By IDTeamMumbai, the financial capital of India, is a city that never sleeps. Known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, bustling streets, and Bollywood, Mumbai is a place full of surprises. Whether you are a Mumbaikar or a first-time visitor, there are plenty of fascinating facts about this incredible city that you might not know!
In this article, we uncover some fun and surprising facts about Mumbai, from its unique history to its modern-day marvels.
1. Mumbai Was Originally a Group of Seven Islands
Did you know that Mumbai wasn’t always one big city?
- Before becoming a major metropolitan area, Mumbai was made up of seven islands:
- Colaba
- Mazagaon
- Mahim
- Parel
- Bombay Island
- Worli
- Little Colaba
- These islands were gradually merged together through land reclamation projects over 200 years.
Today, it is hard to imagine that Mumbai was once a collection of small islands!
2. Mumbai Has India’s First Ever Train System
Mumbai is home to India’s first-ever railway line.
- The first train in India ran on April 16, 1853, from Mumbai’s Bori Bunder station to Thane.
- The journey covered 34 km and had 14 railway carriages carrying 400 passengers.
Today, Mumbai’s local train network is one of the busiest in the world, carrying over 7.5 million commuters every day!
3. Mumbai’s Dabbawalas Have a 99.99% Delivery Accuracy
Mumbai’s famous Dabbawalas deliver home-cooked meals to office workers across the city with incredible accuracy.
- More than 200,000 lunchboxes are delivered daily.
- Their system is so efficient that Harvard Business School has studied their logistics model.
- The error rate is only 1 in 16 million deliveries—almost perfect!
This shows how organized and disciplined Mumbai’s workforce is.
4. Mumbai Is the Birthplace of Bollywood
Mumbai is the entertainment capital of India and the birthplace of Bollywood, the Hindi film industry.
- The first Indian feature film, “Raja Harishchandra”, was made in Mumbai in 1913 by Dadasaheb Phalke.
- Bollywood produces more than 1,000 films every year, more than Hollywood!
- Mumbai’s Film City, located in Goregaon, has several sets of famous Bollywood movies.
Mumbai is where dreams come true for aspiring actors and filmmakers.
5. Mumbai’s Marine Drive Looks Like a “Queen’s Necklace” at Night
Marine Drive, one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks, is called the “Queen’s Necklace” at night.
- The 3.6 km-long road along the Arabian Sea has beautiful streetlights that resemble a shimmering necklace when seen from above.
- It is a popular spot for sunset walks, jogging, and relaxing by the sea.
This scenic view makes Marine Drive one of the most romantic and iconic places in Mumbai.
6. Mumbai Has Asia’s Largest Slum – Dharavi
Mumbai is home to Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, but it is also a place of entrepreneurial spirit.
- Dharavi spans over 2.1 square kilometers and houses nearly 1 million people.
- It is famous for its small-scale industries like pottery, leather goods, and textiles.
- The annual business turnover of Dharavi is estimated to be over $1 billion USD!
Despite its overcrowded and poor conditions, Dharavi is a thriving hub of hardworking entrepreneurs.
7. Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli Sea Link Weighs as Much as 50,000 Elephants!
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is one of Mumbai’s most famous modern marvels.
- It is 5.6 km long and took 10 years to build.
- The total weight of the bridge is equivalent to 50,000 elephants!
- It reduces travel time between Bandra and Worli from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes.
This iconic bridge is a symbol of Mumbai’s rapid urban growth.
8. Mumbai’s CST Station Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST Station) is not just a railway station—it’s an architectural masterpiece!
- It was built in 1887 during British rule and was originally called Victoria Terminus.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Gothic architecture.
- Millions of commuters pass through it every day, making it one of the busiest railway stations in the world.
If you ever visit Mumbai, don’t miss seeing CST’s stunning design!
9. Mumbai’s Antilia Is the World’s Most Expensive Private Home
Mumbai is home to Antilia, the world’s most expensive private residence.
- Owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, it is a 27-story skyscraper.
- It has three helipads, a 168-car garage, a movie theater, a swimming pool, and even a snow room!
- The building is worth over $2 billion USD.
Antilia is a perfect example of Mumbai’s ultra-luxurious lifestyle.
10. Mumbai’s Local Trains Carry More People Daily Than the Population of Australia
Mumbai’s local trains are the lifeline of the city.
- Over 7.5 million people use local trains daily.
- That’s more than the entire population of Australia!
- The busiest train stations, like Churchgate and Dadar, see thousands of passengers every minute.
Despite the rush, Mumbaikars have mastered the art of navigating crowded trains.
11. Mumbai Is One of the Few Cities in India With a National Park Inside It
Mumbai is home to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), a forest reserve in the heart of the city.
- The park is one of the largest national parks within a city in the world.
- It houses leopards, monkeys, birds, and deer.
- The famous Kanheri Caves, ancient Buddhist caves, are located inside the park.
This makes Mumbai one of the few cities where you can experience nature and wildlife within city limits!
12. The Mumbai-Pune Highway Was India’s First Expressway
Mumbai is home to India’s first six-lane expressway, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
- Built in 2002, it reduced travel time between Mumbai and Pune from 4 hours to just 2 hours.
- The expressway was the first in India to have toll booths and advanced road safety measures.
Today, this highway is one of the busiest in India, connecting two major cities.
Final Thoughts
Mumbai is a city of dreams, diversity, and resilience. From its historic sites and Bollywood fame to its crowded trains and thriving businesses, Mumbai is always full of life.
Whether you love its street food, fast-paced lifestyle, or stunning coastline, Mumbai has something for everyone.
Which of these Mumbai facts surprised you the most? Have you ever visited this incredible city? Share your thoughts in the comments