dharavi tour booking

Boundless Explorism

Let your journey begin...

Dharavi Tour

Dharavi is known to many as ‘one of the largest slums in Asia’. It is home to about one million inhabitants and has about 10,000 small scale businesses with an annual turnover of approximately US$ 665 million to US$ 1 billion.

Experience the heart of Mumbai’s vibrant culture with Dharavi Tours by Boundless Explorism. Our guided Dharavi tours offer an authentic insight into the renowned Dharavi slum, showcasing its resilient spirit and industrious community. Led by knowledgeable Dharavi tour guides , our immersive journeys provide a unique perspective on the local way of life, bustling small-scale industries, and the artistic ingenuity thriving within the slum. Discover the true essence of Dharavi as you walk through its narrow alleys, interact with locals, and witness the positive transformation underway. Join us for an eye-opening adventure that celebrates the human spirit amidst adversity.

We conduct this real-life educational Dharavi slum tour with a strong urge to give visitors a unique and untouched experience of people’s daily life. We provide a tool through which our guests experience and develop an understanding of a wide range of business activities like recycling, embroidery, bakery, soap factory, leather tanning, papadum-making, pottery-making and many more. 

We’ll also visit the residential areas of Dharavi slums where people belonging to different religions and regions live with a strong sense of community. A famous metaphor describes Dharavi’s diversity that, a day in Dharavi begins with the call for the first prayer in the mosque and ends with the harmonious sound of bells ringing in the temple. The 2.5-hour educational walk in Dharavi will give you a substantial understanding of life and work in the slums of Mumbai. You can also select add-on- lunch with a local family, cooking class, pottery workshop or street art walk. You will not only have a fantastic experience but also contribute to our efforts in promoting community inclusiveness!   

Please feel free to send us an inquiry on  [email protected]   OR you can also send us a   WhatsApp   message.   

Notice:  We have no photography policy in Dharavi to protect people’s privacy and to keep locals comfortable with visitors.

Tour Details

Availability.

Everyday 2.5 hrs educational walking tour.

Morning 9.30 am: Entrance of Third Wave Coffee. (Outside of Mahim Junction railways station west side)

Afternoon 1.30 pm:  Entrance of Third Wave Coffee. (Outside of Mahim Junction railways station west side)

Please note:  Available spots are limited so please book now!

INR 900 per person INR 4,000 for a private group of up to 4 people.

Group Size  6-7 people maximum in a group (For large groups please get in touch).

Metal and plastic come from all over the city to Dharavi to be recycled. See the entire recycling process from sorting to the finished plastic pellets

We will use one of the factory rooftop for a spectacular view.

We will walk across the residential area to get an understanding of the housing, lifestyle and spirit of the resident.

We will visit the leather factory to understand the process of leather making from the very first animal hids to final product.

A visit to a local school will give you an idea about the education system in Dharavi.

Dharavi produces about 3.5 tons of food each day for e.g. Khari (puff pastry), Papadoms, and other Indian Savories.

The Kumbharwada neighbourhood is more than 150 years old and is the oldest part of Dharavi. Artisans create various types of earthen pots that are shipped all over India

Meeting point location

Meeting point: Our meeting point is the entry of Third Wave Coffee on the west side of the Mahim Junction train station. It is easy to spot this location but if you still find any difficulty, you can ask somebody for the navigation or you can contact us.

End point: Dharavi Kumbharwada (your guide will help you get a cab or navigate you to the nearby train station).

There are a lot of people in Dharavi (one million approximately in an area of 0.7 square miles) and there is a strong police presence in the area. Dharavi is generally full of hard-working, honest people, although for security purposes we ask you not to take valuables with you on the tour. Although we cannot take responsibility, we believe that the places that we visit are very safe. In the small alleys you have to be careful of low hanging roofs, open drains, and occasionally exposed electrical wires. Also, in some of the factories that we visit some fumes can be hazardous.

We focus on the small scale businesses in Dharavi, such as recycling, the making of clay pots, embroidery, bakery, soap factory, leather factory, papad (poppadom) making and many others, most of which take place in very small spaces. We also pass by the residential areas, where you get a feel of how the people live and the sense of community that exists in the area. People from all over India and from all religions live in Dharavi, and you will see this diversity. On the tour, you will pass Hindu temples, mosques, churches in the area and when open we also visit a local school of Dharavi.

With the very high density of population and the limited infrastructure and sanitation facilities, there are areas which are quite dirty and smelly. We ask you to wear covered shoes.

We recommend that you wear covered shoes as some areas can be dirty, especially during the monsoon months from June to mid-September. We ask visitors to dress modestly which means no sleeveless shirts, short dresses, or low tops.

There are health hazards highlighted above which children need to be very aware of. Otherwise, we see no problem with bringing children of any age on the tour. Indians are very welcoming and receptive to young people.

We have a strict no-camera policy to respect the privacy of the residents. Dharavi has received a lot of attention from the media and the residents are very wary of being exploited. The policy may be considered strict but our relationship with the Dharavi community has been built over many years based on mutual respect. We do not wish for even the occasional photo as it could be incorrectly perceived as our starting to permit general photography on our tours. We can, however, send you a link to Dharavi photos which can be downloaded.

We don’t want you to feel obliged to buy anything. If there is anything in particular that you find interesting on the tour, then, by all means, you can speak to the guide and he can help you buy it.

Yes, it is possible to visit Dharavi on your own, and in our opinion, it is safe to do so. However you will not know the best places to go, the area is like a maze and you will not gain the same insight as with one of our guides.

Absolutely! Our tour timings were decided with this in mind. Have a look at the timings for the tours and let us know!

Yes, you have an option of booking a private tour in which your guide can customise the tour according to your requirements.

Generally, people are very busy with their work over there but you may find many occasions to speak to the locals. You also have an option of selecting Dharavi tour with family lunch or cooking experience. In which we visit a family and have food with them.

