How to Plan Your Private Mumbai City Tours With Slum Tours

If you are planning to visit Mumbai, a well-planned city tour would do wonders for you. However, mastering Mumbai’s public transport system can be time-consuming and confusing. That is where the private Mumbai city tours with slum tours come in. In this blog post, you will learn how to plan your Mumbai city tour, what to expect, and what is included.

Overview of the Tour

The private Mumbai city tour with slum tours is an informative sightseeing tour designed to help tourists explore Mumbai’s must-see sites with ease. The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel, and you get to explore Mumbai in comfort by air-conditioned vehicle. With your English-speaking private guide, you will learn the secrets of top attractions, including Dhobi Ghat, the Gateway of India, and the elegant Victoria Terminus building. You will also meet the enterprising residents of the Dharavi slum, one of the largest slums in Mumbai. Unlike other slum tours, this tour is unique because you get to experience the positive impact of the slum’s people and businesses on the local economy.

What’s Included in the Tour?

The following things are included in the private Mumbai city tour with slum tours:

1. Bottled water: Stay hydrated during this 7-hour tour with complimentary bottled water that will be provided to you.
2. Snack: You will be provided with a snack during the tour to keep your energy levels high.
3. Local guide: An experienced English-speaking local guide will be assigned to you to provide insights on the must-see sites and answer all your questions.
4. Lunch: Enjoy a complimentary lunch at a local restaurant to sample authentic Mumbai cuisine.

Meeting and Pickup Points

The pickup point for this tour is at your hotel in Mumbai. You get to choose the pickup point, and there is no additional charge for pickup and dropoff services.

What to Expect

The private Mumbai city tour with slum tours is a full-day tour, lasting approximately 7 hours. During this tour, you should expect to see some of Mumbai’s iconic and historic sites, including:

• The Gateway of India: This monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911. It is a popular tourist attraction and a great spot for selfies.
• Dhobi Ghat: This is Mumbai’s largest open-air laundromat, where clothes are washed manually by a community of dhobis or laundry workers. It is a fascinating place to visit to see how the laundry business is done on a grand scale.
• The Dharavi Slum: Despite its poor living conditions, Dharavi is a bustling and vibrant area, with small businesses thriving and providing employment to thousands of people. During a visit to Dharavi, you will see how enterprising the residents are and how they have built a community that supports itself.
• Victoria Terminus Building: Also known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Mumbai’s most impressive colonial-era buildings. It serves as a transport hub connecting Mumbai to other parts of India.

Additional Information

Before booking this tour, please note the following:

• The tour duration is approximately 7 hours.
• This tour is free of admission tickets.
• You will receive a confirmation email after booking the tour.

Now that you know what to expect from the private Mumbai city tour with slum tour, you can book the tour here on Viator’s website and embark on an unforgettable journey through Mumbai’s most iconic sites. Book here: book the tour here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the financial capital of India, the land of dreams and is widely considered an epicenter of the country’s economic growth. With its buzzing street markets, star-studded streets, and beautiful temples, Mumbai is a city of contrasts, where skyscrapers mix with colonial-era buildings, and local fishermen weave through the high-speed traffic. Here are some answers to the most common questions visitors may have while planning their trip to Mumbai.

1. What is Mumbai known for?

Mumbai is famous for its iconic monuments, the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. It is also known for its street food, including Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Bhel Puri. Bollywood, the biggest film industry in India, is based in Mumbai, and it is considered the heart of Indian cinema. Marine Drive, a beautiful seaside promenade, is the heart of the city and a popular tourist spot. Mumbai is also known for its colonial architecture and religious sites such as the Haji Ali Dargah, Siddhivinayak Temple, and the Mahalakshmi Temple.

2. How can one reach Mumbai?

Mumbai is well connected by air, rail, and road. The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) handles both domestic and international flights. The airport is located in Andheri, about 30 minutes from the city center. Mumbai has two major railway stations, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Mumbai Central, with trains connecting to all parts of India. Several national highways connect Mumbai to other cities in India, making road travel a viable option.

3. What is the best time of the year to visit Mumbai?

Mumbai has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons – the wet season and the dry season. The best time to visit Mumbai is from November to February when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, and the humidity is relatively low. The monsoon season, from June to September, should be avoided, as the heavy rain can disrupt travel plans.

4. How can one navigate Mumbai?

Mumbai has an extensive public transportation system comprising buses, local trains, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. The local trains, operated by the Western Railways and Central Railways, are the lifelines of the city, connecting the suburbs to the city center. Buses are run by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking and are an affordable mode of transport. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available but can be expensive.

5. What are the top tourist attractions in Mumbai?

Mumbai is a city of attractions and has something for everyone. The top tourist attractions in Mumbai include:

• The Gateway of India
• The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
• Marine Drive
• Siddhivinayak Temple
• The Elephanta Caves
• Bandra-Worli Sea Link
• Nehru Planetarium
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
• Haji Ali Dargah
• Mumbai Central

6. What is the local cuisine of Mumbai?

Mumbai is a paradise for foodies, and its street food is famous all over the world. The local cuisine of Mumbai is a blend of different cultures and regions, with a focus on seafood, spices and a unique style of cooking. Some must-try dishes in Mumbai include Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, Misal Pav, and Pani Puri.

