If you plan on spending any amount of time in India, you should definitely plan a trip to Mumbai. This large city, formerly known as Bombay, has the largest population of any city in India, and it's actually ranked in second place as the world's most populous city. The capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai is located on India's west coast, and is India's richest city. It's also considered to be the entertainment and commercial center of India. Mumbai offers a diverse lifestyle, combining traditional and modern cultures. You'll find a lot to see and do in this exciting city.

The Gateway of India
This beautiful archway is perhaps the most famous landmark in all of Mumbai. Located at Apollo Bunder, it was originally built in honor of King George V and Queen Mary, when they visited india in 1911. No trip to Mumbai is complete without enjoying it.

Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves should not be missed when visiting Mumbai. Located on the Elephanta Island in the harbor, they are absolutely spectacular, carved from rock, and contain many beautiful sculptures and reliefs. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city, these caves will provide the perfect reprieve. Not much is known about the actual origin of these caves, although they are thought to have been built as a temple to a Hindu god. They are thought to date back to at least 800 AD, and possibly even earlier.

Temples in Mumbai
There are of course many beautiful temples in Mumbai. When visiting, you'll want to visit the Mahalaxmi Temple, built for the goddess of wealth. Devotees will visit this temple, hoping for her blessing. The beautiful Siddhivinayak Temple, situated at Prabhadevi, is a popular destination for those who wish to receive Lord Ganasha's blessing. It's not unusual to see people wait at the temple for hours in pursuit of this blessing. Iskcon, commonly referred to as Hare Rama Hare Krishna, is located at Juhu. This holy place is the center of spiritual knowledge, meditation and worship for many devotees. The Jain Temple is also very beautiful and should not be missed.

Parks, Gardens and Beaches
If you enjoy nature, you'll find plenty of options in and around Mumbai. The many beaches include the bustling Juhu and Chowpatty beaches. If you're looking for quieter surroundings, the Marve and Gorai beaches would be a better choice. The Hanging Gardens on Malabar Hills are beautiful, and will provide you with a panoramic view of the surrounding city. The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is also a popular destination. The beautiful Kanheri Caves are located here, which were caved in the second century A.D. by Buddhist monks. Many people also like to visit Jijamata Undyan, formerly known as the Victoria Gardens, which contains the Byculla Zoo. Although the zoo houses many endangered and rare animals and birds, many people object to the way the animals are housed, and it has a reputation for being a poorly designed zoo. However, the surrounding grounds are beautiful, containing many rare and beautiful plants.

Alyssa Davis, is a top writer for Metal-Wall-Art.com and specializes in featuring cars metal art and outdoor metal art.