I found out last week I’ll be headed to Mumbai, India in the next couple weeks. While a bit of a surprise, I already had some vaccines and preparations out of the way a few years back when I was about to go until my project was canceled. This time around, I just had to get a booster, pick up some anti-malarial and parasite meds, get some titers checked and book flights! Our itinerary is still coming together and while the wife’s not too pleased with the timing just before Christmas (and touching 2 weekends), I’m really looking forward to the trip both professionally, but also from a life experience standpoint. I’ve been to Europe a few times and many other “tropical” destinations, but never one of the “BRICs” where a lot of the future global growth lies. Sure, I’ve seen Outsoured and Slumdog Millionaire and I have Indian friends, but I want to experience a few days in the life myself. The colors, the food, the smells, the entrepreneurial excitement in the air that I’ve heard about from others. I’m excited.
While the focus of this trip is business obviously, due to night-time only flights out, I’ll probably have a decent part of one day to see some sites in Mumbai (bummed Taj Mahal is out of the question, way to big a leap to do that on my own with no time or traveling companions). Anyway, within Mumbai itself, I’m sure there are plenty of neat things to see. I’ve heard the traffic in the city is pretty terrible and you can lose hours just getting from one area to another within a few miles, so I’m curious about what some recommended top destinations for a wide-eyed American might be near the business district (staying at the Trident in Mumbai). I welcome all suggestions from fellow American travellers, Indian readers and anyone else with a top 3-4 recommendations in that part of the city.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Best suggestion is to not go to Mumbai!
And if you must go, don’t stay at the Oberoi or Taj Mahal.
Sam
Bad experience in Mumbai? Do tell!
I have never been to India, although I would like to . I understand there is a train named Rajsthn S Krant. It starts or ends in New Delhi. I wonder if I have roots in India? Please share when you return.
Have fun Darwin! This is a good time, not too hot in that part of the world!
I was just talking to an Indian woman at work today – she said I could actually wear long sleeves in Mumbai this time of year and be fine (to avoid mosquitoes). I’m so ignorant of these things! Should be interesting.