Knowing the city
Mumbai, for a first visit.
A city on a long peninsula, with two airports, three great roads by the sea, a monsoon and more festivals than days. Here is what is worth knowing before you land — written by the people who drive it.
Two airportsChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International has Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international, and many domestic flights); Navi Mumbai International lies across the harbour. Check which one, and which terminal, on your ticket. The sea and the bridgesThe city is a long peninsula. The Bandra–Worli Sea Link and the Coastal Road run along the west; Atal Setu crosses the harbour to Navi Mumbai. The right bridge at the right hour saves an hour.
The hoursWeekday mornings into the business districts and evenings out of them are the slowest; Sunday mornings are the quickest. Plan meetings across the city with an hour to spare.
The monsoonFrom June to September the rain is heavy and some roads flood. The ferries to Alibaug stop, the hills are at their greenest, and every journey takes longer.
The festivalsThe city celebrates on its streets. The dates for the year tell you when the roads will be slow — and when the city is at its most beautiful. Water, and the heatDrink sealed or filtered water. From March to May the heat is fierce in the afternoon; the car is cooled before you step in, with water in the door.
LanguageMarathi, Hindi and English are spoken everywhere you are likely to go. Every sarathi speaks English and Hindi.
Money and tippingCards and UPI are taken almost everywhere. With the house, nothing is ever asked of you in the car — no tip, no toll, no parking.
Where first-time visitors go
The Gateway of India and the Taj, the Fort’s Victorian buildings and the Kala Ghoda galleries, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Marine Drive at sunset, the Banganga tank, Bandra’s lanes and its sea face, the markets of Crawford and Colaba, and the Elephanta Caves by boat from the Gateway (the boats may not run in the heaviest monsoon). The house plans the order — see your days, planned.
Reserve your arrivalThe house meets you inside, by name.
Questions guests ask
Which airport should I fly into for Mumbai?
Most international flights use Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Navi Mumbai International lies across the harbour. Check your ticket for the airport and terminal.
When is the best time to visit Mumbai?
November to February is the most comfortable. The monsoon (June to September) is beautiful but slow on the roads; March to May is hot.
Do I need to tip a chauffeur in Mumbai?
With Unlyra nothing is ever asked of you in the car — no tip, no toll, no parking. It is all in the figure written before you travel.
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