Mumbai

Mumbai icons on a busy street ( Claudio) and the Gateway of India ( dharmesh).

Bombay, known officially since 1995 as Mumbai, is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. Bombay was originally a conglomeration of seven islands on the Konkan coastline which over time were joined to form a single island city of Bombay.

The city has an estimated metropolitan population of 17 million, making it the sixth largest metropolis in the world. Bombay is also one of India's largest port cities and looms large as the commercial capital of India. Its role as the most eclectic and cosmopolitan Indian city is symbolised in the presence of Bollywood within the city.

Hindus comprise 68% of Mumbai's population, Muslim 17%, Christian 4% and Buddhist 4%. The remaining are followers of Parsi, Jain, Sikh and Jewish religions and atheist ideology. In light of this diversity, Mumbai's sacred sites are rich and varied. Most are associated with Hinduism or Islam, and there are some Christian sites left from colonial times (Portugese and British) as well.

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	Banganga Tank The sacred waters of this popular bathing pool are believed to originate in the Ganges and have healing powers. Legend has it the pool sprung up after an arrow shot by the epic hero Rama landed here.
	Elephanta Caves A very popular day trip from Mumbai, these Shiva temple caves are located an hour's ferry ride away on Elephanta Island. The caves are a fascinating World Heritage Site and there are great views of Mumbai from the ferry.
	Haji Ali Dargah This mosque can be reached by a narrow causeway only at low tide. A handsome example of Indian Islamic architecture, associated with legends about doomed lovers, it contains the tomb of Haji Ali.
	Jain Temple One of the prettiest temples in Mumbai, the Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple is decorated with colorful paintings and carvings.
	Jama Masjid The Jama Masjid is the largest and oldest mosque in Mumbai, rebuilt in 1775-1802. It is located in South Mumbai near Crawford Market.
	Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum A small museum in Gandhi's former house that preserves his room, spinning wheel and other items.
	St Thomas' Cathedral Once the place of worship of the East India Company, this is believed to be the oldest British building in Mumbai. It was completed in 1718 in a Neoclassical/Gothic style and contains the tombs of many British parishioners.
	Walkeshwar Temple A Shiva temple adjacent to the sacred Banganga Tank.