The city of dreams, where people land up, with big ambitions of their own - that's what Mumbai is all about. While we may know of its industrial looks, with serene seaside beaches, here are some interesting facts about Mumbai!
1. Mumbai is the most populous city in India
One of the local stations in Mumbai (Source)It's not surprising that Mumbai is known to be the most populous city in India, given its population is over 22 million!
2. From Bombay to Mumbai
The Bay Area of Mumbai (Source)Mumbai was initially called Bombay. The name came from a Portuguese writer who called the place "Bom Baim" that meant "good little bay". The name Mumbai was derived from the local deity 'Mumba Devi'.
3. Mumbai is the Alpha World City
View of Mumbai skyline at night (Source)Mumbai is not just a well-connected city when we talk about our country; it is also globally connected in terms of the world. Mumbai is a Global city or an Alpha World city that acts as a primary connection for the global economic network.
4. Mumbai is the wealthiest city in the country
Mumbai could be known for the stark contrast between the rich and the poor. While there are several slums and 'chawls', the city also houses the highest number of billionaires and millionaires in the country, making it the wealthiest city.
5. Mumbai is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Victoria Terminus of Mumbai (Source)Mumbai houses three of the most popular world heritage sites - the Elephanta Caves on the Elephanta Island, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or the Victoria Terminus, and the different Victorian and Art deco buildings.
6. Mumbai is an amalgamation of seven islands
Mumbai is known to exist as a collective of seven islands. Originally, Bombay comprised of seven islands - Isle of Bombay, Colaba, Old Woman's Island (Little Colaba), Mahim, Mazagaon, Parel and Worli. They were united to form the metropolitan we know today.
7. Mumbai is the Financial, Commercial, and Entertainment capital of India
Bombay Stock Exchange building (Source)Mumbai may be called the City of Dreams, but it is also the Financial capital of India because of the stock market centres. It is the Commercial capital of India because of its vast global reach, and it is the Entertainment capital of India because of Bollywood - the Hindi cinema industry.
8. Mumbai is home to primary scientific and nuclear institutes
Mumbai houses some of the most esteemed scientific and research institutes like Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Department of Atomic Energy, and so on.
9. Mumbai houses the top ten Commercial Centres of India
As it is the Financial capital of India, Mumbai houses ten of the most important financial centres like Reserve Bank of India, Bombay Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange of India, and so on.
10. Mumbai is named after a local deity
Mumbai Devi Temple in Mumbai (Source)As mentioned earlier, Mumbai got its name from the local patron deity, 'Mumba Devi'. Here, the name came from the two words 'Mumba' the goddess, and 'aai' meaning 'mother'.
11. India's first-ever train ran from Mumbai
A well-known fact about Mumbai and railways is that the first-ever train in the country operated from Mumbai Central to Thane.
12. Mumbai was the first to start bus service in India
The BEST Double Decker Bus of Mumbai (Source)Mumbai is known for its vast and fast transport services. The bus service was first introduced in this city. Since then, BEST buses have been carrying over 5 million passengers per day.
13. Antilia - World's most expensive house is in Mumbai
The Antilla in Mumbai (Source)Since Mumbai houses the wealthiest people in the country, it's not surprising that it also has the world's most expensive house - Antilia. This house belongs to the entrepreneur Mukesh Ambani, founder of the Reliance Group.
14. The Bandra-Worli Sea Link
Bandra-Worli Sea Link (Source)While the Bandra Worli sea link in Mumbai is known for its aesthetic appeal, it is also constructed using materials to withstand the mighty sea. Now that's one STRONG link!
15. Mumbai Pune Rail Line was built by a women
Mumbai is known for its fast local trains as modes of transport. But what we may not know is that the railway line connecting Mumbai to Pune was built in 1863 by Alice Tredwell, a woman!
16. Mumbai's Juhu Aerodrome was the first airport in India
The Juhu Aerodrome in Mumbai, founded in 1928, was the first airport in India. Currently, the city's international airport, 'Chhatrapati Shivaji 5International Airport', is known to be the third-best international airport in India.
17. Rudyard Kipling was born in Mumbai
File photo of Rudyard Kipling (Source)We know him as the iconic writer who brought us the character of Mowgli. Rudyard Kipling, popularly known as the writer of 'The Jungle Book', was born in the city of Mumbai. This is surely one of the unknown facts about Mumbai, isn't it?
18. The famous Dabbawalas of Mumbai
Their management system is so unique and perfect that now Management students study them and their order in their texts. The Dabbawalas are the hardworking tiffin service network in this city, delivering tiffins on time to every person in Mumbai.
19. Imagica located in Mumbai is the largest theme park in India
IMAGICA Theme Park (Source)While Disneyland maybe a faraway destination, fear not! India now has its vast theme park - Imagica! It is located on the Mumbai - Pune express highway, and is a must visit!
20. Mumbai houses the Asia's largest slum - Dharavi
Dharavi - World's Largest Slum (Source)While Mumbai may be the wealthiest city in the country, it also houses the Asia's largest slum - Dharavi. Slums are temporary settlements with makeshift houses for the poor, homeless to live.
The fact that the city of Mumbai brings opposites together is what makes it beautiful. Rich and poor, nature and human-made, mountains and the sea, and so on. Make sure you take the time to visit this lovely city!
