Quick Summary
- Photograph the iconic Gateway of India at sunrise
- Admire the UNESCO-listed CST Station
- Walk the legendary Marine Drive promenade
- Feast on street food at Girgaon Chowpatty
- Explore trendy Bandra and Bandstand Promenade
- Watch sunset at Juhu Beach
- Ferry to the UNESCO Elephanta Caves
- Hike to the ancient Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Take an eye-opening Dharavi walking tour
Three days in Mumbai is the sweet spot for a first visit to India's maximum city. It gives you enough time to explore the colonial grandeur of South Mumbai, discover the trendy neighborhoods of Bandra and Juhu, take the unmissable ferry to Elephanta Caves, and venture into the surprising greenery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park — all without feeling rushed.
This itinerary balances iconic sights with authentic local experiences, from the Art Deco facades along Marine Drive to the street food stalls of Girgaon Chowpatty, from the Bollywood celebrity homes of Bandstand to the ancient rock-cut sculptures of Elephanta Island. Day 1 covers South Mumbai's heritage, Day 2 heads north to Bandra and the western suburbs, and Day 3 takes you to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves and the forested Kanheri Caves — two very different cave systems that bookend Mumbai's remarkable history.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Explore the best of South Mumbai from the Gateway of India to the UNESCO-listed CST Station, through vibrant markets and the Kala Ghoda Art District, finishing with a sunset walk on Marine Drive and street food at Girgaon Chowpatty.
Gateway of India
Start Day 1 at the Gateway of India. Arrive early at 7:30 AM for crowd-free photos of the basalt arch with the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in the background. Walk along the harbour promenade and optionally peek inside the Taj lobby.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Early morning (7-8 AM) or sunset
Nearby Food
- Taj Mahal Palace Sea Lounge
- Leopold Cafe
- Colaba street vendors
Pro Tips
- Morning golden hour light makes for the best photographs
- Have cutting chai and vada pav from the nearby street stalls for breakfast
Gateway of India
Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai 400001
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
Take a taxi north to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Victorian Gothic Revival architecture with its ornate stone carvings, turrets, stained glass, and central dome. Photograph the exterior from DN Road.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours (heritage gallery 3-5 PM)
- Entry: Indians Free (exterior), Foreigners Free (exterior)
- Best Time: Morning for photography with good light
Nearby Food
- Ideal Corner
- Yazdani Bakery
- Britannia & Co
Pro Tips
- The station is a working terminus — stay alert around the platforms
- Stop at Yazdani Bakery nearby for bun maska and chai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Fort, Mumbai 400001
Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai)
Walk to Crawford Market, Mumbai's most historic marketplace. Wander through the spice section, browse the fruit stalls, and look for the stone reliefs by Rudyard Kipling's father on the exterior.
Details
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed: Sunday)
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Morning (10-12 PM) for fresh produce and fewer crowds
Nearby Food
- Badshah Cold Drinks
- Rajasthan Lassi Corner
Pro Tips
- Closed on Sundays — plan accordingly
- Try Badshah Cold Drinks nearby for famous falooda (₹80-120)
Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai)
Dhobi Talao, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Area, Mumbai 400001
Kala Ghoda Art District
Head to the Kala Ghoda Art District. Browse free exhibitions at Jehangir Art Gallery, admire the David Sassoon Library, and explore independent galleries and boutiques. Stop for coffee at Kala Ghoda Cafe.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Galleries typically 11 AM - 7 PM
- Entry: Indians Free (most galleries), Foreigners Free (most galleries)
- Best Time: Late morning to afternoon
Nearby Food
- Kala Ghoda Cafe
- The Table
- Pantry
Pro Tips
- Most galleries are free — just walk in
- Britannia & Co serves legendary berry pulao (₹350-600)
Kala Ghoda Art District
Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai 400001
Marine Drive
After lunch, walk or taxi to the southern end of Marine Drive. Walk the full 3.6 km promenade northward toward Chowpatty, enjoying the Art Deco architecture, sea views, and coconut water from vendors.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Late afternoon for the walk, sunset for photography
Nearby Food
- Pizza By The Bay
- Not Just Jazz By The Bay
Pro Tips
- Carry water and sunscreen — no shade on the promenade
- The walk takes 45 minutes at a comfortable pace
Marine Drive
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Marine Drive, Mumbai 400020
Girgaon Chowpatty Beach
End Day 1 at Girgaon Chowpatty Beach for bhel puri, pav bhaji, and kulfi falooda while watching the sunset. This is quintessential Mumbai.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours (food stalls 4 PM - midnight)
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Late afternoon to evening (4-8 PM)
Nearby Food
- Bhel puri stalls
- Pav bhaji vendors
- Kulfi falooda carts
Pro Tips
- Budget ₹150-250 for a full street food feast
- Eat at the busiest stalls — high turnover means fresh food
Girgaon Chowpatty Beach
Girgaon Chowpatty, Marine Drive, Mumbai 400007
Where to Eat
Colaba Street Stalls / Yazdani Bakery
Street food / Iranian bakery
₹50-200
Try: Vada Pav, Cutting Chai, Bun Maska
Britannia & Co
Parsi-Iranian cuisine
₹300-600
Try: Berry Pulao, Dhansak, Raspberry Soda
Girgaon Chowpatty Street Food
Street food
₹100-300
Try: Bhel Puri, Pav Bhaji, Kulfi Falooda
Discover Mumbai's modern side: explore trendy Bandra with its Portuguese heritage, walk Bandstand Promenade, shop on Linking Road, take a Dharavi walking tour, and watch sunset at Juhu Beach.
