Enjoy a Diwali break in Mumbai

Inexpensive ways to experience Mumbai during the festival of lights

q I am going on a trip to Mumbai between October and November, in time for Diwali. Can you suggest an inexpensive hotel and a few ways to enjoy the festival - and the city - on a budget?

a All of India lights up during Diwali (this year it falls in the first week of November), but Mumbai is one of the best and cheapest cities to visit during this time. Landing in Mumbai during Diwali is like stepping into an electric current: the atmosphere is highly charged and everywhere you look, frenetic celebrations are underway.

Book yourself into an inexpensive place, such as the West End Hotel (www.westendhotelmumbai.com; 00 91 22 408 391 21) on Marine Drive, south Mumbai's spectacular seafront. Built in 1948, the modest building offers well-kept rooms and a decent restaurant. Double rooms cost from 5,110 Indian rupees (Dh400) inclusive of taxes and breakfast. The hotel is located close to major attractions, such as the Gateway of India where, on the weekend, you can ride an open-deck bus around the city. Hosted by MTDC, the state tourist board, the one-hour tour (tickets cost about INR90, Dh7) starts at 7pm and 8.15pm, and is a fantastic way to watch the city celebrate by night.

Take the time to check out the Diwali Shopping Carnival at The Club (00 91 22 6693 9999) in Andheri. Scheduled for October 15, the expo is a good place to pick up great bargains - there will be booths selling gold jewellery, ethnic textiles, gift hampers, clothes and handicrafts. Entrance is free. A trip to Mumbai during Diwali should include a visit to the famous Siddhivinayak temple (www.siddhiniyak.org) in Prabhadevi. Hordes of devotees bearing offerings that range from sweets and fruit to lavish gifts start queuing up at dawn for the ritualistic pujas conducted all day. If you're willing to wait in line, entrance is free.

The 12th Mumbai Film Festival (www.mumbaifilmfest.com; October 21 to 28), which opens about 10 days before Diwali, is a good place to get into the spirit of celebration, with more than 100 films from India and around the world being screened at various cinemas around the city. Also stop at one of the dozens of halwais (traditional sweetmeat shops) that line nearly every street for their irresistible confections (a kilogram of laddu costs about INR250 [Dh20]).

Dining out during Diwali is pure delight - nearly every restaurant on the city's streets boasts a special menu featuring elaborate spreads. One of the most famous is Golden Star Thali (www.goldenstarthali.com; 00 91 22 2367 1952) at Charni Road, Girgaum. It does a big Diwali special every year that comprises an unlimited platter (INR200, Dh16 per person) laden with all kinds of Gujarati vegetarian delicacies - and a variety of sweets.

After dinner, head to Marine Drive and enjoy the sea breeze and spectacular views while you watch the sky over the Mumbai explode with colourful fireworks right through the night. It doesn't cost a rupee and is a fitting finale to a festive holiday.

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