Keeping pace with Mumbai is a difficult task. We would say almost impossible. There are so many things to do in Mumbai that you need to take a breather even when thinking about what to do. From places of quiet to adrenaline-pumping adventure, Mumbai has it all. If you’re already done visiting the usual sightseeing places in Mumbai, you might be wondering what else is there to do?
The history, age and the various assimilation of cultures have made this place a watering hole for people from all parts of the world. This also means that there is a variety of activities to do in this city.
Since Mumbai and the sea are synonymous, here is one of the most fun activities that you can start off with – set sail on the Arabian Sea. Hop on to a ferry and take in the views of the wide expanse of the sea. You can not only travel to the island of Elephanta to witness the marvels of ancient rock-cut architecture but also take in the breeze and beauty of the sea around you.
If going on a boat with a lot of strangers is not your idea of fun, then hold on. There is more in store. You can hire your own speedboat or sailboat with different amenities. Destinations usually range from Mandwa, Elephanta, and Murud Janjira. The starting point is from the Gateway of India.
Boats can be even hired to celebrate special occasions such as parties, birthdays or anniversaries. Luxury sailing is in vogue and you can enjoy the sights of the Arabian Sea in complete privacy. While ferries are available from anywhere between INR 50 to INR 120, private sailboats could range from INR 3000 to INR 36000.
Summers will be the best time to sail at sea as at this time the sea will be relatively calm.
While still at the seas, it is also the best opportunity for you to visit the Island of Elephanta, which is at a distance of one hour via the sea. The starting point to the island is the Gateway of India. The Elephanta Caves are an engineering marvel that has stood the test of time. Even if you are not interested in the historical landmark, you can still go to the island for trekking or simply take a break from the mundane. This will one of the best adventurous activities that you can undertake in Mumbai.
The best time to visit the island is throughout the year barring monsoons when the sea will be rough and tides would be at a high.
What is a trip to Mumbai if you haven’t embarked on a Bollywood tour? Get a glimpse into the inner workings of the largest film industry in the world with behind the scenes scenarios. There are dedicated companies that provide day-long tours of studios and sites where shooting is taking place.
The best time to undertake this tour is throughout the year.
When you are tired of all the shopping and sight-seeing or even when you simply want to do nothing, take a stroll on the Marine Drive. This famous boulevard is synonymous with Mumbai and links Nariman Point to Malabar Hill. The street lights on Marine Drive, when viewed at night from any elevated point resembles the pearls in a necklace and thus it is also known as the Queen’s Necklace. Stroll on this stretch near the sea, eat Bhelpuri (a fast food) and other dishes and walk up to the Chowpatty Beach. If you walk a little further ahead, you will reach Walkeshwar, home to many of the rich and famous in Mumbai.
Although we mentioned Chowpatty earlier, we would not be doing justice to Chowpatty Beach if we failed to mention the street food here. Words can fall short to describe the various delicacies that are found in this street food hub in Mumbai. With the waves crashing in the distance and the salty smell of the sea hanging in the air, this is probably the best spot in Mumbai to have street food. Start with the legendary vada pav – the dish that entire Maharashtra swears by. The things to explore here include local delights such as paani puri, batata vada, misal pao, ragda patty, sev puri, and bhel puri.
Minara Masjid and Behndi Bazaar are great places to get a taste of meat while on the streets. Finding different varieties of food will never be a constraint. The only constraint might be finding time and appetite to eat so much.
The best time to enjoy street food at Chowpatty and other places is throughout the year.
While on the topic of food, you wouldn’t have done justice to your Mumbai trip if you have not tasted Parsi food. The Parsi community is an integral part of Mumbai and their food stands testimony to the same. Food is taken with utmost seriousness and as such Parsi food generously assimilates all influences such as Gujarati, Iranian, British, and Goan influences.
Dishes such as Beri Pulao, Saas ni macchi, Parsi mutton cutlets, Sali Marghi, and dhansak will give you a completely different experience of food as you know it.
