Located on the western coasts of Maharashtra, this gateway of India, Mumbai has a total area of 603 sq. km. Read on to know more about this tinsel town.
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The Deccan region of India, the capital city of Maharashtra, Mumbai lies on the western coast of India by the bank of Arabian Sea. Mumbai is made from the group of seven islands and is thus referred to as the Island city. These islands are Isle of Bombay, Mazagaon, Colaba, Old Woman's Island, Parel, Worli, and Salsette Island. This city extracted its name from Mumba devi, said to be a local Hindu Goddess. Also, Mumbai has three small rivers within its periphery, originating inside the national park and n number of bays can be spotted on its coastline. Mumbai is based on the Salsette Island that is located at the opening of Ulhas River, in the coastal region known as Konkan. It covers the total area of 603 square km. Most of this largest city of India is at sea level and the average altitude ranges from 10-15 metres. It has a hilly northern part and the highest point of Mumbai is at 450 metres in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The eastern coast of Salsette Island has rows of mangroves, wherein the western coast happens to be sandy and stony. Due to proximity to the sea, the soil cover of this region is sandy to large extent. The underlying rocks of this area are made up of Black Deccan Basalt pours, its acid and some basic variables. This island city of Mumbai is divided into two distinct regions, the city and the suburbs. These suburbs have alluvial soil type. This haven of Bollywood is even lined with lakes situated within the metropolitan boundaries, namely Powai, Tulsi and Vihar Lake. Lake Tulsi and Vihar are based within the premises of Borivali National Park and are the source of drinking water for some part of city. Mumbai is situated on a seismically active zone, and this is where three fault lines are present. Here lies the constant threat of earthquake of magnitude up to 6.5 Richter, and so the area is classified as Zone III area. Mumbai comes under the jurisdiction of Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation. The geographical location of Mumbai is such that it serves this island city with several trading and business opportunities. The economic heart of India, the financial capital has a wide bay in between city and the mainland that faces Africa and East Asia, which allows free trading and commerce prospects.