Save Mumbai for a Bougie Trip
A City That Feels Lush Until it Doesn’t
Mumbai (also known as Bombay) is India’s largest city and its financial capital. The city is expensive by Indian standards, offers a ton of chic modern businesses, and is the single place I went to in India where colonization was visually obvious in the urban planning and architecture.
While a trip to India would feel incomplete without going to Mumbai, I don’t think it’s a city well built out for backpackers or low-budget travelers. The main sites are spaced far apart without great transit between them - and most of them aren’t particularly memorable. The city is hot to begin with - but between its design, pollution, and lack of greenery, it becomes a truly challenging to navigate heat trap for those not used to it. I’d be really lying if I said I had a good time in Mumbai - but I could see its potential.
The nice areas of Mumbai are beautiful - and the cool, expensive businesses really draw you in. I probably would have had a great time if I had booked a nice hotel, taken a guided tour in a bus with AC, and spent my time exploring restaurants and breweries. My friends who have traveled like that here have loved Mumbai.
If you are a low budget traveler with me, here are the things I think are worth it:
Take a Ferry to Elephanta Island: A small island accessible via ferry from the Gateway of India arch, here you’ll find ancienct cave temples devoted to Shiva. The caves and their carvings are beautiful - but for me what made it my stay’s highlight was the ferry. You’ll get great views of Mumbai city, and if you time your return trip for sunset, you’ll get sunset colors and a perfect viewing spot for the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
Explore the Victorian and Gothic Architecture Neighborhoods: Between the Gateway of India and Crawford Market, you’ll find an entire section of Mumbai that feels like a posh UK city. From the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSM Station) to the Oval Maidan Cricket patch, this entire area is beautiful and surprisingly walkable.
Eat, Eat, Eat: The street market food in Mumbai is delicious - with my constant go to being a simple cup of sugar cane juice. Absolutely delicious each time - and usually only about 15 cents.
I doubt I’ll return to Mumbai until I can experience it in luxury. While my time there wasn’t necessarily pleasant, I still think experiencing it is a good experience for anyone visiting India.
