Excursion A day in mumbai tour at Bombay

Experience the scenic beauty and landmarks of Mumbai in a unique new way during a full-day, excursion through this bustling city.

Train Ride & Dhobi Ghat

Depart the pier for the brief drive to Church Gate Station, then board a local train for the ride to Mahalakshmi Station. Upon arrival, walk to the local laundry, Dhobi Ghat, an impressive operation where tons of clothing from all over Mumbai are laundered, pressed and bundled before being returned to their owners. After a photo stop at Dhobi Ghat, drive past the Haji Ali Shrine and the racecourse en route to Khotachiwadi.

Khotachiwadi

Situated in the heart of the city, this urban village features an eclectic blend of new homes and 18th-century Portuguese houses. During your guided walking tour, a visit is made to an old restored home belonging to a local resident. Inside, view a collection of antiques and exemplary examples of traditional teak furniture. From here, re-board your coach and drive to the Crawford Market.

Crawford Market & The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

A blend of Flemish and Norman architecture, the market has a bas-relief above its main entrance and a frieze designed by Lockyard Kipling, father of the famous Rudyard Kipling; the Kipling's' cottage still stands in the market. Crawford Market looks like something out of Victorian London, with its sweet smell of hay, mountains of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a 50-foot-high (15-metre-high) sky-lit awning. Leaving the market, proceed for a buffet lunch at the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

Mani Bhavan

After lunch, a visit is made to Mani Bhavan, Gandhi's Bombay base between 1917 and 1934. It is now a permanent museum and memorial to the Mahatma. The walls are covered with photos of historic events and noteworthy people and there are a number of personal artefacts - including a letter to Hitler asking him not to go to war, and correspondence with Roosevelt, Tolstoy, and Einstein. Gandhi's sitting room/bedroom is preserved behind glass.

Following your visit, re-board the coach for the brief drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Mumbai, Church Gate Station, Mahalakshmi Station, Dhobhi Ghat, Khotachiwadi, Crawford Market, Buffet Lunch at the Historic Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, Mani Bhavan

Note

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) over mostly paved surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 4 steps at Church Gate Station, 30 steps at Mahalakshmi Station, 1 step at Khotachiwadi, 6 steps at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and 35 steps at Mani Bhawan. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sun protection, sunglasses and a hat are recommended. Souvenir shops accept cash in US dollars, Pounds, Euros and local currency and some shops accept credit cards. Vehicles used are the best available in the city, they will not be of the same standard as vehicles found in Western countries. Guests will be travelling in the first-class compartment of the local train, which is very basic (hygiene standards are not the same as in Western countries), and pesky hawkers and beggars may be present at the stations. At some sites, depending on traffic and parking conditions, it may be necessary to cross busy streets. Sites may also be crowded and guests need to exercise caution. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Photography is prohibited at the local railway stations.