Description
The financial and commercial capital of India, and this remarkable nation’s most populous urban centre, Mumbai is an impressive metropolis – often compared to New York City – well-worth spending some time exploring. On this comprehensive tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks, you’ll visit the impressive Gateway of India (a symbolic entrance to India constructed in 1924) before driving along Marine Drive (a stunning stretch of promenade symbolising this city’s wealth). Then, continuing to tell the story of Mumbai’s past and present alongside one another, you’ll visit the historic Mani Bhavan (once headquarters for Mohandas Gandhi) and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal – one of the busiest railway stations in India and unique example of Italian Gothic architecture in the city. From here, you’ll journey to the stunning ISKCON Temple – in time to witness the noon Arti – before heading into Crawford Market. One of south Mumbai’s most famous markets, situated inside a Victorian Gothic building completed in 1869, this is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the rich culture of this city and pick up some souvenirs. With the rest of your evening open to explore Mumbai at your own leisure, this tour provides you with a fantastic introduction to the city and India’s complex colonial history, while still offering you an insight into the rich culture you’ll find here.
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Things to do
Gateway of India
Standing an impressive 85 ft. high, this monumental arch was erected in 1924 to commemorate the landing of King George V (the first British monarch to visit India) for his coronation as the Emperor of India in 1911; used as a symbolic entrance to the nation for important governmental personnel, this was also the site where the last British troops left India in 1948.
Marine Drive
A three-kilometre stretch of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, this six-lane promenade (lined by palm trees, alongside Back Bay) is home to an impressive selection of Art Deco buildings and high-value real estate; it’s known as the Queen’s Necklace after the string of dazzling lights you can see along Marine Drive when the sun sets.
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya
Also known as Jewel House, Mani Bhavan is a historical building and museum dedicated to Mohondas Gandhi; from 1917 to 1934, it served as a headquarters for the anti-colonial nationalist and is closely associated with several cultural and political movements – including the Home Rule Movement. The building was taken over by the National Gandhi Memorial Trust in 1955 to maintain it as a memorial to the inspiring political ethicist.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Victoria Terminus)
Designed and built by British architectural engineers from 1878 to 1887, marking 50 years of Queen Victoria’s rule over the British Empire, this historical railway station (uniquely in an Italian Gothic architectural style) is one of the busiest in India; in 1996, it was renamed after Shivaji, the 17th-century warrior-king who served as the first Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire.
Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Temple (ISKCON Temple)
An inspiring spiritual oasis in the demanding material life of Mumbai, the financial and commercial capital of India, this stunning temple complex is home to a spacious marble temple, a cavernous auditorium, a large restaurant, and twin seven-storey guest houses; opened in 1978 and inspired by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), this is widely regarded as one of India’s most beautiful temples.
Things to know
Tips and Gratuities
Tipping is not included in the cost of your tour, and you will have to pay this independently upon arrival.
If your tour group is made up of more than ten people, a tip of $60 USD per person is recommended. And, if your tour group is made up of less than ten people, a tip of $70 USD per person is recommended.