Highlights / General details

The city of Bombay was officially renamed Mumbai in January 1996. The mumbaites believe that this name came from the goddess 'Mumba', worshipped by the original Koli inhabitants. When the Portuguese arrived they called the harbor Bombaim, which may have stemmed from 'buan bahia', meaning 'good bay' in Portuguese, or was a corruption of the original Koli name. Despite poverty and eye-watering pollution, it is so dynamic that paupers still flock there in hopes of becoming successful entrepreneurs. Mumbai is the stronghold of the Indian film industry. Throughout the year, Western and Indian music concerts and festivals and Indian dance shows are performed in Bombay. Mumbai is the industrial hub of everything from textiles to petrochemicals, and responsible for half of India's foreign trade.

Gateway of India:

One of the most prized chattels of the country, the Gateway of India is situated on the waterfront in South Mumbai. Anyone coming to Mumbai from this harbor is greeted by the huge monument, which stands as an authentication to the imperial bygone era of the city. As you pass through the gate from the city side, the first scene that looms into view is that of the waterfront of South Mumbai.

Marine Drive:

Crawford Market is situated to the north of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai. It lies just contrary the headquarters of Mumbai Police. Authoritatively known as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Market, Crawford Market is counted in the midst of the popular shopping areas of the city. Crawford Market has been built as per the Norman and Gothic style of architecture. At a height of 50 feet above its ground is a porthole awning, which brings sunlight into the market.

Prince of Wales Museum:

Prince of Wales Museum is the erstwhile name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya of Mumbai. In 1905, its foundation stone was laid down, by George V - the Prince of Wales himself, who came on a visit to India. The splendid structure was designed by George Wittet, an architect. The construction work was concluded in 1914, but the structure was converted to a military hospital for the period of World War I. The full-fledged museum was inaugurated by Lady Lloyd in 1923.

Mani Bhavan:

A veritable memoir of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It is located at Laburnam Road in Mumbai, near Nana Chowk of Gamdevi. Also known as Gandhi Museum, Mani Bhavan served as the residence of the great freedom fighter of India between 1917 and 1934. In fact, Mahatma Gandhi started various struggle movements like Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat while residing here.

Hanging Gardens:

Also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens are the perfectly manicured terraced gardens on the slopes of the Malabar Hill, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park.

Dhobi Ghat:

A unique feature of Mumbai, the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. All for a pittance. The "laundries" are called "ghats": row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles. The most famous of these Dhobi Ghats is at Saat Rasta near Mahalaxmi Station where almost two hundred dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation

Chowpatty Beach:

Chowpatty is Mumbai's most famous beach. During the day, it is the hangout of the happily unemployed who snooze under the shade of its miniature trees. But in the evening the atmosphere is more like a carnival: kids screaming on Ferris wheels or taking pony rides, wayside astrologers making a quick buck, monkey shows, and even the odd self -styled gymnast who will demonstrate amazing yogic postures for a small fee. At one closing stages is a row of bhelpuri shops hawking Mumbai's most popular snack: crisp puffed rice and semolina doused in pungent chutneys, all scooped up with a flat, fried puri. You might even catch a film shoot or a street play. In short, for most tourists Chowpatty is where the action is.

Inclusion

Hotel pick-up and drop-off Mumbai Hotels only; All transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle; Private licensed English speaking guide; All taxes, driver allowances, parking.

Exclusion

Entry fee to monuments; Meals; Gratuities.

Hours of operation

Available daily except government holiday, tour starts at 9:30am.

Duration

Approximately 5-6 hours.

Location

Pick up / Drop off from Mumbai hotels only.

Policies

Cancellation: 7 days prior 25% penalty, 3 days prior 50% penalty, 1 day prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.

Tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**