1. Mumbai is the Big Apple of India. There is plenty of buzz around and an adult can spend days together
trying to unravel this exciting place, but even for the children there is plenty to do. Take an in-depth tour
of Mumbai with children including places like Esselworld, Nehru Planetarium and all of South Mumbai.
Day 1: Mumbai
Gorai Beach, Nehru Planetorium, Nehru Science Centre, Worli, Borivali
BORIVALI:
Borivali or Borivli is a suburban area located in the north-west section of Mumbai island of Maharashtra,
India. Borivali is approximately 18 kilometres (11 mi) from Mumbai Airport and 33.4 kilometres (20.8 mi)
from Churchgate Railway Station. The estimated population of Borivali in 2010 was over a million
inhabitants.
GORAI BEACH:
Located in the North of Mumbai, the Gorai Beach is a short ferry ride from Marve beach (Malad West) or
Gorai creek (Borivali West).This beach has long wide coast with sun baked sand shore. Known for its
night parties, during the day Gorai beach is besieged by picinic groups and couples waiting to catch a
glimpse of a vivid sunrise/ sunset.
The theme park Esselworld and Water Kingdom are not far from the beach and local ferries can be hired
to get there. Getting accommodation is very easy and there are several hotels, suiting all type of
budgets, where one can stay for few days.
However, do aviod the beach during the monsoon months.
If you love to drive, you will enjoy the roadtrip to Gorai Beach. It is a very nice drive along the Uttan
Road. The road is great, although only 2-lane. And you can drive right upto the beach. You can feel the
water splash as you drive along the water-line.
WORLI:
Worli was one of the original seven islands that constituted the city of Mumbai. Although primarily a
fishing village, the Worli Fort, a British fort that is now in ruins, is located there. Worli later became
known as the land of the Kalsi. Worli has a mosque, the Haji Ali Dargah, on a rock in the sea, which was
connected at low-tide to the island by a natural causeway. The island of Worli was connected to the
2. main island of Mumbai in 1784, with the completion of the Hornby Vellard. The Hornby Vellard is now
known as Lala Lajpat Rai Road.
In 1842, the Love Grove sewage pumping station was completed. It has special mitre gates opening to
the sea, which are opened during periods of low tide. The pumping station is built on Dr Annie Besant
road which was formerly known as the Love Grove Road.
The British had built four bungalows for its administrative heads on the stretch ahead of the Love Grove
Pumping station back in the 1930s. These bungalows are now replaced by the ATRIA Mall..
NEHRU PLANETORIUM:
The most striking thing about the Nehru Centre & Nehru Planetarium cultural complex, which includes a
decent planetarium and the serpentine-but-interesting history exhibition Discovery of India is the bold
modern architecture of the buildings. The tower looks like a giant cylindrical pineapple, the planetarium
a UFO. There's also a theatre here .
NEHRU SCIENCE CENTRE:
Nehru Science Center (NSC), Mumbai, is India's largest interactive science center, located in Worli. The
center is named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1977, the center started with the
'Light and Sight' exhibition, and then in 1979 a Science Park was built. On November 11, 1985 it was
opened to the public by the late Rajiv Gandhi, at that time Prime Minister of India.
Day 2: Mumbai
Essel World, Water Kingdom.
ESSEL WORLD:
Little tykes with energy to burn will love this Gorai Island amusement park. It's well maintained and has
lots of rides, slides and shade. Combined tickets are Rs680/550 (adult/child). Off-season weekday ticket
prices are lower. It’s a Rs35 ferry ride from Borivali jetty.
WATER KINGDOM:
Little tykes with energy to burn will love Gorai Island amusement park, Water Kingdom. It is well
maintained with lots of rides, slides and shade. Combined tickets, which include entry to Esselworld, are
Rs680/550 (adult/child). Off-season weekday ticket prices are lower. It’s a Rs35 ferry ride from Borivali
jetty.
3. Day 3: Mumbai
Gateway of India, Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach, Queen's necklace, Colaba, Port Trust Rd,
Taraporewala Aquarium.
GATE WAY OF INDIA:
The Gateway of India is of course, the logical place from where to begin your tour of Mumbai.
