India to Shanghai

Mumbai, the bustling metropolis on India's west coast, is a city of contrasts and an exciting destination for travelers from the United Kingdom. Known for its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and as the heart of Bollywood, Mumbai offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. This city, once a collection of seven islands, has grown into India's financial and commercial hub, making it a melting pot of cultures and experiences.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Mumbai is from November to February when the weather is cooler and more pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This period also coincides with several festivals, such as Diwali and Christmas, offering a festive atmosphere. Avoid the monsoon season from June to September, as heavy rains can disrupt travel plans.

Getting There

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) serves as Mumbai's primary international gateway. There are numerous flights to Mumbai from the United Kingdom, with direct connections from London Heathrow and other major UK airports. Airlines such as British Airways, Air India, and Virgin Atlantic offer frequent services. Ensure you have a valid visa before traveling; UK citizens can apply for an e-visa online, which is convenient and quick.

Where to Stay

Mumbai offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. For luxury stays, consider the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel or the contemporary St. Regis Mumbai. Mid-range travelers might enjoy the Trident Nariman Point or The Leela Mumbai. Budget-conscious visitors can find comfortable options like the Residency Hotel or the Gordon House Hotel. Popular areas for tourists include Colaba, Marine Drive, and Juhu.

Must-See Places

Mumbai is brimming with must-see attractions:
• The Gateway of India - A historic arch monument overlooking the Arabian Sea.
• Marine Drive - A scenic promenade perfect for evening strolls.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya - A premier museum showcasing India's rich history.
• Elephanta Caves - Ancient rock-cut temples on Elephanta Island.
• Bollywood Tour - Get a behind-the-scenes look at India's film industry.
• Haji Ali Dargah - A stunning mosque and tomb located on an islet.

Local Transportation

Getting around Mumbai is relatively easy with various transportation options. From the airport, you can take pre-paid taxis or app-based cabs like Uber and Ola. The city's suburban railway network is extensive but can be crowded during peak hours. BEST buses and auto-rickshaws are also viable options for shorter distances. For a more comfortable experience, consider hiring a private car for the day.

Food & Dining

Mumbai's culinary scene is diverse and exciting. Must-try dishes include:
• Vada Pav - A spicy potato fritter in a bun, often called the Indian burger.
• Pav Bhaji - A buttery vegetable mash served with soft bread rolls.
• Bhel Puri - A tangy and spicy puffed rice snack.
• Seafood - Fresh catches like pomfret and prawns are local favorites.
For fine dining, visit restaurants like The Table, Bombay Canteen, and Wasabi by Morimoto. Street food enthusiasts should head to places like Juhu Beach and Chowpatty for an authentic experience.

Practical Travel Tips

• Currency: The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at most establishments.
• Language: While Hindi and Marathi are the primary languages, English is widely spoken and understood.
• Safety: Mumbai is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas.
• Apps: Download apps like Zomato for restaurant reviews, Ola and Uber for transportation, and Google Maps for navigation.

With its dynamic energy and endless attractions, Mumbai promises an unforgettable experience for travelers from the United Kingdom. Book your cheap flights to Mumbai now and embark on an adventure of a lifetime.

Tagged as the most developed cities in China, Shanghai stands strong with its population of over 23million, in which 9Million are just migrants. The largest and the prosperous city has a impressive history of years, which attracts constant traffic of tourists from across the globe. Among the most noted achievements, one was when the city hosted World Expo, 2010 and recorded the highest number of visitors from all over the world. With a captivating mix of east and west, Shanghai manages to woo the tourists with its style, art and world class technology. The climatic condition of the city is humid subtropical, and its best to hit the road during the spring season. Tourists can reach the diverse cultural city through plane and can land down at either Pudong or Hongqia International Airport. Other means of travelling include: train,car, bus, and boat. Getting around in the city requires help from the local transport, such as, local metro, special sight-seeing buses, taxis and ferry. Its always advisable to carry a language translation book in hand to communicate with the localihites. It will help you give proper hotel direction to your taxi driver. There are some place like, Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai Museum, Oriental pearl tower and Zhujiajiao Water Town, which can fill your heart with joy and pleasure. You can gather and sit at the nearest tea house, take a boat ride, spend time at the Jinjiang amusement park and Shanghai city beach. For shopping purposes, visit shanghai's Nanjing road or move towards the direction of Yuyuan Bazaar, for buying beautiful crafts and jewellery for yourself and your dear ones. There are number of supermarkets chains in the city, such as, Carreour, Auchan, Tesco, and Walmart, from which the tourists can easily avail products of their choice. At Shanghai, you will find cuisines of diverse tastes and flavour, which enable you to enjoy a vast variety of food and eatables at the city. While you plan out things for your trip, there are things which weigh prime importance. With MakeMyTrip, you can lessen your stress and can take help from the services provided by the website. The online ticket booking, accommodation arrangements and car rental services are managed by the website. Detailed information about the location is also provided at the city guides page, which enables you to have a closer look at your favourite location.