{"id":671707,"date":"2025-04-09T18:10:03","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T16:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/?p=671707"},"modified":"2025-08-08T13:57:38","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T11:57:38","slug":"48-hours-in-mumbai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/48-hours-in-mumbai\/","title":{"rendered":"48 hours in Mumbai"},"content":{"rendered":"

A showcase for India, Mumbai also concentrates all its contradictions. Chaotic, surprising and sublime all at once, it draws the traveler into an intriguing game of repulsion-seduction.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By France Gavroy<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"India\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mumbai is an anthill. It's teeming with people, everywhere, right down to the smallest alley, and diving into this clutter can be daunting once you've crossed the hotel door. But Mumbai is a fascinating, well-oiled chaos - British heritage obliges - where everyone manages to squeeze in, where the latest technologies blend with strange archaisms, where millionaires rub shoulders with shantytowns and where the beautiful mixes with the dilapidated. Two days will give you a good idea of one of the world's craziest megacities.  <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

10:15 am: Chhatrpati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya or Prince of Wales Museum.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nestling in its tree-lined park, the Prince of Wales Museum is one of Mumbai's must-sees. Designed by George Wittet, also architect of the Gateway to India, this building is a magnificent example of the Indo-Saracenic style. An audioguide, also available in French, reveals the finesse of the works on display. The first floor features statuary from the Hindu and Buddhist pantheons. Upstairs are collections of Chinese and Japanese art, as well as a collection of 19th-century paintings by the Tata family. After your visit, take a refreshing break in the cafeteria. And don't forget to visit the store, which is really worth a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12h30 <\/strong>Around the museum, the Kala Ghoda<\/strong> is one of the city's trendiest. Here, art galleries, museums and designer boutiques mingle with Victorian and colonial buildings. Along Mahatma Gandhi Road, you'll discover the University of Mumbai, its library and, above all, the Rajabai Clock Tower, inspired by Big Ben. In the parks, youngsters play cricket, the national sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13h30<\/strong>: You can't come to India without tasting street food, like at Bademiya (19A Ram Mention), www.bademiya.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2:30 pm: Taj Mahal Palace and The Gateway of India, icons of the colonial era.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head for Colaba, the city's southernmost district, to discover Mumbai's two most emblematic monuments. Starting with the Taj Mahal Hotel, undoubtedly the most photographed building in the city. It was and remains the pride and joy of the Parsi Tata family of industrialists. Built in 1903 at the instigation of Jamsetji<\/em> Nusserwanji Tata was the first hotel in the country to be equipped with electricity and to employ women. It later provided free accommodation for combatants during the country's independence struggle. Today, it has lost none of its splendor and welcomes celebrities and heads of state. If you're a customer, don't miss the guided tour, every day at 5pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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16h<\/strong> Just a stone's throw away, the Gateway of India stands opposite the harbour and its flotilla of ships. Erected to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911, this gigantic arch of yellow basalt was paradoxically the gateway for the last British regiments leaving the country after independence. Today, patience is required to cross the security cordons and approach the 26-metre-high monument. This is also the departure point for boats to Elephanta Island and its rock-cut temples. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site takes at least half a day and can be planned for a longer stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5pm: Mani Bhavan, Ghandi's house<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a very quiet neighborhood, close to the chic Malabar Hill, a charming little house sheltered Mahatma Gandhi during his visits to Mumbai. Here you can discover his bedroom, where he developed his philosophy of satyagraha. The museum includes short sketches of Ghandi's life, as well as unusual writings, such as his letters to Hitler and Roosevelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19h<\/strong> Chowpatti: Treat yourself to a portion of bhelpuri (puffed rice, fried pasta rings, lentils, onions and herbs) at one of the stalls on nearby Chowpatti beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

