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A 12-Hour Itinerary for Mumbai | What to do in a Long Layover | Pick and choose to make an itinerary for the period of your long layover in Mumbai, India
How to spend a long layover in Mumbai?
Travelling to India and having to transit by Mumbai can be a common scenario for tourists heading to more popular destinations like Kerala and Rajasthan. While Mumbai might serve only as a stopover on your journey, it presents a fantastic opportunity to explore the bustling city during the few hours you have here. Embrace the essence of Mumbai by indulging in its culinary delights. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, or Marine Drive to appreciate the Colonial Cityscape. If you prefer shopping, Mumbai offers well-stocked street markets and high-end malls catering to every taste.
Mumbai is well worth visiting. With the right planning, your short layover in Mumbai can transform into a memorable and culturally enriching experience! Read on to see how.
Mumbai is safer and easier with a local guide and also inexpensive! Here is a curated list.
About Mumbai
Mumbai, India’s largest city, has a population of over 20 million people, making it the most populous city in the country. Originally an archipelago of seven islands, Mumbai’s history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements found around 2,000 BCE. Over the centuries, it was ruled by various empires, including the Maurya, Chalukya, and Gujarat Sultanate. In 1661, it was ceded to the British East India Company as part of a dowry. Imagine that! Mumbai’s diverse population includes various ethnicities and religions, and it is a prominent centre for finance, commerce, entertainment, and the Bollywood film industry. In fact, wherever I travel, Bollywood or the Hindi Film Industry is a unifying factor, a starting point for many colourful conversations.
The city is chaotic, fun, safe for women, and filled with warm-hearted generous and (mostly) honest people. It is my favourite city in India.
About Mumbai International Airport (T2)
Inaugurated in January 2014, Mumbai International Airport (T2), also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, is the primary international airport serving Mumbai. It boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including retail outlets, dining options, lounges, and transit hotels. The airport has two runways and handles a significant volume of domestic and international air traffic. It serves as a major hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, connecting Mumbai to various destinations across the globe. Also, the reason you are probably reading this article.
If your stopover period is 5 hours or less, Mumbai International Airport has many amenities to take care of you. The Niranta Transit Hotel (located at Terminal 2, P4 level, Gate no 2, allows hourly booking) is a convenient option for travellers seeking short-term accommodations within the airport premises. It offers comfortable rooms and amenities for passengers who have long layovers or need to rest during their journey. The O2 Spa is another option to while away time and get pampered. Travellers can indulge in various treatments such as massages, facials, and other therapies to rejuvenate during their travel.
Dotted in the airport are also admirable works of art. The airport is a wonderful museum! There are 7,000 pieces of traditional and contemporary Indian art, crafts, murals, and textiles spread across the airport providing a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage. You will not be bored!
However, if you have a longer transit time of over 5 hours, it is best to head to the city.
Lockers at the Mumbai Airports
You can store your luggage at the P4 level of the Mumbai International Airport (T2) before heading out. The rates are nominal and your luggage will stay inside the airport premises safely. The latest rate card is below.
Getting around
Uber works well in Mumbai. Alternatively, you can download the Ola app. The airport has a prepaid cab service at the P4 level which can be availed. You can perhaps strike a bargain with the cab driver to show you around the city. 4 hours of moving around (say, a 30 km distance) and a waiting charge should not amount to more than INR 4000, or about USD 50. Alternatively, book an Uber Rental and keep the car for up to 12 hours. Note that in South Mumbai, only taxis (commonly known as Kali Peelis) and cars are allowed to operate, whereas the rest of Mumbai is serviced by both auto rickshaws and taxis.
When to Visit
Considering Weather: If Mumbai is merely a transit stop, you wouldn’t have much choice. It’s advisable to steer clear of April and May, as well as June to August. April and May are the hottest summer months where temperatures can go above 38 degrees centigrade making it hot and humid and very hard to move around the roads. But it gets worse during the monsoon months—my favourite time—but really cumbersome for tourists because it rains nonstop. The roads are flooded and it’s really hard to get a conveyance to go from one place to another. If arriving during monsoon, choose to stay inside a mall, take indoor tours, or get a sturdy umbrella. Overall, the best months to visit are October to March.
Considering Festivals: Consider aligning your visit to Mumbai with one of the three festivals. Firstly, the Kala Ghoda Festival, typically held at the end of February each year. It’s a multi-site, multi-event festival featuring talks, workshops, movies, concerts, and heritage walks. Another option is Ganesh Chaturthi, a grand 10-day event in September, offering a lively atmosphere at certain locations in Mumbai. Keep in mind the significant crowds during these festivals. Lastly, Diwali, occurring in October or November, illuminates the entire city, creating a marvellous festive ambience that adds a spring to everyone’s step.