Authentic Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai's Heart

Dharavi stands as a testament to Mumbai's undying spirit, vibrant culture, and the resilience of its people. As one of Asia's largest slums, it pulsates with a unique blend of communities, industries, and stories waiting to be told. Join us on an authentic journey through Dharavi's narrow lanes, where every corner unfolds a tale of aspiration, tenacity, and community. At DharaviSlumTour.com, we aim to showcase the true essence of this area, breaking stereotypes and celebrating its unparalleled charm

Dharavi Tour - Mumbai's Largest Slum Area

• Great conversations and interesting stories
• Access to hidden lanes and places.
• Great local tips and recommendations to save money and to explore the best of the city.
• Highly trained and friendly Storyteller/ Guide who can speak English & Hindi
• Mahim Junction, Shammi Nagar, Mahim, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400016, India You can easily get a private or public transport to reach here.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Children below 5 years of age are allowed for free
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Mahim Junction Shammi Nagar, Mahim, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400016, India You can easily get a private or public transport to reach here. See address & details
• 1 Dharavi Stop: 2 hours An astonishing 60% of Mumbai’s population lives in slums, and a majority of them live in Dharavi. Asia's largest slum area, Dharavi is the perfect example of how diverse the country is. People from all religions, caste, creed and colour live together to make the ends meet. Its a rather emotional feeling to visit Dharavi, experience the diversity, and understand the people. Up close, life in the slums is fascinating to witness. Residents pay rent, most houses have kitchens and electricity, and building materials range from flimsy corrugated-iron shacks to permanent multistorey concrete structures. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• 492reets 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles My worst experience with thrillophillia My experience with Thrillophilia was terrible. We booked a trip to Assam and Meghalaya through them, but it was a mistake. They're just a booking platform and offer no support once you've paid. Initially, Ms. Aashi Sachdeva assured us she'd take care of everything, but once we paid, she disappeared. The point of contact, Mr. Indraneel Dutta, was unhelpful and blamed us for the hotel issues, even though we chose based on Aashi's recommendation. It took hours to resolve the hotel problem, and we had to involve a local tour manager. They refused to cancel our booking for the next day, forcing us to book another hotel ourselves. We didn't receive a refund for the canceled room and lost around 20k. They promised to follow up but never did. It's been a month without any contact. Dealing with them was a nightmare, and I strongly advise against booking with Thrillophilia. They lack proper customer care and their staff seem inexperienced and untrained. Also the bus driver misbehaved with us and involved his friends in a fight with us. Read more Written March 27, 2024
• Quest38657335906 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience It was amazing experience and we really enjoyed. Everything was smooth and we received proper guidance and support from team. We will recommend Thrillophilia to all. Read more Written March 27, 2024
• 718akbara 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles No to Thrillophilia them, accompanying them in all their visit places. The same was lagging with this agency. 13. Our agency not even cared to ask us about the day experience, any discomforts faced, next day schedule or communicating on a daily basis on ensuring our comfort. 14. At one point of time, we totally lost confidence in both teams and their service. We Just managed on our own to complete the trip. 15. Based on overall experience with Thrillophilia, am definitely not recommending Thrillophilia to any of Friends and relatives who already enquired about the experience. 16. With complete disappointment, am putting this trip review so it may help some people in choosing the right agency which is definitely not Thrillophilia. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• Curiosity12116108723 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles No customer service, no point of contact on the ground, just macro managed itenary that the customer maneuvers through. I booked a Delhi to Delhi Kheerganga trek with Thrillophillia. Not just talking for myself but I spek for the rest of my cotravellers. We are a group of 9 people. I am going to break this down very hard for anyone who reads this review so that they know exactly what to do when they want to plan a Kheerganga Trek. This was a package of Rs. 6500 Travel: Get on your own business, book it from Redbus. You will get a comfortable seat, and a known time of arrival and departure. Thrillophillia takes no ownership in this process, they will book uncomfortable busses to improve their margins. How much will you pay for extra luxurious travels? Not more than 1500 per person for Delhi to Kasol. 3000 for return trip Stay: You can stay anywhere decently in Kasol for one day. Amaze luxury at 1500 per day.You anyway want to try out cafes and cuisines in Kasol. We stayed in a tent with a shared washroom which was not bad to be honest. Trek: It was perfect. Very amazing. So here is the thing. They have a 2500 package which includes the stay and trek. Which itself has a lot of hidden charges. DO NOT BOOK FULL TRIP TICKETS WITH THRILLOPHILLIA. Nobody from their team took accountability of this and I deeply regret booking this from the platform. It made the trip more exhaustive and unpredictable that it should have been and you don't go on vacations to handle this. I am more burned out than I was before I stepped on this trip. I hope you can save yourself. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• Getaway25593339712 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Internal policies a mess Book and the arrangements were on point, I had a specific Poc ( Ishika Daga) assigned and she was very helpful from heroine but Thrillophilia's internal policies are a mess. Worst refund policy I have ever seen, even after 30 mins of paying the amount the team was not able to refund due to policies Read more Written March 26, 2024
• Trip43319069078 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia We travelled to Vietnam through Thrillophilia and we enjoyed a lot. I would recommend Thrillophilia to every tourist who loves to travel without any hazards as they were very meticulous. The hotels and cabs provided by them were very good. Overall I am very much satisfied and planning to travel to Europe thru Thrillophilia only. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• O9575ERphilc 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles THRILLOPHILIA SCAM THRILLOPHILIA SCAM: Kilmainham Gaol Museum Admission Tickets | Dublin March 17, 2024. This was a complete SCAM and the host doesn't have tickets nor the capability to issue tickets. There was never any intent to provide the product. This company works with anyone, that signs up as a HOST. This host was a SCAM illegally selling tickets that they never had, and the company didn't check or verify. It is a company out of India and there is no way to force a refund. You can request one from the same Host that sold you the tickets in the first place (good luck with that) or you could just stay clear away from this supplier. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• nijhumk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Biking at Leh-Ladakh at it's best! I enjoyed fully..Bikes were in good condition. Marshall and the whole geographic adventure team was well experienced, very professional, very cooperative. I would like to travel again with Thrillophilia. Keep up the good work. 👍👍👍 Read more Written March 22, 2024
• Culture59904274671 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best travel arrangement We travelled to Vietnam through Thrillophilia and we enjoyed a lot. I would recommend Thrillophilia to every new parent in town as they were very meticulous in making our itinerary considering our 1 year kid. Starting from hotels , staff , meals and special requests or when it comes to arranging leisure days and arranging cabs for private transport and local sight seeing they were spot on with their best recommendations and we’re flexible to consider our requests. I am definitely planning my next trip with them. Thanks once again to team Thrillophilia (Tanya Soni, Hemang Dixit and Jenny) Read more Written March 22, 2024
• KartikeyK11 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Worst experience of my life Thrillophilia gave me the worst experience of my life. We have booked our trip to assam n meghalaya with them. Booking with them was a big mistake. They are just a booking platform and they will not support u once u give the payment. We were contacted by Ms Aashi Sachdeva for booking and she gave me assurance that we will not have to worry about anything and she ll  be there for everything and later on we were given Point of contact in the form of Mr Indraneel Dutta most weird employ I have ever come across. On teaching Cherrapunji the hotel which we had book was below standard and out of 3 rooms one was way beyond standard n not stayable. On contacting Aashi she did pik the call once and told she ll get bak and after that she stopped picking up the phone. Mr Indranil told that it is we who have chosen the hotel and v hav to manage before even understanding our situation n problem. On explaining him that the hotel options were send by Aashi her self and v chose on her assurance that this hotel is good we went ahead with the room booking.  After  4 hours of struggle they did not resolve the issue n we had to speak to local tour manager rhea who on local company expense got our one room changed. We than ask her for next day cancellation in that hotel and asked them to help us book for hotel in  Shillong and for that they told that we cannot change the booking now on telling them that india is free country and that they cannot force us to stay at a place which we are not comfortable they told that v ll have to make the booking on our own which we did eventually. We did not get any refund for the room which we cancelled in Cherrapunji and full amount was deducted. We had three  rooms booked so had a loss of around 20 k. That’s not enuf they told once we reach they ll see but it’s been one month i didnot got any call from their side so I think if i had booked on my own or by some local company directly I wud have managed the problem easily but these companies make small issues big and do not solve them also and these point of contact and all the person contacting u are useless low cost non trained employees who do not understand what exactly is customer care. My warning please don’t book from them. I ll give them Big zero for their services. Read more Written March 22, 2024
• Sturaga 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thrill trip with Thrillophilia We had been to northeast for 5 days trip with Thrillophilia. It was a great experience altogether. The hotels, locations especially the tiger hill sunrise point was a life time experience. Thrillophilia team was very supportive and coordinated well on the plan and needed information on a daily basis. Read more Written March 22, 2024
• SantoshK2163 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thrillophilia exceeded all expectations Thrillophilia exceeded all expectations with Mr. Lakshya Suthar at the helm. His efficiency is unparalleled, crafting itineraries that left no stone unturned. Always reachable, he ensured seamless communication, making even the most complex journeys a breeze. Quick resolution to any hiccup demonstrated his dedication to impeccable service. Every step of the way, care was evident, ensuring travelers felt supported and valued. With Mr. Suthar's expertise, Thrillophilia sets a gold standard in travel planning, making every adventure unforgettable. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• Departure54285590089 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Spiti trip It was a great experience to travel with the group. The marshal was very friendly and helpful.Spiti was on my bucket list and I will remember it forever. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• dharanikotan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Trip to Srilanka We have good trip in sri lanka and mr maxi guided very well.He covered all places in Jaffna, kandy,nuwaraliya and colombo. Mr maxi very patience with us. We enjoyed trip very much Read more Written March 18, 2024
• Explore42757838095 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible experience I had an incredible journey to Bhutan with Thrillophilia! Our guide, Tenzin, was knowledgeable and truly made the trip memorable with his insights into the local culture and history. The driver, Mr. Yeshi was professional and ensured a safe and comfortable journey throughout. Highly recommend this experience for anyone looking to explore Bhutan! Read more Written March 18, 2024

