Mumbai, the ‘City of Dreams,’ is a modern metropolis that blends modernity, culture, and history. The secret treasures and lesser-known facts about Mumbai that give the city a distinct personality are just as captivating as the city’s crowded streets and well-known landmarks.
Mumbai is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Until 1955, the official name was Bombay. The name came from the Portuguese writer Gaspar Correia, who called the place “Bom Baim, ” meaning “good little bay.” The Government of India officially changed the English name to Mumbai in November 1995. The name Mumbai is derived from the local deity, Mumba Devi. Let’s discover 20 fun facts about Mumbai that showcase the city’s diverse attractions and distinct personality.
What is Mumbai known for?
Mumbai, a busy city on India’s western coast, is well-known for various factors that highlight its lively culture, rich past, and stunning architecture. Mumbai is famous for the following top attractions:
Food:
Mumbai is a food lover’s paradise, with many mouthwatering dishes to suit every taste. Its culinary culture is a mixture of tastes and influences, from famous street food like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Bhel Puri to the delicious seafood at restaurants along the coast.
Culture:
Mumbai’s cultural tapestry is woven with tradition, art, and entertainment threads. The city is the heart of India’s film industry, Bollywood, attracting aspiring actors and filmmakers nationwide. Beyond Bollywood, Mumbai is a hub for arts and entertainment, with vibrant music, dance, and theater scenes that showcase the city’s creative spirit.
Rich History:
Mumbai’s history is a mix of trade, cultural interaction, and conquests that have molded the city into the thriving metropolis it is today. Every area of the city reveals a piece of its history, from the historic rock-cut caverns of Elephanta Island to the colonial-era structures of South Mumbai.
Let’s Explore 20 Facts About Mumbai In India
Here are 20 interesting facts about Mumbai, showcasing the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and modernity:
1. Mumbai is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Among the interesting facts about Mumbai is a popular travel destination with many fascinating sites to see. One of the city’s main attractions is its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These heritage sites include the Elephanta Caves, the Shivaji Terminus (also called the Victoria Terminus), and several Victorian-era-inspired deco structures.
2. Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi
Mumbai is home to the biggest slums in Asia. These towns were created specifically for those living in poverty and unable to afford to move to the metropolis in search of better opportunities. The poor, needy, and homeless call it home. Despite the harsh circumstances, Dharavi has produced highly skilled individuals who have brought honor to the city and the slum. Some incredibly gifted people here have participated in, won, and received praise from several world-wide championships. If you take a Dharavi slum tour, you will know why Dharavi brings in business worth billions of dollars
3. 1st Five Star Hotel
India’s first five-star hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace, located in Colaba, Mumbai, is significant in the country’s hospitality history. Commissioned by Jamsetji Tata and opened on December 16, 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace set a new standard of luxury and elegance in the hotel industry. Today, the Taj Mahal Palace is part of the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, India’s largest and finest global hotel company, with properties nationwide and internationally.
5. First-Ever Indian Railway Line Construction By Women
In 1863, an Englishwoman named Alice Tredwell constructed the Mumbai-Pune railway line. Originally a photographer and railway contractor, she was also known as the wife of English railway contractor Solomon Tredwell. Alice Tredwell made history as the first woman to enter the railway construction business in India.
6. Best Supply Chain Management – The Dabbawalas
The dabbawalas have been delivering home-cooked food in Mumbai for over a hundred years and are the best at what they do. Most office workers prefer home-cooked meals, and the dabbawallas have perfected the delivery system. One of the fun facts about Mumbai is the exceptional efficiency of the dabbawalas. For over a century, they have been delivering home-cooked food throughout Mumbai . There are over 5,000 dabbawalas, divided into 200 teams of 25 people each, managing everything from pick-up to delivery. Forbes even awarded them a Six Sigma rating for their quality. The dabbawallas are famous for delivering food all over the city and winning the hearts of many people in Mumbai.
7. Mumbai is home to the world’s most expensive house
Mumbai is home to the world’s most expensive private residence, Antilia, named after a mythical island. This 27-story skyscraper mansion belongs to Mukesh Ambani, owner of India’s most valuable company. The house features a 168-car garage, 9 high-speed elevators, a spa, a 50-seat theater, a snow room, and a ballroom. Valued between USD 1 to 2 billion, Antilia is located on Altamount Road, also known as Billionaires Row.
8. Film City: The Art of Bollywood
Mumbai Film City tour, also known as Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, is the heart of Bollywood, India’s prolific film industry. Spanning over 520 acres, it houses numerous studios, outdoor sets, and advanced production facilities, making it one of the largest film production centers in the world.
