Tour Overview
Embark on the "Mumbai Express" tour and dive into the vibrant heart of India. This immersive journey offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity. Begin your adventure at the iconic Gateway of India, followed by a heritage tour through Mumbai's architectural marvels. Experience the magic of Bollywood with a studio tour, where you might catch a live shoot and enjoy dazzling dance performances. Witness the incredible efficiency of the Dabbawalas, explore the bustling Dhobi Ghats, and stroll through the colorful Flower Market. A visit to the Dharavi Slums will challenge perceptions and reveal a thriving community. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in a 4-star hotel and seamless transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a hassle-free experience. With expert local guides and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Mumbai's dynamic spirit. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome to Mumbai, transfer to hotel included
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation Name: Mumbai hotel
Once you arrive in Mumbai, you'll be met by one of our local staff, who will transfer your hotel. Once you're settled in, we'll run through the tour itinerary for the next few days, brief you on the local area and arrange a time to collect you tomorrow.
Day 2 : Gateway of India, Heritage driving tour and Bollywood Studios Tour
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation Name: Mumbai hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your day begins at Mumbai's majestic symbol, the Gateway of India. Stand in awe of this grand archway built overlooking the Arabian Sea, a legacy of the British Raj. Take some pictures and soak in the bustling energy around this landmark. Next we embark on a scenic drive through the heart of Mumbai's heritage district. Admire the architectural marvels that speak of the city's rich history. You'll witness gems such as the the Flora Fountain (A beautifully sculpted fountain in the vibrant Fort area), Rajabai Clock Tower (a Big Ben-inspired clock tower, a prominent landmark of Mumbai), High Court (An imposing Victorian Gothic structure of the Bombay High Court) and the Victoria Terminus. In the afternoon, prepare to be immersed in the enchanting world of Hindi cinema! On your studio tour, you might get lucky and witness a live shooting in progress. Explore elaborate film sets that transport you to different worlds and get a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process. To top it all off, be dazzled by lively Bollywood dance performances that will get your feet tapping! This action-packed day offers a wonderful insight into Mumbai's historical grandeur and the magic of its film industry. Get your cameras ready, you'll be making memories to cherish!
Day 3 : Experience the efficiency of the Dabbawalas, Visit Dhobi Ghat and the Dharavi Slums
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation Name: Mumbai hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we'll board a local train to witness the extraordinary efficiency of Mumbai's Dabbawalas, an intricate network of lunchbox delivery men. Marvel at their precision and teamwork as they navigate the city's chaotic streets to ensure thousands of hot meals reach office workers on time. Later, we'll visit Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest open-air laundry. Be amazed by the sheer scale of operation, where thousands of clothes are washed, dried, and pressed with meticulous care each day. The next stop is the Flower Market where you'll witness the bustling trade of blooms and garlands, a testament to the city's rich cultural traditions. Our last stop is the Dharavi Slums, which became famous after being featured in Slumdog Millionnaire. Embark on a walking tour of Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums. Challenge the stereotypes portrayed in "Slumdog Millionaire" as you discover a self-sustaining community filled with industriousness, resourcefulness, and incredible human spirit.
Day 4 : Bon voyage! Airport transfer included
Location: Mumbai
Accommodation Name: N/A
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have some free time to buy any gifts for your loved ones back home before we transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Mumbai Accommodation in a 4-star hotel is included.
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Transport
All transport and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles are included.
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Airport Transfers
24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included.
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Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing tours and activities as per the itinerary are included.
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Mumbai City Tour
Mumbai City Tour featuring Gateway to India, Flora Fountain, the Rajabai Clock Tower, the High Court, Mumbai University, and the Victoria Terminus is included.
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Bollywood Studios Tour
Bollywood Studios Tour including live shooting, Rehman Wall, SJ Wall of Fame, Bollywood Gallery, Bollywood Dancing, Bollywood Famous Costumes, and a Set Tour is included.
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Dabbawalas Train Ride
A short train ride to see the Dabbawalas delivering tiffins to the workers of the city is included.
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Dhobi Ghats Visit
Visit to the Dhobi Ghats, thought to be the largest laundry in Asia, is included.
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Dharavi Slums Walk
Walk through the Dharavi Slums, made famous on Slumdog Millionaire, is included.
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Local Guides
Services of a local tour leader and specialist local guides are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included but are available on request.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included, but available on request.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
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Tips
Tips for the driver and/or tour guide are not included.
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Unmentioned Items
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with all transport and transfers provided in air-conditioned minivans or minibuses, ensuring a smooth journey throughout Mumbai.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at a 4-star hotel in Mumbai, offering a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the Mumbai Express tour?
The tour uses air-conditioned minivans or minibuses for transportation.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the Mumbai Express tour?
The tour includes accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Mumbai.
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Are airport transfers included in the Mumbai Express tour?
Yes, the tour includes 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer services.
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Will there be a guide during the Mumbai Express tour?
Yes, the tour includes the services of a local tour leader and specialist local guides.
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What meals are included in the Mumbai Express tour?
Meals are provided as indicated in the itinerary, which includes breakfast on Days 2, 3, and 4.
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Is there an opportunity to see a live Bollywood film shooting during the tour?
Yes, the Bollywood Studios Tour may include witnessing a live shooting in progress.
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What unique local experiences are included in the Mumbai Express tour?
The tour includes a visit to see the Dabbawalas delivering tiffins, a visit to the Dhobi Ghats, and a walking tour of the Dharavi Slums.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Mumbai Express
4 Days Starting and ending in Mumbai, India
Visiting: Mumbai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
642
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 14
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
