Best Time to Visit

The best months for visiting Mumbai are the ones going from October to February. The winter season here is warm overall, with a minimum temperature of 10°C and low levels of humidity. This is also the period in which several events occur, from the Diwali Festival of Lights in October to the Moon Indigo Cultural Festival towards the end of December. Coming a bit earlier though, around the end of August and the start of September, is also a good idea: this is when the monsoon season ends together with its heavy rainfall, leaving behind lush greenery making for worthwhile sights. You can also join the Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten day long festival in honour of Lord Ganesha.

Passport / Visa

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document with a valid visa. A visa is required for most nationalities, with the exception of Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives (if not arriving from mainland China). The visa has to be requested through an online application, and the instruction for filling in the application and for scheduling appointments can be seen at the visa department's website. Be aware that a visa can only be acquired via this online application, and without any intermediary – do not follow agents who claim speedy/express grant of e-Visa.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport is the busiest airport in India. Expect it to take around 90 minutes to get into the city centre as the traffic can be very heavy. To get to the city centre you can either go by train, bus, rickshaw, taxi or by renting a car. The fastest way to reach the city is by train. The nearest station to the domestic terminal is Vile Parle and the nearest one to the international terminal is called Sahar. www.indianrailways.gov.in BEST buses provide bus services in the city and suburbs. From the domestic terminal you can take bus 312 to Vile Parle East and Andheri East. From the international terminal you can also take bus 312 to Vile Parle East, and number 308 will take you to Andheri East. www.bestundertaking.com You can also reach the city centre by a rickshaw by finding them at the domestic terminal. Taxis and car rental companies are available outside both the domestic and international terminals.

• Web:

  www.csia.in

• Address:

  Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai

• Phone:

  +91 22 6685 1010

Public Transport

The city buses are run by BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) and, although being normally crowded, they are ideal for short journeys. To get around with public transport you must be acquainted to the system; if you are a tourist, it is advisable to plan your journey in advance. Tickets can be bought from the conductor on-board. The fastest way to get around the city is by train. The city has three different lines: Western Line, Central Main Line and Harbour Line.

• Web:

  www.bestundertaking.com

• E-mail:

  transport@bestundertaking.com

• Address:

  Mumbai

• Phone:

  +91 18 0022 7550

Taxi

There is no shortage of taxis in Mumbai and they can be easily found throughout the city. Taxis usually have meters, but watch out for those meters set on the previous fares and make sure your driver has a conversion card. Book my Cab: www.bookmycab.com Taxi for Sure: www.taxiforsure.com/mumbai-cabs

• Web:

  www.bookmycab.com

• E-mail:

  mumbai@bookmycab.com

• Address:

  Mumbai

• Phone:

  +91 22 6123 4567

Electricity

220 V (round pins), 50/60 Hz