Tours

Mumbai is a city of people who seize opportunities. This has percolated the zillion tourist guides and tours. You can take your pick or choose to do it all alone. Mumbai, for convenience sake, is divided into two zones. The north and the south. While the north is primarily a suburban area, with residential complexes, malls, markets and upcoming commercial spaces, the south is where all the tourist action is. Brimming with places of historical interest and buildings resplendent in their Gothic architecture, this part of the city can be easily covered in a few days. Gateway of India, National Gallery of Modern Art Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum), Jehangir Art Gallery, Colaba Causeway, Crawford Market, and the Taj Mahal Hotel are short distances from each other. A little farther away is the pilgrimage site of Haji Ali Dargah and Siddhivinayak Temple - also places of interest for the curious visitor.

Tour One: Marine Drive

Marine Drive is the six kilometer road with swinging palm trees, adjoining the Arabian Sea. It is lined with retro art-deco buildings and provides a fascinating view of the Bombay skyline. It is very near to the commercial district, i.e. Nariman Point. The best time to visit is the evening when the lights of the city shine bright.

Tour Two: City

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) organizes daily tours (except Monday). Morning tour 9a-1p, evening tour 2p-6p, suburban tour 9a-6p. These tours depart from the Gateway of India. For information contact: MTDC Tours Division, opposite LIC Building, Madame Cama Road, +91 22 2202 6713 / +91 22 2202 7762. Information and Booking Counter, MTDC Ltd, Kohinoor Road, Near Pritam Hotel, Dadar (TT), +91 22 2414 3200 or visit the official website http://www.mtdcindia.com.

Tour Three: Mumbai Darshan with Nilambiri

MTDC, in association with the local transport corporation, BEST, has introduced open-deck rides to heritage monuments around south Mumbai. The tours are conducted from the Gateway of India and Sachivalaya. The timings of the two daily tours are 7a-8p and 8:30a-9:30p. You can enjoy illuminated buildings like the Old Secretariat, Mumbai High Court, Flora Fountain among others. These tours also include guides explaining the historical importance of the buildings. For more info, contact: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., Madam Cama Road, +91 22 2202 6713 / +91 22 2202 7762 / +91 22 2202 4627.

Tour Four: Heritage Walks

Walking tours, covering important heritage buildings and areas in the city are organized on Sundays by The Bombay Heritage Walks Society and can be arranged on request as well (tours not organized during the monsoon months). Further details may be obtained from the organizers at +91 22 2369 0992 / +91 22 2683 5856. Queries can also be either faxed to +91 22 2364 3234 or mailed to heritagewalks@hotmail.com, or visit the official website http://www.bombayheritagewalks.com.

Tour Five: Heritage Walks of the Naval Dockyard

Organized on the first Sunday of every month, the walks commence from the Lion Gate on Shahid Bhagat Singh Road. Entry is free. You only have to hand in the names of the visiting persons to the Admiral Superintendent, or send a fax to AGM (HR), Naval Dockyard, +91 22 2265 5750. Time: 10a-noon.

Tour Six: TCI Tours

Travel Corporation of India has city tours starting from Nariman Point (South Mumbai). They are more costly than the MTDC tours but provide a much better, more comfortable and luxurious service. Contact Chander Mukhi, Nariman Point, +91 22 2202 1881. Or visit the official website http://www.tcindia.com

Tour Seven: Elephanta Caves

These caves are situated on Elephanta Islands, which are an hour's boat ride away from Gateway of India. There are hundreds of small ferries and boats that operate throughout the day from Apollo Bunder. The agents for these rides have set shop near the Gateway of India. The price per ticket ranges from Rs. 50-150 depending on the kind of ferry you choose. It is wise to leave a day aside for this expedition as the sojourn to these pre-historic caves take up many hours.