India to Athens

Mumbai, the bustling financial capital of India, offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern dynamism. For travelers from the United States, this city presents an exciting mix of cultural experiences, historic landmarks, and vibrant street life. Known for its Bollywood film industry, Mumbai is a city that never sleeps, offering something for everyone from stunning architectural marvels to serene coastal views.

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, including Diwali and Christmas, offering a glimpse into the city's rich cultural tapestry. March to May is warmer, while the monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rains, making it less ideal for travel.

Getting There

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is the primary airport serving Mumbai, with direct flights from major US cities such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Airlines like Air India, United Airlines, and Delta offer flights to Mumbai. US citizens require a valid visa to enter India, which can be obtained online through the e-Visa system. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

Where to Stay

Mumbai offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. For luxury stays, consider the Taj Mahal Palace in Colaba or the St. Regis in Lower Parel. Mid-range options include the Trident Nariman Point and the ITC Grand Central. Budget travelers can find comfortable stays at places like the Residency Hotel in Fort or the YMCA International House.

Must-See Places & Experiences

Mumbai is home to iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a stroll along Marine Drive, visit the Elephanta Caves, or explore the vibrant markets of Colaba Causeway. For a unique cultural experience, catch a Bollywood film at a local cinema or visit the bustling Dharavi slum, known for its entrepreneurial spirit.

Local Transportation

Getting around Mumbai is convenient with various transportation options. From the airport, you can take a prepaid taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola. The city's suburban train network is extensive but can be crowded. Auto-rickshaws and local buses are also available, though they may be less comfortable for international visitors.

Food & Dining

Mumbai's culinary scene is diverse and delicious. Must-try local dishes include vada pav, pav bhaji, and bhel puri. For fine dining, visit restaurants like Trishna for seafood, Leopold Cafe for a historic vibe, or Masala Library for modern Indian cuisine. Street food is a significant part of the Mumbai experience, so don't miss out on trying some snacks from local vendors.

Practical Travel Tips

The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), and it's advisable to carry some cash for small transactions. English is widely spoken, but learning a few Hindi phrases can be helpful. Mumbai is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to stay vigilant and avoid isolated areas at night. Useful apps include Google Maps for navigation, Zomato for restaurant reviews, and MakeMyTrip for travel bookings.

Sprawling across the Attica region, Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. With its recorded history tracing back to around 3,400 years, it is known as one of the world's oldest cities. Through its ancient Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments, and various other Greek art-works, one can very easily view the Greek influence in the city. On the other hand, from the ancient monuments and dexterous works of art, you get to see the residue of the heritage of the classical era still blooming in the city. Lying 70 miles from Atlanta, nestled just below the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Athens is a fine blend of ancient and modern. The place does not exhibit uniformity in its architectural section; the buildings here display a merge of styles like Greco-Roman, Neo-Classical and modern. Some famous structures incorporate a wedding-perfect Antebellum architectural style detailed with much intricacy and splashed by brilliant streaks of contemporary art. Filled with the exuberance of an eclectic nightlife, the city has a famous Victorian-era downtown full of funky shops that wait eagerly for the tourists who come swarming from different parts of the world. Availing the world class facilities, sophisticated amenities, rooms with beautiful interiors and an artistic decor, friendly, dedicated staff, Athens has a large number of hotels which fall in price range corresponding to 1 star to 5 star. Some of the famous accommodation places are like Athens Atrium Hotel Suites, Attalos Hotel, Pythagorion Hotel, Hotel Vienna, City Plaza Hotel, Dorian Inn Hotel, Ionis Hotel, Odeon Hotel, Brazil Inn, Family Inn and many more. There are three main restaurant in the city of Athens, which bespeak the art and quality of service in terms of decor, facility and culinary. They are Ideal, Petrino and Puerta De Espana. Where Ideal is famed to provide Greek traditional cusine and Petrino introduce the modern international cuisines, there Puerta blends the music tradition of Spanish culture into the Spanish treats. Athens is one such place where you get to experience all the varied elements of art world in a single gallery. Pandora, The Athens Gallery and Harma Gallery are three famous hotspots where you can explore the multitudes of insights into the world of art. In case of shopping, Athens is a real substance; the jewellery made of different metals, gemstones and other materials, and other artifacts can be easily found here. Either you have an intention of bringing back the romance in your listless married life or you want to tread through the ancient lanes of Greece, Athens is the place you will love to spend your vacations. Log onto MakeMyTrip.com and have your travel trip organized on best and cheapest rates. Tourist guide, car rentals, choicest accommodation, preferred attractions- With MakeMyTrip you have it all. Here you get to choose the best among the many good travel online deals.