MUMBAI

Often referred to as the “New York City of India,” Mumbai is a place of stark contrasts. In this city, people making just dollars a day wait on wealthy captains of industry and film stars. It’s home to some of the poorest slums in all of Asia, as well as the world’s most expensive home. Despite these contradictions, Mumbai is a special kind of city that represents India in such a way that it makes you want to see the whole country.

Some great sights to see in Mumbai include the Gateway of India, an arched monument on the waterfront overlooking the Arabian Sea that serves as a symbol of welcome to all those coming to the city. Also be sure to visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and possibly the most elaborate railway station in the world. To escape the fast pace of the city for a bit, make your way to the Global Vipassana Pagoda near Goral, a meditation hall with a signature gleaming gold dome and spire, for a moment of reflection and rest.