More to explore in Mumbai

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Dharavi Tour - Mumbai's Largest Slum Area provided by Thrillophilia

• Mumbai Sightseeing
• Dharavi Slum
• Elephanta Caves
• Market Tour

Bollywood Tour

• Kanheri Caves
• Cancellation and Refund Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms Of Service

Mumbai City Sightseeing & Dharavi Slum Tour

• 8:00 AM Start Time: 08:00
• 9:00 AM Start Time: 09:00
• 10:00 AM Start Time: 10:00
• 11:00 AM Start Time: 11:00
• 12:00 PM Start Time: 12:00

Proceed Booking

Already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account, why book with us.

• No-hassle Best Price Guarantee
• Customer Care Available 24/7
• TripAdvisor Award Winner
• 20% Profit Goes Back To Community

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+919022801616

[email protected]

Our happy guest enjoyed Private Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour with Magical Mumbai Tours. In this Private Mumbai Guided Tour, you will be shown all the tourist attraction of the city. An english speaking guide & a driver will pick you up in an air conditioned car from your hotel in Mumbai and do the whole city tour and then drop you back at your hotel after the city sightseeing tour in Mumbai. This city sightseeing tour of Mumbai is to show you the main highlights and the things to do in Mumbai. Call/Whatsapp/iMessage on +919022801616 to book a city sightseeing tour in Mumbai. . . #guideashab . . #Mumbai #MumbaiTours #MumbaiSightseeingTour #PrivateMumbaiTours #ThingsToDoInMumbai #MumbaiDiaries #TravelMumbai #Bombay #BombayTours #ToursInMumbai #ThingsToDoInBombay #TravelIndia #Travel #GatewayOfIndia #TajMahalPalaceHotel #PrivateMumbaiTours #MumbaiDiaries #magicalmumbaitours

Our happy guest enjoyed Private Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour with Magical Mumbai Tours. In this Private Mumbai Guided Tour, you will be shown all the tourist attraction of the city. An english speaking guide & a driver will pick you up in an air conditioned car from your hotel in Mumbai and do the whole city tour and then drop you back at your hotel after the city sightseeing tour in Mumbai. This city sightseeing tour of Mumbai is to show you the main highlights and the things to do in Mumbai. Call/Whatsapp/iMessage on +919022801616 to book a city sightseeing tour in Mumbai. . . #guideravi . . #Mumbai #MumbaiTours #MumbaiSightseeingTour #PrivateMumbaiTours #ThingsToDoInMumbai #MumbaiDiaries #TravelMumbai #Bombay #BombayTours #ToursInMumbai #ThingsToDoInBombay #TravelIndia #Travel #GatewayOfIndia #TajMahalPalaceHotel #PrivateMumbaiTours #MumbaiDiaries #magicalmumbaitours

