Mumbai Tourist Guide

Mumbai is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. Mumbai was originally a conglomeration of seven islands on the Konkan coastline which over time were joined to form the island city of Bombay. The island was in turn joined with the neighbouring island of Salsette to form Greater Bombay. The city has an estimated metropolitan population of 17 million (2005), making it one of the largest cities in the world. It is also home to India's largest slum population. Mumbai looms large as the commercial capital of as it is one of the India's predominant port cities. Mumbai's nature as the most eclectic and cosmopolitan Indian city is symbolized in the presence of Bollywood within the city, the centre of the globally-influential Hindi film and TV industries

    * Slum Tour, from Reality Tours and Travel +91 22 22833872, [22], can be set up to walk through Dharivi, Asia's largest slum. They are socially conscious and many of the proceeds go to charity. 800 Rs includes a trip to Dobi Ghat, the largest open air laundry in the world, and the red light district. Note: Photos are not permitted during the tour of the slum, out of respect for the residents. If you must have that slum pic, just provide your guide with your email details, they will be happy to arrange to email you a nice set of pics.

    * Harbour Cruise, Gateway of India, +91 22 2202 3585. Cruises leave every 30 min daily except during the monsoon season (Jun-Sep). Rs. 40.

    * Heritage walks, Navyug Niketan, 185 Walkeshwar Road, Teenbatti, Mumbai, 400 006 +91 22 2683 5856 +91 22 2369 0992 (Contact Brinda Gaitonde or Abha Bahl heritagewalks@hotmail.com). Organized by two architects, these walks take you around various historic and architecturally significant areas of the city. Walks are organized on the third Sunday of every month (with a break from June through August for the monsoons) and the route varies each time. The walks last around 90 min. Rs. 100 (Discounted rates for students and the physically challenged).

    * Marine Drive — It is a beautiful drive.

    * Kala Ghoda— The arts and crafts festival is held in the last week of Jan or first week of Feb annually in the historic precinct of Kala ghoda in Mumbai.

    * Taj Private Yacht — If you can afford it (at $300/hr, including drinks & meals), rent the Taj's private yacht (has two sun decks and three bedrooms) for a cruise around the Mumbai harbour.

    * Poonawallas Breeders Multimillion — On the last Sunday of Feb, the glitterati of Mumbai dress up for the Ascot of Mumbai at the Mahalaxmi Race Course. With High Tea, amazing hats, and hundreds of ordinary punters staking their little all on the outside chance, this is the event to attend in Mumbai so try to cage a ticket if you happen to visit around then.

    * blueFROG, D/2 Mathuradas Mills Compound, N.M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, ☎ + 91 22 4033 2375, [24]. 6:30PM - 1:30PM. Live music Tuesday - Sunday in a contemporary atmosphere with awesome acoustics. Also has a fusion restaurant with full bar. Genres of music range from jazz, blues, funk, soul and afro/Latin to electronic, club, rock, and folk. Becomes quite the scene on weekends with a large central dance floor. free before 9PM. Rs 300 - 500 afterwards