A 12-Hour Itinerary for Mumbai | What to do in a Long Layover | Pick and choose to make an itinerary for the period of your long layover in Mumbai
What to do in a Mumbai Layover
Walking Tours
If you are short on time and want to make the most of your visit to Mumbai, consider exploring the city through walking tours. Here are some ideas on places to visit and the kinds of tours you can take, both private and group. If you’re game for it, you can also do a tour yourself!
- Heritage Walks: Mumbai is steeped in history, and a heritage walk will take you through the iconic landmarks and historic neighbourhoods. Explore colonial-era buildings and Art Deco architecture, and learn about the city’s fascinating past. These tours take place in the Fort / Town Area of Mumbai i.e. South Mumbai
- Street Food Tours: Mumbai is famous for its mouthwatering street food. Join a food tour to savour the diverse flavours of local delicacies like pav bhaji, vada pav, and pani puri, while experiencing the lively street life.
- Bollywood Tours: As the heart of the Indian film industry, Mumbai offers Bollywood-themed tours. Visit film studios, see live shoots, and get a glimpse of the glamorous world of Bollywood.
- Dharavi Slum Tours: Dharavi is Asia’s largest slum by area and the largest in the world by population. About 1 million people live here. A tour of the slum led by one of its residents will give you valuable insights into the people and their lives here. It’s not how you imagined it at all. You’ll be astounded by its people, their diversity, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit. It certainly opened my eyes when I went.
- Elephanta Caves Tour: Take a boat ride to Elephanta Island and explore the ancient rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. This can be an exciting, offbeat thing to do.
For scheduled group tours, check out what’s running on bookmyshow. Private tours are always running and quite inexpensive. Viator and GetMyGuide have some great deals.
What areas should you look at in your long layover stop in Mumbai? Here are my favourite three.
Areas to Cover
Fort, Kala Ghoda and Town
“Town”, also known as South Mumbai, showcases a blend of modernity and tradition, with high-rises, posh boutiques, and historical landmarks like the Gateway of India. The Town Area is historically significant as the heart of British colonial Bombay and has all the iconic old Mumbai buildings you’d want to tick off your list. The area also boasts wider roads, fewer crowds, and overall, better infrastructure. Fort houses colonial-era buildings like the Bombay High Court, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and several office buildings and banks. It was the nucleus of British rule in the 18th century. Kala Ghoda, a cultural hub, boasts art galleries, museums, and the famous Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, which annually celebrates art, literature, and heritage.

Some important landmarks of the area:
- Gateway of India: The Gateway of India is the iconic symbol of Mumbai. This is perhaps where you should start, just to check it off your list. Built during the British Raj era, the Gateway played a prominent role as the ceremonial entrance for British viceroys and governors arriving in India. Next to the monument is the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a stunning hotel building.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: formerly known as Victoria Terminus, is a historic railway station located in South Mumbai. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable examples of Victorian-Gothic architecture in the country. It continues to play a pivotal role as a major transportation hub, connecting millions of commuters daily, making it one of the busiest railway stations in India.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum): Located near Churchgate, this museum houses an extensive collection of art, artefacts, and historical exhibits, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Oval Maidan: A large public park surrounded by significant buildings, including the University of Mumbai, Bombay High Court, and the Rajabai Clock Tower.
- Flora Fountain: is a heritage monument also known as the Hutatma Chowk located in Kala Ghoda in the Town area. It was built in the 1860s and is a popular city landmark.
- Jehangir Art Gallery: Situated near Kala Ghoda in the Town area, this art gallery displays a wide array of contemporary and traditional Indian artworks.
- Marine Drive: A prominent boulevard along the coastline, officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, famous for its ‘Queen’s Necklace’ view at night.
- Colaba Causeway: is an iconic street in Mumbai, which offers a great shopping and dining experience. Amidst the bustling crowd, visitors can find two cultural gems: the historic Regal Cinema, a majestic Art Deco movie palace steeped in cinematic history since 1933, and the legendary Leopold and Mondegar Cafes, ancient establishments that have witnessed Mumbai’s evolution.
- Girgaon Chowpatty: A popular beach area where people gather for leisure and festivities, located in the Girgaon locality.
- Haji Ali Dargah: Some distance away in Worli the 15th-century Islamic shrine constructed in memory of the Sufi saint, Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. This monument is easily visible on your right as you drive to South Mumbai. The Dargah is located on an islet off the coast of Worli, connected to the mainland by a picturesque causeway.
Bandra
Bandra is a suburb located in the western part of Mumbai, India. It is a thriving, wonderful part of the city and also where I stay. Originally, a small fishing village, Bandra was part of the larger Mumbai archipelago and came under Portuguese rule in the 16th century. In 1661, it was ceded to the British as part of the dowry for Catherine de Braganza’s marriage to King Charles II of England. Bandra is connected to South Mumbai via the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and is adjacent to other prominent neighbourhoods such as Khar, Santacruz, and Mahim. The area is well-known for its landmarks, including the Bandra Fort, Bandstand Promenade, Mount Mary Church, and the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link, which connects Bandra to Worli in South Mumbai. It also offers a host of shopping and eating out options, and you will find plenty to do unless crowds overwhelm you.

