Mumbai (India)

Mumbai is India´s largest city with a population of 22.8 million. It is also India´s most important commercial centre. Mumbai was part of the British Empire until independence in 1947. It was called Bombay until 1995, when it was renamed Mumbai after a Hindu goddess, Mumba Devi. Mumbai is both old and modern, rich and poor. The streets are full of people dong business, selling snacks and clothes, or just living there. Money is everywhere in modern Mumbai. India´s most important businesses and banks have their headquarters there. The Bollywood film industry produces more films than Hollywood in Los Angeles. Modern skyscrapers and new shoopping malls are right next to slums. Sixty percent of the population live with no running water, no electricity, and no sanitation. Mumbai is on the west coast. The wet season is from June to September. Between November and February is is a little cooler and dryer. The city is best at sunrise and sunset, when the colour of the stone buildings changes from gold to orange and pink. The cheapest and easiest transport is by bus. Trains can be crowded and dangerous. Because of its poverty, Mumbai can be a difficult place to live, but the experience is unique.