Airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
IATA Code: BOMLocation: The airport is located 18 miles (29km) north of Mumbai.
Time: GMT +5.5
Contacts: +91 (0)22 2615 6500, Terminal 1: +91 (0)22 2615 6600, Terminal 2: +91 (0)22 2682 9000
Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are five miles (3km) apart, which are connected by a free bus service which takes 10-15 minutes. Several Indian Airlines flights (especially to Goa) depart from the Internationals Terminal.
Transfer to the city: Taxi: Taxis are the only form of transport offering direct transfers to the city. Choose a prepaid taxi over a metered one as metered taxi drivers are notorious for travelling longer routes to destinations in order to rack up the meter reading. Do not pay more than RS 450-600 for a prepaid taxi, the amount of which will take you past central Mumbai to Colaba, the city's main tourist hub. Train: Commuting via railway is the fastest way to travel in Mumbai. The Mumbai Suburban Railway Network consists of three lines, namely the Western, Central and Harbour Lines; all of which connect to various parts of the city. The closest station to CSIA's Domestic Terminal 1 is called Vile Parle, which is located in Santa Cruz, while the nearest station to International Terminal 2 is Andheri, located in Sahar. Both stations may be reached via a quick bus or taxi trip from CSIA. A one-way second-class ticket is about RS 9 and a first-class ticket costs around RS 76. Bus: Buses travel between CSIA and nearby railway stations Vile Parle and Andheri. Catch route no. 312 in Domestic Terminal 1 and no. 321 in International Terminal 2. Auto Rickshaw: Auto Rickshaws are only licensed to operate in the western suburbs beyond Bandra, and in the central suburbs passed Sion. They are available at Domestic Terminal 1. The minimum fare is RS 11 for 1.2miles (2 km), after which the meter clocks RS 6.50 for each additional 0.6 miles (1 km).
Taxis: Pre-paid taxis are available outside Arrivals, at Terminals 2A and 2C. The journey time is approximately one hour to the city-centre of Mumbai, and costs approximately Rs. 400.
Car rental: Car hire, with or without a driver, can be arranged in the Arrivals terminal, through Silver Cabs or Carzonrent. Passengers are strongly advised not to try drive themselves around Mumbai.
Facilities: Money and communications: ATMs, currency exchange and post office. Luggage: There are left luggage and lost and found facilities in both terminals Conference and business: The departures areas of both terminals contain executive lounges and a business centre. Conference facilities are available at the nearby Leela Kempinski Hotel. Other facilities: Facilities include childcare rooms, medical facilities, a prayer room and a smoking lounge. Wi-fi: Wi-fi is available for free. You have to provide your mobile number to gain access to the network. Information: Tourist information counters are located in Terminal 1B. Shopping: In addition to three duty free stores offering an extensive selection of luxury products, CSIA is home to a good range of retail outlets, including Esbeda, Samsonite, Media Mart, Natraj Jewellers, Pavers England, J.K Fashions, Crystal Mirage, Croma, Da Milano, Gili, Landmark, Ethos, William Penn, Swarovski, Hidesign, Lilliput, Little India and Lotus Retail. Food and Drink: A broad array of restaurants and fast food outlets cater to the tastes of both western and eastern palettes. Popular venues include Veg O' Vegee, Grab n Go, Mumbai Se, Shiv Sagar, Baskin & Robins, Crepetaria, Hot Dog, Mad Over Donuts, Burritos, Dominos, Kailash Parbat, Balaji / Blackberry Restaurant, Curry Kitchen, KFC, Ultra Bar, Celebrations Restaurant, Pizza Hut and The Chocolate Room. There are also some coffee bistros scattered throughout CSIA, including Barista Lavazza, Cafeccino, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Lipton Counter and Coffee and More.
Parking: Parking comprises 2250 spaces. Prices are Rs.60 for the first 30 minutes, Rs.130 for 30 minutes to 2 hours and Rs.750 for 8-24 hours; each additional hour costs Rs.60.
Departure tax: Rs. 700 (usually included in the ticket price)
Website: www.csia.in
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Mumbai
Situated on a peninsula halfway up the west coast of India, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is India's economic powerhouse, and home to more millionaires than any other city on the Indian subcontinent. As well as being the country's financial capital, Mumbai is also an important port, handling a third of all international trade; and a base for many of India's largest companies. However, among all this wealth and the Bollywood lifestyle are cases of extreme poverty - with almost half of the 21 million-strong population living in slums.
The Portuguese established this old Hindu city as a colony in 1509. In 1661, it passed to England as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II, and became a vital trading base for the East India Company and later the Crown. The centre of Imperial Bombay, the city contains a breathtaking array of High Victorian buildings and is reminiscent of a prosperous 19th-century English industrial city. The fascinating range of architectural styles reflects the British passion for the Gothic and demonstrates the wealth, panache and confidence of British Bombay. Prosperity has always been considered more important than religious homogeneity in Mumbai, and this is reflected in the range of places of worship throughout the city - churches and cathedrals sit alongside countless mosques, Hindu and Buddhist temples.
Like many Indian cities, the streets of Mumbai are congested with cattle, carts and motor vehicles, and the air is thick with smog and the sound of horns. But despite this, the city has much to offer, and those en route to Goa should take time to discover Mumbai's colourful and fascinating history, as well as its vibrant, energetic and friendly people. At the very worst, your experience of Mumbai will make Goa's beaches seem that much more peaceful.
