When is the best time to visit Mumbai?
Unless you can handle extreme humidity and high temperatures, it’s best to visit Mumbai in the winter. November through April are the best months with much cooler temperatures and lower humidity. May can be uncomfortable as the temperatures top 30 degrees and the air conditioning isn’t in plentiful supply in most places! The monsoon hits in the south at the start of the summer, then works its way north before heading back south again. But you should always look at regional monsoon forecasts to stay cool and dry.
How to get to Mumbai
You can fly direct to Mumbai from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The flight time from the UAE to Mumbai is around three hours so it’s a good option for a long weekend.
Your plane will land at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport which was given a US$2 billion facelift just a few years ago. You have a few options for traveling into Mumbai from the airport. There are two train stations nearby – Vile Parle and Andheri – as well as a stand outside the terminal with metered cabs. If you’d rather use a pre-paid taxi, visit one of the counters at the Arrivals hall.
Read more: Best places to visit in India month by month
Where’s the best place to stay in Mumbai?
The South of the city – Colaba in particular – is a good starting point and there’s lots of accommodation options to suit any budget. The Gateway of India (India Gate) and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel are both in Colaba and will really whet your appetite to see what else India has to offer.
For a comprehensive guide to budget, mid-range and luxury hotels in Mumbai, check out this helpful article.
Places to visit and things to do in Mumbai
Catch some cricket training at the Oval Maiden when you’re in the leafy streets of Colaba – it is India’s most loved sport after all.
Then if you want to see something different to the usual picture of India, go for a sunset walk along Marine Drive, an epic Miami-esque strip of five star hotels and skyscrapers. Here you can check out The Gandhi House and its extensive collection documenting his life. There’s also The Prince of Wales Museum (which is officially known as The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Vastu Sangrahalaya) providing a comprehensive introduction to India’s history. It’s also an easy place to pick up handmade and locally crafted souvenirs.
For textiles and nice homewares, head to Fabindia (much bigger and better than Dubai’s version) or the narrow alleyways of Chor Bazaar and haggle over some authentic (and some not-so-authentic) antique pieces. If you’d like to take a day trip away from the city, visit the Ellora Caves, a World Heritage Site consisting of temples cut into rock.
Read more: Top 10 attractions and tourist places in India
Where are the best places to eat in Mumbai?
Anyone who’s been to Mumbai will tell you to try a vada pav (a fried potato patty), and they’d be right. This, the behlpuri (puffed rice and vegetable chaat), and pav bhaji (vegetable curry and roll) are three of the most delicious offerings from Mumbai’s street food vendors. If you’re a carnivore, go to Bademiya, a popular kebab joint that dishes out delicious BBQ specialities with a night market atmosphere between 12am and 3am. When you’ve had your fill of street food, check out the kitchens of some of Mumbai’s luxury hotels. The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, JW Marriott, Oberoi and Four Seasons each have restaurants that get good reviews.
How to travel safely in Mumbai
Basic common sense goes a long way when you’re trying to avoid food poisoning and stay safe in India. When it comes to food and water, drink only bottled water (make sure the lid hasn’t been tampered with) and avoid uncooked foods such as salads. If you can’t resist the street food – and we don’t suggest you do! – pick a busy stall with a high turnover of food. If you do fall ill, visit a pharmacy as soon as you can to avoid the problems getting worse. In terms of culture, dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention and just accept that you’ll always pay more for a taxi, tuk tuk or souvenirs as a tourist. Don’t fight it!
Where to go for day trips out of Mumbai
Take a 45 minute flight to Aurangabad Airport or an overnight train ride to see the cave monastery temples of Ellora. The temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feature more than 100 caves dating back more than five centuries. Goa is also only a one hour flight away from Mumbai and has a relaxed beach vibe which could provide a welcome break from the city.
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This article was adapted from a piece by Skyscanner writer Lezaan Roos.
