Mumbai, India Itinerary for 5 Days

  • Day 1: Gateway of India
    20 minutes (7.6 km) from Mumbai Airport

    The Gateway of India is a 26-meter tall arch monument located in South Mumbai facing the Arabian Sea. Built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary back in 1911, it is now a popular attraction for tourists and locals to relax and enjoy the stunning view.

  • Day 2: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
    25 minutes (9 km) from Gateway of India

    The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, also known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its Victorian Gothic architecture and is one of the busiest railroad stations in India.

  • Day 3: Elephanta Caves
    1 hour 15 minutes (12.3 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to Gateway of India + 1-hour ferry ride)

    The Elephanta Caves is an island located east of Mumbai that houses various Hindu and Buddhist cave temples. It's a stunning site and well worth the long ferry ride to get there.

  • Day 4: Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach
    30 minutes (10 km) from Elephanta Caves

    Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach are two adjoining attractions located in South Mumbai. Marine Drive is a 3.6 km-long boulevard along the coast, while Chowpatty Beach is a popularly known beach known for its street food and Ganesh Visarjan celebrations.

  • Day 5: Siddhivinayak Temple and Haji Ali Dargah
    30 minutes (10.5 km) from Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach

    The Siddhivinayak Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and situated in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. It’s frequented by locals and visitors alike who come to pay their respects and seek blessings. Haji Ali Dargah, a tomb and mosque built-in memory of a wealthy Muslim merchant, is located on an island in the Arabian Sea and accessible only during low tide. It’s an important pilgrimage site in Mumbai that attracts people from all religions.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gateway of India (1 hour, free)
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (2 hour, free)
  • Elephanta Caves (4 hours, 600 INR)
  • Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach (3 hours, free)
  • Siddhivinayak Temple and Haji Ali Dargah (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 600 INR

Transportation

Mumbai is well connected with buses, trains, taxis, and rickshaws. Local trains are the most cost-effective way of getting around but can be extremely crowded during peak hours. Taxis and rickshaws are also readily available, but it's advisable to use those with meters to avoid being overcharged. Private cars can also be hired for a day or on a per trip basis.

The cost of transportation varies depending on the mode of transportation chosen, time of day, and distance covered. Expect to pay around 10 INR/km for taxis and around 7 INR/km for private cars.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, don't miss the opportunity to explore some of Mumbai’s fantastic food markets, like Crawford Market or Bhendi Bazaar. Both offer a vast array of delicious Indian street food and handicrafts. In contrast, if you only have a few days, it may be best to skip the beaches or perhaps pick and choose from the other activities, depending on your interests.

Airports

Mumbai has two airports; Mumbai International Airport (BOM) and Juhu Aerodrome (JUH). Mumbai International Airport is the city's primary airport, located about 30 km north of the city center. It's one of India's busiest airports, and you can count several international and domestic flights here. Juhu Aerodrome is a small airport that caters mostly to domestic chartered flights and helicopter services. It's located about 7 km northwest of the city center.

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