After all, you're following in the footsteps of royalty!
The English King George V landed in India in 1911 at this very spot, and the citizens of Bombay pooled
money and ideas to build this grand memorial to him.
Gandhi returned to India from South Africa through this very arch. People thronged to the gate to see
him, they had heard stories of his success in South Africa. They called him Mahatma - Great Soul.
After Indian independence, the last British soldiers departed through this arch.
But the most important thing about the Gateway is not the arch at all - it's the sea beyond it. You see, it
was this deep and safe harbour that first attracted the Portguese, who called it "Bom Bahia" - Good Bay
(that's where the city's name comes from).
The Portuguese later gave away the island to the English as part of the dowry of the Portuguese princess
Catharine Braganza. And the English East India Company developed Bombay into a major shipping and
trading harbour.
So, you see, the city's very existence is because of this stretch of calm water.
To view the Gateway and its environs from the comfort of an aiconditioned ambience, get a table by the
window at the Sea Lounge at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel opposite. The Sea Lounge is a quintessentially
Mumbai institution and a must on the itinerary of a first-time visitor. Apart from the restaurant itself,
the lobby and the staircase of the heritage wing of the Taj Mahal hotel are worth a look.
4. COLABA:
Lonely Planet review for Colaba
The unofficial headquarters of Mumbai's tourist scene, Colaba sprawls down the city's southernmost
peninsula. It's a bustling district packed with street stalls, markets, bars and budget to midrange
lodgings. Colaba Causeway (Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg) bisects the promontory and is the traffic-filled
artery connecting Colaba's jumble of side streets and gently crumbling mansions.
Sassoon Dock, south of the main tourist action, is a scene of intense and pungent activity at dawn
(around 05:00) when colourfully clad Koli fisherwomen sort the catch unloaded from fishing boats at the
quay. The fish drying in the sun are bombil, the fish used in the dish Bombay duck. Photography at the
dock is forbidden without permission from the Mumbai Port Trust
While you're here, it's worth popping into the 1847 Church of St John the Evangelist, known as the
Afghan Church (dedicated to British forces killed in the bloody 1838-43 First Afghan War. During the
more reasonable hours of the day, nearby Colaba Market (Lala Nigam St) has plenty of activity and
colour and is lined with jewellery shops and fruit and veg stalls.
PORT TRUST:
Mumbai Port has long been the principal gateway to India and has played a pivotal role in the
development of the national economy, trade & commerce and prosperity of Mumbai city in particular.
The port has achieved this position through continuous endeavor to serve the changing needs of
maritime trade. Though traditionally designed to handle general cargo, over the years, the port has
adapted to changing shipping trends and cargo packaging from break bulk to unitisation/palletisation
and containerisation. Besides, it has also developed specialised berths for handling POL and chemicals.
For decades, Mumbai Port was India’s premier port. Even today, with the development of other ports, it
caters to 10% of the country’s sea-borne trade handled by Major Ports of the country in terms of
volume. It caters about 19% of POL Traffic handled by Major Ports.
Having weathered and survived many a changes in maritime trade in its long history, Mumbai Port is
today facing challenges posed by competition from adjoining ports and private ports, changing traffic
patterns, inherent physical constraints and continuing labour intensive operations, etc. However,
Mumbai Port is taking various measures to render cost effective and quality services to the trade.
The Beach
5. Chowpatty beach in Maharashtra is filled with motion and events. Chowpatty beach Maharashtra is one
particular of your most critical hangouts, aside from Juhu in the suburbs. Actually, the day here is calm
and peaceful , but in the evening Chowpatty develops a magical atmosphere and is a favourite meeting
place for courting couples, political rallies and households keen to take pleasure in the contemporary
air. The expanse of sand and sea at Chowpatty seaside Maharashtra captivates the pleasure seekers,
who arrive here to relax after dusk inside cool sea breeze.
Accessibility
Airlines : Mumbai has each national and worldwide airports and normal flights connect it with all
important countries and states in India.
Rail Lines : The nearest railway sta is at Charni Street (Western Railway)!
