After breakfast proceed on the day excursions to Elephanta caves – The island of Elephanta is just an hour away from Mumbai by motor launch.
The cave temples here, excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries AD, are famous for their magnificently sculpted panels. The best known is one that depicts the Maheshmurti – a three-headed image of Lord Shiva. This island was so named by the Portuguese after the large stone elephant near the landing place and which now stands at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the mainland. The caves are reached by a stairway up the hillside from the ferry landing. (Elephanta Caves are Closed on Mondays & During Monsoon Period).
In the afternoon, proceed on the city tour of Mumbai visiting the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s principle landmark. This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V’s visit to Mumbai in 1911. Drive past the Secretariat of Maharashtra Government and along the Marine Drive which is fondly known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’. Visit Mani Bhawan, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai. Drive past the Victoria Terminus, the principal railways station of Mumbai, a beautiful building that symbolise the ethos of the Edwardian architecture, well worth a photo stop. At the Church gate station see the Dabbawala’s- a unique tiffin delivery service run by over 5000 semiskilled workers of delivering lunch to corporate executives from their homes. Visit the ‘Dhobi Ghat’, an open laundry where Mumbai’s ‘dirties’ are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry – a nice photography stop well worth a visit. Continue to the colourful Crawford market and Flora fountain a large bustling square, in the heart of the city. Overnight at the hotel
