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Day 01
1. Gateway of India
This of course, is the logical place from where to begin your tour. After all, you're following in the footsteps of royalty!
2. Regal Cinema Circle
Just after the Gateway is the Regal Cinema circle. Stand at the parking lot in the centre of the circle, with the Police Headquarters behind you and look around - the roads that lead away from this circle each show you a unique facet of Mumbai.
To your left, starting at the art deco Regal Cinema, is Colaba Causeway. This road is linked to Mumbai's physical history - it was built by the British to connect Colaba Island to Bombay, as a part of the city's expansion drive. You can still see fisher folk if you drive further down this road towards Sassoon Docks. Drop in at Leopold or Mondegar for beer, and wander the street markets. Lots of neat stuff to be bought - jewellery, footwear, leather, and gifts - but remember it takes bargaining!
• Next is Madam Cama road that goes to Nariman Point, past the Institute of Science. This road leads to Mumbai's modern business district and reminds you that Mumbai is the commercial capital of India. Phillips Antiques at the corner has wonderful old maps of Mumbai. They're expensive, but worth a look.
4. Fort District
Once past the fishing village, take a drive through the historical Fort District. There are several things to see, but I recommend you don't miss the following:
Victoria Terminus - a magnificent building. Don't miss the Indian peacock motifs, or the logo of the GIPR (the Great Indian Peninsular Railway).
Bombay University - honestly, this building is lovely! Check out the carved figures of various communities of Western India.
The Asiatic Library and Town Hall - this is the historical place from where, after the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857, the proclamation of India reverting to the Crown was read out.
5. Bazaar Walk at Crawford Market
The British Fort district ends at Victoria Terminus, and past that, the old "native" bazaar areas begin. Jyotiba Phule Market is the official name of this must-see market - but of course, no one calls it that! Crawford Market it was, and Crawford it remains. The market is housed in a building that looks like something out of Victorian London, but over-run with a crazy riot of local colour. There are fruits, vegetables, tiny knick-knack shops that sell masalas, pickles, chocolates, toothpaste and lots of other stuff that people want to buy. Lots of things to photograph if you are a camera-addict.
6. Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach
From the bazaar areas near Crawford Market, drive through the Princess Street Flyover to Marine Drive.
Day 02
1. Elephanta Island
Elephanta is a World Heritage Site, showcasing legends of Lord Shiva carved in rock cave temples.
2. Mani Bhavan
After lunch, take a taxi to Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s home in Mumbai.
This little two-storied house is now a small, but engrossing museum that shouldn't be missed. Gandhi's simple room remains untouched and the story of his life is told in a series of doll tableaus.
3. Haji Ali and Dhobi Ghat
If you have more time, drive down to Haji Ali, to see Mahalakshmi Temple, Haji Ali Mosque and Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai's unique laundry system!).
Day 03
1. Banganga Tank and Malabar Hill
Drive through Malabar Hill to visit a Jain Temple – the Jains have a unique theology and Way of life.
2. Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market) and other options
This is Mumbai's famous Thieves Market where the bargain-hungry can rummage for antiques and curious at throwaway prices.
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