Detailed Description

About the Activity

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. Most of these things are created in innovative ways and in very small spaces!

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.

Long Tour also Includes

On the way to Dharavi by car/taxi, 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.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

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.

Long Tour also Includes Extra 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.

Timings for Short Tour

START TIME 9.15am/1.45pm at Churchgate or 10am/2.30pm at Mahim

END TIME 12.30pm/5.00pm (in Dharavi)

EVENING TOUR START TIME (1 NOV TO 31 MAR) 5.15pm at Churchgate or 6pm at Mahim

 

Timings for Long Tour

START TIME 8.30am / 2pm

END TIME 1.15pm / 7pm

 

Travel Stats for Short Tour

Meeting Points

Churchgate Railway Station or Mahim Railway Station.

Travel Type

Walking (plus train if meeting at Churchgate Railway Station).
 

End Point

Reception Centre in Dharavi/ Matunga Railway Station (your choice).

Attire

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

 

Travel Stats for Long Tour

Meeting Points

Our office signboard in Colaba (for private tours we come to your hotel/residence)

Travel Type

Car/taxi and walking

END POINT

Outside Leopold Café in Colaba.

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 at the end of the tour.

 

Exclusion

No Camera Policy for the Whole Tour
Photos of Dhobi Ghat can be taken in Long Tour

 

How to Get There

For Short Tour Churchgate Railway Station or Mahim Railway Station

For Long Tour Our office signboard in Colaba (for private tours we come to your hotel/residence)

 

Applicable Seasons

Throughout the Year