World City Guide

Tours of the City

Walking Tours
The Bombay Heritage Walks Society (tel: (22) 2369 0992 or 2683 5856; e-mail: heritagewalks@hotmail.com), run by two Mumbai architects, organises a series of English-language guided walks around various interesting parts of the city. The walks are conducted once a month, on a Sunday evening, on the basis of a printed schedule - departure points vary. The tour lasts about 90 minutes. The local press is the easiest way of finding out the schedule and itinerary. Those interested must register by e-mail with the Society at least three days in advance. The society also organises specially designed walks for interested heritage enthusiasts.

Bus Tours
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) (tel: (022) 2202 4482; website: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in) runs evening open deck bus tours of the city on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. These last about 90 minutes. All tours depart from the MTDC building at Nariman Point on Marine Drive.

Boat Tours
From the Gateway of India on Apollo Bunder, there is a harbour cruise; the boat sails around the outer reaches of the harbour, passing close to the naval fort. The cruises last about 40 minutes. They run from about 0900 to about 1700. From the jetty, at the southern end of Chowpatty Beach, one can take a night cruise of Back Bay. It is worth making this trip for the view of the city, all lit up, from the water. The cruises start at sunset and continue until 2300, lasting about an hour. Tours are generally run by a number of informal outlets.