India's financial capital, located on the west coast, originally
consisted of seven individual islands inhabited by small fishing
communities, which have since joined together and grown into this
cosmopolitan city, known today as Mumbai. Called Bombay until 1995,
the city was developed during the mid 18th century, developing into
India's trading post. In 1947 India became independent, creating
the new state of Maharashtra with Bombay as the capital.
Ever since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, the principal
gateway to India has been Mumbai. Mumbai offers endless sightseeing
options. The Jain Temple, regarded as the prettiest building in the
city, offers great views, as does the Tower of Silence. As well as
these, the terraced Hanging Gardens, perched on Malabar Hill,
provide lovely vistas over the Arabian Sea.