Start your trip in Mumbai with a visit to the iconic Gateway of India. This monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911. Take a morning stroll around the monument and enjoy the sea breeze. After that, explore the nearby Colaba Causeway street market, where you can shop for souvenirs, jewellery, and clothes. In the afternoon, visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, a museum that showcases the art and culture of India. End your day with a relaxing evening walk at Marine Drive, a kilometre-long promenade that offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
Take a day trip to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on an island in Mumbai Harbour. These caves are known for their ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures that date back to the 5th century AD. Spend your morning exploring the caves and learning about the Hindu and Buddhist mythology depicted in the carvings. After returning to Mumbai in the afternoon, head to Juhu Beach, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the sunset while snacking on Mumbai's famous street food, such as bhel puri and vada pav. In the evening, watch a Bollywood movie at the iconic Regal Cinema in Colaba.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city and spend a day in nature at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including leopards, monkeys, and deer. Take a morning safari ride and explore the different trails in the park. After that, head to the Kanheri Caves, a group of rock-cut monuments that were once used as Buddhist meditation centres. In the afternoon, visit the Global Vipassana Pagoda, a golden dome that houses the world's largest stone dome without any supporting pillars. End your day with a relaxing evening boat ride at the Back Bay.
If you have time, consider visiting the Haji Ali Dargah, a mosque located on a small islet in the Arabian Sea. You can reach the mosque by a narrow causeway that is only accessible during low tide. Another side trip option is the Kanhoji Angre Island, where you can explore the ruins of a fort that was built by the Maratha Empire. To maximise your fun, try out some of Mumbai's street food and visit some of the city's famous temples, such as the Siddhivinayak Temple and the Mahalakshmi Temple. Finally, don't forget to shop for some traditional Indian clothes, such as saris and kurtas, at the city's many markets.