Mumbai

Mumbai Location
Location:     18.96°N, 72.82°E
Altitude:     10 metres to 15 metres
Area:     603 sq km

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is sited on the western coast of India. Its geographical location accedes to have the surging Arabian Sea as its background. The terrain of the city came into existence with the merger of seven islands namely, Isle of Bombay, Mazagaon, Colaba, Old Woman's Island, Parel, Worli, and Salsette Island. Mumbai lies just above sea level, with its meager altitude ranging from 10 to 15 metres.
The Island City is divided into two different regions, one the city itself and the other, its suburbs. In the coastal region called Konkan, Mumbai (or Bombay) is to be found at the mouth of Ulhas River. The mountains dominate the northern part of the city, where the highest point elevates to 450 metres in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Sprawled in the total area of 603 km², the Bollywood city is dotted with lakes like Powai, Tulsi and Vihar Lake.
Moreover, there are three small rivers within the periphery of the Island City. Numerous creeks and bays are strewn on its coastline. On the eastern coast of Salsette Island, the area is cloaked with large mangroves, while the western coast is generally sandy and stony. In Mumbai, the soil cover is largely sandy because of its propinquity to the sea. Geography states that the underlying rock of the expanse is made of Black Deccan Basalt flows and their acid and basic variants.
Mumbai History
1534 - Bombay islands were captured by the Portuguese.
1661 - The islands were gifted in the dowry to Charles II of England.
1668 - Charles II gave the islands to the East Indian Company on lease.
1708 - Bombay became the H.Q. of the East India Company.
1862 - The islands were merged to shape one stretch.
1869 - Suez Canal was opened and Bombay developed as an international port.
1947 - Bombay was declared the capital of Bombay state.
1960 - Bombay was made the capital of Maharashtra.
1995 - The name was changed to Mumbai after the goddess 'Mumbadevi'.
The history and origin of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) goes like this. Bombay was initially a group of seven islands on the Konkan coastline, occupied by Koli fishermen. Until Sultan Muhamed Begada seized the islands, Bombay was inhabited by the Hindus. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese traveler, was the first person to explore the sea-route to Bombay. The discovery led to repeated attacks by the Portuguese, who eventually captured the islands in 1534.
The Portuguese constructed a parish, several forts and churches, but couldn't realize any value out of them. In 1661, these islands were gifted to Charles II of England, in the dowry of Catherine de Braganza, who was the sister of the Portuguese King. Finding no use of the islands, Charles II leased them to the East India Company in 1668. This trading company took great advantage of the strategic location of the islands and built the docks, trading posts and the fort that would make the switchboard of the city.
Before long, Bombay developed into an important trading post. Reclamation was started and Gerald Aungier, the Governor persuaded businessmen from all parts of the country to come and settle in Bombay. He was titled the 'Father of Bombay' seeing that during his time, Bombay developed into a major commercial centre. The booming port attracted the capitalist communities like the Parsis, Gujaratis and Marwaris, who established trading companies and factories.
In 1708, Bombay became the headquarters of the East India Company. During the 18th century, the population considerably increased and basic amenities were introduced to the city. Bombay saw construction of various buildings, monuments, railway stations, offices, banks etc in the 19th century. By the year 1862, the seven islands were coupled together to figure one expanse. With the advent of the Great Indian Peninsular Railways, the city received enhanced means of communication.
As soon as the Suez Canal was opened in 1869, Bombay flourished as an international port and reinforced itself as the chief commercial and industrial center in India. It was declared the capital of Bombay state, once India became independent in 1947. In 1960, Maharashtra, the state, came into existence and Bombay state was dissolved to make its capital. Bombay was named as Mumbai after 'Mumbadevi', the patron goddess of Koli fisher folks in 1995.
Best Time to Visit
The fascination for the Island City of India, Mumbai, never gets exhausted. People plan trips according to their holidays and suitability, yet one should refer the weather and peak travel season of the city before scheduling the trip. Mumbai, being located on the coastline, observes humid and sultry climate throughout the year. Summers elongates from March to May, where high temperature doesn't allow enjoying the capital of Maharashtra.
Monsoon season gives an amusing breathing space, but excessive rains spoil the mood of a holiday. Frankly, one should not plan a tour to Bombay during the rainy season. Due to its propinquity with the sea, the Bollywood City virtually floats in the heavy showers. The cultural festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, held in August/ September, attracts people from various parts of the country as well as the world.
After monsoons, the weather changes and, owing to the light breezes, becomes quite agreeable. Winters arrive and make the climatic conditions truly pleasant. It is the time when the city is comparatively less humid. However, winters doesn't mean wearing loads of woolens in Mumbai. The weather is just fine to take pleasure in the attractions, which the city offers. Thus, the best and ideal time to visit Mumbai is between the months of October and February.