Mumbai Cruises, India
With over four million international visitors a year, a stellar selection of rooftop cocktail bars, and boutiques taking inspiration from the streets of Paris, it’s no wonder that Mumbai’s a front-runner in the race for the cosmopolitan crown. Nicknamed the ‘Gateway to India’, this bustling city’s home to landmarks like the Hanging Garden and the imposing World Trade Centre.
- Get acquainted with the ornate Rajabai Clock Tower, which may look slightly familiar – it was designed by an English architect, who modelled it on London’s Big Ben.
- Head to a market and shop as the locals do. On the aptly named Fashion Street, you’ll find a medley of stalls selling big-name brands alongside artisan wares. For vintage finds, make your way to the Chor Bazaar.
- Sip tea from a street side chai-wallah – AKA a tea-maker. They draw in the crowds as they pour the tea from a metre or so above the pot, to properly blend the chai. Listen for the chirruping sound of the ‘chai-eee’ sales pitch.
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Marvels of Mumbai
You’ll see Mumbai’s eastern and western sides on this tour. First, you’ll pay a visit to the Gateway of India. The arch was built in 1911 as an entry point for passengers arriving from England, but it also marks the place where British troops left India following the country’s independence. Next, you’ll move on to Dhobi Ghat, which is over 100 years old. It’s basically a giant human-powered washing machine, so you’ll see hundreds of washers – or dhobis – cleaning clothes in the open-air water tanks. After absorbing the atmosphere, you’ll head to a very different sight, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station. This extravagant Gothic building’s a prime example of colonial-era architecture, with Victorian, Hindu and Islamic influences. Later, you’ll see more buildings built during British rule at Colaba Causeway, which is overflowing with stalls and shops. It’s a great spot for stocking up on souvenirs, as well as sampling some of the local delicacies.
Mumbai Express
You’ll pack all of Mumbai’s must-sees into a day on this tour. First, you’ll drive past Mumbai University, the main railway station, the seafront promenade and the exclusive Malabar Hill neighbourhood. You’ll then pull up at the Iskcon Temple to see – and hear – the Hare Krishna devotees perform their chanting prayers. Next it’s on to Mani Bhavan, where Indian activist Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1934. Inside this home-turned-museum, you’ll find walls covered with photos and a huge library. After, you’ll visit the city’s open-air laundrette known as Dhobi Ghat. Every morning, washing from all over the city’s brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled and thrashed. There’s time for lunch, before you check out the art at the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum – Mumbai’s oldest. You’ll swing by the famous Gateway of India monument next, before reaching your final stop – Colaba Causeway Market. Here, you’ll have some time to pick up souvenirs and trinkets, or just take in the buzzing-with-life atmosphere.
Heritage Walk
Just like the name suggests, you’ll get a firm grip on Mumbai’s heritage on this tour. First on the itinerary is Kala Ghoda. This hip, arty neighbourhood’s home to a huge number of the city’s historic buildings, along with cute cafés, art galleries and museums. A stroll through this district is like an architectural checklist – you’ll see examples of Victorian Neo-Gothic, Indo-Saracenic, Renaissance Revival and Edwardian styles. Highlights include the grand-and-Gothic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station. Then it’s on to Mumbai’s must-see landmark, the Gateway of India. This grand colonial arch, which was officially finished in 1924, looks out over the city’s harbour.