2-Day Mumbai Tour: Elephanta Caves, Dharavi & Markets

Summary

Mumbai City Sightseeing with Local Markets & Slum Experience

If you want to really get under Mumbai’s skin—not just see monuments but meet people and taste real street food—this two-day tour packs it all in without rushing you along. You’ll leave with stories that don’t fit on postcards.

What’s the experience like?

Right from the start, Mumbai hits you with its energy. We kicked off at the Gateway of India—there’s always a crowd here, from families snapping photos to chai sellers weaving through. Our guide shared stories about the British era and pointed out tiny details in the stonework I’d never have noticed alone. The salty breeze from the Arabian Sea mixes with the scent of roasted peanuts from street carts nearby.

Next up was a boat ride to Elephanta Island. The ferry’s slow chug lets you watch the city fade behind you. Once on the island, monkeys darted between trees while we climbed up to the caves. Inside, it’s cool and a bit musty—the carvings are massive and almost otherworldly. Our guide explained the stories behind each sculpture; I still remember how quiet everyone got standing in front of the Trimurti statue.

Back in town, we wandered through Crawford Market. It’s noisy and colorful—vendors calling out prices, piles of mangoes and spices everywhere. I tried some fresh guava dusted with chili salt (messy but worth it). Later at Colaba Causeway, bargaining for trinkets felt like a sport—don’t be shy to haggle a bit! The food stalls here are hard to resist; I grabbed a vada pav that was spicy enough to make my eyes water.

The next morning took us into Dharavi. It’s nothing like what you see in movies—people are busy everywhere: pottery wheels spinning, stacks of recycled plastic sorted by color, kids playing cricket in narrow lanes. Our local guide grew up here; he introduced us to a bakery where we sampled warm coconut biscuits straight from the oven. The sense of community is strong—you’ll notice neighbors chatting across rooftops or sharing tea breaks.

We also stopped at Dhobi Ghat—rows upon rows of laundry flapping in the sun—and visited Mani Bhavan where Gandhi once stayed (the room is kept just as he left it). Marine Drive was our last stop before sunset; locals gather here every evening just to watch the sky change colors over the sea. Sitting on those old stone benches with a cold bottle of water after a long day felt just right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mumbai Sightseeing and Market Tour

• Visit Gateway of India
• Explore Elephanta Caves with ferry ride
• Tour Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
• Visit Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya
• See Dhobi Ghat open-air laundry
• Explore The Taj Mahal Palace hotel
• Admire Rajabai Clock Tower
• Visit Sassoon Dock fishing market
• Relax at Oval Maidan sports ground
• View Bombay High Court architecture
• Walk along Marine Drive promenade
• Walk along Marine Drive promenade
• Pass by Flora Fountain
• See BMC building architecture
• Shop at Colaba Causeway Market
• Shop at Crawford Market
• Relax at Girgaum Chowpatty beach
• Visit Hanging Gardens (Ferozeshah Mehta)
• Shop at Colaba Causeway Market

Day 2 — Dharavi Slum and Food Tasting Tour

• Explore Dharavi Slum and industries
• Explore Dharavi Slum and industries

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included if I'm staying outside South Mumbai?

Pickup and drop-off are included only for hotels located within South Mumbai. If you're staying elsewhere, let us know—we can help arrange convenient meeting points or suggest transport options.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

The tour is designed for all fitness levels and ages. Some walking is involved (especially at Elephanta Caves), but we go at a comfortable pace and use an air-conditioned car for city travel.

Can I try vegetarian or vegan street food during the market visit?

Absolutely! Mumbai has plenty of vegetarian and vegan street food options like pav bhaji and bhel puri—just let your guide know your preferences and they'll point out the best stalls.

How much time do we spend in Dharavi? Is photography allowed?

The Dharavi visit usually lasts about 2 hours. Photography rules vary by area; your local guide will advise where it's appropriate to take photos so we respect residents' privacy.

What’s included

Your private air-conditioned car comes with bottled water and an English-speaking local guide who knows every shortcut and hidden gem in Mumbai. All entry fees and taxes are covered—no surprise costs along the way. Hotel pickup/drop-off is included if you're staying in South Mumbai.