Our happy guest enjoyed Private Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour with Magical Mumbai Tours. In this Private Mumbai Guided Tour, you will be shown all the tourist attraction of the city. An english speaking guide & a driver will pick you up in an air conditioned car from your hotel in Mumbai and do the whole city tour and then drop you back at your hotel after the city sightseeing tour in Mumbai. This city sightseeing tour of Mumbai is to show you the main highlights and the things to do in Mumbai. Call/Whatsapp/iMessage on +919022801616 to book a city sightseeing tour in Mumbai. . . #guidekavitha . . #Mumbai #MumbaiTours #MumbaiSightseeingTour #PrivateMumbaiTours #ThingsToDoInMumbai #MumbaiDiaries #TravelMumbai #Bombay #BombayTours #ToursInMumbai #ThingsToDoInBombay #TravelIndia #Travel #GatewayOfIndia #TajMahalPalaceHotel #PrivateMumbaiTours #MumbaiDiaries #magicalmumbaitours

Our happy guest enjoyed Private Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour with Magical Mumbai Tours. In this Private Mumbai Guided Tour, you will be shown all the tourist attraction of the city. An english speaking guide & a driver will pick you up in an air conditioned car from your hotel in Mumbai and do the whole city tour and then drop you back at your hotel after the city sightseeing tour in Mumbai. This city sightseeing tour of Mumbai is to show you the main highlights and the things to do in Mumbai. Call/Whatsapp/iMessage on +919022801616 to book a city sightseeing tour in Mumbai. . . #guideneha . . #Mumbai #MumbaiTours #MumbaiSightseeingTour #PrivateMumbaiTours #ThingsToDoInMumbai #MumbaiDiaries #TravelMumbai #Bombay #BombayTours #ToursInMumbai #ThingsToDoInBombay #TravelIndia #Travel #GatewayOfIndia #TajMahalPalaceHotel #PrivateMumbaiTours #MumbaiDiaries #magicalmumbaitours

Enjoy the Dharavi Slum Tour with Magical Mumbai Tours. Dharavi is the largest slum in the whole Asia and the third largest in the whole world. Dharavi slum in Mumbai is very unique area to see because you will find here plastic recycling, aluminium recycling, leather industries, paper recycling, soap manufacturing and many more industries. You will also see schools colleges, shops, ATMs, banks, McDonald’s and many more. To book your seat now simply call/WhatsApp/iMessage +919022801616 . . #guidevarsha . . #Dharavi #DharaviSlumTour #DharaviSlum #DharaviSlumTourInMumbai #MumbaiSlumTour #ThingsToDoInMumbai #MumbaiLocalLife #MumbaiLocal #Mumbai #MumbaiSlum #SlumdogMillionaire #RealityOfDharavi #RealityDharaviTour #magicalmumbaitours

Tour Details

Our Mumbai Tour Guide & Dharavi Slum Tour provides both pickups & drops off from Hotels, the Port & airports. You will be picked up from your place, greeted with our guide at your place & then head on towards our car & start the Mumbai city sightseeing tour. All our guides are professional English-speaking guides with great knowledge of the city & all are University students. All our cars are Air-Con & professional drivers with great experience driving in this city. We have Sedan, SUV & Mini Coach, according to the requirements we use the cars. Our Mumbai tours itinerary is designed to give you the best experience of the Mumbai City Sightseeing & Dharavi Slum Tour. 

Departure & Return Location

Your hotel lobby at the concierge desk.

Pickup Time

8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 1:00 PM

Price Includes

• Private Tour
• Hotel Pickup & Drop
• English Speaking Tour Guide
• Entrance Tickets
• Tolls & Parking Fees
• Air Condition Car & Driver
• Bottled Mineral Water
• Dharavi Slum Tour

Price Excludes

• Food & Drinks
• Any Personal Expenses

What to Expect

In this Mumbai City Sightseeing & Dharavi Slum Tour , your guide will show you around almost all the major tourist attractions of the city. It is not possible to get out of the car at all the places, so you can see the list below of the places accordingly. 

Get Down At This Places

Gateway of India Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Mini London Colaba Causeway Street Open Air Washing Laundry Oval Cricket Ground Bombay High Court Mumbai University Local Big Ben of India Marine Drive – Queen’s Necklace Malabar Hill Hanging Gardens Kamla Nehru Park Skyline View of the City Mani Bhawan – Gandhi’s House Queen Victoria Railway Station Municipal Corporation Building 2 Hours Walking Inside The Dharavi Slum

See It From The Car

David Sassoon Docks Indian Post Office Headquarters Reserve Bank of India Indian Mint Girgaon Beach Raj Bhawan Jain Temple Maharashtra Police Headquarters Nariman Point Churchgate Railway Station State Parliament

Meet Your Tour Guide

Tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at the concierge desk. Guide will greet you with warm welcome & escort you towards the air condition private car where the driver will be waiting in the car at the hotel’s pickup point.

Start The Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour

As soon as you enter the car, Guide will give you a complete detail about the itinerary of the day & driver will drive towards the first tourist point. When we reach at tourist place, guide & you will get down of the car, guide will take you inside the tourist place, explain you & give you complete details about the tourist attraction. Guide will also take some photos of you for your social media. Then move on to next tourist attraction. This is how we will do the whole  Mumbai city sightseeing tour.

Food is not included in the tour but if you are hungry & wish to stop for a food break, just tell to your guide, guide will help you out with the best restaurants as per your requirement. It is not compulsory to stop for the food break. Or you can add on extra Indian Food Meal Lunch package at the time of checkout, this will include your lunch at our partnered restaurant.

Start With The Dharavi Slum Tour

After the Mumbai city sightseeing tour the same guide & driver will take you to the slum & do the Dharavi Slum Tour. This will be an additional 2 hours walking tour of the Dharavi slum inside the famous slum Dharavi.

End The Tour With Happy Memories

After the tour, the guide & the driver will drop you back safely to your hotel or any other location as per your requirement. End your Mumbai City Sightseeing & Dharavi Slum Tour with happy memories.

Photos from the City and Dharavi slum tour

Can I customise this tour?

