How to spend top weekend in Bombay - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

Bombay is a city of extremes and unexpected discoveries, where skyscrapers stand tall next to slums, some aspects of livelihood of local residents are simply mindblowing. Everyone who wants to see non-mainstream and less known parts of Bombay should start with strolling through the famous Crowford Market. The market is known for its rich design, as it is situated in a historic building belonging to the architectural heritage of Bombay. The market offers not only exotic fruits and popular national treats but also a wide choice of pets and livestock to choose from. Here tourists have a chance to marvel at tiny parrots of vibrant colors, as well as cows freely walking around the crowded streets.

People rarely include such an add location as a post office to their touristic route through a new city. However, Mumbai General Post Office is definitely worth checking out, as it’s a historic landmark of the city. The main post office of the city was built in 1913 and occupies an area of 11,000 square meters. This luxurious colonial building houses not only the post office but the country's main telegraph office as well. The interior design of the building is also rather impressive. The main hall is adorned with several sculptures dedicated to the famous Indian national heroes. And, of course, here you can send a beautiful postcard to your homeland to commemorate your visit to the main post office of India.

All fans of culinary tourism will find many places of interest in Bombay, and we’re not talking about fashionable restaurants and such. Refreshing drinks are a crucial part of the Indian national cuisine. Which is not surprising, given the sweltering heat that literally melts the city during the hottest parts of the day. Thankfully enough, it’s easy to quench your thirst on city streets, where the most popular refreshing drinks are offered to passers-by all day long. The most common drink offered to European tourists is lemonade, also known as "Nimbu Pani". Some tents sell a classic lemonade with lemon juice, while others offer more original options with ginger and maple syrup. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Coconut water is considered a more exotic drink. Local farmers specifically collect unripe coconuts that have no milk inside. Instead, the coconut contains a tasteful, transparent liquid that quenches thirst and, according to the locals, has healing properties. The most exotic drink you can find here is cane juice squeezed from sugar cane stems and flavored with various additives, the most common ones being lemon juice, water, and ginger. The drink has a very distinctive flavor, so go easy on it.

Perhaps, you’d rather like to spend time away from the crowded touristic routes? Then head to Marina Beach early in the morning and watch the boats of local fishermen arrive at the coast. Marina Beach is a great place to watch the sunrise and buy fresh seafood.

Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, pay a visit to Dhobi Ghat, one of the largest laundries in the world. The most comfortable way to observe the work at the open-air laundry is from the nearby bridge. There laundry’s personnel is exclusively male and all the washing and ironing is done manually.

Spend Time in the EsselWorld Amusement Park

EsselWorld Entertainment Park is a 50-minute drive or bus ride from Bombay. It has been operating since 1986. The park is open for visitors from 10:30 to 19:00 every day. The entertainment center is part of it. You can visit the race track, take advantage of various attractions and slot machines, and ride at steep slides, dizzying swings, or Ferris wheel there.

There is also a large Water Kingdom aqua park here. It is divided into several parts. The first part is called "Lagoon". It is a small pool with several slides. The second part is called "Miss Phisly hill". Adrenaline-fueled descents are waiting for you there. For example, this is a Black Demon or Turbo Terminator. The third part is a channel imitating the flow of the Amazon River. There are slides, cascades, tunnels, and water cannons next to it. You can also go on a vertical descent. You can reach a speed of 60 kilometers per hour on it.

Entertainment on the Beaches of Bombay

Bombay has plenty of beaches. However, they are not suitable for swimming due to strong currents and dirty coastal water. But if you prefer water sports, then you will have the opportunity to ride a quad bike, do parasailing or sailing. You should also take a trip along the waves of the Arabian Sea. It surrounds the city from 3 sides.

Excursion to Elephanta Island

You may be interested in a tour of one of the most mysterious places in the country. This is Elephant Island. You can reach it in 60 minutes using one of the tourist ferries. They depart from the triumphal arch "Gate of India", located near the pier, every 15 minutes from 9:00 to 14:30. If you are on the upper deck you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of Bombay.

If you reach the island you will get the opportunity to visit the cave complex. It is ancient temples that were cut into the rocks by monks. They lived here in the V-VIII centuries. You can see drawings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, dilapidated columns and huge sculptures of the God Shiva carved out of stone in each cave. A 300-meter-long mountain road leads to the entrance to the attraction. You can walk this route by hiring a stretcher or taking a mini train.

Ascent to the Kalavantin Durg Fortress

The 685-meter-high rock is located in the northern part of the Prabal plateau. You can climb to its top to visit Kalavantin Durg fortress. It is a small man-made cave. You can get here by only winding stairs. Its narrow steps are cut right into the steep side of the cliff. The journey will take 3 hours. It will require good physical fitness and endurance. If you venture on such a difficult journey you will not only be able to see the unique architectural monument at close range but also enjoy panoramic views of Bombay, the water meadow, the forest, and other forts located nearby.

Tour to Kanheri Caves

You may find it interesting to take a boat trip to the Kanheri Caves complex. It is a religious object carved into the rock in the III century BC. It belongs to the Buddhist believers. The complex is located in the Sanjaya Gandhi National Park. It is located in the suburbs of Bombay. The park is open from 9:30 to 17:00 on any day of the week except Monday.

109 caves are part of the complex. They are connected by stepped stone spans. You will have the opportunity to use the services of a guide and visit the most interesting of them. You will be able to see the beautiful underground lake and the columns of stalactites and stalagmites during the tour on the boat. You will also see a large prayer hall and images of the Buddha carved on the walls.