Mumbai, India

The City of Dreams

A city that changes every second, with random stories and encounters at every turn, Mumbai is big in every sense of the word. From the flashy, razzle-dazzle world of Bollywood to the dubious distinction of being home to one of the world’s largest slums, Mumbai is also a study in contrasts. More than 20 million people call this whirling metropolis home, so if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, this might not be the place.

The best way to embrace the frantic energy of Mumbai is to hit the streets to explore. Sip fragrant chai tea and practice your bargaining skills in Chor bazaar or Fashion Street where you’ll find saris and pashminas in every color of the rainbow. Hop on a tuk-tuk and hold on tight as you zip through the streets where fisherfolk and crorepatis (millionaires), laborers and starlets and everyone in between rub shoulders as they go about their day.

And though it might seem like there is no possible order to the chaos, Mumbai will stir your soul and spark your imagination like no other place in the world.