Mumbai is the capital of the state of Maharashtra in India and the most important port city of the subcontinent. It is the sixth largest metropolitan region in the world and is located on the island of Salsette off the west coast of Maharashtra. The city centre is located on a narrow strip of land that extends from the swampy coast into the Arabian Sea. The city is the economic centre of India. It is a transport hub and cultural centre with universities, theatres, museums and galleries.
The Venue
Bombay Exhibition Center (BEC) was set up in the early 1990s. This exhibition centre consists of 60 acres within Nesco Complex. This centre occupies six halls covering an area of over 45,000 sq.mtrs. It has been the venue for many prestigious international trade fairs, seminars, conferences and events. BEC is located in the Western Suburbs in Northern Mumbai, on the Western Express Highway in Goregaon (East) and is about 10 minutes drive from the National as well as the International airports and is about 20 minutes from the heart of the city.
Here you will find some information concerning your journey to India:
Visa:
Please note that you will need a visa for your trip to India. You will receive further information about the visa proceeding: • at a local embassy of India or the responsible India consulate in your home country • from any travel agency with India-experience of your trust
Important: Messe Düsseldorf India is not entitled to give invitations for visa processing or any support for obtaining a visa.
Climate:
The Climate of Mumbai is a tropical wet and dry climate. Mumbai's climate can be best described as moderate temperatures with high level of humidity. In the month of October the mean daily maximum stays at around 32.9 °C and mean daily minimum stays at 23.1°C making it hot during the days and cold during the nights.
Health:
Kindly contact your doctor in good time before leaving for India. He will inform you about relevant and necessary vaccinations. All major hotels have doctors on call. You can also get in touch with your Embassy if you need any specialized medical assistance.
Currency:
The official currency of India is Indian Rupee (INR). All major international currencies are accepted in India.
International and Indian banks provide a good number of 24-hour ATMs in most parts of the city. Currency exchange services are readily available with banks, travel agencies and hotels.
Electric Current:
In India the electric voltage available is 220 volts AC/50 Hz. Some hotels provide additional 110 volt plug point outlets.
Local time:
Indian Standard Time is 5.30 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+5.30 hrs)
Taxi:
You will get prepaid taxi service upon arrival at the airport. There will be lists or boards with the latest prices.
Hotels:
All major categories (luxury, 5 stars, 4 stars, 3 stars and budget) of hotels have rooms available in Mumbai. The peak season for visiting Mumbai is generally from October to March.
Airlines:
A majority of the international airlines have their offices in Mumbai. The national airlines have their head or branch offices in the city as well.
Sightseeing
Gateway of India:
Mumbai's most famous landmark, The Gateway of India, is situated at Apollo Bunder. It was designed by George Wikket. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Through this magnificent monument, numerous viceroys and governors were welcomed to India as they disembarked from their steamers, hence the name.
Haji Ali:
Haji Ali mosque, and the tomb of a Muslim saint, is located off shore, in the Arabian sea opposite Mahalaxmi temple. During high tide the walkway to the mosque is submerged in the sea and it can be visited only during low tide.
Chowpatty Beach & Juhu Beach:
Chowpatty beach is situated on Marine Drive. This beach is well-known for it's stalls selling "Bhel-Puri and Pani-Puri chat" a favourite fast food among the Mumbaites and visitors to the city. Juhu Beach is the most popular beach in Mumbai which is 30 kms away from the heart of Mumbai. It is a long stretch of sandy beach from Santacruz to Vile-Parle. This is a very popular beach for picnic. Both these beaches are crowded on weekends.
Elephanta Caves:
The Elephanta Caves are located on an island about 10 Kms. away from the Gateway of India. These caves consist of temples carved from rock which date back to the 7th century. The chief attraction is the three headed bust of Lord Shiva, popularly known as "Trimurti". One can reach there by taking a ferry from Gateway of India.