Mumbai, India

Geography: Mumbai is located on the western coast of India. It is located near a natural harbor and was an ideal location for historical trade. In 1661, a causeway was built by British engineers to link all of Bombay's islands.

Currency:  One rupee=100 paise. Indian coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 paise and 1, 2 and 5 rupees. Notes are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. If you are handed a grubby note, insist on having it exchanged for a newer one. Have a big supply of small bills as change almost does not exist in India

National Symbols: Bengal tiger

National Anthem: " Jana-Gana-Mana" - Thou Art the Ruler of the Minds of All People

Language: Hindi, Marathi and English

Area Comparison: India is slightly more than one-third the size of the US

Distance from Pittsburgh: 12,840km or 7,978miles

Terrain: In the south there is the upland plain - Deccan Plateau. In the Ganges it is flat to rolling plains. There are deserts in west and the Himalayas in the north.

Highest Point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m

Weather You Should Expect: Mumbai has a truly tropical climate and temperatures remain fairly uniform throughout the year. You never need to pack woolens for Mumbai, not even in December. Mumbai is drowned every year under torrential Indian Ocean monsoon rains between June and September, usually beginning by 7th June every year.

What You Must See: Gateway of India is a  landmark where English King George V landed in India. The people of Mumbai made this beautiful memorial to him. Chor Bazaar also known as the thieves market to find antiques. It is several streets of nothing but antique shops. Mahatmy Jyotiba Phule Market also known as Crawford Market for little shops and stalls everywhere. Cowpatty Beach has a Ferris wheel that does not have a motor. It is run by young men climbing on top of the wheel, then jumping on the next rung down making the wheel rotate.

Places to Try: Eat lunch at Cafe de Paris. Despite its name, this is a bare bones all you can eat thali joint with possibly the best price-quality ratio in Mumbai, which at least on Indian standards tends to be expensive. Incredibly popular with the locals, it serves fantastic thalis for the whopping price of 40 rupees (that's 60 cents). It's located on the Southern end of the Colaba Causeway, past the main hubbub.

Historical Fact: Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is a two-story building where Mahatma Ghandi once lived. It is now a museum, library and research center. It is all about Ghandi's life and the many struggles that took place for India to receive its freedom peacefully.

Science Fact: Mumbai is divided into two districts, South and North Mumbai. South Mumbai is known as the elite district and is called "Town." The stock market, luxury hotels and high rises make up this area with its many wealthy residents. North Mumbai is more of an area for technology. The area grew because of its population increase. It was never part of Mumbai but today has about the same landscape as South Mumbai.

Fun Fact: The Gateway of India is a large arch-like structure, the Gateway of India, is the first thing people see when they reach Mumbai by water. It is often the first part of India that is seen as well. The initial approach road to the gateway was never built because of lack of funds, so today the road leading up to the gateway is angled.

Interesting Fact: Bombay was renamed Mumbai in 1996.

Another Interesting Fact: The world's largest movie industry is located in Mumbai. It is known as Bollywood. The "B" in Bollywood is from the city's former name, Bombay. Like Hollywood, Bollywood is the center for entertainment in India.