Bombay: Three weeks ago

Pattingham-born journalist Tom Graham gives his account of a business trip to Bombay - just three weeks ago.

I stayed in the building next door to the Taj Mahal Palace, the Tower. We were only there as a two day stop-over on our way to a business trip in Mangalore.

I was actually quite surprised when we pulled up outside to see the same arch metal detectors they use in airports.

A man with a black labrador checked each bag for drugs or weapons. Until this point I certainly did not have the impression that there were any terrorist goings-on in India.

When it became busy, as it very frequently did, people seemed to be able to just go around the metal detectors. We did this several times.

The sheer quantity of people inside and outside the hotel all the time was staggering. The Taj Mahal Palace is a magnificently opulent building with marble floors in a vast reception.

It has three or four restaurants and just as many bars to choose from and the views of the Gateway of India are perfect. Because we were staying in the Tower, I did not get to see the rooms but I imagine they were equally luxurious.

I was speaking to a lady on the plane who told me that hotels are the focal point of the opulent side of Indian life.

They still play a vital part for businessmen entertaining guests. Even if they are not foreign the hotels are seen as the place to do business if you want to impress someone.

Indeed the whole social scene seems to take place inside the hotels, which is why the Taj Mahal Palace has to be so big.

I have heard reports that the terrorists were singling out British and American guests. I certainly did not experience any anti-British feeling.

While it is true that we were constantly hassled to buy things in the streets I personally found the Indian people were extremely welcoming.

There is an incredible divide between the rich who frequent the hotels and the desperately poor, who are drawn to wait outside in the hope of tapping into the wealth within.

Away from the hotel the city is the most chaotic I have ever visited. Nothing can prepare you for the sight of all the people.

In the extremely busy streets the temperature reached 35C. They were filthy and run down but if we looked up we would see beautiful old British and Portugese colonial buildings.

They too are becoming run down but they are still breathtaking.

I would not go so far as to say Bombay is particularly a tourist destination but if you have any other reason for being out there – business, family or friends to see – it is a fascinating place.