I'm going to Mumbai, India next week. What should I pack? What should I eat? Where should I visit?

It gets pretty warm during the day, even in the spring, and humid, but pack layers, because the evenings, particularly near the bay, can be cooler. Go to the Crawford Market, like a farmers market complete with farm animals; the Hanging Gardens, from which you can view the Zoroastrian tower and usually can see the vultures; and arrange to take a boat trip to Elephanta Island. The cave temples there are amazing, but watch out for the monkeys, they can get a bit aggressive (as can the baksheesh seekers). As for food, just be sure you eat hot, cooked foods or fruits you've peeled yourself with a clean knife. Don't eat salads or raw/cold prepared foods for the same reason you don't drink unbottled water. I was careful about this when in India and didn't have a moment of tummy trouble, but those who were less cautious paid the price. Most of all, just enjoy the differences. You'll see a complete range of life from very poor to very rich and every layer in between. You'll also see pretty much every conceivable conveyance. It's just a very visually, aurally, olfactorally rich place.

Pack as little as possible when travelling to Mumbai, with the exception of small electronics. Electronics in Mumbai are more expensive than elsewhere. Bring Digital camera, ipod etc... Eat anything that conforms with your diet. Actually the only time I had trouble with the food I ate was at the McDonald's at the Colaba causeway. In Mumbai you can end up spending a lot of money if you have the budget. If you have money to burn this is a great place to spend it. Recommendations: Colaba - cool architechure, maginficent Taj Mahal Hotel, tourist trap shopping Juhu Beach - good restaurants, good sea breaze Manori - most beautiful beach in Mumbai, is swimmable too full of palm trees like the post cards of Kerala Chowpatty beach - along marine drive, a Mumbai landmark Bandra - loads of fun, the young hip, part of Mumbai Sanjay Gandhi National Park - Dadar, Grant road, Lamington Rad - good shopping Pheonix Mills Lower Parel - if you are the shopping mall lover

1) Eat on the 'laaris' - if you care more for taste and arn't prone to getting sick often or have turned into a health nut 2) $100 per day is good; $200 per day is excellent 3) Gateway of India - Church gate: Nice shopping; some history. Beaware of pick pockets and open gambling thefts. 4) Gorai beach 5) Go to Pune - Osho Ashram 6) Go to Mahabaleshwar - Nice relaxation with great food - even for health nuts 7) Essel world

-pack light airy cloathes .not too dressy and DEFINITALEY not fully covered cloathes(u ll get cooked)open collared shirts n stuff...take a cap also ull definately need it -keep abt Rs4000 each day(excluding shoppin) -as for shoppinf ...it actually depends on ur budget n style.....go to crossroads,heera panna ..u ll get EVERYTHING IN THOSE MALLS......bt if u r interested in street shopping.....go to fashion street,ring road etc -if u r one one of those guys wid weak digestive systems do NOT hv frm stalls n stuff(though they give u d REAL TASTE of indian food..go 2 cobez which is d bst SIZZLER restrant OUT THERE. -marine drive(queens necklace)is REALLY BEAUTIFUL AT NITE,essel world waterkingdom r real fun,gateway of india is also nice...make it a point to travel by a local train(1st class)at least once.if u aint been in dat u seen NOTHIN

Pack as much mosquito repelent, toilet roll and wet-wipes as possible. Be really careful about what you eat. Completely avoid cold foods that may contain local water (such as a starter dish called pani-puri). Under no circumstances eat anything from road-side stalls. You also need to be careful when buying mineral water, as people have found a way of re-filling them with local water while keeping the seal in place. So make sure you buy all your water from proper shop (avoid buying from railway stations especially). I would avoid meat if possible (with the exception of prestigious restaurants). A must see is the 'elephanta caves' (spelling is probably wrong). They are beautiful. The beach at sunset is also something you should do, and at sunrise, bollywood stars come out of the wood-work! Have a great time!

Depending upon your 'likes' you could party late nite or explore the crowded and busy city. Visit small streets to see small shops and get good bargains. Visit some colonial british buildings in downtown. If accomodation is not assumed then you can live on 4$ to 200$ a day.

if u got time, take volvo bus to goa. its one night journey.. enjoy the cool beaches of goa.