Parsi food is welcoming and tastes good at any time of the year.
Prithvi Theatre is one of India’s most famous theatres and was started by Shashi Kapoor and his wife Jennifer Kapoor. It would not be an exaggeration to call the Kapoor family, the first family of Indian Hindi Cinema as four generations of Kapoors have been involved as actors, producers, and directors in Hindi cinema and theatre. The theatre is a symbol of this as it is dedicated to Prithviraj Kapoor, father of Shashi Kapoor and grand thespian of Bollywood cinema who wanted a home for his theatre company. Watch a play here and also explore the Prithvi bookshop and gallery.
Winter evenings would be the perfect time to cozy up to the vivid range of characters that you can see on stage in the Prithvi Theatre.
If you are on a visit with family or with children, you would not want to miss out on visiting the Essel World – one of the most famous amusement parks in India. Adventurous activities are galore in this park with thrilling rides such as Crazy cups, Hoola Hoop, Rio Grande train, and Caterpillar.
Water Kingdom, the oldest water park in India is also part of the Essel World. You will not feel the summer heat when you become a part of the Essel World.
Summers can be the best time to visit Essel World as you can beat the heat with the fun that you can have here.
Although it holds the infamous distinction of being the “largest slum in Asia”, Dharavi has been an inspiration for countless movies and research projects. The slums of Dharavi are home to more than one million of Mumbai’s residents. Don’t let the term “slum” mislead you. Despite being shanties with poor living conditions, there are industries with an approximate turnover of USD 665 million situated here. Industries here include recycling, pottery-making, embroidery, leather tanning, and many more.
Mornings will be the best time to visit the Dharavi slum as you can see the slum come to life and observe the different activities that take place here.
Millions of people call Mumbai their home and it is obvious that so many people will need places to shop for their needs. Scattered across different parts of the city, the markets of Mumbai are mostly divided according to the items or specialties they are famous for. So for instance, if you are looking for fashionable and yet inexpensive attire head to fashion street. Shop for artificial jewellery in Bhuleshwar Market and head to Chor Bazaar for some antique stuff. Crawford Market is the odd one out here and is home to almost everything.
Markets are forever bustling with feverish energy so go to a market whenever you feel like it.
From the Marathas to the British, Mumbai had many rulers, which means that different cultures have mingled and stayed here since ages. This is what gives Mumbai its cosmopolitan culture.
The Gateway of India, the CS Terminus, and the Taj Mahal Hotel are just some of the remnants of the bygone era that lie in wait for you to come and explore. Walk through some of these places and soak in the history of the past and the chaos of today.
Winters will be the best time to go on the heritage walks in Mumbai as at this time of the year the climate in the city is pleasant.
Think you have done it all in Mumbai? Think again. For a truly off-beat experience, head to the numerous water bodies that dot Mumbai. Places such as Powai Lake, Tarkarli and Manori Creek are places where you can enjoy fishing. Fishing clubs are also there that take fishing very seriously and engage in this activity regularly.
Summers and the monsoons are a good time to head for the best fishing spots in the city and catch some fish.
The Red Carpet Wax Museum is India’s first wax museum that has more than 40 life-like statues of famous personalities ranging from politicians, film stars, and global icons. Enjoy the singular pleasure of getting your photos clicked with famous personalities. Some of the famous statues of personalities that you can see here are Queen Elizabeth, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Michael Jackson, Steve Jobs, and Anna Hazare. Learn about the lives of these individuals and more. The museum is open on all days.
Mumbai is a city of many faces and hence, has many hidden facets to it. You have to look at it closely to understand it beyond its cosmopolitan side of glitz and glamour. Let this list be your guide to exploring some off-beat things to do in Mumbai that will help you understand this city better.
While you are here in Mumbai you should definitely go one sailing on The Arabian Sea. One of the best things to do in Mumbai is this. You can get some amazing views while you are here on the ferry
Note:
-The started point is the Gateway of India. The best time to visit is the summers.
