Local Transport & Dabbawallah Tour
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Local Transport & Dabbawallah Tour

Active
(37 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ride the famous suburban train, hop on a classic red bus, cruise around town in a typical black and yellow taxi and look on as millions of Mumbai’s working class head out in the morning. We will discover Mumbai beyond the typical tourist sites; we will see a number of different markets and the world famous Dabbawallahs (the workers of India’s intricate lunch delivery system). This view of the Maximum City will give you an idea of the struggles and challenges felt by the working class, as well as their unconquerable spirit.

Available options

Local Transport Tour (Shared)

Duration: 4 hours<br/>Shared: Please meet outside the entrance of Regal Cinema in Colaba

Local Transport Tour (Private)

Duration: 4 hours<br/>Private: Please meet outside the entrance of Regal Cinema in Colaba

What's included

Water / Cold Drink
Local guide
All transportation on the tour

Detailed itinerary

1

Meet your tour guide at Regal Cinema, one of Mumbai's oldest movie theatres.

2
Stop 2

See one of the busiest railway stations in the country at rush hour! CST is Mumbai’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was featured in the final song from the award-winning movie, Slumdog Millionaire.

3

In India, flowers are used everywhere – in temples, in taxis, at home, in women’s hair, and for all kinds of worship. Here, you will see more flowers in one place than you’ve ever seen before!

4
Stop 4

The world’s largest outdoor laundry! See the dhobiwallahs, or washermen, scrubbing sheets from Mumbai’s largest hospitals and hotels at this busy outdoor laundry area.

5
Stop 5

The “Thieves Market” is one of the largest and busiest flea markets in the whole country and sells almost anything. Taste some local sweets, take home delicious home-made pickles and chutneys, or shop for a colourful vintage Bollywood film poster!

6

View the famous dabawallas and see how they are able to organize the delivery of 200,000 lunchboxes every single day. Enjoy your own vegetarian dabawallah lunch at the Oval Maidan nearby

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6
14 reviews
5★
12
4★
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3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 5.0
23 reviews
5★
23
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour will start at Regal Cinemas, one of Mumbai's oldest movie theaters.

Important notes

• Please contact tour operator at +91 9820822253 or at info@realitytoursandtravel.com for any urgent matters

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

Adults
Age 3-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 12
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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