Day 1 in Mumbai

Welcome to Mumbai! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city, wander around the picturesque waterfront of the Mumbai Harbor where the iconic Gateway to India arc stands tall at 85 feet high. This is one of the first things travelers see when arriving in the city, the famous monument dates back to 1911 when it was built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary. There are detailed inscriptions etched on the huge colonial arch`s ceiling dedicated to the monarchs. Stroll around the corner and check out the majestic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, this heritage building dates back to 1903 and features a blend of Islamic and Renaissance style architecture with its iconic dome.

Enjoy some lunch at the famous Leopold Cafe and Bar situated on the Colaba Causeway, the most famous restaurant in Mumbai, established in 1871 the Victorian style architecture will take you back in time, sit back and relax while enjoying Indian or Continental cuisine with a great atmosphere.

You can spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the streets filled with shops, boutiques and galleries and exploring the street stalls and markets, or take a trip out to the magnificent temples found on Elephanta Island. The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site where stunning temples are carved into the solid rock that dates back to the 7th Century. Ferries launch every 30 minutes from the jetty located by the Gateway to India.

As evening time approaches capture a stunning Mumbai sunset from one of the many waterfront restaurants found around the harbor. Enjoy drinks and dinner before retiring for the evening.

Day 2 in Mumbai

Begin your day with a traditional Indian breakfast and a cup of hot coffee or chai (tea). Olympia Coffee House is a legendary establishment found in the city with a history dating back to 1918, a quaint Irani cafe renowned for its delicious breakfast menu.

After breakfast, head out and explore the many temples of the city, starting with the Temple of Shree Siddhivinayak, a famous landmark in the city and a popular place of worship for all religions. This beautiful sacred temple features a gold plated interior with statues of Lord Shri Ganesh. This is one of the richest temples in the city dating back to 1801, many celebrities come to the temple to seek blessing from Ganesha, who is said to grant wishes, Tim Cook the CEO of Apple famously visited here in 2016.

Next stop is the Mahalakshmi Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the central deity Mahatmyam Mahalakshmi, which dates back to 1831. The temple features images of the Tridevi goddesses; Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati.

Head over to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly Victoria Terminus, a famous and historic railway station in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1888 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria and designed by British architect F.W.Stevens, the magnificent structure features High Victorian Gothic and Indian architecture boasting a stone dome, turrets, pointed arches and vibrant stained glass.

Grab some lunch at one of the many street food stalls found on Mumbai`s streets. The city is one of the best places in the world to sample delicious street food. Vendors can be found on every corner of the city, there are also numerous cafes and restaurants offered.

After lunch, head to the Haji Ali Dargah, a 15th-century mosque that sits in the ocean off the coast of Mumbai. The fascinating temple has a history dating back over 500 years and features Indo-Islamic architecture, the temple contains the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi Saint who built the temple and surroundings after a trip to Mecca. The temple and tomb are located in the middle of Worli Bay and can only be reached via a long pathway during low tide.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through The Hanging Gardens, set on top of Malabar Hill these beautiful terraced gardens are a welcoming spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Relax on the lush green lawns and enjoy the smell of the fresh vibrant flowers. The park offers stunning views over the Arabian Sea and is known for numerous hedges carved into the shape of animals, the stunning flower clock sits in the heart of the park. Enjoy some afternoon tea at one of the many cafes the city has to offer.

As evening time approaches make your way down to Marine Drive, the popular promenade in the city providing the perfect setting to watch a sunset. Also known as the Queen`s Necklace as the lights along the promenade resemble a necklace when lit at night. The area really comes alive at night and it is a popular hangout for locals and visitors filled with street food stalls and vendors selling delicious snacks and souvenirs. Stroll along this lively waterfront avenue and find the perfect restaurant to sit back and dine on a delicious dinner. After dinner, wander along Back Bay down the quaint cobblestone streets lined with verdant trees and art deco buildings that date back to the 1920`s.

Day 3 in Mumbai

Start your day off early with a journey to Mumbai`s many markets and bazaars. Colaba Causeway Market is a bustling area situated on Shahid Bhagat Singh Road in an upmarket neighborhood close to many famous landmarks. The streets here are lined with markets, boutiques, and stores with merchants selling anything from books to jewelry to delicious food. Visit the stores, stalls, and galleries and stop in at one of the many cafes, restaurants or bars for a bite to eat.

Next head over to Crawford Market housed in a historic Colonial style building where you can pick up some of the most colorful and freshest produce in the city. Mangaldas Market specializes in fabric, Zaveri Bazaar specializes in jewelry and the city`s infamous thieves market or Chor Bazaar specializes in antiques and vintage items. Shop around and pick up something unique to take home as a souvenir. Enjoy some street food snacks while you shop and grab some produce and snacks for a picnic later on.

As the afternoon approaches, make your way to the beach. Juhu Beach or Chowpatty is the most iconic beaches found in Mumbai. Juhu beach sits 11 miles north of the city center stretching for almost 4 miles along the shores of the Arabian Sea. There are many stalls and eateries found along the beachfront in Juhu and this is the location of many Bollywood celebrity homes, enjoy beachside entertainment at one of the largest beaches in Mumbai. Chowpatty beach is probably the most famous public beach found in the heart of the city. The beach is the location for many celebrations throughout the year including the Ganesh Visarjan celebrations and the 10-day `RAMLILA` performance held in between August and September. Many popular resorts and restaurants can be found along the shoreline.

Enjoy a sunset at the beach and some street food snacks and a cocktail before making your way to the Bollywood film studios for the evening. Fans can take a private tour of the city`s premier Bollywood studios and witness a 1 hour long Bollywood song and dance show held live! Alternatively take in a show at the National Center for Performing Arts, where musical, dance and drama productions are performed.

Additional Days in Mumbai

Should you be able to spend additional days in Mumbai visit the incredible sight of the Dharavi Slum, the largest slum in Asia and one of the largest in the entire world. Visitors can take tours of the poverty-ridden areas where you can learn about these inspiring communities and meet the residents who despite their challenging conditions are thriving in different industries. There is an annual turnover of over US$1 Billion in products produced in the slums.

Your Last Day in Mumbai

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.