Bandra Fort (Castella de Aguada)
Start Day 2 at Bandra Fort, a ruined Portuguese fort from 1640 with panoramic sea views and Bandra-Worli Sea Link vistas. Perfect for morning photography.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Sunrise or sunset
Nearby Food
- Bandstand cafes
- Carter Road restaurants
Pro Tips
- Free entry, opens at 7 AM
- Combine with Bandstand Promenade walk south
Bandra Fort (Castella de Aguada)
Bandstand, Land's End, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050
Mount Mary Basilica
Visit Mount Mary Basilica, a beautiful 18th-century church on a Bandra hilltop. Explore the Gothic interior with stained glass windows and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Morning for quiet contemplation
Nearby Food
- Mount Mary Road stalls
- Hill Road eateries
Pro Tips
- Dress modestly to enter the church
- The steps are steep but worth the climb for the views
Mount Mary Basilica
Mount Mary Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050
Bandstand Promenade
Walk the Bandstand Promenade along the rocky coastline. Spot Shah Rukh Khan's "Mannat" mansion and enjoy the sea views.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Morning or evening
Nearby Food
- Bandstand cafes
- Street food vendors (evening)
Pro Tips
- The promenade is 1.2 km — flat and easy
- Fans gather outside Mannat for photos
Bandstand Promenade
Bandstand, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050
Linking Road Shopping
Shop on Linking Road for trendy clothing and accessories at bargain prices. Stop at Elco Pani Puri Center for Mumbai's best pani puri.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Late morning or evening
Nearby Food
- Elco Pani Puri
- Candies
- Smoke House Deli
Pro Tips
- Bargain aggressively at street stalls
- Elco Pani Puri is a Mumbai institution
Linking Road Shopping
Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050
Dharavi Walking Tour
Take a Dharavi walking tour led by local guides. See leather workshops, pottery kilns, and recycling centers in this thriving community that generates over $1 billion annually.
Details
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, Tours at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM (Closed: Sunday)
- Entry: Indians ₹600, Foreigners ₹900
- Best Time: Afternoon (3 PM tour)
Nearby Food
- Local chai stalls within Dharavi
Pro Tips
- Book in advance through Reality Tours
- Wear closed-toe shoes and carry water
Dharavi Walking Tour
Dharavi, Mumbai 400017
Juhu Beach
End Day 2 at Juhu Beach for sunset and street food. Watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea while eating pav bhaji and Chinese bhel from the beach stalls.
Details
- Hours: Daily, Open 24 hours (food stalls 4 PM - midnight)
- Entry: Indians Free, Foreigners Free
- Best Time: Sunset (5:30-7 PM)
Nearby Food
- Beach stall pav bhaji
- Chinese bhel vendors
- Gola carts
Pro Tips
- The beach is for eating and sunset, not swimming
- Try gola (flavored crushed ice) for ₹20-40
Juhu Beach
Juhu Beach, Juhu, Mumbai 400049
Where to Eat
Bandra Cafes / Street Food
Cafe breakfast or street food
₹100-400
Try: Egg Bhurji Pav, Filter Coffee, Akuri on Toast
Elco Pani Puri / Lucky Biryani
Street food / Biryani
₹100-350
Try: Pani Puri, Chicken Biryani, Ragda Pattice
Juhu Beach Street Food
Beach street food
₹100-300
Try: Pav Bhaji, Chinese Bhel, Gola
Take the morning ferry to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves for stunning rock-cut sculptures, then spend the afternoon exploring the Kanheri Caves and lush forests of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Ferry to Elephanta Island
Head to Gateway of India by 8:30 AM to catch the first ferry to Elephanta Island. Buy tickets at the MTDC counter (₹200 round trip). The 1-hour ferry crosses Mumbai Harbour with views of the city skyline. Sit on the upper deck for the best experience.
Details
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (last departure) (Closed: Monday)
- Entry: Indians ₹150-200 round trip, Foreigners ₹200-250 round trip
- Best Time: First ferry at 9 AM to avoid crowds
Nearby Food
- On-board snack vendors
- Elephanta Island food stalls
Pro Tips
- Ferries don't run on Mondays
- Arrive 30 minutes early to buy tickets and secure upper-deck seats
Ferry to Elephanta Island
Gateway of India Ferry Terminal, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400001
Elephanta Caves
Explore Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning 5th-7th century rock-cut sculptures. Climb the 120 steps (or take the toy train) and hire a local guide (₹300-500) to explain the nine major sculptural panels. Don't miss the monumental 6-metre Trimurti (three-faced Shiva) in Cave 1 — it is one of India's finest sculptures.
