5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Mumbai

  1. Day 1: Gateway of India - Colaba Causeway - Elephanta Caves
    Starting Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
    Time: 9:00 am

    Start your day at Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India. Next, visit the Colaba Causeway for some affordable shopping and street food. Make sure you try the Vada Pav, Mumbai's famous street food. Then, take a ferry ride to the mystical Elephanta Caves to explore ancient Hindu and Buddhist art.

    Travel: 25 mins (9 km) from CST to Gateway of India
    Estimated cost: Rs. 500 (ferry and food)
  2. Day 2: Juhu Beach - ISKCON Temple - Bandra Fort
    Starting Location: Colaba Causeway
    Time: 10:00 am

    Spend the morning at the famous Juhu Beach and try some local chaat (snacks). Next, visit the beautiful ISKCON Temple known for its architecture and peaceful atmosphere. End your day at Bandra Fort, a historic site with an amazing view of the sea.

    Travel: 40 mins (12 km) from Colaba Causeway to Juhu Beach
    Estimated cost: Rs. 200 (transport and food)
  3. Day 3: Crawford Market - Chor Bazaar - Haji Ali Dargah
    Starting Location: Juhu Beach
    Time: 9:00 am

    Start your day at the Crawford Market, one of Mumbai's oldest markets. Then head to the Chor Bazaar for some unique antiques and vintage items. Finally, visit the Haji Ali Dargah, a beautiful mosque located on a rocky shore.

    Travel: 30 mins (11 km) from Juhu Beach to Crawford Market
    Estimated cost: Rs. 300 (transport and food)
  4. Day 4: Mani Bhavan - Dhobi Ghat - Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
    Starting Location: Crawford Market
    Time: 9:30 am

    Start your day at Mani Bhavan, a museum dedicated to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Then visit the world-famous Dhobi Ghat where thousands of laundrymen work daily. End your day at the serene Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, a smaller and quieter version of the Dhobi Ghat.

    Travel: 30 mins (9 km) from Crawford Market to Mani Bhavan
    Estimated cost: Rs. 100 (transport and food)
  5. Day 5: Sanjay Gandhi National Park - Kanheri Caves
    Starting Location: Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
    Time: 8:00 am

    Visit the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, located on the outskirts of Mumbai. Take a morning trek and explore the park's diverse flora and fauna. Then visit the Kanheri Caves, an ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave complex within the park.

    Travel: 1 hr 10 mins (38 km) from Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat to Sanjay Gandhi National Park
    Estimated cost: Rs. 500 (transport and food)

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Gateway of India (Rs. 50, 1 hour)
  • Elephanta Caves (Rs. 200, 3 hours)
  • ISKCON Temple (Free, 1 hour)
  • Bandra Fort (Free, 1.5 hours)
  • Crawford Market (Free, 1 hour)
  • Chor Bazaar (Free, 1 hour)
  • Haji Ali Dargah (Free, 1 hour)
  • Mani Bhavan (Rs. 10, 1 hour)
  • Dhobi Ghat (Free, 1 hour)
  • Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat (Free, 1 hour)
  • Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Rs. 100, 4 hours)
  • Kanheri Caves (Rs. 50, 2 hours)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 1510

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, a museum that showcases India's art, history, and culture. If you have less time, skip the Kanheri Caves and Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Instead, visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

0