INDIA: Mumbai Tour - 3 days
Tour Summary
Destinations: INDIA. Mumbai
Tour Commences In: Mumbai
Tour Concludes In: Mumbai
Number of Days: 3 days / 2 nights
Tour Style: Luxury
Accommodation: Luxury Hotels
Meals: Breakfast; 3:
Leaders: Professional Local Guide
Transportation: Chauffeur driver - Private Luxury vehicle
Tour Grading: EASY/MODERATE: Suitable for travellers with an average fitness & mobility
Tour Highlights
Mumbai
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Mumbai: (B)
MUMBAI:
Formerly known as Bombay, it originally consisted of seven swampy islands when the Portuguese acquired it in 1554. In 1661 Bom Bahia (the Good Bay) came to the British Crown as part of the dowry of Catherine Braganza when she married Charles II. The British leased these “useless malarial islands” to the British East India Company who realized its potential as a natural harbor, and Mumbai grew to its present stature. The state capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai is India’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan and crowded city. The country’s financial capital and its busiest port, this city is home to the world’s biggest cinema industry, popularly known as “Bollywood”. Some 18 million people from billionaires’ tycoons to homeless pavement dwellers live in this teeming metropolis.
This morning after breakfast we visit the historic Kala Ghoda Area, the heart of the Fort Mumbai region. A feast of architecture ranging from Gothic to art deco, the area is a lively area to explore on foot, Street vendors, cafes, galleries, local cricket matches and food stalls all find place to exist in this area. The tour will end at the soaring Victoria Station, a landmark of the area. A UNESCO world heritage site, it is a busy station for both local commuter and national rail services.
Also visit Mani Bhavan, a small museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The museum is housed in a private home where he lived and worked during his visits to the city and you will stop at the Mahalakshmi Temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the city. You will stop at the Dhobi Ghat, a sight unique to the city.
Optional Tour
This afternoon visit the Gateway of India and the Elephant Caves. The Elephanta Caves (natively known as Gharapurichi Leni) are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephant Island or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres to the east of the city of Mumbai . The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut out stone sculptures, representing the Shelva Hindu sect, dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain.
The main cave (Cave 1, or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until Portugese rule began in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was renovated in the 1970s after years of neglect, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day 2 Mumbai: (B)
Today after breakfast, visit Prince of Wales Museum, Gandhi Memorial Museum and Nehru Planetarium.
Later we drive to Churchgate Station to watch a very typical Mumbai trade – the Dabbawallahs. These are the men who are key to keeping the white collared work force of Mumbai fed, delivering over 200,000 thousand home cooked meals collected from homes in the distant suburbs and always delivered right on time to the right person. Using a system of colors and codes, the Dabbawallahs meet in front of Churchgate station, rapidly segregate the steel Tiffin carriers (which all look exactly the same) into areas and depart with their load. Their time management and operations is impeccable, resulting in a Six Sigma rating by Forbes Global and study done by Harvard.
We then visit to Raymond Mills and also visit Mafatlal Mills Factory followed by a visit to Century Textile Mills.
Later return to your hotel or You have the option of visiting Kena Market Masjid, driving past Bandra World Sea Link, Hanging Garden, Taraporewala Aquarium and Haji Ali.
Day 3 Depart Mumbai: (B)
Our small group tour concludes after breakfast. For most guests today it is time to say farewell to new-found friends and India.
Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute shopping. We are able to organise our private guide to accompany you.
Transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.
Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out and we often can find some wonderful surprises. The magic of travelling in such a small group allows us to cater for this spontaneity and it is sometimes these unplanned occurrences that can be the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.
Please contact as soon as possible to ensure your place on this boutique small group tour.
Tour Inclusions
Exclusive
Not Included
International
