Mumbai
Image Source: Abhishek Chinchalkar - Flickr
Welcome to the city of dreams – Mumbai or as we love calling it ‘Bombay’. One of the most vibrant cities of India, this glamorous abode of the dreamers, strugglers, celebrities and achievers has much more to offer than just dreams.
As someone has righty said that this city never sleeps but when it comes to leisurethere are scores of things to do in Mumbai. Choose from an array of options: enjoy a romantic dinner on a cruise, fly high over the placid Mumbai beaches or satiate your adventure thirst by indulging in various thrilling excursions. Well, the list is long, we let you decide what you wish to do in your next trip to this city of dreams.
Some of the offbeat things to do in Mumbai:
1) Adrenaline Pumping Kayaking Experience in Mumbai
If you thought Mumbai is all about glamour and no adventure then think again! Kayaking is one excursion that you just cannot miss from list of things you can do in Mumbai. Forget Bhel and indulge in a thrilling Kayaking experience at Chowpatty.
Conquer the rising tides as you maneuverer your kayak, quench your thirst of adventure with a kayaking experience like never before. Breathe in the fresh air as you set yourself free on the wavy waters of the Arabian Sea. Brace yourself to witness a completely new – adventurous Mumbai.
2) Sail in Style in Mumbai
Prepare your for a vacation of your dreams! Leave your woes behind and get ready for an international sailing experience. Experience a two hour long sailing experience on an international class keelboat. Enjoy the scenic clear blue horizon as you sail over the calm waters of the Arabian Sea.
Feel the cool breeze while speeding on an amazing J24 sail boat. An experience of a lifetime, this 100 minutes ride will certainly give you a ‘Hollywood themed’ experience. Unravel the James Bond in you, with a luxury sailing excursion in Mumbai.
3) A Romantic Dinner On a Cruise in Mumbai
From various things to do in Mumbai, there is one activity especially designed keeping you and your special someone in mind. Get ready for a dream date with a late night cruise on alluring shores of Arabian Sea with your beloved.
Sip in velvety wine, while enjoying the calm and hazy night view of Mumbai on your yacht. Escape all worldly worries for two hours and just feel the cool breeze and in-between splashes of the wavy water as you enjoy scenic night beauty surrounding you. Return with a priceless memory of this luxurious memory imprinted on your mind forever.
4) Relish on Lip-Smacking Mumbai Street Food
Mumbai and Street Food are certainly synonyms for each other. While here, you just cannot miss digging into mouthwatering street cuisine of Mumbai. Experience the best of authentic local flavors – start with the signature dish of entire Maharashtra – Vada Pav.
Satiate your spice buds with plate of luscious Bhelpuri at Chowpatty, witness the scenic sun setting behind the serene waters of Arabian Sea. After a tangy starter meal, get ready for some scrumptious Islamic cuisine. Feel the buzz around Minara Masjid and Behndi Bazaar, get a taste of variety of meats while in these streets. You might run out of time, but not variety when it comes to street food of Mumbai.
5) A Bollywood Tour in Mumbai
Mumbai, a home to the Indian film industry – Bollywood. The first thing almost everybody wishes before coming to this land of dreams is spotting a celebrity. Well, you can actually fulfill this desire! Witness a live shooting of various upcoming movies. Be the first to catch your favorite celebrities rehearsing a scene dialogue or their peppy dance numbers.
For an ardent movie fan, Mumbai is certainly not just any other city. Get a chance to meet your favorite celebrity while for those who are more interested in back-stage activities can take a tour to animation, VFX and sound mixing studies. From all other things you can do in Mumbai, this one activity will no doubt make you live your Teenage fan days.
6) A Flying Trip Over Mumbai
Take a break from the bustling traffic, enjoy a birds-eye view of this glamorous city of Mumbai. Enthrall in an aerial journey over some well-famed hotspots of Mumbai. Enjoy a scenic view of colossal Gateway of India, stunning Marine Drive and heartbeat of old Bombay- Chowpatty.
The slow flight and huge windows of your aircraft will provide you amphitheater views throughout your half an hour journey. Rejuvenate in some breathtaking views of the picturesque Mumbai without worrying about the traffic chaos.
7) Go For A Mumbai Tour
Image Source: Elroy Serrao - Flickr
Home to various cultures and traditions, everything about Mumbai is worth seeing – be it the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or well famed Irani Café; you certainly can’t afford to miss these amazing places.
Witness the mesmerizing gothic architectures of various buildings here, admire the stunning carved stones and stained glass windows. Flora Fountain, is yet another masterpiece of Raj era. Experience the elegance of Gateway of India on one side and the crown of India ‘The Taj’ standing proudly holding onto its grace after 26/11. Nariman Point, Hanging Garden, Marine Drive are just to name few…but when it comes to Mumbai there is always something that you will miss.
[Also check out some of the best places to visit in Pune]
8) Rejuvenate in An Ayurvedic Massage
Amidst of all the other things to do in Mumbai, relax and rejuvenate your lost energy with a refreshing ayurvedic massage. Well, while here take a break from your schedule and se-stress yourself with a pampering massage.
