<p><a href="http://www.makemytrip.com/blog/monsoon-getaways-Mumbai" target="_blank">Mumbai</a> is a stunning paradox of hope and chaos, magic and madness. Where the changing modernity of India has been experienced most intensely. From Gandhi’s arrival from England in 1915 to the protests against the Simon Commission in 1928, Bombay, now Mumbai, has been home to many key events of the freedom struggle. </p>
<p>Mumbai has a long colonial past—handed down from Dutch imperialists to British. There existed a time when public statements, singing of songs, playing of music, the exhibition of pictures and placards were considered a crime by law. The colonial authorities would invoke their commodious powers to swing <em>lathis</em> and point their guns at innocent crowd. </p>
<p>Today, Mumbai is a melting pot of lifestyles. It soaks everything in its fabric and makes it its own. From Portuguese and <a href="http://www.makemytrip.com/blog/barcelona-8-ways-live-it-up" target="_blank">European</a> dwellers who migrated to the city years ago to struggling actors hoping to make it big; from Bollywood superstars and big industrialists to slum dwellers and tribes of fishermen—the city boasts of stories from all walks of human existence. Mumbai is one of the main centers of culture, art, theater, dance and music in India all driven by the indomitable spirit of <em>Mumbaikars</em>.</p>
