Start your trip by immersing yourself in the rich history of South Mumbai. In the morning, visit the iconic Gateway of India, a magnificent monument overlooking the Arabian Sea. Take a stroll along Marine Drive, also known as the Queen's Necklace, enjoying the stunning views and vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, to discover a fascinating collection of art and artifacts. As the evening sets in, wander through the bustling Colaba Causeway, lined with shops, cafes, and street vendors.
Gateway of India: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Marine Drive: No cost, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya: Entry fee: INR 100 (approx. £1), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Colaba Causeway: No cost, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A great breakfast spot in South Mumbai is Cafe Mondegar, known for its delicious American-style pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, head to Leopold Cafe, a famous historical restaurant offering a variety of cuisines including Indian, continental, and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 700 per person.
In the evening, dine at The Table, a popular fine dining restaurant known for its innovative global cuisine and chic ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about INR 1500 per person.
Saturday, September 30: Cultural Delights in Bandra
Start your day with a visit to the Mount Mary Church, a beautiful basilica located in Bandra. Explore the vibrant streets and trendy boutiques of Bandra Hill Road. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Bollywood history at the iconic Mehboob Studio and take a guided tour to learn about the Indian film industry. As the evening approaches, enjoy the sunset at Bandstand Promenade, a popular spot for locals and a great place to relax.
Mount Mary Church: No cost, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Bandra Hill Road: Cost varies depending on shopping, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Mehboob Studio: Guided tour fee: INR 200 (approx. £2), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Bandstand Promenade: No cost, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Bagel Shop in Bandra. They offer a wide variety of freshly baked bagels with various toppings and fillings. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Bastian in Bandra for a seafood feast. They serve fresh and flavorful seafood dishes in a vibrant and trendy setting. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Indulge in a gourmet dinner experience at Olive Bar & Kitchen in Bandra. This upscale restaurant offers a contemporary Mediterranean menu with a focus on quality ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about ₹1500 per person.
Sunday, October 1: Modern Mumbai in Bandra Kurla Complex
Start your day by exploring the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai's modern business district. Visit the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Grounds, which often hosts events and exhibitions. In the afternoon, head to the Phoenix Marketcity Mall for shopping and dining. As the evening sets in, enjoy a leisurely walk at the beautiful JioGarden, a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city.
MMRDA Grounds: Depends on the event, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Phoenix Marketcity Mall: Cost varies depending on shopping and dining, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
JioGarden: No cost, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in the Bandra Kurla Complex is Theobroma, known for its delicious pastries and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Yauatcha, a contemporary Chinese restaurant in the nearby High Street Phoenix Mall. Enjoy their dim sum and other delectable dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1,500 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, try Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra. Known for its modern Indian cuisine, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience with innovative dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 2,500 INR per person.
Monday, October 2: Historic Mumbai in Fort Area
Start your day by visiting the magnificent Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Explore the bustling streets of the Fort area, where you can discover historical buildings like the Bombay High Court and the Rajabai Clock Tower. In the afternoon, visit the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, the oldest museum in Mumbai, housing a remarkable collection of art and artifacts. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk along Horniman Circle Gardens, a peaceful park in the heart of the city.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: No cost, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Bombay High Court: No cost, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Rajabai Clock Tower: No cost, estimated time spent: 1 hour
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum: Entry fee: INR 10 (approx. £0.1), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Horniman Circle Gardens: No cost, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Pantry, a cozy cafe located in the Fort area. They serve delicious breakfast items like eggs benedict and avocado toast. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For lunch, try Khyber, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Indian cuisine. From flavorful kebabs to rich curries, they offer a wide range of dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
In the evening, dine at Trishna, a renowned seafood restaurant in the Fort area. Known for its mouthwatering Mangalorean-style seafood preparations, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful dishes like butter garlic crab. The average cost for a meal is about ₹1500 per person.
Tuesday, October 3: Market Exploration in Crawford Market
Start your day by visiting Crawford Market, one of Mumbai's oldest and most vibrant markets. Explore the bustling lanes filled with fresh produce, spices, textiles, and more. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Dabbawala Museum to learn about the fascinating lunchbox delivery system. As the evening sets in, visit Mohammed Ali Road, known for its mouthwatering street food and vibrant atmosphere.
Crawford Market: Cost varies depending on shopping, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Mohammed Ali Road: Cost varies depending on food, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day off with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Excelsior, located near Crawford Market. Enjoy their freshly brewed coffee and mouthwatering pastries. The average cost for a breakfast here is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head over to Delhi Darbar Restaurant, a popular spot known for its delicious Mughlai cuisine. Try their flavorful biryanis and kebabs. The average cost for a lunch here is about Rs. 400 per person.
In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner at Bademiya, a legendary street food joint on Mohammed Ali Road. Enjoy their mouthwatering kebabs and rolls. The average cost for a dinner here is about Rs. 500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Elephanta Island. The ancient rock-cut caves house beautiful sculptures and offer a glimpse into Mumbai's rich history. Another local favorite is the Bandra Worli Sea Link, an architectural marvel that connects Bandra to Worli. Take a drive over the sea link to enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. Both attractions offer unique experiences away from the city center.