Morning Life of Mumbai's Dabbawalas and Dhobis Tour
Active
3h
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On this 3 hour tour, you will witness the remarkable work done by Mumbai's dabbawalas and Dhobis, and learn about these fascinating people from an expert guide. The word "dabbawala" can be interpreted as "box-carrier" or "lunch-pail man", and is a person in Mumbai who carries and delivers freshly made food from home to people in offices. These workers have achieved 100% accuracy and their methods have been studied internationally. Dhobis are Mumbai's traditional laundrymen who have developed a fascinating system for washing their customers' clothes. With this experience, you will see how two interesting groups of people earn their living in one of world’s most populous cities, and you will learn something about Mumbai that is beyond the experience of many travelers.
Available options
2023
Morning Life of Mumbai's Dabbawalas and Dhobis Tour<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Train Tickets for Churchgate to Mahalaxmi Train Station.
Detailed itinerary
1
Churchgate Railway Station, the starting point ofourtour. Here, you will see the dabbawalas disembarking the dabbas in their wooden carts from the local train. Watch these dabbawalas segregate the boxes and transfer them in trolleys for delivery. Don’t stop here as you will be escorted towards the platform to board the local train to Mahalaxmi Station.
2
Stop 2
Moving ahead, you proceed to the open air laundry area firmly known as Dhobi Ghat. A unique feature of Mumbai apart from the rest of the world, a Dhobi is a traditional laundryman who collects your dirty linen, washes them in an open area andthen returns them neatly pressed to your doorstep. The massive area where the laundry is done is called a "Ghat". The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats and hung out to dry. The process is non-stop and more than two hundred Dhobis and their families work together in what has always been a hereditary occupation. After your time here, you will be dropped back to your hotel.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
2.8
5 reviews
5★
1
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2
Tripadvisor
3.3
6 reviews
5★
1
4★
3
3★
0
2★
1
1★
1
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Dress code is smart casual
Important notes
• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• The Tour will not operate on Saturdays, Sundays and any Public Holidays.
About Mumbai
Mumbai, India's bustling financial capital, is a vibrant metropolis where tradition meets modernity. Known for its Bollywood industry, historic landmarks, and bustling street life, Mumbai offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and economic opportunities.
Top Attractions
Gateway of India
A historic arch monument built during the British Raj, located in the Apollo Bunder area.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Elephanta Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-cut temples and caves.
Historical
Half-day trip
600 INR (including ferry and entry)
Marine Drive
A scenic promenade along the Arabian Sea, popular for evening strolls and views.
Scenic
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Vada Pav
A popular street food item consisting of a spiced potato fritter sandwiched between two slices of bread.
Snack
Vegetarian
Pav Bhaji
A thick vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls.
Dinner
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Water sports at Juhu Beach
Yoga and meditation at various centers
Spa treatments at luxury hotels
Visiting art galleries and museums
Attending Bollywood dance classes
Boating at Powai Lake
Fishing at Girgaon Chowpatty
Best Time to Visit
November to February
The best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
18°C to 32°C
64°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Marathi, English
- Widely spoken: Hindi, Gujarati
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone
IST (UTC+5:30)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Mumbai is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid scams and pickpocketing.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable taxi services or apps like Uber and Ola.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
- • Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.
Getting there
By air
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport • 10 km from city center
By train
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus
By bus
Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus
Getting around
Public transport
The Mumbai Metro is a fast and efficient way to travel, but it currently covers only specific routes.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Ola
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Colaba
Bandra
Day trips
Alibaug
50 km from Mumbai • Half-day to full-day trip
A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and historic forts.
Lonavala
80 km from Mumbai • Full-day trip
A picturesque hill station known for its lush greenery and scenic viewpoints.
Festivals
Gudi Padwa • March or April
Ganesh Chaturthi • August or September
Pro tips
- Visit the Elephanta Caves early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
- Try local street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, and pani puri for an authentic culinary experience.
- Explore the city's Art Deco architecture in the Colaba and Oval areas.
- Take a Bollywood dance class for a fun and unique cultural experience.
- Visit the Dharavi slum on a guided tour to learn about the local community and their innovative recycling practices.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
