Lois : 𝙽𝚘 𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕

During our two-day stay in Mumbai aboard Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages, we indulged in a couple of incredible Shore excursions, including the captivating “Upscale Evening in Mumbai” (of which you can read about in part 1 of my Mumbai Blog!) and the dynamic “Mumbai on the Move.”

In this Blog, I hope to share with you our fantastic experience on the Mumbai on the move Shore excursion. It commenced at 10 am and was four and a half hours long , all at an incredible value of $55 per person.

Our adventure took us on a comprehensive tour around Mumbai, highlighting iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India and the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Mani Bhavan. We also explored Churchgate station, observing the Dabba Wallahs in action, followed by an exhilarating ride on a local Mumbai train, culminating in a visit to the famous Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai’s open-air laundry.

The grandeur of the Gateway of India, constructed and completed in 1924, to commemorate a Royal visit by King George V, was our starting point. Rich in historical significance, it stands as a memorial to the Brits’ final departure from India in 1948. Navigating Mumbai’s bustling streets on foot to get from our coach to the Gateway, was an eye-opener, challenging our British sensibilities of sticking to the pavement… but offering a truly authentic experience!

Strolling through a lively marketplace on our way to the Gateway of India, we encountered vibrant stalls selling fruits, drinks, and various goods including random, huge balloons! Passing through Copra Police Station and a security checkpoint heightened our awareness, due to past terrorist attacks in 2003 and 2008. This trip also allowed for a wonderful view of the magnificent Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. It’s highly recommended to take an early morning visit to the Gateway for a much less crowded experience.

Our next stop outside Churchgate train station provided a glimpse into the intricate, amazing lunch delivery system of the Dabba Wallahs! A fascinating organization supporting Mumbai’s workforce. I marvel at their efficiency, despite many carriers having limited literacy skills, relying on distinctive markings for coordination.

Lunch boxes are marked in several ways. There are abbreviations for the different collection points, a colour code for starting railway stations, a number for the destination railway station and markings for the final destination, including the buildings, floor and area! The organisation is incredible!

It was then time for our local Mumbai railway experience! We started the journey at Churchgate station, a bustling, hive of activity despite it being 11am! I can’t imagine how busy it must be at rush hour. We navigated through the various train carriages, ones for women only, ones for pensioners only, third, second and first class! Our guide led us to the first class carriage. All carriages had no doors, so we experienced quite the unique system of air-conditioning! I think our carriage was first class, because it had far more handles to hold onto and a couple of fans on the roof! Joking aside, it was a very enjoyable journey and I’d love to explore India by train more!

Our final destination was Dhobi Ghat, the open-air laundry facility in Mumbai. Here, we witnessed the dedicated dhobis meticulously washing, drying, and pressing clothes for hotels and hospitals. The precision and organization were astounding, showcasing Mumbai’s unique and efficient systems.

On the day we arrived it appeared to be denim day! I don’t think I have ever seen so many denim items of clothing in one place.

Our day concluded with a visit to Mani Bhavan, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Though small and not air-conditioned, the building exuded beauty, featuring a library, photo gallery, and the room where Gandhi stayed. I think if visiting Mani Bhavan is a very important visit for you, ensure you arrive at 09:30 when the museum opens, we visited early afternoon and the place was absolutely packed with people. Understandable , it’s a special place to visit, however if you want a quieter visit, I’d visit early. Entry fee is Rs. 20/- per person.

As our Mumbai adventure drew to a close, we reflected on the chaos, madness, and unparalleled experiences the city offered. I really can not find the words to explain how incredible Mumbai was. A return to India is a certainty, and while solo travel might be daunting, a cruise , organised tour, or even a river cruise on the Ganges have definitely been added to my travel bucket list!

Stay tuned for the next chapter of our cruise journey in Goa!

Thank you for joining me on this unforgettable exploration of Mumbai. Until next time! 🚢🇮🇳