3 reasons why you should visit Mumbai
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is one of India's most intriguing destinations. As the most populous city in the country, Mumbai is situated about halfway up the country's west coast and has a skyline to rival many Western cities. Add in the city's sights, history, delicious food and well-connected routes, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a reason not to visit (in Normal Times).
The beautiful sights
The Gateway of India
Probably the most standout landmark of all is the city's Gateway of India. The arch was erected to mark the landing of the British monarchy in India. It's very similar to other symbolic arches around the world like l'Arc de Triomphe (Paris), Marble Arch (London), India Gate (Delhi), Arco de Triunfo (Barcelona) and Arco da Rua Augusta (Lisbon).
Taj Mahal Palace
Not quite the Taj Mahal itself, the Taj Mahal Palace has its own unique beauty. It's a five-star luxury hotel but attracts photographers and Instagrammers alike with its striking architectural features and beautiful brightly lit façade by night.
Bandra Fort
If you're a keen historian or just like being by the sea, then Bandra Fort is a must while in Mumbai. The building of the fort was completed by the Portuguese in the 17th Century and was a purpose-built watchtower looking out into Mahim Bay and the Arabian Sea.
The mouth-watering cuisine
If you didn't know already, India is world-renowned for its flavourful — and often spicy — cuisine. Mumbai showcases some of the country's must-try dishes and places to eat. Dishes are more often than not vegetarian, despite what you may think from the chicken kormas and lamb dansaks that are commonplace on carryout menus.
One such dish is Pav Bhaji, a spicy vegetable mash with soft buns and covered in cheese. It's an absolute must.
Street food is also high up on the menu in Mumbai. Khau Gali is the name given to any street that has a lot of street food vendors. There are dozens of them and they can be found all over the city.
One of the best is by Choupaty Beach, an area of the city where locals come to unwind and escape the city hustle. The beach itself isn't the most picturesque but there are plenty of others farther out of the city if you're looking for calm waters and beautiful sandy beaches.
The beautiful surrounding area
Powai Lake
Powai Lake is an artificial body of water in the north of Mumbai and was created by the British in 1799. Initially, it was used as a source of drinking water for those living close by, but now it's home to many different animals like crocodiles and dozens of species of birds.
Mahabaleshwar and the Sahyadri Mountains
Mahabaleshwar is a cluster of three tiny towns on a plateau nestled in the heart of the Sahyadri Mountains, which boast one of the only evergreen forests within India. It'll take around five and a half hours to drive there from Mumbai, but it will definitely be worth the effort when you get there.
The area features many temples, old Indian architecture and several stunning viewing spots (Three Monkey Point, Arthur Point, Kate's Point and Wilson Point) looking out to some of the most stunning scenery India has to offer.
For the real adventurers, Mumbai is a great place to start a train or road trip down India's West Coast to Kerala, the country's southern-most state.
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4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees