What to do in Magical Mumbai

Knowing full well that where there’s a will there’s a way, and that the next flight out was the following evening – I needed to do something stat. So cue the tears, snot, shallow breaths, monologue and FANTASTIC actor training – because within 5 minutes I was sitting on an Emirates EK105 en route to Mumbai, convulsing in my chair and doing my best to ward off the imminent asthma attack and wide-eyed onlookers. 

A few hours later and NAMASTE – I had arrived. After sweet-talking the immigration officer and complimenting his fantastic moustache, I was let into the country with a handshake, head wiggle and a wave. 

Here’s my top picks of what to do in Mumbai, if you just have 2 short days. 

TAKE IN THE TAJ MAHAL HOTEL 

Situated in Colaba and on the bank of the Yamuna river, this ex-military hospital, now turned 5 star luxury hotel, is a must see landmark. Built in 1903, it honours it’s heritage and how so! Full of Maharajan charm, this 550 roomed masterpiece makes for some serious architectural awe. Top tip: I hear the high tea is overpriced – so don’t waste your money, but do head on to the highest floor as the view from the Harbour Bar is breathtaking!

SHOP TIL YOU DROP – COLABA CAUSEWAY

I never knew Indians were so fashion forward. Boy was I wrong. Stretching for miles – this market is the bees knees. Merchants line the streets with rows upon rows of stalls selling street fashion at thrift shop prices, silk, saris, spice, costume jewelry and shoes galore. One street was even adorned with dust covered dildos. How’s that for variation! I bought some beautiful colourful earrings, which retail for at least triple the price in the UK. Disclaimer: You will be pestered and pleaded with the phrase “no buy, just try”, but said with a smile, so really, who can resist?

GANDER AT THE GATEWAY OF INDIA 

Perhaps the most frequented spot in all of Mumbai. Mounted in 1911, this 28m arch was built to first welcome King George V. I must admit, I’m not sure why it still stands as it seems like a colossal reminder of the colonial past. Nonetheless, it gathers the crowds and the people watching that can be done is second to none. Prepare to get lost in the sea of saris, taste the salt air and feel the gentle cooling of the sea breeze.

LAP UP A LASSIE AT LEOPOLD’S

If you haven’t yet read Shantaram, I suggest you do. The international bestseller got me so hyped for my visit to India – and seeing Leopold’s Cafe in the flesh made me go a little fan-girl crazy. This is the place that Linbaba, along with his fascinating friends frequented on a daily basis. The cafe is super cool, just as described in the book, and they even sell the novel at the bar. Winning! PS. the food and drink is great too and well worth the visit. 

MARVEL AT MAHATMA GANDHI’S HOME

During his 17 years in Mumbai, Mahatma Gandhi lived in this house, which is now turned into a very informative museum. It was interesting to learn about his mission driven life, from birth to death. I found it really inspiring and was in awe that I was standing in the same place Gandhi once stood. I especially loved looking at the artefacts from his time in Durban – which changed him as a man, and got him fired up to fight for human rights. PS. It doesn’t cost to go in but they do ask for a small donation. 

AIR YOUR DIRTY LAUNDRY AT DHOBI GHAT

A visit to the world’s largest open air laundry is an absolute must. Not only will it make you grateful for your washing machine back home, it’s fascinating to see the amount of work that goes into cleaning clothes manually. Abuzz with jeans, saris and linen, this place was an array of colour and carefully cleaned garments. Fact: Dhobi is the name given to those that wash the clothes and Dhobi comes from the Hindu word dhona, meaning to wash. 

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE!

An indian train ride is something special and an experience all foreigners should strive for. Yes it can be daunting and down right scary but the stress of buying a ticket, to the chaos of jumping in and out of the train, to finding a seat amongst the crowds becomes a blur once you chug along and get an eyeful of city life in the slums from below the train tracks. The scenes of daily life and people getting along with their mundane tasks is mesmerising to say the least. Alight at Victoria Terminus aka Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, (which is a beautiful building and attraction within itself) and head up north for the wealthy suburb of Juhu. Hop off at Andheri Station, and catch a 10 minute tuk tuk ride to Juhu beach. Once there, take a stroll along the promenade or dip your feet in the sea (remember you can’t swim as the pollution is bad)

When you get hungry, stroll on over to the highly-rated and well priced Dakshinayan South Indian Restaurant, where you can eat generous servings of Mysore masala dosa, curry, naan and much more. 

MEANDER IN THE GARDEN OF CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ 

The Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is an important Heritage building of the city and an actual museum. Although I didn’t make it inside, I highly recommend taking a stroll in the serene gardens and checking out the enormous sleeping Buddha. 

If you’re looking for a great place to stay – look no further than Residency Hotel Fort. Situated downtown in the Fort area, the staff welcomed us with open arms, were full of smiles and compliments and even gave us a gift on Christmas Day. It was so unexpected and thoughtful. The breakfast (included in the rate) was delicious and wholesome too, the aircon worked well and the beds were super comfy. 5 stars all round! 

Tour Guide Recommendation: If you only have a few days in Mumbai, I do suggest getting a local to show you the ropes. We found darling Dilip from Royal Bombay Tours. He was fantastic, hysterical and super knowledgeable about the city and its surrounds. He offers a few tours, so head over to his page and suss out what seems like the best option for you. 

Have you got any more tips for me around Mumbai? If so, please do let me know! xxx