India is home to the world’s second largest population, with nearly one out of every six people on earth living in India. With the world’s third largest gross domestic product, you are sure to find yourself landing in India during your career in business aviation. Today, we take a look at India’s most populous city – Mumbai.
The Indian Monsoon season is famously known worldwide and last during the warmest months of the year. When traveling to Mumbai, it is best to stick to the drier months which typically start in September and last through April. Interestingly, in spite of the population size, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM / VABB) is the only main airport located in Mumbai for commercial and private aviation traffic. When ordering in-flight catering in Mumbai, best practice is to provide at least 48 hours’ notice. Be sure to account for any public holidays that are unique to India and local to Mumbai when planning in-flight catering.
India has three national public holidays – Republic Day, celebrated January 26; Independence Day, celebrated August 15; and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday, celebrated October 2. Since Mumbai is located in the state of Maharashtra, there are several regional holidays to also account for while planning your trip. Some holidays change dates annually, so it is important to only use current data.
While visiting Mumbai, you will find a multitude of sites to explore, from temples and towers to caves and parks. If you love architecture, a visit to Chhatrapati Shivji Terminus (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) will leave you in awe of its Victorian Gothic Revival domes, turrets and arches. If you have time for a trip about 10 kilometers outside of Mumbai, you will find the Elephanta Caves. Located on Elephanta Island, the caves have made the UNESCO World Heritage list for the breathtaking sculptures and carvings found within which date back to the 6th century AD. To explore the life of Mahatma Gandhi while in Mumbai, pay a visit to Manu Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya. This building was used by Gandhi for almost two decades and is now a memorial.
It comes as no surprise that Mumbai has numerous restaurant options that represent the world’s popular cuisines. Here are a few restaurants to get you started on your journey:
- Made in Punjab celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the region through a menu that has Muslim, Hindu and Sikh cuisines.
- Gajalee serves up seafood that has earned the establishment the recognition of being one of India’s top 100 restaurants.
- The White Owl is a brewery and bistro that offers casual dining with menu items as widely loved as mac and cheese.
- Peshawri features a menu and décor that immerses diners in an authentic ethnic experience.
- Sofitel Mumbai BKC has four restaurants that range in themes, offering anything from vegetarian cuisine to charcuterie.
Have a favorite restaurant in Mumbai you would recommend to fellow corporate flight attendants? Leave a comment below.
Questions?
If you have any questions about in-flight catering in India, contact weborders@airculinaire.com.
