India to Paro

Mumbai, the bustling financial hub of India, offers a vibrant mix of cultures, cuisines, and experiences that make it a must-visit destination for travelers from Singapore. Known for its iconic Bollywood film industry, Mumbai is a city where tradition meets modernity, creating an atmosphere of excitement and endless exploration.

From the historic Gateway of India to the serene Marine Drive, Mumbai is a city that promises diverse attractions and unique experiences. Whether you're exploring the lively street markets or savoring the local delicacies, Mumbai's dynamic energy is sure to captivate you.

Best Time to Visit

For travelers from Singapore, the ideal time to visit Mumbai is between November and February. During these months, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans. The winter months also coincide with several vibrant festivals, such as Diwali and Christmas, offering a chance to experience Mumbai's cultural richness.

Getting There

Mumbai is well-connected to Singapore with frequent flights operated by airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Air India, and Vistara. The main international airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM). Direct flights from Singapore to Mumbai typically take around 5 hours. Ensure you have a valid visa before traveling, which can be applied for online through the Indian government's e-Visa portal.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options in Mumbai cater to all budgets. For luxury, consider staying at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace near the Gateway of India or the upscale hotels in the Bandra-Kurla Complex. Mid-range hotels such as Trident and The Lalit offer excellent services and amenities. For budget travelers, areas like Colaba and Andheri provide affordable yet comfortable stays.

Must-See Places & Experiences

• Gateway of India
• Marine Drive
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
• Elephanta Caves
• Juhu Beach
• Haji Ali Dargah
• Siddhivinayak Temple
• Colaba Causeway for shopping
• Bollywood studio tours

Local Transportation

Getting around Mumbai is convenient with various options available. From the airport, you can take prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Uber and Ola. The city's suburban railway network is extensive but can be crowded. BEST buses and auto-rickshaws are also popular modes of transport. For a comfortable and hassle-free experience, consider using private car rentals.

Food & Dining

Mumbai's culinary scene is a reflection of its diverse population. Must-try dishes include Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Bhel Puri. For fine dining, visit restaurants like The Table and Bombay Canteen. Street food enthusiasts will love exploring the stalls at Juhu Beach and Mohammad Ali Road.

Practical Travel Tips

• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
• Language: Hindi and English are widely spoken
• Safety: Mumbai is generally safe for tourists, but always be cautious of your belongings
• Useful apps: Ola, Uber, Zomato, Google Maps

Booking cheap flight tickets to Mumbai has never been easier with MakeMyTrip. Ensure you secure your Mumbai flight ticket booking early to avoid last-minute hassles. Enjoy your journey from Singapore to Mumbai and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and charm of this incredible city.

Paro was a historical province, often referred to as the last kingdom in the Himalayas among the nine historical provinces of Bhutan. The old province was similar to the present day town limits, occupying the western lands of Bhutan. The Paro Dzong houses the administrative headquarters of the Paro Province.

The present day Paro is a picturesque valley town in the heart of Bhutan, situated on the banks of the river Paro Chhu. It extends from the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu, up till Mt. Jomolhari near the Tibetan border in the north. The town is surrounded by precious mountain valley views of untouched natural habitat. The city town isn’t a very old one; the main strip was built in 1985. With the passing years, the painted wooden cafes, restaurants, shops, and other establishments in Paro have begun to come under the shadow of mass concretisation. However, the charm of the city is still intact. The town is flanked by the Paro Dzong on the north-west, while the popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest lies nearby. Incidentally, Paro is the only Bhutanese town to have an international airport.

How to reach Paro

By Air – The main airport in Paro is the Paro International Airport. National carriers and other airlines operate flights to Paro from New Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Bangkok, etc. If you’re flying from other countries, it is advisable to first take a flight to one of the abovementioned cities and then a connecting flight to Paro.

By Train – One can reach Paro by train from West Bengal, India. Trains run from Kolkata to Paro.

By Road – One can drive to Paro via the international borders from India, but an international driving permit costing INR 400 is required, along with all the relevant documents of the car and the driver’s license. A valid visa is required for everyone entering Bhutan. Paro is a 32-hour drive from India’s capital Delhi. Buses also ply from the border at Phuntsholing.

What to do in Paro

Paro is the poster child of Himalayan aesthetics, with mountains, cliff-clinging monasteries, and sturdy fortresses, and it is a beautiful amalgamation of traditional Bhutanese and modern cultural habits. The area itself houses many sacred and historical sites, left to explore either by foot or the easily available taxis in the main town area. Exploring Paro Valley is considered one of the most exhilarating experiences in Bhutan, what with its lush green surroundings and uphill hikes. Paro is the part of Bhutan that is tailor-made for the nature lover looking to explore and relax in peace and quiet.

However, the main bazaar, the hub of tourist attractions, is an image of chaos, concrete, and activity. The “golden triangle” of Bhutanese tourist destinations is formed by Paro, Jakar, and Punakha.

Be it hiking or drinking and making merry at a café, Paro has something for every kind of traveller, and here are the top things to explore in Paro:

Taktsang Palphug Monastery

Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest)

Chele La Pass

Rinpung Dzong

Paro Taktsang

Dzongdrakha Temple

Kyichu Lhakhang

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge

National Museum

Drukgyel Dzong

Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Memorial House

Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang

Ugyen Pema Woedling Zangthopelri

Major Airports in and near Paro

One among the four airports in the Kingdom of Bhutan, the Paro International Airport is the sole international airport in the country. Situated at an elevation of 2,235 m, and surrounded by peaks at an elevation of 5,500 m, the Paro International Airport is one of the most challenging airports in the world to fly in and out of. The national carriers, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines, fly daily to Paro. All international flights to Paro land here. One can get flights to Paro from cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, Kathmandu, and Bangkok.

MakeMyTrip offers a wide range of flights to Paro. One can easily use the website to book a flight to Paro or from Paro, with the major airport being a hub for domestic and international airlines. MakeMyTrip flights to Paro can be availed at highly discounted rates during festivals and off seasons.