Welcome to Mumbai

The city of dreams, the city that never sleeps; this is a city of numerous taglines. But the most apt is probably – the city of extremes. This is one place in India where you will see progress of a Nation next door to the history – the extremely poor next to the shiny new Mercedes Benz.

Mumbai throbs with life through the day and much of the night. Whether you decide to sample its signature Pav Bhaji at a roadside stall, or go to one of its many posh restaurants, this is one city where you would never be at a loss for what to do. And that goes for entertainment too - pubs, bars, bowling alleys and amusement arcades, nightclubs, fashion shows, concerts, theatre and film festivals.

Mumbai is divided into two districts. North and South Mumbai. South Mumbai, also known as Town, is considered a posh address for any Mumbaiite. Nariman Point is the Manhattan of the city, overflowing with high-powered corporate offices. South Mumbai is comprised of areas such as Marine Drive (with beautiful art deco buildings), Byculla, Churchgate, Parel, Elphinstone Road, Mahalaxmi, Kemps Corner and Mahim. It has all the places of historical importance, wide and manicured roads, hundreds of high-rises, luxurious hotels, swinging bars and restaurants, colorful and eventful streets, and an eclectic mix of moneyed residents.

This was until North Mumbai caught on. North Mumbai grew out of necessity. The rise in real estate prices in Town gave way to this area, which was, until only a few decades ago, not considered a part of Mumbai. Today, Juhu, Bandra, Chembur, Powai, Vashi, Jogeshwari, Santa Cruz and Khar have come into their own and boast of sprawling residential colonies, high-tech corporate spaces, hip nightclubs and restaurants, multiplexes, malls and world-class hotels. It is quite natural for a South Mumbai resident to never feel the need to visit the other side for weeks. And vice versa. Although both areas are a part of the same city, they are very much divided in people's perceptions. On the other hand, both are dependent on each other; in most cases, an employee lives in the north and travels south for work.

Now that you have made it to Mumbai and have all of this to look forward to, see the rest of the wiki for more information to help you through your time here.