Relax your muscle cramps with Sarvakaya Abyangnam, an oil based Ayurveda therapy. Free yourself from work fatigue and body strains caused due to today’s lifestyle. Beat the stress with a relaxing body massage to calm down ‘Vata dosha’ believed to be the rooting cause for various neurological and muscular disorders. If you think Mumbai is all about fast paced life then take a break for a massage.
9) Take a Walk Through Markets in Mumbai
Mumbai, a city that continue surprising its admirers with its charms. Be it the relishing street food or rustic lanes – every nook and corner of this city is worth giving a visit. Explore the colorful streets depicting beautiful blending of various cultures and traditions flourishing here since ages.
Admire the stunning Archetypal-Gothic architecture throughout the Crawford Market. Witness the beautiful British inspired architecture of this not-so-common fruit and vegetable market. Mangaldas is also sometimes referred as the Mecca for fashion designers, visualize fashion styles from all over the globe in one street. Breeze in the mesmerizing aroma of the ‘Flower Gallia’ a 100 year old flower market. No matter what street you are in, every market here will fascinate you with its glory.
[Check out the romantic gateways near mumbai]
10) Go For a Village Tour
Mumbai is not always about concrete forests, malls and glamour. Somewhere on the outskirts of this city lies a rustic world too, still untouched with style and progress. Take a trip to coastal ‘Adivasi’ villages on the suburbs, witness simple life of the locals here.
Mesmerize with the humble – rustic living style of tribals here. There is no better way of exploring village life than living it for a day. Shed off all your city habits, indulge in a day full of farming, ploughing and fishing. Get a taste of unheard- unknown part of Mumbai.
11) Take a Tour of Mumbai Public Transport
The first thing that comes to mind on hearing Mumbai is Local Trains. Public transport is the pulse of this city, so while here you just cannot miss taking a ride on these treasures of Mumbai. Well, if first time then take your time, hold your breath as you try squeezing in the local train compartment.
Out of all the other things to do in Mumbai, getting on trains here is just one inevitable experience that you must get. Witness the phenomenal ‘Dabbawallas’ at Churchgate station, hop onto ‘BEST’ buses – live a life of a Mumbaikar for a day. Mesmerize with the Victorian themed architecture of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, one of the busiest railway station of the country.
12) A Walk Through Rich History of Mumbai
Unravel the vast historical treasure lying undiscovered in Mumbai. This 3 hour walk will take you through the entire journey of Bombay becoming Mumbai. Experience the colorful essence of Northern Mumbai, explore the old ‘fort’ region, take stroll through the pastoral lanes and understand ‘Early Mumbai’ days.
Take a tour of Asiatic Society Library of Mumbai, a historical place that has slowly evolved as a famous film location. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the various old lanes of Bombay hidden behind the modernization of Mumbai.
13) A Fishing Trip in Mumbai
Amidst all the things to do in Mumbai, there is one activity that promises you twin pleasures and double the enjoyment! Mesmerize with the stunning beauty of the Arabian Sea while fishing in the wavy beaches. Take a ferry from Gateway of India and set straight to South Mumbai, get ready with your fishing gear and prep up for an exciting experience.
Captivate with the stunning coastal beauty, anchor down your speed boat and start your fishing excursion. While you may require a lot of patience for this activity. However, the picturesque Arabian Sea with waves swaying under your boat and cool breeze will certainly not let you get bore for even a minute.
14) A Cycling Trip Through South Mumbai
No matter how much you know about Mumbai, there is always something new that you encounter every time you visit this place. When it comes to exploring a new place, cycling is probably the best option that gives you close view of the city.
Hop onto your ride and start exploring Mumbai like never before! Admire the iconic architecture and spell bounding attractions such as Gateway of India, RIN, Nariman Point etc. Ride through unexplored streets, wide roads and amazing lanes of this city of dreams.
Offbeat things to do near Mumbai:
15) Camp Under Star Studded Sky in Uttan
Take a trip to the coastal village of Uttan off the Gorai Beach. A tiny hamlet that thrives solely on fishing, Uttan is a bundle of natural beauty- with its shimmering coastline, cool weather and mouthwatering sea food, this place is something you just cannot strike off from you ‘Must-Watch’ list.
Spend a day here, hike on the surrounding thickets, explore the pristine beaches, relish on local cuisine and spend a night under star studded sky. The starry sky here will certainly be a memory imprinted on your mind forever.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 30km
16) Trek to Harishchandragad
Image Source: Nagraj Salian - Flickr
From a variety of available things to do near Mumbai, there is one activity that provides you amphitheater view of entire Maharashtra. The historic fort of Harishchandragad, crowned at a soaring height of is 4,671ft is well known for its majestic views and challenging trek.
Image Source: Nagraj Salian - Flickr
Give a break to your existing city life and prep up for a rustic experience. Rejuvenate yourself with the lush green thickets surrounding you everywhere. Explore the stunning caves of the fort, enthrall in the beautiful ruins that speak of their journey from ancient rural India to this new transformed country. Take your dose of nature with this exciting trek to Harishchandragad Fort.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 100km
17) Enthrall in a White Water Rafting Experience at Vaitarna River
If there is a monster adventure bug tickling in you! You need to drive a little ahead from Mumbai. Vaitarna River is gradually evolving as a potential water adventure destination. Get ready for a thrilling water experience!
