10 interesting facts about mumbai that will surprise you!

Mumbai, the state capital of Maharashtra, is a natural harbour on India's west coast. It is renowned for a variety of characteristics, including its old-world allure and architecture, which stands in stark contrast to contemporary, soaring skyscrapers. It is also well known for being one of the wealthiest and most populous cities in the entire globe. Despite its immense affluence, the city is also home to one of the biggest slums in the world. Are you prepared to learn more about this intriguing city? Here are a few of the most fascinating Mumbai-related facts.

• Mumbai was formerly known as Bombay:  
The official name was Bombay till 1955. The Portuguese author Gaspar Correia gave the location the name "Bom Baim," which translates to "pleasant small bay." In November 1995, the Indian government formally changed Mumbai's name to English.

• The seven-island city:
The seven islands that once made up Mumbai were Colaba, Mazagaon, Little Colaba, Parel, Mahim, Isle of Bombay, and Worli. However, British engineers connected all seven of these islands to form one enormous mainland between the years 1784 and 1845.

• Mumbai is the eighth-most populous city in the world:
With a population of 20,185,064 (as of February 2022), Mumbai is one of the most inhabited cities in the world. It is India's second-most populous city. Delhi, with a population of 29,399,141, is the city with the largest population in India.

• First, 5-Star Hotel:
The Taj Mahal Palace in Colaba, Mumbai, is the country's first 5-star hotel. It was the first hotel to provide exotic items to its visitors when it opened in 1903 when it was built.

• India's first airport for civil aviation:
The Juhu Aerodrome, which opened its doors in 1928. In 1932, JRD Tata made a landing at the airfield, launching the first commercial mail service.

• Flamingos:
The Bhandup and Sewri regions of Mumbai are home to flamingo swamps that migrate each year from October to March. This draws many visitors and photographers to see these stunning animals.

• Mumbai was home to India's first vehicle owner:
The legendary Sir Jamshetji Tata, the man who started the Tata empire, was the first individual to own a car in India. India first brought an automobile in 1901.

• Several UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
These include three of the most well-known sites: the Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (also known as the Victoria Terminus), and several Victorian and Art Deco structures.

• Primary scientific and nuclear research institutions may be found in Mumbai:
These include the Department of Atomic Energy, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, and others.

• The first train in Indian history left from Mumbai:
The first train in the nation ran from Mumbai Central to Thane, which is a well-known fact regarding Mumbai and the railways.