9. Elephant Caves & Island
The Elephanta Caves, located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour, are a collection of cave temples predominantly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these caves are a significant historical and cultural treasure. One of the interesting facts about Mumbai is that this island’s rich history and heritage attract numerous tourists every year. The island, also known as Gharapuri, is situated about 10 kilometers east of Mumbai in Maharashtra. With its heritage status, we suggest you take an Elephanta Caves tour on your vacation to Mumbai.
10. Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat at Mumbai
Among the interesting facts about Mumbai is Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai is the largest open-air laundry in the world. Here, countless laundrymen from across the city come to wash clothes. At any given time, more than 8,000 laundrymen can be seen working at the 700 stone-washing platforms. In 2011, it won a Guinness World Record for “most people hand-washing clothes simultaneously at a single location.
11. Birthplace of The Jungle Book Author
The story of “The Jungle Book” is well known. Everyone loves it, and it is prevalent everywhere. If you haven’t read the book, you may be familiar with the story through a well-liked animated series, 3D movie, or cartoon series. It is difficult to ignore this story. The Nobel Prize winner Rudyard Kipling wrote this work. Interestingly, he was born on December 30, 1865, in Mumbai. Even though the author’s birthplace changed over time, the J.J. School of Art in Mumbai still retains the remains of his original residence.
12. Mumbai is the Alpha World City
Mumbai is a well-connected city in India and holds a significant position globally. As a Global city, or Alpha World city, Mumbai is a crucial hub in the global economic network. It is a primary link for international trade, finance, and cultural exchange. With its bustling ports, major financial institutions, and vibrant cultural scene, Mumbai is vital in connecting India to the world. This dynamic metropolis continues to strengthen its global connections, making it an indispensable part of the international community.
13. Mumbai is named after a local deity
Mumbai got its name from the local patron deity, Mumba Devi. The name derives from two words: “Mumba,” referring to the goddess, and “aai,” meaning “mother.” This combination reflects the city’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Thus, Mumbai translates to “Mother Mumba,” honoring the deity who is central to its identity
14. Mumbai was the first to start a bus service in India
Mumbai is renowned for its extensive and efficient transport services. The city’s bus service, first introduced here, has evolved significantly. Today, BEST buses transport over 5 million passengers daily, highlighting their crucial role in the city’s public transportation system. This reliable service is integral to Mumbai’s bustling, fast-paced life, providing essential connectivity for millions of commuters.
15. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai is a marvel of modern engineering, celebrated for its stunning aesthetic appeal and robust construction. This impressive bridge spans the Arabian Sea, connecting famous facts about Mumbai is bustling suburbs of Bandra and Worli, and has become an iconic symbol of the city’s infrastructural prowess.
16. Made up of Seven Island
Mumbai and its locations are unique. Unlike other cities, Mumbai is made up of seven islands that were united to make the city a whole. These islands include Colaba, Mahim, Parel, Worli, Isle of Bombay, Little Colaba, and Mazagaon. Among the fascinating facts about Mumbai is this unique geographical formation, which has shaped the city’s diverse culture and vibrant atmosphere.
17. Flamingos
The swamps of Bhandup and Sewri witness the migration of flamingos every year from October to March. These birds migrate to Mumbai from different parts of the world, giving photographers and bird enthusiasts much to explore. One of the fascinating facts about Mumbai is that this natural spectacle highlights the city’s rich biodiversity and appeals to nature lovers.
18. First Car Owner
The founder of Tata, Sir Jamshedji Tata, was the first car owner in India. Nobody before him had the privilege of having a car. He was a Mumbai resident, making Mumbai the first city to own a car in India. Among the interesting facts about Mumbai, this tidbit showcases the city’s historical significance and role in introducing modern advancements to the country.
19. Street Food
Mumbai’s street food is world-famous, with people often enjoying complete meals at these food stalls. Some famous street foods include vada pav, misal pav, pani puri, and keema pav. Any Mumbaikar would agree that the street food here often surpasses the quality of food served in restaurants.we suggest you take a Mumbai Food tour on your vacation to Mumbai.
20. Primary Scientific Institutes
Mumbai is home to highly recognized research institutes like the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Department of Atomic Energy. These esteemed institutions are at the forefront of scientific research, and working here is a dream for many aspiring scientists and researchers.
Conclusion
Mumbai is a big city with many different parts. Some parts are wealthy, while others are inferior. In Mumbai, you can see new ideas mixed with old ways of doing things. This city has a lot of history, but a lot of modern stuff is happening. Exploring these 20 incredible facts about Mumbai it will help you understand what makes it unique and why people love it.
Mumbai is famous for many things. It has a lot of history, with many old buildings and places to visit. But there are more fun facts about Mumbai than just history. It has a rich culture and many hidden treasures that people love to explore. Magical Mumbai Tours is a top tour agency in Mumbai that helps visitors experience all the different sides of Mumbai, from its famous landmarks to its lesser-known gems.
