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Mumbai has the same reputation in India as Manhattan has in New York, both of these cities seem to never sleep. In Mumbai there are so many options for entertainment that travelers are often overwhelmed with their number of choices. As in NYC, the people of Mumbai have hectic and busy lifestyles. Their busy lives do not put a damper on their hunger for nightlife however, and perhaps just serve to increase the need for the fun and the atmosphere one enjoys when one is where one wants to be, and not where one needs to be. It’s no surprise that there are many pubs, restaurants and hotels. Mumbai, India attracts tourists as well, visitors with the knowledge of what the city has to offer.

There are many rock concerts, symphony performances and music festivals throughout the year. As well as film festivals, which highlight the documentaries and the regional film makers as well as those internationally well known, as this is Bollywood after all. Live theater is thriving here as well, starting years ago with the Privthi Theater, and gives local actors and talent the venues to perform and further perfect their craft. And just as with the film industry, the theater festivals occur here year round, much as in the U.S. cities of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. There are museums for those so culturally inclined with some of the most extensive collections of Indian art and sculpture in the region.

The Mahalakshmi Horse Track is also a popular for of entertainment. Many of the rich and famous of India, and around the world attend the races, and the club at the track is considered to be one of the most elite in Mumbai. The races run from November through February, with the much awaited for Derby occurring on the 1st Sunday of that last month of the season, February. It is a black tie event, and an extravagant and exhilarating evening in the city. The track also houses one of the most gourmet restaurants of Dubai, Gallops. The cuisine varies from western to traditional and is filled day and night. The options for a fun time in this city are, indeed, endless.

Each year thousands of visitors travel to Goa, the smallest state in India. Due to its location on India’s west coast, Goa is known for its beaches, sunsets, and ocean. While there are plenty of small, traditional villages, Goa is also home to modern cities and visitors will find a range of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife to balance out the hours spent on the sunny beaches. There is a wide range of lodgings available throughout the region, including a number of five star hotels in Goa.

The variety of Goa beaches is astounding. The more commercial beaches offer nightclubs, designer stores, spas, and even gyms. The most secluded ones seem to have never seen a human footprint. Not all beaches in Goa are safe for swimming, so make sure to do your research ahead of time. Most are named after the nearest village.

Water sports are popular at most beaches. windsurfing, jet skiing, speed boating, and parasailing are all popular. Some beaches offer opportunities to cycle along the coastline. Diving is especially popular in Goa, where the season runs from mid-October through mid-May. Diving isn’t possible between June and mid-October due to monsoon season. Dive sites can be found around Grande Island, near Vasco Da Gama and are usually twelve to sixteen meters deep. There is a teeming undersea world to attract divers, including soft and hard coral, shipwrecks, and a multitude of reef fish and other marine species. For a different look at life on the sea, check out the Naval Air Museum which features seven outdoor exhibits and a two-story building housing other models and memorabilia.

One of the more popular beaches in Goa is Palolem which is famous for its scenic views and gorgeous sunsets. Colva Beach is also a popular scenic destination. Anjuna Beach features the beautiful Albuquerque Mansion as is home to a weekly flea market. Calangute is known as the “Queen” of all Goan beaches and as a result tends to be extremely crowded during tourist season. Quieter beaches include Patnem Beach, Asvem Beach, and Morjim Beach. At Chapora Beach you’ll find the Chapora fort and a large fishing jetty. Other beaches include Mandrem, Vagator, and Baga beaches.