For a Do-it-Yourself Bandra Walk, look here.
Borivali National Park
Established in 1974, Borivali National Park (also called Sanjay Gandhi National Park) is one of the oldest national parks in India. Covering an area of approximately 104 square kilometres, the park is nestled within the city’s urban landscape, making it one of the largest national parks located within a metropolitan area. The park boasts a rich diversity of plant species, with a mix of deciduous and evergreen forests. It provides a habitat for diverse wildlife, including leopards, deer, macaques, langurs, and a variety of bird species, making it a significant ecological asset within Mumbai’s bustling surroundings.
SGNP runs frequent nature walks and if you have landed in Mumbai on one of their scheduled tour days, you are in luck! Alternatively, the park has cycles for rent and you can rent one to spend a few hours in utterly peaceful and stunning greenery. Believe me, it will rejuvenate you for your onward flight. Inside the park is also Kanheri Caves, an ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave complex. The caves date back to the 1st century BCE and were used as a Buddhist monastery complex for several centuries. You can either walk there or reach by taking a toy train ride. The SGNP treks are also a good way to enjoy both the park and the caves.
A 12-Hour Itinerary for Mumbai | What to do in a Long Layover | Pick and choose to make an itinerary for the period of your long layover in Mumbai, India
Shopping
Colaba Causeway
If you are in the Town Area, linger on to shop at Colaba Causeway. The locals refrain from shopping here, but the roadside stores offer an impressive collection of eclectic wares that visitors can purchase as souvenirs to take back home. There are also upmarket stores to splurge in such as Curio Cottage (Jewellery), Le Mills (designer-wear), Good Earth (Sustainable designer-wear), and Stoffa (beautiful mojris and Kolhapuri chappals).
Bandra’s Hill Road
Bandra’s Hill Road offers a diverse array of products, including fashionable clothing, footwear, accessories, and home decor items. Most of the stores are local brands but offer great value for money. Bargain hard and be aware it can get super crowded. I adore the chic jewellery and accessories sold by street vendors here – fashionable yet budget-friendly. Amidst your enthusiastic shopping spree, don’t miss the chance to relish some mouth-watering chaat at ELCO.
Phoenix Mills
Phoenix High Street or Palladium Mall at Lower Parel is a converted sprawling mill-to-mall which offers plenty of drinking, sporting, and shopping options. It’s huge and can get super crowded during the weekends but houses literally every known brand under the sun. It also houses a multiplex cinema, where you can catch the latest movies and several lifestyle stores and fine dining establishments. Plenty to do, especially, if you have kids.
Jio World Drive
Located in the heart of Mumbai’s commercial district, the upmarket Jio World Drive is the new kid on the block at Maker Maxity, BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex). Although it is smaller and attracts lower footfalls, it has some great upmarket options that are worth exploring. For instance, you can catch a Bollywood movie on the second-floor cinemas, or have local craft coffee while browsing the fancy shops. The mall is home to several international and Indian brands, as well as popular local restaurants like Arbab, Nutcracker, SAZ, and SEESAW. There’s a Starbucks here, too! Before leaving, be sure to check out the Museum of Bollywood Posters, a 20-minute stop where you can admire hand-painted vintage posters of old Bollywood movies. The best part is that it takes less than 30 minutes to get from the airport to Jio World Drive at BKC. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing and pleasant layover experience, a visit to Jio World Drive is definitely worth considering.

My recommendations for Mumbai stays Near the Airport (Central but longer time to go to Town) High end: ITC Maratha | Budget: Ibis or Lemon Tree In Bandra West (Central. A colourful though crowded part of the city) High end: Taj Lands’ End | Budget: Bloom Boutique or Le Sutra In Bandra East (A convenient, quieter though more commercial section of the city) In Town (Colonial Mumbai) Fancy: Taj Palace | High end: Taj Wellington Mews or Trident | Budget: Hotel Residency Fort
- First, I go to TripAdvisor and check out top things to do, top places, and experiences. I use this to make a rough itinerary.
- From TripAdvisor I often go to Viator to book day tours. I love their user friendly platform and flexible cancellation policies. Compare their offers with GetYourGuide, which is great too.
- I book my accommodations in Booking because of their flexibility and that the bookings are easily cancellable. The mobile app is great and the genius discounts are on point.
- I recommend getting the Priority Pass. It gives you access to airport lounges and has helped me through many long waits. It’s definitely well worth the money.
- And I am literally always on Skyscanner. I get to see the best airfares, and the airline / third party providers offering them. Try the “From: origin city” to “To: Everywhere” option to ignite your imagination on where to travel to next.