1. Marine Drive - The most Iconic Mumbai Area. Come here in the evening, and watch the sun go down in the Arabian Sea behind Mumbai
2. Siddhivinayak Temple - The most famous Hindu Temple in Mumbai
3. Haji Ali Dargah - A Mosque in the Middle of the Arabian Sea
3. Gateway of India - Walk around the Colaba area near here to get a feel of the city. Check out Leopold's Cafe, which has been running since the days of the British Raj.
4. Elephanta Caves - (Day Trip) - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, check out Ancient rock-cut caves on Elephanta Island.
5. Check out a Bollywood Movie! You can get tickets at BookMyShow.com
6. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus - One of the most beautiful and busiest railway stations in the world. If you can find a calm corner, it's a great place to people watch!
Ladies: While Mumbai is one of the most modern cities in India, and has become more progressive, please be careful. Dresses and shorts above the knee are now okay if you're traveling in a car or cab, and will be going somewhere "upscale". If you're traveling in the city and are visiting local areas, we suggest wearing pants or clothes that fall below the knee, as well as tops with some sleeve. If you plan on visiting religious sites, please note that you will have to keep your legs and shoulders covered, and you may be required to cover your head. As always, be alert and stay with groups you know.
Guys: You're fine for the most part. If you plan on visiting religious sites, please note that you will have to cover your legs and shoulders, and you may be required to cover your head. If you're traveling with women, please check in on them and stay close to them in new or crowded areas - use your privilege well.
Where to Eat in Mumbai
Mumbai is a foodie's dream! You can find unbelievably good food in every corner of the city. But please take care to ensure where you're eating is hygenic. We trust the restaurants below, and you can also use Zomato (India's Yelp!) to figure out where you want to eat :)
1. Cream Centre - This is for all the classic Mumbai Street food in a clean hygenic environment (Multiple Locations, original near Chowpatty)
2. Shree Thaker Bhojnalay - Authentic Gujarati food served in a traditional Thali style (Location: Kalbadevi) - Also check out the Bhuleshwar area to see a crowded Indian Bazaar
3. Tanatan - Delicious, modern Indian cuisine (Location: Vile Parle)
4. Ram Ashray - Iconic South Indian Food served in a classic Mumbai style (Location: Matunga)
5. Aaswad - Classic Maharashtrian Food. Warning: this will be some of the spiciest, but most delicious food you will ever have. Misal is a Turkhia Family Favorite! (Location: Dadar)
6. Peshawri - North Indian and Mughlai food in one of the best Hotels in Mumbai. Enjoy Indian hospitality at its best! (Location: Chakala)
Places to Stay Around Mumbai
If you're looking for accommodation in Mumbai for before or after the wedding, we suggest you check out the below areas. (During the wedding, we will be hosting you at our venue, a resort in Thane)
1. Proper Bombay: Colaba / Fort
2. Western Suburbs: Juhu / Andheri / Versova
3. Central Suburbs: Bandra / Kurla
Traveling around Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the busiest cities in the world, and therefore has some of the best travel systems.
*IMPORTANT* - Local Trains in India have Ladies Compartments. Women and girls should always travel in these compartments, even if traveling with a man.
1. The Mumbai Local (Train) - The fastest way to travel in Mumbai, and something everyone should experience at least once in their life! For first timers though, it's best to go during off-peak hours (11 am to 4 pm) and take a 1st class ticket to avoid the extreme crowds. Trains only stop for a few seconds at every station, so you have be quick and prepared for the rush before you get to your stop!
2. The Mumbai Metro - If this is an option, there's no better way to get around the city
3. Auto Rickshaws - Also a must do! Keep in mind that every Rickshaw has a meter, and that drivers in Mumbai must use it. It's a great way to travel short distances. Note: Rickshaws can only be found in the suburbs, outside of the city proper.
4. Uber - The same as anywhere else in the world. Get around at your convenience
5. Ola - India's Uber. Download on the App store. They also have all-day rentals, if that's something you're interested in.
6. If you're traveling outside of Mumbai, there are loads of Bus, Train, and Flight options at very reasonable prices, just use Google!