Mumbai is called the city of dreams because it has something to offer for everyone who visits it. Mumbai is where the ancient meets modern. Be its crowded beaches or holy shrines, the iconic monuments or the skyscrapers, the incredible street foods or the high-end hotels, Mumbai sure is to captivate you.
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Being one of the most populous cities in India, you could follow some simple practices such as carpooling, staying at eco-friendly hotels, not littering waste, etc towards responsible travel. Let us take a look at some of the sustainable things to do in Mumbai, along with a few suggestions on accommodations and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit Mumbai
Summers in Mumbai is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 °C (86 to 104 °F), whereas monsoons in Mumbai are treated with copious rainfall. The streets of the city are generally flooded with rainwater, and it would be a hindrance for sightseeing.
The best time to visit Mumbai would be in the winters where the weather is the most pleasant with far less humidity. Winters in Mumbai span between October and March every year and that is when you should be planning your visit.
Top Things to Do in Mumbai
SiddhiVinayak Temple
The SiddhiVinayak Temple is one of the most holistic and wealthiest shrines in India and is quite populated. The architecture of the temple is impressive as well, with the innermost sanctum made of gold. Signifying sanctity, prosperity and riches, the temple is regarded as a must visit for tourists.
Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach is perfect for enjoying pleasant evenings. You could just sit by the beaches and enjoy the waves, take a long walk along the shores of the beach, or just enjoy some outdoor sports. Sunsets by Juhu Beach area should definitely be on your list of things to do in Mumbai.
Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves at the Elephanta Island can be reached from the Gateway of India by ferry and is an excellent representation of rock-cut cave architecture that dates back to somewhere between the 5th and the 8th centuries.
The Elephanta Caves are a communion of Hindu and Buddhist caves and are now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India built in 1911 during the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, is one of the top things to do in Mumbai. It is also said that after independence, the British left through this gateway. Rightly called as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai, it is a favourite hangout place for tourists and locals alike. The ferry ride to the Elephanta caves starts from here.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is one of my most favourite places to hang out in Mumbai, especially at night. Bordered by the Arabian Sea against the Mumbai skyline as the backdrop, and with many many restaurants and cafes to hang out right next to it, the 3.6 km (2.2 miles) long boulevard is lively all night.
Bandra-Worli Sea Link
The Bandra-Worli Sea Link connects Bandra to Worli, and is a gorgeous sight at night. Car rides through the bridge from Worli to Bandra are popular tourist activities, though stopping in between for clicking pictures or other reasons are not permitted.
Bandra is a shopping hub, where you can pick up clothing and accessories, both modern and traditional. This is a great way to support the local economy.
Matheran
Situated at around 40 km (25 miles) from Mumbai, Matheran is a breathtaking hill station in the Western Ghats. Monsoons are the best time to visit Matheran, as you are welcomed with a lushy green cover and a pleasant atmosphere.
Activities such as trekking and rock climbing are popular among visitors. A toy train from the parking lot takes you to Matheran where you find accommodation options. You could also walk the distance of around 2 km (1.25 miles) instead.
Matheran is famous for its viewpoints that give you gorgeous views of the mountain ranges surrounding the hill station. Out of the total 38 viewpoints, a few popular ones are a must visit. Louisa Point is from where you get a view of the entire city. The remains of the Prabal Fort also can be viewed from here. Sunset Point, also known as the Porcupine Point is yet another viewpoint from where sunsets are best enjoyed. You also find many food stalls at the point. Echo Point, Charlotte Lake, Sunset Point, King George Point and Panorama Point are other viewpoints.
Matheran is an automobile-free hill station, so the only means of commute within it is by taking horse rides, or by walk.
Kayaking at Chowpatty Beach
Kayaking at Chowpatty Beach is an enjoyable experience in Mumbai. You have trained guides to enjoy rowing the kayaks for a one hour session, which can be extended if needed. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, kayaking at Chowpatty Beach assures a quaint experience.
Where to Stay in Mumbai
- Hotel Accord: For tourists who are looking for a mid range accommodation, the perfect choice would be Hotel Accord situated very close to the Mumbai Airport.
- Govardhan Eco Village: Just a two-hour drive from Mumbai is Govardhan Ecovillage which is an interesting eco village. All of its rooms are eco-stay, with a plethora of activities in it to connect with nature.
- Orchid Hotel: Orchid Hotel at Vile Parle is Asia’s First Certified 5 Star Ecotel Hotel, for the ones who prefer luxury.
- Some other hotels in Mumbai with excellent eco friendly practices are Meluha The Fern An Ecotel, Rodas An Ecotel Hotel and Fern Goregaon.
Where to Eat & Drink in Mumbai
Some of the budget-friendly places to eat in Mumbai are the Amar Juice Centre and Chowpatty Beach for street food, Kalbadevi for kebabs, Cafe Madras for South Indian Cuisine and Sardar for Pav Bhaji.
Some of the best vegetarian restaurants are Riso, Quattro Ristorante, and Dakshinayan. When it comes to vegan options, Earthlings Cafe, Earth Cafe and Chaap ki Chhap.
Leopold Cafe, Indigo and Ziya are some of the other iconic restaurants in Mumbai.
How Much Time Do You Need in Mumbai
To get around the city and get a glimpse of the popular tourist attractions, you would need around 2-3 days. If you are planning to visit nearby cities in Maharashtra such as Pune, Aurangabad and Nasik your stay in the city should extend accordingly.
Have you been to Mumbai before? Or are you planning a visit soon? Let us know in the comments below.
About the Author: Mark Bennett is an American writer and traveler, whose major inspiration has been camping with his father ever since his childhood. He aims to visit 75 countries before he’s 30. You can also follow his adventures on his site Outdoorily.
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