Of course yes! As this is a private tour so you can remove any spots from the list. You can discuss with the guide on the day of the tour or inform us in prior.

How will I find my tour guide?

Just come at the concierge desk of your hotel lobby on the scheduled pickup time. Our guide will be right there, with Magical Mumbai Tours ID card. Anyways your guide details will be given to you, a day prior of the tour.

Can I reschedule my pickup date/time?

Of course yes! But you need to inform us at least 24 hours prior of the tour start time.

Can you pick me up from the BOM airport?

Of course yes! We have a dedicated tour for all our guest who are on a layover in Mumbai airport.

I am on a cruise, Can you pick me up from the port?

Of course yes! We have a dedicated tour for all the passengers coming to Mumbai via cruise. Once you get down of your ship, there will be a free shuttle bus which will drop you to the exit gate of the port. This exit gate of the port in known as Green Gate. Once you come out of the Green gate you will see people holding name plates, you need to find a name board of Magical Mumbai Tours. There you will find our tour guide & start with the city tour.

Will I be picked up from my hotel & drop off at other location?

Of course Yes! We could drop you anywhere within the limits of our drop locations. If its very far then you have to pay for it. 

I am staying at an Airbnb or friend's apartment, how will the pickup work?

While filling up the pickup details, just write the proper address, we will be there for the pickup.

Is it safe to visit Dharavi?

Yes, Dharavi is absolutely safe. Our our Dharavi tour guides are from Dharavi itself so they know their way very well & they are so experienced that everyone knows them very well.

What the people of Dharavi think about foreigners visiting the slum?

It is not new to them, that a foreigner visiting their neighbourhood. They are used to it. Our company also gives back to the community so they are ok to let the foreigners visit their slum.

Group Bookings & Customised Tour Package

Contact us for group bookings & customised tour package as per your requirement.

Columnize item sample content

Related Tours

Group Food Tasting Tour

Kanheri Caves Tour

Half Day Mumbai City Sightseeing Tour

We had a very extensive tour through the Dharavi Slum with Varsha. She was so great. Young woman who lives in the slum so knew so much. She was very attentive to all our questions. Crossing the street was challenging and she kept us together like a mother duck. She did so much more that just show us sites… she gave us insight into life in the slum. It was an enlightening experience that I’m so glad I went there. We spent over 2 hours walking and exploring. The people there were very friendly, especially the children. I highly recommend this part of the tour and especially Varsha. The second part of the tour was with Ashab. Ashab was very knowledgeable in the places we went. Between him and our driver, we were able to make stop and take pictures easily at really great places. He took us into Crawford Market and it was great to be with a guide in there. I highly recommend this tour.

Had a great tour of Mumbai with our guide, Nikhil. It focused on the working aspects of the city rather than the usual temples, mosques and churches. The best parts of the tour were the Dhoby experience and the Slum Tour. Nikhil was informative and knowledgeable, able to answer all our questions. The surprising Slum Tour was guided by a delightful young lady called Phuna (?) who grew up in the slums. It was unexpectedly most interesting and I wish we had longer. Perhaps less time in the gardens and a longer slum tour would be better. Anyway, a great days tour. Highly recommend.

TomCorcoran1988

This was such an excellent way to spend a well organised day seeing and learning about Mumbai.

We started the day with a tour of the Dharavi slums, led by the most excellent guide, Varsha. She was both incredibly knowledgeable and super friendly/ personable throughout the whole tour.

We then went and had a private car tour of all the sites with Neha and Hasan, who were equally as excellent and friendly. I will say that nobody likes traffic but with these two we had lots of interesting conversations and learned tonnes more about life in Mumbai.

thank you all for a wonderful day x

This was a great experience to see the Dharavi Slums and Mumbai with fantastic tour guides. Varsha was friendly and shared great insight into the slums. For the Mumbai tour we were greeted by Neha and Hasan who were wonderful company to be in and made the journey all the more fun. Thank you for a great day!

Magical Mumbai Tours is Featured on Leading Travel Websites

Customise Your Tour

• City Sightseeing
• Food Tasting
• Hill Stations
• Market & Shopping
• Airport Transfers

Get In Touch

Call, WhatsApp & Message

+91 9022801616

Download Thrillophilia App

Book Tour and Activities on the Go!

• Maharashtra
• Things to do

Dharavi Tour And Pottery Workshop.

Start Point/End Point: 9:15 AM from Churchgate Station or 10 AM from Mahim Station.

Start Time/End Time:  9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Through our educational walking tours, visitors experience a wide range of these business activities: recycling, pottery-making, embroidery, bakery, soap factory, leather tanning, poppadom-making and many more. 

We’ll also visit the residential areas of Dharavi. People from all over India have come to live in Dharavi, making it a microcosm of India. This diversity is apparent in the temples, mosques, churches and pagodas that stand side by side.

Kumbharwada is one of Dharavi’s oldest and most compelling communities, home to its thriving pottery industry. Spend a few hours with us learning about the community’s rich history and how it became the hub of pottery making in Mumbai.You will see where the material comes from, how it’s prepared, moulded into shape and finally baked.

We will also get hands-on, visiting a local potter’s workshop—where we’ll get a general overview of pottery making and have a go at wheel throwing and making a piece of Kumbharwada art.

How to reach the start point: The location is motorable and can be reached by a car or a taxi.

• Learning about the history of Dharavi and how it has an annual turnover of US$ 665 Million.
• You will see the entire recycling process from sorting to the finished plastic pellets.
• Rooftop visit to watch the far stretched tin hutments that house so many humans.
• You’ll learn about one of the oldest communities in Dharavi, the Kumbhars, a community of potters originally from Gujrat.
• Understand the traditional methods used for pottery making and how the younger generation is taking the business forward.
• Join a local potter and get hands-on trying the wheel throwing technique.

Other Inclusions

• You will be accompanied by a guide who is perfect in storytelling and knows English and Hindi. The price of train tickets is included in the package.
• It is a 2-hour walking tour and 1-hour pottery workshop.

