There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Mumbai each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1: New Year's Day (national) January 26: Republic Day (national)Each year, the founding of the Republic of India on this day in 1950 is marked with pomp and pageantry. Celebrations include official ceremonies, colourful military parades and general merry-making, including street theatre and fireworks.
February 12: Vasant Panchami (national)This one-day Hindu festival celebrates the arrival of spring. In and around Mumbai, the day is celebrated with kite flying, singing, dancing and feasting.
Mai 1: Labour Day (national) August 15: Independence Day (national)The anniversary of India's independence from British rule in 1947 is celebrated each year with flag raising and other patriotic ceremonies, military parades and cultural events.
Sixth month of the Hindu calendar (between August 20 and September 15): Ganesh Chaturthi (national, but especially in Mumbai and its region)Mumbai's most famous festival lasts for 10 or 11 days and honours Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god of good fortune, who is the city's patron. Celebrations are particularly ecstatic on the last day, when huge processions, including many dancers and musicians, make their way to Chowpatty Beach carrying clay images and giant statues of the god, which they submerge in the sea.
October 2: Gandhi Jayanti - Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday (national)Commemorated throughout the country, this holiday celebrates the anniversary of Gandhi's birth on this day in 1869. All schools and stores are closed. Numerous religious ceremonies are held to remember independent India's founding father.
November: Diwali (national)Oil lamps, lanterns and candles illuminate Mumbai and all of India during this five-day festival of lights. According to tradition, Diwali celebrates the god Rama's return from 14 years of exile in the forest, when citizens lit his way with oil lamps, after his victory over the demon Ravana, as told in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Festivities also include firecrackers and fireworks, feasting with loved ones, and exchanges of sweets and gifts.
December 25: Christmas (national)Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 19/66 | 30/86 | 0/0.0 | Not the best period to go |
February | 20/68 | 30/86 | 0/0.0 | Not the best period to go |
March | 23/73 | 31/88 | 0/0.0 | Not the best period to go |
April | 25/77 | 32/81 | 2/0.1 | Good period to go
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May | 27/81 | 33/91 | 12/0.5 | Good period to go
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June | 26/79 | 32/90 | 592/23.3 | Not the best period to go |
July | 25/77 | 30/86 | 682/26.9 | Not the best period to go |
August | 24/75 | 32/90 | 487/19.2 | Not the best period to go |
September | 25/77 | 30/86 | 307/12.1 | Not the best period to go |
October | 25/77 | 32/90 | 61/2.4 | Good period to go
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November | 23/73 | 33/91 | 23/0.9 | Good period to go
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December | 21/70 | 31/88 | 2/0.1 | Good period to go
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The Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is located about 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of the city centre.
Mumbai is a bustling and massive metropolis. Getting around the city can be incredibly difficult. However, as the main sights are concentrated in the central area, it is always possible, and in fact highly recommended, to visit the city on foot!
There is only one metro line operated in Mumbai for now, connecting the east and west neighbourhoods. Trains are often overcrowded, especially during rush hours. Single tickets cost between INR 10 and INR 40.
Mumbai has many bus routes, using both single- and double-decker vehicles. But as the buses are very often crammed with passengers, this can be a rather uncomfortable means of transport in the hot climate of Mumbai. Fares start at about INR 50.
Chauffeured vehicles are certainly the most convenient option for getting around Mumbai, but also the most expensive. Hiring a chauffeur for a week costs about INR 18,000. Added to this is the rental cost for the car and fuel. Daily car rental fees are generally in the range of INR 1,000 to INR 2,000.
Metered taxis are plentiful in Mumbai. There are two types of cabs, easily identified by their colour: blue taxis are air-conditioned, and most trips within the centre of the city cost about INR 20 per kilometre. Black taxis are not air-conditioned and the fare is approximately 40 percent lower than those for blue taxis.
Upon your arrival in Mumbai, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.
Indiatourism MumbaiOffers practical information and many useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
The official travel website maintained by India's Ministry of Tourism provides a wealth of information on Mumbai.
The currency used in is the Indian Rupee (INR).
1 € = 88,02 ₹
1 ₹ = 0,01 €
The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Mumbai counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsThere are no vaccination requirements for visitors to India. However, booster doses of the following vaccines are strongly recommended for anyone travelling to the Indian subcontinent: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, anti-meningococcal, Japanese encephalitis in case you travel to rural areas.
For longer stays, a rabies vaccination is also recommended.
For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
It is recommended to keep food safety measures (cook food, carefully wash produce before eating…).
WaterIt is recommended to drink water in sealed bottles.
As a French citizen, you must apply for a visa before travelling to India. Visa extensions are not possible once you have arrived in the country, whether for tourism, studies or business. You should also note that, depending on the type of visa you require, the expiration date of your passport will need to be at least three to six months later than that of your visa.
Since Mai 2015, the e-Tourist Visa allowing for visa on arrival issuance has been available in 16 airports including in Mumbai. It may be redeemed online for short-stays (less than 30 days).
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Mumbai and India, be sure to check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country for the latest travel information and recommendations. Comprehensive information that may be helpful for international visitors is also provided on the India page of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/india/
Here are a few basic Hindi phrases that will make your stay in Mumbai a little easier:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Namaste
No, thank you: Nahi dhanyawaad
Thank you very much: Bahut dhanyawaad
I don't understand: Mein nahi samjha
Could you repeat ?: Kripya dohrain?
What time is it ?: Time kya hai ?
Sorry / Excuse me: Shama kijiye
I'm looking for (…): Mein janna naa chahta hoon
How much is (...)?: Kya kimat hai (…) ?
Do you have (…)?: Kya aap (…)?
Where can I find (…)?: Kahan milenga (…) ?
Tipping
There are no hard-and-fast rules on tipping in India. Nevertheless, with the influx of tourists it has become increasingly common, especially in large cities like Mumbai. The expected tip is usually about 10% of the bill. Some Mumbai restaurants add a service charge to the bill. When this is the case, no additional tip is necessary.