Mumbai: Shopping and More Shopping!

This post was contributed by Life With Janet.

After a few days of sun and sand on the beach in Goa it is time to pack up and start the homeward journey. But a short stop in Mumbai is just the ticket for shopping and eating out at beautiful restaurants before you wing your way home.

Mumbai is an exciting, bustling city and is home to billionaires as well as slum dwellers. There is a total of 20 million+ Mumbaikars so be prepared to be in awe of this gigantic, magic city.

On previous trips to Mumbai we have visited most of the sights, snapped a photo of India Gate taken a boat to the Elephanta caves, gazed in awe at the outdoor laundry, strolled along Marine Drive or along the beach and dined out. Now, when we stop here we are mostly intent on catching up with friends, dining out and shopping for those last minute items that you did not want to carry around on tour. So it is good chance to buy gifts.

Helen, Janet, Sulabha & Basker out for the night at the Radio Club, Mumbai

THINGS TO DO

Gateway of India, Colaba no trip to Mumbai is complete without a mandatory photo of this iconic monument. You will also get beautiful photos of it from the little boat when you are on the way to visit the Elephanta caves.

Elephanta Tour take a beautiful, hour-long ferry ride across the bay from Mumbai to Elephanta Island, and explore a labyrinth of caves, temples, and shrines with your own private guide. Usually a great day out with a lovely long walk to the top if only a little tiring.

Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Colaba such a beautiful hotel to wander around. I marveled at the décor, walked through the lobby, saw the mosaic floors, had a cup of tea with a window view and posed on the majestic staircase for that iconic photo. It was one of the sites to be targeted during the 26/11 terror attacks in 2008.

Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat is an open air laundry place in Mumbai, India. It is located at Mahalaxmi railway station in southern Mumbai, it is also accessible from the Jacob Circle monorail station. The washers, known as dhobis, work in the open to clean clothes and linens from Mumbai’s hotels and hospitals. A fascinating visit especially if you love laundry like I do. See photo of this above.

Fab India my favourite shop for desi and western clothing. I love the western dresses made from all natural cottons printed with hand made block patterns. Also tablecloths, cushions and gifts.

Dharavi Tours ethical and educational Dharavi slum tours give visitors a unique glimpse into everyday life for many Mumbaikars while breaking down the negative stereotypes associated with slums. 80% of the profits from every tour are invested back into the community and most of the guides are from the community.

Early Morning Tour of Mumbai– 4-hour tour gives you an insight into how trade works in Mumbai and the city’s life that begins at dawn.

Public Transportation Sightseeing Tour

Markets:

Mumbai Magic includes Dadar flower market on their Good Morning Mumbai tour.
Mumbai bazaar walking tour.
buy Indian handicrafts in Mumbai.
Fashion Street- MG Road, south Mumbai. Near Metro Cinema and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) railway station, opposite Azad Maidan.
Dharavi Leather Market- 90 Feet Road and adjoining Sion-Bandra Link Road, Dharavi, Sion, central Mumbai.
Linking Road- fashion. Linking Road, Bandra West (starts from Waterfield Road intersection).
This No Footprints’ Mumbai by Dawn tour includes the fish market.
The pavement on either side of the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda (Black Horse) Arts Precinct is bordered with the works of promising young artists
The area around C.P. Tank (Cawasji Patel Tank) is notable for its exquisite bangles. Try TipTop Point for something special.
Mangaldas Market and Mulji Jetha Market- textiles and shawls
Zaveri Bazaar- Indian-style gold, platinum and diamond jewelry
Crawford Market- fruit & veg
Chor Bazaar– antiques
Colaba Causeway- handicrafts

Street Food Tour

Mumbai Hidden Street Eats by Train

Some of my favourite restaurants:

Gaylords bakery and European style bistro plus Indian cuisine, beautiful food, excellent service, beautiful ambiance
K.Rustoms & co. Ice Cream Parlour family run business selling ice cream made on the premises and served in a wafer sandwich, great to eat on the street on the way back to your hotel after dinner in town.
Khyber is an iconic restaurant located in the art & heritage district of the city of Mumbai.
Leopold Cafe– established in 1871 (150 years old) this café in southern Mumbai is not only one of the oldest but is also an icon of the city. It was one of the sites to be targeted during the 26/11 terror attacks in 2008. Reportedly to be Shantaram’s favourite hang out.
Delhi Durbar (Colaba)
Aaram Vada Pav & Cannon Pav Bhaji (CSMT Station)

WHERE TO STAY

There are a multitude of places to stay in Mumbai. If you can’t stay at the The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel then the Trident Nariman Point is probably the next best choice for luxury and location.
InterContinental Marine Drive luxury
Abode Bombay mid range, great reviews and excellent location
Residency Hotel Fort mid range, close to the train station.
Ferreira House small, historic homestay