7. What are some good places to shop in Mumbai?

Mumbai is a shopper’s paradise, and there are plenty of options available for those who love to shop. Some good places to shop in Mumbai include:

• Linking Road
• Hill Road
• Colaba Causeway
• Crawford Market
• Chor Bazaar
• Palladium Mall
• Phoenix Marketcity
• Inorbit Mall

8. What is the nightlife scene in Mumbai like?

Mumbai has a bustling nightlife, with a range of options for those who want to party the night away. The city has plenty of bars, pubs and nightclubs, with most of them located in the suburbs. Some of the popular nightlife spots in Mumbai include Tryst, Trilogy, Kitty Su, Playboy Club, and Tote on the Turf.

9. What are some safety concerns visitors should keep in mind while traveling in Mumbai?

Mumbai is generally a safe city, although visitors should exercise caution while traveling alone at night or in areas with heavy traffic. It is advisable to avoid traveling alone in deserted areas or taking unlicensed taxis. Keeping valuables secure and being alert in crowded places is also important.

10. What are some interesting facts about Mumbai?

• Mumbai is the financial and entertainment capital of India, and the city is home to more than 20 million people.
• Bollywood, the hub of the Indian film industry is based in Mumbai, and the city produces more movies than Hollywood.
• Mumbai has the largest public park in Asia, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is home to several rare species.
• The Mumbai suburban railway system is the busiest in the world, transporting more than 7 million passengers every day.
• The Bandra-Worli Sea Link, one of the most iconic bridges in Mumbai, took ten years to build and cost more than $250 million.

Mumbai is a city of dreams and one of India’s most vibrant and exciting destinations. Whether you are in Mumbai to explore its rich history, marvel at its architecture, or experience its vibrant cultural scene, the city will not disappoint.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Mumbai

Mumbai, also known as Bombay, is a bustling metropolis on the western coast of India. Known for its diverse culture, rich history, and stunning architecture, Mumbai is a must-visit destination for any traveler. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your visit. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a detailed itinerary to make sure you make the most of your time in Mumbai.

Day 1: Explore South Mumbai’s Iconic Landmarks

Start your day by visiting the Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most iconic landmarks. This stunning structure was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. From there, head to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a luxurious hotel that has been a symbol of Mumbai’s grandeur since it was built in 1903. The hotel is adorned with stunning architecture and is a photographer’s dream. Next, visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Mumbai’s most famous railway stations. This stunning Gothic-style building has been featured in several Bollywood movies and is definitely worth a visit. Head to the nearby Crawford Market, a bustling bazaar where you can find anything from spices to souvenirs. At lunchtime, head to Leopold Cafe, one of Mumbai’s most popular cafes, and a favorite among tourists and locals. The cafe has been around since 1871 and is famous for its delicious food and lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. This stunning museum houses a vast collection of ancient art and artifacts from India and abroad. If you have time, head to the nearby Jehangir Art Gallery, which showcases contemporary Indian art. End your day by visiting Marine Drive, a popular promenade along the Arabian Sea. This scenic drive is also called the Queen’s Necklace because of the way the lights along the road look like a string of pearls when viewed from a distance.

Day 2: Explore the Cultural and Historical Sites of Mumbai

Start your day by visiting the famous Dhobi Ghat, a unique open-air laundromat where you can see hundreds of people washing clothes in the traditional way. From there, head to the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat Museum, which gives an insight into the life and work of the people who work in the laundry industry. The next destination on your itinerary is the Haji Ali Dargah, a 15th-century mosque and mausoleum that is located on a small island off the coast of Worli. This stunning structure is accessible only during low tide. Next, visit the Mani Bhavan, a museum dedicated to the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. This modest two-story house was Gandhi’s residence in Mumbai between 1917 and 1934, and it is where he organized many of his political campaigns. In the afternoon, head to the Crawford Art Gallery, one of India’s most prominent art galleries. The gallery houses over 8,000 exhibits and collections, ranging from ancient sculptures to contemporary art. End your day by taking a walk at Juhu Beach, one of Mumbai’s most popular beaches. Here, you can enjoy the stunning sunset, grab a snack from one of the street stalls, and watch the locals go about their daily routine.

Day 3: Enjoy Mumbai’s Street Food and Nightlife

Start your day by exploring the street food scene in Mumbai. Head to Mohammad Ali Road, one of Mumbai’s most famous street food destinations, and try some of the local specialties. Must-tries include kebabs, biryanis, and falooda. In the afternoon, take a Bollywood tour and learn about the world’s largest film industry. Bollywood tours usually include visits to film studios, sets, and a chance to meet and interact with Bollywood stars. In the evening, head to the Colaba Causeway, a popular shopping destination for tourists. Here you can find everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion. The area also has several bars and restaurants, so it’s a great place to start your evening. End your day by heading to the rooftop bar at the InterContinental Hotel, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline while sipping on cocktails.

Final Thoughts

Mumbai may be overwhelming for first-timers, but it’s a place that rewards those who take the time to explore its rich culture and history. By following this itinerary, you’ll be able to experience Mumbai’s iconic landmarks, cultural and historical sites, street food, and nightlife. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures, as Mumbai is a city that you’ll want to remember forever!