During this tour, Veena World guests will visit some of the most unique sights of the city of Mumbai (formerly called Bombay). Since this is a private tour, there will be a tour manager/guide with you all through the day ensuring that you not only visit these sights but get the most updated information, and fun stories and get immersed in the history and culture of Mumbai. Another advantage of this private tour is that it is completely customisable to your interests and the role of the tour manager is to ensure that you enjoy the day fully without having to rush from one place to another. Veena World tour managers are a part of a team of 350 tour managers who are trained to exclusively conduct tours in India. Their experience has played a crucial role in our growth story of the last 10 years. Come, Celebrate Life with us in the city of Mumbai.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ Ferry ticket to & fro from Elephanta Caves
✔ Bottled water
✔ Pickup & Drop from Hotel
✔ Lunch
✔ Fixed lunch at a local restaurant
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ 01 Tea/Coffee
✔ All fees and/or taxes
✔ Tea and coffee
✔ Entrance fee to Elephanta Caves, CSM Vaastu Sangrahalaya Museum, Mani Bhavan
✖ Brunch
✖ Dinner
✖ Breakfast
Departure & Return
Departure:
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For guests who do not require a pickup and drop service, the tour will start and end at the start point and end point respectively. At the start point, our tour manager in a Yellow Veena World TShirt will be waiting for you.
Itinerary
1
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India is one of India's most iconic landmarks, located on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area in South Mumbai. The Gateway was originally built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Elephanta Caves
The Elephant Caves, also known as Gharapuri, are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour, off the coast of Mumbai, India. These rock-cut temples are primarily dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and date back to the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD. It remains an important testament to India’s rich cultural and religious heritage, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at their artistic and architectural grandeur.
Duration: 4 hours
3
Town Hall (Asiatic Society Library)
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai, housed in the iconic Town Hall, is home to the Asiatic Library, one of the oldest public libraries in India. Established in 1804, this neoclassical edifice is a landmark in the bustling city center of Mumbai, characterized by its majestic flight of 30 steps and the stately white columns that frame its façade. The library boasts a collection of over 100,000 books, with a treasure trove of rare manuscripts and ancient texts, including a first edition copy of Dante's Divine Comedy and an original manuscript of Dante's Inferno. The library also holds a gold-plated copy of Dante's works gifted by Italy. Beyond books, the Asiatic Society is a center of cultural and literary activity, hosting various events, talks, and seminars that contribute to the intellectual milieu of Mumbai. This historic library not only serves as a repository of knowledge but also as a symbol of the rich literary heritage and educational pursuit in India.
Duration: 10 minutes
4
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Mumbai, India. Designed by the British architect F.W. Stevens, the terminus was completed in 1888 and exemplifies high Victorian Gothic architecture, blending themes derived from Indian traditional architecture with Victorian elements. The structure is famed for its intricate detailing, pointed arches, and a central dome.
Duration: 20 minutes
5
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation building
Adjacent to it stands the Municipal Corporation Building, another stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, which serves as the headquarters of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the governing civic body of Mumbai. This building, completed in 1893, is noted for its impressive façade and towering figures of the "Gateway of India." Together, these buildings not only serve as key functional hubs but also as symbols of Mumbai's rich colonial past and architectural grandeur, drawing tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
Duration: 5 minutes
6
Rajabai Clock Tower
The Rajabai Tower is an iconic clock tower located within the University of Mumbai campus in South Mumbai. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and completed in 1878, this tower stands at a height of 85 meters and is a splendid example of Venetian and Gothic architecture. The design was inspired by the Big Ben in London, and the tower was named after the mother of a wealthy 19th-century Indian broker, Premchand Roychand, who funded the construction. The Rajabai Tower houses a chiming clock, which can be heard over the din of the city, and originally played sixteen tunes that changed four times a day. The tower’s stained glass windows are among the best in the city. Historically, it functioned as a university library and is particularly famous for its beautiful, illuminated facade at night, making it a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Mumbai.
7
University of Mumbai Library
The University of Mumbai, established in 1857, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India. Originally known as the University of Bombay, it was renamed in 1996 to reflect the city's name change. The university is renowned for its Gothic-style architecture, especially the iconic Rajabai Clock Tower and the Convocation Hall, which contribute to its distinct identity. It boasts a sprawling campus in South Mumbai and several satellite campuses across the city and its outskirts. The University of Mumbai offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and diploma courses across disciplines such as the arts, sciences, technology, commerce, and law. It has produced a distinguished list of alumni, including influential politicians, notable scientists, and leaders in various fields. The university continues to play a crucial role in the academic and cultural life of Mumbai, shaping the intellectual and social landscape of the region.
8
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, is one of the most celebrated museums in India, located in the heart of Mumbai. This grand museum, designed in the Indo-Saracenic style by George Wittet, was initially built to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1905 and opened to the public in 1922. The building is an architectural marvel, combining elements from Hindu, Islamic, and British architectural styles, crowned with a magnificent white dome. The museum's collection is vast and diverse, encompassing over 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history, archaeology, art, and natural history. Some of the museum's highlights include a rich collection of sculptures, terracotta artifacts, ancient coins, and a rare collection of miniature paintings. The museum not only serves as a custodian of India's rich heritage but also engages in active education and cultural enrichment programs.
Duration: 60 minutes
9
Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
Mani Bhavan is a historical building located in Mumbai, serving as a key focal point in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement. This modest two-story building served as Gandhi's Mumbai headquarters for about 17 years, from 1917 to 1934. It was here that Gandhi initiated several significant movements, including the Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, and Khilafat movements. Today, Mani Bhavan is converted into a museum and research center. The museum houses a library with books on and by Gandhi, a picture gallery showcasing photographs from his life, and well-preserved memorabilia including his spinning wheel and writing desk. Visitors can also see the room Gandhi used to stay in, preserved in its original setting. This site not only offers a deep dive into Gandhi’s life and legacy but also serves as an inspiration, illustrating his monumental impact on India’s history.
Duration: 30 minutes
10
Dhobi Ghat
Dhobi Ghat is one of the city's most intriguing and vibrant sights. Established in 1890, it is reputed to be the world's largest outdoor laundry and provides an up-close look at the traditional methods of washing clothes in India. This open-air laundromat is manned by dhobis (washermen and women) who work in rows of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. The process is meticulous and labor-intensive, where hundreds of dhobis collect dirty laundry from across the city, wash it by hand, and then dry it on endless rows of open clotheslines. Once dried, the clothes are ironed and returned to their owners. Dhobi Ghat not only offers a unique glimpse into the hard-working life of Mumbai's dhobi community but also represents a colorful and essential part of the city's fabric. This place has also attracted global attention and has been featured in numerous documentaries and films, showcasing its cultural significance and operational scale.
Duration: 15 minutes
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
