Welcome to the commercial center of India: Mumbai, a city that never sleeps. Business flourishes here with the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange, the Reserve Bank of India and large corporate headquarters operating day and night. Set on the seven islands that were later joined as a result of the city’s renewal, the booming city has one of the most expensive real estate deals.

Large skyscrapers loom on one side while 60 percent of the population lives in slums on the other. Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, home to 800,000 people in Mumbai. At 10 meters above sea level, Mumbai has six major lakes, along with the Bhatsa Dam, which supply the city with water. The best places to catch a glimpse of the Arabian Sea are Juhu and Chowpatti beaches. You’ll experience a true taste of India there, from traditional Indian dishes like Bhelpuri, to a variety of demographics like yoga practitioners showing off their supple bodies.

The main historical sites in Mumbai are the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves and the Kanheri Caves. The Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO heritage site, were formed in 600 AD Every year the spectacular Elephanta Festival with dance and music is held. The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront in South Mumbai and was once the entrance for people coming to India through Mumbai.

For those looking to enjoy the water, but not the sea, then Essel World is the place. There you’ll find an international-style water theme park complete with rides, roller coasters, and adventure themes. You can also take a trip through the six-lane Marine Drive around Mumbai’s natural bay. Haji Ali, a spiritual wonder that attracts people of all faiths, is located on the coast of Worli, in South Mumbai. Animal and bird lovers can visit the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, filled with beautiful wildlife and flora. The park is also home to the 2,400-year-old Kanheri Caves, carved out of rock and stone. If you want to experience a beautiful sunset away from the noise of the city, go to the terraced gardens called the Hanging Gardens.

Hindi movies, famous all over the world for their romantic stories, are made in Bollywood, also known as Film City, which is located near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. You can go there and find live footage of Hindi movies. Mumbai is also famous for its Ganesh Festival and the renowned Siddhi Vinayak Temple, where worshipers come to pray. Other places of interest include the Dhobi Ghat, the Flora Fountain, the Jehangir Art Gallery, the Nehru Center, the Taj Mahal Hotel where you can also stay, the Worli Fishing Village and Lake Vihar. Lonavala, also called Khandala, is 106 km from the International Airport and is by far the most romantic place in the area.

Traveling is not easy in Mumbai as it is densely populated. The buses are always overcrowded and the roads congested. Railways are the best option for most Mumbaikars as they are frequent and uninterrupted. Ferries are also a viable source of transportation across the sea. The metro is currently under construction and is planned to be an underground option that will be faster than all other transportation sources. Although not an exhaustive list, some of the top hotels for tourists include the Ramada Plaza Palm Grove, The Retreat, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, and the Godwin Hotel.