Bus Traces : Mumbai becoming the cash metropolis of Maharashtra Condition is properly linked by road
with all elements of the express. Metropolis bus companies are available from all-important factors
inside metropolis.
Lodging at Chowpatty Seashore
Like a main metropolis in India as well as the money city of your Maharashtra state, Mumabi is
effectively equipped with fantastic Hotel lodging, which vary from luxurious to sensible budget hotels.
Locals also let rooms for lodging, if you might be preparing to stay back again to get a lengthy period.
The Speciality of the BCH
Chowpatty seaside in Mumbai may be the carnival point with substantial line of stalls to the bch, selling
'Bhelpuri', 'Kulfi' and 'Paan'. You will discover also shooting galleries, snake charmers, monkey trainers,
balloon sellers and even masseurs. A single can even witness a lot of Hindu religious ceremonies taking
location at Chowpatty seashore like the annual thread-tying ceremony, 'Nariel Purnima' towards the
finish from the monsoons and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' immersions. The ambiance does not get much far
better than this.
Charming Spots close Chowpatty Beach
6. Marine DR
This can be known as Netaji Subhash Road, a modern day pathway by the ocean. At night time, the lights
to the Marine push look like jewels and has aptly been named as `the Queen's necklace'.
The Hanging Gardens
From Sir Pherozshah Mehta Gardens plus the Kamala Nehru Park(the Hanging Gardens), a single will get
a panoramic view in the bay, the high-rise buildings, Chaupati Beach front and the distant hills.
Hajji Ali's Tomb
To the Hornby Vellard road close the Mahalakshmi temple may be the 500-year outdated Hajji Ali's
Tomb. The path leading to it will get submerged in h2o at higher tide. People today from all walks of
existence come to shell out their respects here.
Gateway of India
This the landmark construction of Mumbai. Situated near the ocean at Apollo Bundergah, the Gateway
of India was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.
Mumbadevi Temple
The temple was built in honour of Mumbadevi, the patron goddess in the Koli fishermen believed to be
the original inhabitants of Mumbai. The unique temple was built in 1737 was demolished as well as a
new temple erected in its spot at Bhuleshwar.
Siddhivinayak Temple
Similar to the Dadar Station the historic Shri Siddhivinayak Temple is positioned at Prabhadevi in Central
Mumbai. The temple is nearly 200 a long time outdated and an idol of Lord Ganesh is carved out of a
black stone. The trunk with the elephant-god Ganesh is turned towards the proper. The idol is visible
from any level inside the mandap.
St. Thomas Cathedral
The cathedral was constructed in 1672 and was opened to public in 1718.
MARINE DRIVE AND CHOWPATTY BEACH:
7. Location : Located at Central Mumbai, Maharashtra in India.
Touring Seasons : Through out the year.
QUEEN'S NECKLACE:
Marine Drive is a 4.3-kilometre-long boulevard in South Mumbai in the city of Mumbai. It is a 'C'-shaped
six-lane concrete road along the coast, which is a natural bay. The road links Nariman Point to Babulnath
and Malabar Hill. Marine Drive is situated over reclaimed land facing west-south-west. The bay is part of
the Arabian Sea. In 2012, the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai announced that the entire road
would be resurfaced, 72 years after it was originally laid.
Marine Drive is also known as the Queen's Necklace because if viewed at night from an elevated point
anywhere along the drive, the street lights resemble a string of pearls,forming a necklace. It is also the
world's largest viewing gallery and hence has been a host to a number of events that take place along
the promenade.It is the major attraction in Mumbai city.It is a tourist place.
TARAPOREWALA AQUARIUM:
Taraporewala Aquarium on Marine Drive has a good collection of sea and fresh water fish and other
marine life. There is a proposal to convert this into an underwater oceanarium, where people can
undertake an undersea walk, surrounded by marine life.
It is open on all days except Mondays.