Things To Carry

• Valid ID proof
• Thrillophilia booking voucher
• Any special medical requirement
• Water bottle
• Those opting for this tour should be available at the starting point before 15 minutes of starting the tour as this is a group tour and you may be accompanied by other people.
• Please obey the instructions of the guide so that the timing of the tour shouldn’t be disturbed.
• Please carry a water bottle along with you.
• Please keep the surroundings clean.
• Shared/Private.

Cancellation Policy

• If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made within 0-30 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• Same Day cancellations are non refundable.
• In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such cases operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible. However a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
• Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.

Refund Policy

• The applicable refund amount will be processed within 15 business days
• All applicable refunds will be done in traveller's thrillophilia wallet as Thrillcash

Booking Confirmation Policy

• The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking
• In case the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer’s preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email.
• Alternatively, the customer may choose to cancel their booking before confirmation and a full refund will be processed.

Write Your Story

Why Thrillophilia

Verified Reviews

25000+ Pictures and Reviews on the platform.

Best Price Guarantee

We have a best price guarantee. If you get the same product anywhere else at a cheaper price and you inform us about the same on the same day of your booking, we will refund the difference of cost to you.

10000+ Tours and Activities

We have activities across 17 countries, across every category so that you never miss best things to do anywhere.

Customer Delight

We are always able to support you so that you have a hassle free experience.

Message Supplier

Recommended Tours

Kamshet Paragliding | Book Online @ Flat 14% off

Helicopter Ride in Mumbai | Get 33% off

 14499

Lohagad Fort Night Trek, Lonavala | Book @ 680 Only

Group Adventure Day Out at Wada

Hot Air Balloon Safari, Lonavala | Get 9% off & Cashback 1500

Vaitarna Camping | Book @ Flat 23% off & Get 500 Cashback!

d 2 Days n 1 Night

Bhandardara Camping | Book Lakeside Camping @ ₹1099 Only

d 1 Day n 1 Night

Lagoona Resort, Lonavala | Book Now @ Flat 22% off

Sun Beach Resort Mumbai Day Out, Book Online @ ₹700

Pali Beach Resort Mumbai Day Out | Book Online & Save 10%

Shangrila Resort and Waterpark Mumbai Day Out, Flat 18% off

Rajmachi Fort Trek & Camping, Lonavala | Book @ ₹1299 Only

More Things to do in Mumbai

• Day Outs in Mumbai
• Treks in Mumbai
• Group Departure in Mumbai
• Easy Treks in Mumbai
• Local Experiences in Mumbai
• In City in Mumbai
• Cruises & Boat tours in Mumbai
• Resort Day Outs in Mumbai
• Luxury Deals in Mumbai
• Sightseeing in Mumbai
• Water Sports in Mumbai
• Camping in Mumbai
• Entry Tickets in Mumbai
• Multi Day Tours in Mumbai
• Adventure Day Outs in Mumbai
• Land Adventures in Mumbai
• Day Tours in Mumbai
• Family Tours in Mumbai
• Private Tours in Mumbai
• Weekend Tours in Mumbai
• Walking Tours in Mumbai
• Private Tour in Mumbai
• Lake Side Camping in Mumbai
• Amusement Parks in Mumbai
• Aero Sports in Mumbai
• Attractions in Mumbai
• Cycling in Mumbai
• Night Treks in Mumbai
• Corporate Team Outings in Mumbai
• Nature Camping in Mumbai
• Water Parks in Mumbai

Most Popular Destinations

• Mahabaleshwar

Superb Choice!

We assure the privacy of your contact data. This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Thrillophilia

Experience 2500+ Tours

And Activities from 1200+ Suppliers

Subscribe To Newsletter

Subscribe our newsletter to recieve Latest deals, Offers and Packages in your inbox

Sign up with Your Facebook Account

Or use your Email

Exclusive Offers

Deals, Based on your interests

Hassle free Cancellation

Dont you have an Account?

Make sure you share the following:

• Tell Supplier name a little about yourself
• Include your prefered date
• Approximate no of travelers

Please specify the Travel date & Number of Travelers

Do you have an account?

• Thrillophilia Reviews
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Policies
• We are Hiring
• Gift an Experience

Recent Blog Posts

• 60 Places You Need To Visit In India With Your Best Friend
• 50 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India
• 51 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30
• 50 Countries Where Getting A Visa Is Easier Than Ordering A Pizza
• GoPro Passport Program
• List Your Activities
• Advertise with us

Travel Agents

• Signup as Agent
• Agent Login

© 2024   Thrillophilia.com All rights reserved

New spicy Casey McQuiston book 'The Pairing' comes out this summer: What fans can expect

Move over “hot girl summer” – “hot bisexual summer” is ready for its moment and Casey McQuiston ’s new novel “ The Pairing ” is here to usher it in.

If there’s one thing McQuiston knows, it’s queer romance – their past three novels prove as much. But “The Pairing" (on sale Aug. 6 from St. Martin's Griffin) is a much more indulgent read than its predecessors. Sexuality and gender are a constant conversation in McQuiston's work, but this forthcoming novel dives further into how they interact and shape our identities.

“I’ve written three books where the main character is openly bisexual – none of those books are ever described as bisexual ,” McQuiston tells USA TODAY. “I was curious, 'How do I write a book that is inherently bi?' ” 

We spoke with McQuiston about what fans can expect from “The Pairing.”

What is 'The Pairing' by Casey McQuiston about?

Set during a three-week European food and wine tasting tour, “The Pairing” is an exes-to-lovers novel. Theo and Kit have known each other for most of their lives, first as childhood best friends and later as lovers. But four years ago, they suffered a brutal breakup just before they were supposed to embark on a trip to Europe. They haven’t seen each other since.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

Things have changed, mostly for the better. Theo is on the way to becoming a sommelier and Kit went to pastry school and now bakes at a prestigious Paris restaurant.

They’ve also both got vouchers for the tasting tour, valid for 48 months.

It's not until boarding the bus that they realize they're cashing the vouchers in at the same time, completely altering the tone of the three-week vacation. As the forced proximity lingers, Theo offers up a friendly bet that turns into a full-on international hookup competition with a chance to prove who really won the breakup. 

McQuiston drew inspiration from their own European adventure, which began while visiting the set of the “Red, White & Royal Blue” movie in London. After writing their last novel, “I Kissed Shara Wheeler,” in their New York City apartment during the pandemic lockdowns, McQuiston knew book number four needed to be a physical experience.

