A Day in Mumbai. Visiting India? What to do on your first visit.

Have a free day in Mumbai? Here's how to organise and enjoy it. 

First, transportation. Have your company or hotel arrange a car service for you. Go for a comfortable, adequately sized air conditioned vehicle like a Toyota Innova or equivalent for about Indian Rupee 2,500 for a full day, 100 km total distance from garage to garage, this is much better than randomly getting a taxi where you will end up paying more and be less comfortable. Get the driver's mobile number, and when visiting places, agree on a pick-up point and just ring-call the driver, to avoid spending on international calls. With these, you're good to go. 

Places to visit. 

After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, get an early start. Go to the Gateway of India, a monument built during the British Rule. It is at the waterfront at South Mumbai, and is still the most popular destination in Mumbai. When it had been built, it became the ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and Governors of Bombay. 

. This is a must-see destination. Expect to see lots of people as foreigners and locals from all over the country conglomerate here. 

The Gateway of India as seen from a boat. Photo from Wikipedia

Just around the corner is the Taj Mahal hotel. This is as much of the Taj Mahal you'll see from Mumbai, but it's surely worth a photo. 

Or two. 

Walk around the area and you'll see some old European style buildings. 

Which of course won't be complete without a watch tower and church steeple. 

Yes, yes, you're still in India. Which while you're there you won't forget with all the people walking closely beside you! 

The Chhatrapatī Shivaji Mahārāj Vastu Saṅgrahālay (CSMVS), formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, is the main museum in Mumbai, and is definitely worth a visit. 

The museum building seen from the front entrance. Photo from Wikipedia. 

The enteance fee for foreigners is INR 400 which comes with the audio guide. The museum tours you through the rich and long cultural heritage and artistic abilities in India. You also get an insight into the Hindu belief system which can be every facinating and scary at the same time. The belief in many gods and their ne'er play with demons  is quite distinct from a simple faith in Jesus Christ. 

 I recommend you purchase the museum book, which is a way of supporting the preservation and growth of museums. And in this case, the book is such good value at INR 250, with beautiful pictures, histories and stories. You'd be Har pressed to find any equivalent book on India's heritage elsewhere. 

For lunch, go to Leopold's, also nearby. A place where many foreigners go. With meals at INR 600 or less. Try the many delicious Indian dishes like chana masala (chick peas with spices in a gravy), the paneer masala (Hesse), dal (lentil) dishes, with rice briyani or various kinds of flat bread. You could also try a sweet mango lassi drink or chai (tea) masala beverage. 

Check out FabIndia shops. There are many around the city, and also one near the museum area. 

You'll find quality traditional Indian wear, as well as table cloths, bedsheets, scarves, at very good prices. Their shops are also air conditioners and comfortable, with fitting rooms if you need them. Better to stick with FabIndia then try to get the cheapest bargains on less finely crafted merchandise in the open public markets. 

Ask you driver to take the scenic drive that lets you see the Arabian Sea and the Haji Ali Dargah mosque from a distance. Other places of interest could include the Crawford Market, and if you want a modern India, go to the High Street Phoenix and Palladium shopping complex, which is where you'll find the big, international luxury brands in Mumbai. But don't go chasing sweet deals though, as prices are about the same as in other capital cities. For a good Indian lunch or dinner, dine at the Copper Chimney right in the complex (beside McDonald's!). Good Indian food, good prices, and comfortable, well decorated, air conditioned place. 

That's it! These are more than enough to fill your day. 

If you have to travel out on business class on the same day, be sure to make good use of the very nice lounge families to take a refreshing shower and a good meal before your night flight. Else, have a good rest back at your hotel! 

At the Gateway of India, Mumbai. 

At the Gateway of India chocolate-covered replica, at the Mumbai airport.