to immerse yourself in the local culture, sample oriental cuisine and see impressive sites! See for yourself what the Bollywood cinema capital of the world looks like!