Day 4: Mumbai
SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK:
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park may not be as large or exotic as some of the other national parks in
India, but its accessibility makes it very appealing. It's the only protected forest to be located within the
limits of a city. To find tranquility amidst teeming Mumbai, this is the place to come! The park is also a
great family destination, with plenty to keep the kids amused. However, it's best to plan your visit well
as many attractions close over lunch, and adequate tourist information is scarce. In order to fully
appreciate the park, you'll need to pack a picnic lunch and spend a full day there
Description
8. Located near Borivali East train station, 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Mumbai city center. Ph: (022)
2886-0362/0389.
Attractions include tiger & lion safaris, toy train, boating, trekking, rock climbing, and hand-carved
Buddhist caves.
Park is 104 square kilometers (65 miles) in size. Open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance fee is 20
rupees (50 cents).
30 minute tiger & lion safaris operate from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. and 2.20 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. Closed
Mondays. Cost is 30 rupees.
15 minute boat rides are offered on the lake from 9 a.m to 12.30 pm and 1.30 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. Cost
is 15 rupees.
Kanheri Caves are 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) inside the park and are open daily from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Cost 100 rupees.
A shuttle bus runs from the park entrance to the caves every 20 minutes until around 1.30 p.m. Cost is
20 rupees one way.
Last shuttle bus back from the caves is at 4 p.m.
The Vanrani toy train takes visitors on a scenic circuit around the park. Cost is 15 rupees for adults, 7
rupees for kids.
KANHERI CAVES:
If it's not people but monuments and nature that you want to photograph, head over to the Kanheri
Caves, around 40 kms from the city center in Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The Buddhist caves are
packed on weekends, so watch out for that. But there is a lovely 5-hour forest trail where you may be
lucky enough to not encounter anyone else on the way. This is the Yeoor Trail.
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY:
Lonely Planet review for Bombay Natural History Society
Mumbai has surprisingly good birdwatching opportunities. Sanjay Gandhi National Park is popular for
woodland birds, while the marshlands of industrial Sewri (pronounced shev -ree) swarm with birds in
winter. Contact the Bombay Natural History Society for information on upcoming trips.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Kanheri Caves, Bombay Natural History Society.
Day 5: Mumbai
Aarey Milk Colony, Central Dairy.
9. AAREY MILK COLONY/ CENTRAL DAIRY:
Aarey Milk Colony (established in 1949) is situated in Goregaon East, a suburb of Mumbai, India. It has
gardens, a nursery, lakes, an observation pavilion, picnic facilities, and milk plants.
16,000 cattle are reared on 1,287 hectares of land, and 32 cattle farms. Some of the attractions in Aarey
Milk Colony are the Aarey Garden Restaurant, Chota Kashmir, boat trips and a picnic spot.
The colony is situated off the Western Express Highway which runs across Mumbai. Apart from being a
milk producing center, it is also known for its greenery and beautiful surroundings. The garden is spread
over 4,000 acres (16 km2) of parkland. There is an observation pavilion on a hill near the entrance to the
colony.
The roads in the area have potholes and craters. Especially during monsoon season it damages vehicles,
and causes accidents and traffic jams. Though the Aarey Road contract charges Rs. 15 as toll, no
maintenance work is done. The maintenance work of the 7.6km-long Aarey Road is with the PWD.
According to the survey, around 29,595 vehicles ply on the road everyday. The stretch from VIP Guest
House to Powai check post on Aarey Road is in a bad shape.
Aarey Milk Colony has facilities for picnics and get-togethers. It has milk plants, gardens, a nursery and a
lake in the vicinity that attracts visitors and makes it a suitable location for a weekend getaway or
excursion. The colony has been used a number of times as a site for film shooting.
Day 6: Mumbai
INS Vikrant, museum ship
INS VIKRANT , MUSEUM SHIP:
Lonely Planet review for Museum Ship Vikrant
Built in 1945 and bought by the Indian Navy in 1957, the massive aircraft carrier INS Vikrant now serves
as a fascinating museum. Admission includes the ferry ride out to the ship, then a walk through the
various quarters, the hold (displaying diving bells, submarines and various aircraft) and finally the
enormous deck with take-off and landing strip.
The Vikrant served in the India-Pakistan War of 1971, and in the liberation of Goa from the Portuguese,
providing a sea base for Harrier jump jets, Seahawks and helicopters, some of which are still on board.