Hop on your raft and prep up to bash arousing rapids! Take a deep breath and get ready for some nerve-chilling fun. While here, mesmerize with the beautiful landscape surrounding you, relax on the stunning lagoon and delight in the world of adventure that awaits you.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 105km
18) Enthrall in Water Sports in Mandwa Beach, Mumbai
Think beyond Chowpatty, the beautiful coastline of Mumbai has various other treasured beaches that are still hidden from overwhelming tourists. Mandwa beach, known for its pleasant climate and stunning waters lies within the proximity of Mumbai.
Begin your fun moments at Mandwa with a joyous ferry ride from the Gateway of India. Get ready for some thrilling adventure sports – enjoy the wavy waters with an exciting jet-ski ride, surf the wild waves, take a banana ride with friends and family. Well, the list may go on and on! Choose your favorite from the available list of things to do in Mumbai.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 108km
19) Visit Khandala- Lonavala
Image Source: selvin kurian - Flickr
The serene hills of Khandala & Lonavala arefirst places that comes to mind when thinking about things to do near Mumbai. Quiet a hit weekend destination for Mumbaikars, these places provide perfect escape and help people shed off their work stress.
Image Source: Alosh Bennett - Flickr
For those who just cannot stand overcrowding places, Khandala –Lonavala offers perfect hidden lakes, cliffs and greenery that provide you with your perfect nature dose.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 117km
20) Enthrall in Stunning Kashid – Murud
Image Source: Ashish Sharma - Flickr
Kashid and Murud are twin destination that provide you equal doses of ancient as well as natural beauty.
Image Source: Avinash Anand - Flickr
While the Kashid Beach provides you with stunning view of untouched waters, virgin land and clear sands; Murud provides you with gorgeous views of ancient forts telling tales of their violent history. Witness the beautiful ruins of Nawab’s Palace standing amidst the waters. Relax on the beach and sip in this terrific beauty surrounding you.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 126km
21) Visit Splendid Malshej Ghat
Image Source: Kiran SRK - Flickr
A mountain pass cradled in the Sahyadri Ranges, Malshej Ghat provides you beautiful views of both Western shoreline on one side and Deccan Plateau on the other side. Still untouched from overwhelming tourists, the virgin land of Malshej Ghat provides you with ample dose of nature.
Image Source: Kiran SRK - Flickr
Apart from various other things to do near Mumbai, this is one place that provided you with scenic landscapes, lush green mountains, flocks of clouds enveloping the top of mountains and hidden waterfalls – perfect components for a perfect weekend getaway that promises you a complete de-stressing trip.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 150km
22) Stay at Velas Beach, Ratnagiri
Image Source: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner - Flickr
For animal lovers, there is certainly one thing near Mumbai that they would love to explore! Velas Beach located in the Ratnagiri district has gained worldwide appreciation for its turtle conservation program. The locals here have joined hands to save and protect these beautiful creatures.
Watch these little turtles steeping into life, experience and learn about their natural habitat. Live a rustic life in this coastal village, interact with locals and know more about their life. Away from hurried city life, Velas beach is certainly an ideal weekend destination.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 332km
23) Take a Tour to South Konkan Coast
Image Source: Tomas Belcik - Flickr
There are an array of things you can do near Mumbai, which promise you more fun and less crowd. Take trip to South Konkan Coastal area that boasts beautiful sun kissed beaches, Virgin Islands and white shimmering sand. For a mango lover, this place is a heaven as Devgad is worldlyacclaimed place for best quality Alphonso Mangoes.
The Vijaydurg Fort, one of the oldest castles in Central India is a beauty that need to be seen in order to believe it. Sindhudurg Fort is another pristine beauty that can be accessed only through waterways. Immerse in the ancient beauty of this region that takes you back in history. Experience a beatuful fusion of beaches, mountains, forts and temples while in this region of Maharashtra.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 472km
24) Scuba Dive in Malvan
Malvan is certainly one hidden treasure when it comes to things to do near Mumbai that can be done! Embraced with beautiful beaches, virgin land and appealing water bodies; this is one stop for adventure lovers.
Explore the stunning underwater world, swim with fishes, and unravel the magic of gorgeous corals beneath the water. Besides scuba diving there exists a huge variety of water adventures that you can indulge in. And, for people who have a sweet tooth, this place is a heaven. Delight on mouthwatering Alphonso Mangoes and ‘Malvani Khaja’ a popular local sweet.
25) Explore Tadoba Tiger Safari, Chandrapur
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the 43 Project Tigers in India. Explore the wide diversity of flora and fauna here. Witness the elegant tigers walk free in their natural habitat.
A perfect destination for budding photographers and wildlife enthusiast this place is an ideal weekend getaway. Admire beautiful pheasants in their full glory while in Taboda Reserve.
Approx Distance from Mumbai: 864km
[Also check out the best sightseeing placesin Mumbai]
By Abhishek Last updated Aug 12,2015
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