“I was just so hungry – literally and figuratively – to get back out in the world and discover it, to reconnect with the joy of writing,” McQuiston says. 

How spicy is 'The Pairing'?

Speaking from reader experience – very. There’s a lot to indulge in with “The Pairing." Steeped heavily in food, art, wine and culture, this book ignites the senses in more ways than one.

For the lay-reader (aka those not on BookTok), “spiciness” refers to the sexual content of a book. Given that the driving force behind the plot is a hookup competition, you can bet “The Pairing” gets a little hot and bothered. 

“The Pairing” draws inspiration from the “slutty bisexual” trope – an often harmful characterization of bi people. In real life, bisexual people face stereotypes of being greedy and hypersexual. In media, many bisexual characters become lazy plot devices to demonstrate promiscuity .

With this novel, McQuiston wanted to give complex bisexual characters a chance to lean into it . 

“When we try to subvert and take apart tropes, it’s not always enough to just say ‘that’s not true,’” McQuiston says. “Some people who are bi are also very sexual people, very open, and that is as much a part of the experience as being like ‘I’m a bisexual person in a four-year partnership.’”

McQuiston has been open about writing the stories they wished they had growing up. For this novel, that means portraying a “healthy sex positivity” for queer and trans folks. 

“It was hard, when I was younger, to find accessible romance novels that depicted sex, gender in a way that was relatable to me,” McQuiston says. “The idea of casual sex being something that doesn’t have to make you feel shameful. It’s something that can be really cool and spiritual and intimate and transformative.”

Meet the main characters of 'The Pairing'

Theo Flowerday is a classic “leader of the pack” who lacks the self-confidence to see themselves that way. A defiant nepo baby and a jack-of-all-trades, Theo is “inspired by hot people … who work with their hands,” McQuiston says.

And then you’ve got Kit Fairfield, a dreamy French American pastry chef with a Rilke poem for every occasion that no one can resist falling in love with. McQuiston describes Kit as a “fairy prince” and “Howl Pendragon-coded,” a reference to Studio Ghibli’s “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

“I feel like I’m exposing myself here,” McQuiston admits. “This one North Star I kept coming back to was the dynamic between Legolas and Gimli.”

It’s not a “Lord of the Rings” fanfiction, they jokingly clarify (the two characters are often read as queer-coded ), but that’s often McQuiston's starting point when creating characters – start with a well-loved trope and build out from there. 

How to get in your 'Pairing' era

“The Pairing” doesn’t come out until August, but if you can’t wait to live in this world of bisexual fairy princes, baguette-making classes and hot summer nights, McQuiston has you covered with a fool-proof checklist. 

1. Host a dinner party

Fun glassware, mood-lighting, tinned fish and mouth-watering hors d'oeuvres make a perfect pregame for “The Pairing.”

“The most common review I get from my friends and family who’ve read it is ‘It made me so hungry and it made me want to travel,’” McQuiston says. 

2. Chat with your local sommelier

McQuiston spent time chatting with wine experts and taking wine classes while researching “The Pairing.” Why not do the same?

“Go to your local wine store or a neighborhood restaurant that’s known for having very good wine and just talk to the somm for half an hour and let them tell you about wine,” McQuiston says. “Let them sell you something you’ve never had before.”

3. Break out your flowy button-downs

“The only bisexual vibe for the summer,” I joke. McQuiston agrees.

4. Stock up on sunscreen

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Safety first, after all.

“Please don't forget your SPF while you’re out there being sluts,” McQuiston says.

Full review of Casey McQuiston's "The Pairing" to come.

• Mumbai Slum Tours
• Mumbai Sightseeing Tours
• Ajanta & Ellora Caves Tour
• Unique Experiences – Mumbai
• Slum Tours in Delhi
• Delhi Sightseeing Tours
• Unique Experiences – Delhi
• Golden Triangle
• North India
• South India
• Nepal Highlights & Tharu Village Tour
• Golden Triangle & Nepal Highlights Tour
• Same Day Taj Mahal Tour (Agra)
• Corporations
• Educational Groups
• Plan Your Trip With Us
• Social Impact
• Management & Staff
• Mumbai Guides
• Delhi Guides
• Mission & Values
• Best Practices
• Awards & Feedback
• Intern with us
• Our Partners
• Sightseeing Tours
• Ajanta & Ellora Caves Tour
• Unique Experiences

Taj Mahal (Agra)

• Golden Triangle & Nepal Tour

Customized Tours

• Plan Your Trip
• Our History
• Management & Staff

Holi Party & Dharavi Tour

Proceed booking, already a member.

Username or E-mail

Forget Password?

Please enter an answer in digits: 5 × 3 =

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account.

Please enter an answer in digits: five × 3 =

Why Book With Us?

• Trusted and experienced local guides
• Hassle-free booking and attentive customer service
• 80% profit goes back to our sister NGO Reality Gives

Got a Question?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We are ready and waiting to hear from you.

+91 9820822253

[email protected]

Join us in Dharavi on 25 March 2024 for the festival of colours!

Holi is one of India’s largest and most popular Hindu holidays, taking place every year between February and March. Spend the day with us learning about life in Dharavi and celebrating this colourful holiday safely and authentically with the community.

Take a few hours to learn about Dharavi on our signature tour, regroup at our community centre, and then head out to an open space to engage in Holi festivities with the community. You will be joined by our friends from the community, including children from our educational programmes and staff from Reality Tours and Reality Gives!

Safety:  While Holi can be a rowdy festival, we are taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.  Safety is our number one priority.  We have been running tours in Dharavi on and around Holi for years and have never had an incident. An extra guide will be accompanying each group and we will be playing Holi on a private field surrounded by friends and partners in the community. We will also be using specially purchased natural powders.

Our mission is to improve the quality of lives in our communities. Like all of our tours, 80% of the profits fund our NGO  Reality Gives  and our partner NGOs. Thank you for supporting our programs by signing up for the tour!

Shared Tour

• 1ps: INR 3,000pp 2ps: INR 3,000pp 3ps: INR 2,700pp 4ps+: INR 2,550pp
• 4 hrs duration in Dharavi
• Starting point either Churchgate or Mahim Railway station
• Complimentary cold drinks, snacks & white t-shirts
• 7.15am / 8.00am start time

Recycling Area

Metal and plastic comes from all over the world to Dharavi to be recycled. See the entire recycling process from sorting to the finished plastic pellets.

