Detailed Description

This Tour can be taken in any 1 Option out of 2.

1) Sight Seeing by Car Tour

2) Dharavi and Sight Seeing Tour

Option 1

Dharavi and Sight Seeing Tour

On this tour, visitors will see why Dharavi is the heart of small scale industry in Mumbai. Many people know Dharavi as the 'largest slum in Asia,' but there is much more to this historic area of Mumbai than poverty. Dharavi's industries have an annual turnover of approximately US$ 665 million. Through our tour visitors experience a wide range of these activities: recycling, pottery-making, embroidery, bakery, soap factory, leather tanning, poppadom-making and many more.

When passing through the residential spaces, you will undoubtedly feel the sense of community and spirit that exists in the area. People from all over India live in Dharavi, and this diversity is apparent in the temples, mosques and churches that stand side by side. A tour through Dharavi's narrow alleys is quite an adventure, and you will leave with an enlightened sense of the purpose and determination that exists in the area.

On the way to Dharavi, we pass areas of interest such as Kamathipura (red light area) and Dhobi Ghat (big open air laundry). The guide will also explain to you issues facing some of less fortunate people in Mumbai- such as the pavement dwellers and the street children.

In the afternoon we will show you other, more traditional sights that Mumbai has to offer. For a list of what sights we generally see in the afternoon, see our Sightseeing by Car page.

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DHOBI GHAT AT MAHALAXMI

See the dhobiwallahs, or washermen, scrubbing sheets from Mumbai's largest hospitals and hotels at this busy outdoor laundry area!

KAMATHIPURA (RED LIGHT AREA)

Talked about only in hushed tones, the Kamathipura district has been the subject of countless films, literary projects and art pieces. A visit to this area (stay inside vehicle) speaks for itself.

RECYCLING AREA

Old computers, parts and plastics come from all over the world to Dharavi to be recycled. See the recycling plants in which separation and melting of plastics takes place.

ROOFTOP VISIT

There is nothing like the view from a Dharavi factory rooftop. The tin hutments that house so many human lives stretch on as far as you can see, and birds screech overhead in the blue sky. You will never forget this view!

BISCUIT BAKERY

Taste the tea biscuits that you can buy anywhere in Mumbai, hot and fresh at the source!

POPADDOM MAKING

Watch the women of Dharavi make popaddoms, the essential appetizer of any Indian meal, by baking them on wooden baskets that are turned upside-down.

VISIT TO A RESIDENT’S HOUSE

Gain an understanding of how the incredible people of Dharavi live.

KUMBHARWADA POTTERY COLONY

Watch artisans create all types of pots out of unfired, sundried clay.

COMMUNITY CENTRE

The Community Centre, supported by funds from the tour, provides education in English, computers and other soft skills to the teenagers and young adults of Dharavi. Other activities take place here such as a library and indoor games. Visitors experience what matters most to Reality Tours... the men, women and children that make this dynamic community one of the most vibrant places in Mumbai.

AFTERNOON SIGHTSEEING

Your choice where to go! For a list of what sights we generally see in the afternoon, see our Sightseeing by Car Product.

Tour Stats

Meeting Points

Your hotel or residence.

Travel Type

Car (A/C ) and Walking

End Point

Your hotel or residence.

Attire

Please wear modest clothing (for women: no sleeveless shirts, short shorts, or low tops) and closed-toed shoes.

 

Option 2

Sight Seeing Tour by Car

You decide where you want to go on this tour! The route that we suggest focuses on religion (so important to the lives of most Indians) and you learn about Hinduism, Islam and the lesser known Jainism. Visually, this is an impressive tour- you'll admire the Haji Ali in the middle of the sea, enjoy views from Mahalaxmi Temple, and get a one-of-a-kind perspective of Mumbai (and Marine Drive) from the Hanging Gardens. Dhobi Ghat, the open-air laundry as well as the Gandi museum are also located en route and very interesting.

All sights are in the Mahalaxmi/Malabar Hill area. Malabar Hill is a 15 minute drive from Colaba.

We generally use the same route on our Dharavi and sightseeing tour, so to save time and money you might want to do both on the same day (with a stop off for lunch).

This is a private tour and customized for you, so you can omit or add anything to the list. If you wish to do a completely different route, that's fine!

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DHOBI GHAT AT MAHALAXMI

See the dhobiwallahs, or washermen, scrubbing sheets from Mumbai's largest hospitals and hotels at this busy outdoor laundry area!

MAHALAXMI TEMPLE

This popular Hindu Temple, dedicated to the goddess of wealth, is situated on a headland at the northern edge of Malabar Hill. The narrow street leading to the temple is lined by stalls selling offerings of marigolds, lotus flowers and coconuts.

HAJI ALI MOSQUE

This mosque is located at the end of a long causeway protruding into the sea. It is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali, a wealthy Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to Mecca. It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket miraculously drifted to the spot where the mosque was later built in his honour.

BANGANGA TANK

The water from this famous tank, originally built in 1127 and surrounded by Hindu temples, is believed to have special healing powers. Rumour has it that its spring comes from the holy Ganges river.

JAIN TEMPLE

This is considered one of the most beautiful, intricately-decorated temples in the city. Jainism, an Indian religion, prizes peacefulness and non-violence above all.

KAMALA NEHRU PARK

Visit one of Mumbai's greenest and most peaceful areas on top of Malabar Hill. You won't believe the extraordinary view out over Marine Drive and the Arabian sea!

GANDHI MUSEUM

Mahatma Gandhi's residence in Bombay between 1917-34 has been converted into a museum, which displays pictures, models and books related to his life. The room on the second floor which used to be the living room and working place of Gandhi has been preserved best as possible.

 

Tour Stats

Meeting Points

Your hotel or residence.

End Point

Your hotel or residence.

Attire

Please wear modest clothing (for women: no sleeveless shirts, short shorts, or low tops) and closed-toed shoes.

 

Inclusions

A soft drink at our Reception Centre in Dharavi.

A cup of tea and a bottle of mineral water will be provided on the tour. (Sight Seeing by Car)

 

Exclusions

Lunch Option Rs 300pp at clean, tasty vegetarian restaurant. In Dharavi and Sight Seeing Tour

 

How to Get There

Pickup will be done from your hotel or residence.

 

Applicable Seasons

Throughout the Year