Mumbai, India-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSTM) or Mumbai Central railway station. Take a taxi or metro (Line 2) from the airport to your hotel.
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in to your hotel, such as Hotel Marine Plaza or The LaLiT Mumbai, both centrally located in the heart of the city.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the iconic Gateway of India, a majestic monument that marks the entrance to the city. Take a stroll along the Marina Beach and enjoy the views of the Arabian Sea.
  • Lunch: Head to Leopold Café (established in 1871), a historic restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine, such as vada pav and pani puri.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Colaba Causeway, a bustling street lined with shops, markets, and eateries. Visit the adjacent Haji Ali Dargah, a beautiful mosque located on an islet in the Arabian Sea.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Wasabi by Morimoto or India Jones, both serving excellent Japanese and Indian cuisine.

Day 2: Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at Café Mondegar, a popular spot for eggs, pancakes, and sandwiches.
  • 10:00 AM: Take a leisurely walk along the Queen’s Necklace (Marine Drive), a scenic promenade that offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Stop by the nearby Girgaum Chowpatty Beach, where you can enjoy street food, rides, and games.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Juhu Beach, which serves some of Mumbai’s best seafood. Try their popular dish, the “Bombay Frankie”.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Prithvi Theatre or NCPA (National Centre for Performing Arts) to catch a performance or take a guided tour.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Santushti, an upscale restaurant serving contemporary Indian cuisine.

Day 3: Elephanta Caves and Kala Ghoda

  • Morning: Visit the nearby Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring ancient rock-cut temples. Take a ferry to the island (around 45 minutes).
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Foodhall, an upscale food court offering a range of cuisines.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant street art scene in the Kala Ghoda area. Visit the nearby David Sassoon Library and admire its stunning architecture.
  • Evening: Head to The Bohemian Bar, a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city.

Day 4: Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Powai

  • Morning: Take a taxi or bus (Route 253) to the nearby Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a protected area featuring a variety of flora and fauna. Spot birds, deer, and other wildlife.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at The Earth Plate Café, a popular spot serving vegetarian cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Vihar Lake, a picturesque spot for boating or simply enjoying the views. Stop by the nearby Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus.
  • Evening: Return to your hotel and relax.

Day 5: Dharavi Slum Tour and Bandra

  • Morning: Take a guided tour of the Dharavi Slums, one of Asia’s largest slums. This eye-opening experience will give you insight into Mumbai’s urban challenges and resilience.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Taste of India, a popular spot serving traditional Indian cuisine in the nearby Bandra area.
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Hill Road in Bandra, featuring some of Mumbai’s most fashionable boutiques and cafes. Stop by the adjacent Pahadi Ganpati Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Sassy Teaspoon, a popular spot serving Indian-inspired cuisine.

Day 6: Versova Beach and Andheri

  • Morning: Visit the nearby Versova Beach, known for its scenic views, sea food markets, and street food stalls. Take a stroll along the beach or enjoy water sports.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Fenny’s Café, a popular spot serving seafood cuisine in the nearby Andheri area.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant shopping scene in Linking Road, featuring some of Mumbai’s best high-street brands and boutiques. Stop by the adjacent Fun Asia Mall for entertainment and dining options.
  • Evening: Return to your hotel and relax.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend the morning at leisure or visit any last-minute attractions on your bucket list.
  • Check-out of your hotel by 11:00 AM.
  • Take a taxi, metro (Line 2), or bus (Route 253) back to the airport for your onward journey.

Things to know

  • Weather: Mumbai experiences a tropical climate with hot and humid summers. Pack accordingly.
  • Language: Hindi is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.
  • Safety: As with any city, take necessary precautions to stay safe, such as using licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Tips

  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or cultural attractions.
  • Bargain wisely: When shopping at markets or street stalls, haggle politely but be prepared to walk away if the price isn’t right.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during outdoor activities.

Other tips and information

  • Best time to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Mumbai, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Getting around: Take taxis or metro (Line 2) for most attractions. Use ride-sharing services like Ola or Uber for shorter trips.
  • Budget: Allocate ₹500-₹1000 per day for meals, snacks, and activities.

Important documents

  • Passport: Carry a valid passport and visa (if required).
  • Travel insurance: Purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected medical or trip-related expenses.