Details
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed: Monday)
- Entry: Indians ₹40, Foreigners ₹600 (Camera: Free (no tripods))
- Best Time: Morning (10 AM - 12 PM) for best light inside the caves
Nearby Food
- Small food stalls near the jetty
- Coconut water vendors on the steps
Pro Tips
- A local guide makes a huge difference — budget ₹300-500
- Carry water and snacks as options on the island are limited
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Island (Gharapuri), Mumbai Harbour
Return Ferry & Lunch
Catch the 1 PM return ferry from Elephanta to Gateway of India. Have a quick lunch at one of the nearby restaurants — Britannia & Co for berry pulao or Leopold Cafe for a fast meal before heading north.
Details
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, Return ferries until 5:30 PM
- Entry: Indians Included in round trip, Foreigners Included in round trip
- Best Time: Early afternoon
Nearby Food
- Britannia & Co
- Leopold Cafe
- Cafe Mondegar
Pro Tips
- Don't linger too long — the afternoon park visit needs an early start
- Eat near CST or Fort area for quick access to northbound taxis
Return Ferry & Lunch
Elephanta Island Jetty
Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves
Head north to Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. Take the park bus (₹28) to the Kanheri Caves — a complex of 109 Buddhist rock-cut caves dating from the 1st to 10th century. Explore the prayer halls, monasteries, and water cisterns carved into the basalt cliffs. The forest setting is a welcome contrast to the city.
Details
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed: Monday)
- Entry: Indians ₹53, Foreigners ₹171 (Camera: ₹25)
- Best Time: Afternoon (3-6 PM) when it cools down
Nearby Food
- Park canteen at the entrance
- Small shops near Kanheri Caves
Pro Tips
- Closed on Mondays — same as Elephanta, so plan Day 3 on a non-Monday
- Carry mosquito repellent and water for the hike
Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East, Mumbai 400066
Farewell Dinner in Bandra or Colaba
End your 3-day Mumbai adventure with a farewell dinner. Head to Bandra for Bastian (seafood) or Pali Village Cafe (ambiance), or return to Colaba for Bade Miyan's legendary street-side seekh kebabs. Whatever you choose, raise a glass to the City of Dreams.
Details
- Hours: Daily, 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Entry: Indians N/A, Foreigners N/A
- Best Time: Evening (7:30-10 PM)
Nearby Food
- Bastian
- Pali Village Cafe
- Bade Miyan
Pro Tips
- Book ahead for weekend dinners at popular restaurants
- Bade Miyan in Colaba is open late and is a Mumbai institution for kebabs
Farewell Dinner in Bandra or Colaba
Bandra West or Colaba, Mumbai
Where to Eat
Hotel breakfast or Colaba street stalls
Hotel / Street food
₹100-400
Try: Vada Pav, Chai, Omelette Pav
Elephanta Island stalls or Britannia & Co
Quick lunch
₹150-500
Try: Berry Pulao, Fish Fry, Soda Water
Bastian / Bade Miyan
Fine dining / Street food
₹500-2500
Try: Crab, Seekh Kebab, Butter Garlic Naan
Pro Tips for Your Trip
Plan Day 3 on a Non-Monday
Both Elephanta Caves and Sanjay Gandhi National Park are closed on Mondays. Schedule Day 3 on a Tuesday-Sunday. If your only option is Monday, swap Day 3 with another activity like CSMVS Museum or Haji Ali Dargah.
Use Ola/Uber and Local Trains
For South Mumbai to Bandra, Ola/Uber costs ₹200-400 (45-60 min). For Borivali (SGNP), consider the Western Line local train from Churchgate (₹10-15, 50 min) to avoid traffic. Budget ₹1,500-2,500 total for transport over 3 days.
Budget ₹5,000-12,000 for 3 Days
This covers accommodation, food, transport, entry fees, ferry tickets, and a Dharavi tour. Budget travelers can keep costs under ₹6,000 with hostels and street food. Mid-range travelers should budget ₹8,000-12,000 with 3-star hotels and restaurant meals.
Hire Guides at Elephanta and Kanheri
Local guides at Elephanta Caves (₹300-500) and Kanheri Caves (₹200-400) transform the experience. They explain the mythology behind each sculpture and point out details you would miss on your own. Budget for at least the Elephanta guide.
Eat Like a Local
Mumbai's best food is not in fancy restaurants — it is on the streets. Budget ₹200-400 per day for incredible street food meals. Must-try: vada pav, bhel puri, pav bhaji, pani puri, and cutting chai. Always eat at busy stalls for freshness and safety.
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Mumbai Itinerary Team
A team of Mumbai travel experts and long-term residents passionate about sharing the best of India's maximum city. With over a decade of combined experience exploring every neighborhood from Colaba to Borivali, we know Mumbai inside out.
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- Admire the UNESCO-listed CST Station
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