8h :<\/strong> Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this railway station, formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is one of Mumbai's most striking buildings. A skilful blend of Hindu, Victorian and Islamic styles. When the monsoon arrives and torrential rains fall on the city, its astonishing dog-headed gargoyles spout water like a monumental fountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8:30 am: Crawford Market or Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bazaar district is home to Mumbai's largest and most typical market. The main building, built in colonial style, still boasts an astonishing clock tower adorned with sculptures. In a maze of alleyways and temples, you'll find all sorts of spices, fabulous fruit and vegetable stalls and handicrafts. The crowds are impressive, and you'll have to elbow your way through other pedestrians, cars and bicycles. Looking for more shopping? Other markets are adjacent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10am: Dabbawallahs and Dhobi Ghat<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Churchgate station, the incessant ballet of Dabbawallahs, or meal deliverymen, has already begun (the same is true at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). Every day, some 5,000 deliverymen collect hot meals from homes and restaurants and deliver them to their destinations: workers of all kinds. A veritable hive of activity that crosses the city by train, bicycle and on foot... with such a tiny margin of error that it's the safest delivery system in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10h30<\/strong> From Churchgate station, we take the train to Mahalaxmi. Men and women, each in their own carriage. Each compartment is equipped with an astonishing ventilation system: ceiling fans and wide-open doors. And don't forget: the train only stops for 20 seconds at the station and then departs again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11h <\/strong>The Dhobi Ghat: Arriving in Mahalaxmi, below the railway bridge, you catch sight of the 140-year-old open-air washhouse. Here, it's the men who beat the laundry - by the ton - in the 1026 washing tubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12h<\/strong> Nothing beats a plate of chicken tikka biryani or wood-fired kebabs at Caf\u00e9 Noorani (Tardeo road, opposite the Heera Panna Shopping Center), www.cafenoorani.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2pm: Dharavi slum (train from Churchgate to Mahim).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Far from the clich\u00e9s conveyed by Danny Boyle's film \u00abSlumdog Millionnaire\u00bb, this Mumbai slum - the second largest in Asia - is far more organized than it appears. Nearly a million people live in this veritable hive of activity. We strongly advise you to visit with a local guide. You won't be able to take photos here, unless you're authorized to do so, but you'll be sure to immerse yourself in the surprising life of this city within a city. Each district has developed its own activity: some recycle metals, others make pottery, there are also tanners and many other small industries. Some companies even export their products abroad. Incredible as it may be, Dharavi's annual turnover is 700 million dollars! It's a far cry from the image of extreme poverty and insalubrity one might imagine. Admittedly, the population is not wealthy, but everyone has an occupation. Life in the slums is highly standardized: schools, electricity, places of worship, some even pay rent. Housing is eclectic, ranging from corrugated iron shacks to multi-storey concrete structures. The real challenge remains the water supply. Another striking fact is that the educational success rate here is higher than in the countryside, with many children going on to higher education and finding work in large international companies. If you ask them where they'd like to live, they'll answer without hesitation \u00abhere\u00bb, in their slum district. It's these youngsters who proudly lead the way through this maze, and 80% of the tour's profits are reinvested in Dharavi's social welfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19h<\/strong> : Bombay Canteen<\/strong> (Process House, Kamala Mills, SB rd, www.thebombaycanteen.com<\/a>) serves Indian cuisine from the four corners of the country, reinvented by award-winning virtuosos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9pm: Bollywood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head to the Liberty Cinema (41-42 Marine Lines) for a painting. But also to enjoy its magnificent Art Deco architecture. Opened in 1947, the year of India's independence, its owner didn't have to look far to find a name for it. Mumbai is renowned for its film industry, the largest on the planet. Bollywood produces over 1,000 films a year, most of them musicals, which are increasingly exported worldwide. Here, the stars of the silver screen are worshipped, and the faces of the most famous actors can be seen on billboards all over the country. Tours are available to visit some of the studios, but they take almost a full day. In fact, to discover the 7e<\/sup> Indian art, there's nothing like seeing it in one of the city's many cinemas and sitting in with the locals. Despite the language barrier, it's surprisingly easy to understand the plot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Vitrine de l\u2019Inde, Mumbai concentre aussi toutes ses contradictions. Chaotique, surprenante et sublime \u00e0 la fois, elle entra\u00eene le voyageur dans un intrigant jeu de r\u00e9pulsion-s\u00e9duction. Par France Gavroy Mumbai est une fourmili\u00e8re. Elle grouille de monde, partout, jusque dans la plus petite ruelle et la plong\u00e9e dans ce fouillis peut s\u2019av\u00e9rer impressionnante une fois […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":670554,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-671707","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/671707","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=671707"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/671707\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":672515,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/671707\/revisions\/672515"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/670554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=671707"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=671707"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tourisimaguide.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=671707"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}