– The cost of the ferries are 50rs to 120rs and if you want your personal boats then the price will be from 3000rs to 36,000rs.
This is one of the most interesting things to do in Mumbai. If you are not interested in historical landmarks of Mumbai, then you can just visit the place for trekking or even if you want a break.
Note:
-The starting point for the ferries is the Gateway of India.
– You can visit the place throughout the year but monsoons can be a little rough.
Mumbai is famous for Bollywood, isn’t it? Then your prime thing to do in Mumbai should be a Bollywood tour. You can get off-screen scenes and even meet a few actors. You will get long tours of the studios.
Note:
-You can take the trip throughout the year.
-You can contact the dedicated companies for further information
Visiting Marine Drive has to be on your to-do list while you are taking a trip to Mumbai. Nothing can be compared to taking an evening walk at the Marine Drive. The must thing to do in Mumbai.
Note:
-You can visit the marine Drive throughout the year.
-There is no entry fee or cost to visit this place.
A must thing to do in Mumbai is to visit Chowpatty street food. You will get the original Mumbai style street food here. You should definitely make a visit here.
Note:
-It is located at the heart of the city and right next to a beach.
– There is no entry fee and you can visit the place throughout the year.
The most integral part of Mumbai is Parsi food, therefore, it should definitely be a no miss. The most important thing to do in Mumbai is to taste Parsi food here.
Note:
-They are located at the most attractive places in Mumbai.
– There is no such entry fee you can anytime visit these cafes.
Prithvi Theatre is one of the oldest and most famous theatres in Mumbai. While you are here on a trip to Mumbai then visiting this place is a must the thing to do in Mumbai.
Note:
-Winters are the best time to visit the theatre as it stays cosy.
-The entry fee here is 125rs to 400rs per person.
One of the most adventurous things to do in Mumbai is visiting the Essel World. A lovely amusement park. You can always visit this with your family and children and enjoy the thrilling rides here.
Note:
-Summer is the best time to visit Essel World.
-The entry fee here is 390rs for Basic, 1270rs for Silver and 900rs for silver (child).
Dharavi is known to be the ‘largest slum in Asia’. There has been lots and lots of research and documentaries about this place. While you are here in Mumbai you should definitely visit the place and take a tour here. A must things to do in Mumbai.
Note:
-If you are visiting this place then visit in the morning.
-There ia no cost involved in visiting the place.
Mumbai is really famous for its markets. There are some unique markets they have like the Chor Bazaar, Crawford Market, Bhuleshwar Market. One of the most fun things to do in Mumbai.
Note:
-You have no cost to visit the markets.
-You can visit these markets throughout the year and get to see some Mumbai special things here.
Mumbai is filled with famous and beautiful historical places. You should definitely visit those. You should get hold of a person or a guide who will provide you with knowledge about the place. You can visit the ‘Gateway of India’, ‘Taj Mahal Hotel’, ‘The CS Terminus’. One of the most important things to do in Mumbai.
Note:
-Open 24 hours for the people or tourists visiting the place.
-There is no entry fee or cost to visit the places.
If you are fond of fishing or if you want to try fishing then Mumbai is the correct place for you. This is the most interesting thing to do in Mumbai. Mumbai is filled with numerous lakes which you can visit. Such as Powai Lake, Tarkarli, Manori Creek.
Note:
-Visiting the lakes can be very soothing throughout the year.
– There is no entry fee or cost to visit the lakes.
India’s First Wax Museum is The Red Carpet Wax Museum. If you are visiting Mumbai and if you don’t visit this wax museum then this will be your loss. You get to see the statues of numerous actors, Queen and freedom fighters. One of the most amusing things to do in Mumbai.
Note:
-The entry fee to The Red Carpet Wax Museum is 300rs per person.
– You can visit the place throughout the year.
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