Traveling to Mumbai

Having spent a significant amount of my life in this city, I spend loads of time coordinating travel plans for friends and acquaintances that are traveling through. Mumbai is a must see during your India tour and well worth 2 days. Yes, it's overwhelming and emotional, yet so vibrant. This is the city of dreams and the financial and entertainment hub of the country. Here is my advise on how to do Mumbai in 48 hours.

Once out of the Mumbai airport, you will be surrounded by the smells of the city, a mixture of burning flames, sea air, incense, curry and sweat...it's a nostalgic scent and one that you will never forget. Hope in a taxi and be patient, the city only has one major highway that runs from the airport in Santa Cruz to South Mumbai. It's a journey, as you slowly progress through the slums, the new shopping centers, and the up market areas, view the view of Marine bay and eventually land at the Gateway to India and the Taj Hotel. For all the new luxury hotels popping up through the city, The Taj maintains its imminence and splendor. Recently renovated after the attacks in 2008, from the service, fine Indian cuisine and the many fine pieces of art, relax after your journey and enjoy a cool drink poolside.

There are numerous places to eat near the Taj and well worth walking around the local markets. If you are even more keen, walk from the Taj to the Bombay Museum (yes, it is possible to walk in Mumbai and the best part of the city is looking into the odd shops and the vibrant activity on the street, enjoy the street food, get a haircut, join the local action-as with any city, this is the best way to get a sense of the energy of the city). Check out the Indigo restaurant waling distance from the hotel, innovative European cuisine mixed with a dose of local flavors.

Start your day at the Taj; enjoy a complimentary yoga class or a morning refresher swim. After breakfast, it shopping time. The city of full of excellent shops--jewelry (gold, gems, diamonds), up and coming Indian designers garnering international sari shops galore (they make excellent curtains, and bed covers) and walk through the Chor Bazaar (thieves market), where, you will find...just about everything...

Take a breath, head over to Marine Drive, where you can view the cities landscape. Head to the roof of the Intercontinental Hotel and enjoy a cool drink and lift your feet. Next stop, Chowpatty Beach, nip a bit of food from the local vendors, enjoy the breeze and enjoy the people watching.

Hop in a cab and head to Bandra, a hip and happening neighborhood full of bars, restaurants and shopping. Have dinner at the chic Olive restaurant and people watch, and possibly spot a few Bollywood celebs. In the mood for dancing and live music, head to Khar's hot spot, Blue Frog.

A perfect 2 days in Mumbai. For more information on the latest happenings, store openings, shopping experiences, nightlife and restaurants, read the hip blog:

Brown Paper Bag http://www.bpbweekend.com