Diverse communities and small scale industries

Wander through the narrow lanes and alleys of Dharavi discovering the different communities from all regions and religions of India as well as the many small scale industries like embroidery, bakery, soap factory, leather tanning, poppadom-making

Kumbharwada Pottery Colony

The Kumbbharwada neighborhood is more than 150 years old and is the oldest part of Dharavi. Artisans create various types of earthen pots that are shipped all over India.

After the tour, join our friends and partners from the community, children in our various programs as well as staff from Reality Tours and Reality Gives for a music and colour filled Holi party. Rest assured that we will be using safe, all-natural Holi powders.

Meeting Points / Map

The tour takes place in Dharavi, to the East of Mahim Railway Station. You can either join the guide at Churchgate Railway station and travel by train to Mahim Station or you can meet him/her directly there.

Meeting Points 

For shared / private tours:.

Churchgate Railway Station (See “A” in Map below)

• Meeting Time: 7.15am
• There are four entrances to Churchgate Station, including two subways. The first photo shows the station as you approach from Colaba and where the entrance is. Once inside the station, go to “Wheeler” Convenience Store, about 30 metres before the platforms (Photos: One ,  Two ,  Three )

Mahim Railway Station (See “B” in Map below)

• Meeting Time: 8.00am
• We meet at the main entrance and ticket office on the West side of the station (photo 1). To check if you are in the right spot, verify that V-Jai Restaurant and Bakery is opposite and Third Wave Coffee is diagonally opposite. (Photos: One ,  Two ,  Three )

Reality Tours Reception Centre (See “C” in Map below)

• End Time: 12.00pm
• After the party, your tour guide will help you with transport, such as a taxi, to wherever you want to go. If you want to return back to Churchgate or catch a local train to another part of Mumbai, he/she will escort you to the train station and put you on the train

What will I see in Dharavi?

We focus on the small scale industries in Dharavi, such as recycling, the making of clay pots, embroidery, bakery, soap factory, leather tanning, papad (poppadom) making and many others, most of which take place in very small spaces.We also pass by the residential areas, where you really get a feel of how the people live and the sense of community that exists in the area.

People from all over India and from all religions live in Dharavi, and you will see this diversity. On the tour you will pass Hindu temples, mosques and churches in the area. When open, we visit the social projects run by our sister organisation and NGO Reality Gives, such as the community centre. It is quite an adventure to pass through the narrow alleys and you will almost certainly lose your sense of direction!.

Is Dharavi safe?

Although we cannot take responsibility should anything happen, we believe that the places that we visit are very safe. There are a lot of people in Dharavi (one million approximately in an area of 0.7 square miles) and there is a strong police presence in the area. Dharavi is generally full of hard-working, honest people, although for security purposes we ask you not to take valuables with you on the tour.

In the small alleys you have to be careful of low hanging roofs, open drains, and occasionally exposed electric wires. Also, in some of the factories that we visit there are fumes that can be hazardous.

Is Dharavi hygienic?

With the very high density of population and the limited infrastructure and sanitation facilities, there are areas which are quite dirty and smelly. We ask you to wear covered shoes.

What clothing should be worn on the slum tours?

We recommend that you wear covered shoes as some areas can be dirty, especially during the monsoon months from June to mid September. We request that you do not wear clothes that might offend the residents such as low cut shirts, short shorts/pants etc.

Why can we not bring cameras on the slum tours?

We have a strict no camera policy in order to respect the privacy of the local residents. Dharavi has received a lot of attention from the media and the residents are very wary of being exploited. The policy may be considered strict but our relationship with the Dharavi community has been built over a number of years based on mutual respect. We do not wish for even the occasional photo as it could be incorrectly perceived as our starting to permit general photography on our tours. We can, however, send you a link to Dharavi photos which can be downloaded. There is also the opportunity to buy postcards at the end of the tour, all profits going to our sister NGO Reality Gives .

Can I buy anything on the tour?

We don’t sell or ask you to buy any products made by the residents of Dharavi on the tour. We don’t want you to feel obliged to buy anything. If there is anything in particular that you find interesting on the tour, then by all means you can speak to the guide and he can help you buy it. There is also the opportunity to buy postcards and other merchandise at the end of the tour, all profits going to our sister NGO Reality Gives .

Is it appropriate to bring small children on the tour?

There are health hazards highlighted above which children need to be very aware of. Otherwise we see no problem with bringing children of any age on the tour. Indians are very welcoming and receptive to young people.

I don't like going on organised tours. Is it possible to visit Dharavi on my own?

Yes it is possible to visit Dharavi on your own, and in our opinion it is safe to do so. However you will not know the best places to go, the area is like a maze and you will not gain the same insight as with one of our guides.

I hear that Dharavi is going to be redeveloped. Will I still be able to see the area?

The redevelopment plan has been stalled many times and now it looks like the original plan has been scrapped and a new one is being suggested. Due to the value of the land in Dharavi now, some say that redevelopment in some form is inevitable but there are still a lot of issues to be resolved and the developers have still not been announced. It should be possible to visit Dharavi even while the development (which would take several years) takes place.

Where is Dharavi?

Dharavi is situated between Mahim and Sion – two areas at the northern tip of South Mumbai, just before the suburbs commence (Bandra and Kurla). It is sandwiched between the Western and Central Railway lines. It is about 10km south of the International Airport and 18km north of Colaba, the main tourist area.

I want to do a Dharavi Tour and another tour on the same day. Is this advisable?

Absolutely! Our tour timings were decided with this in mind. Have a look at the timings for the tours and let us know!

I am staying in Colaba. Where should I meet for the Dharavi Tour?

The easiest place to meet the guide is at Churchgate station; this is a 15 – 20 minute walk from Colaba.

I am meeting you at Mahim Station at Dharavi. How long does it take to get there?

FROM COLABA:

By train: it is a 15-20 minute walk to Churchgate station and then it takes approximately 45 minutes to buy the ticket and catch a “slow train” to Dharavi (Mahim Station).

By taxi: By taxi it takes about 50 minutes to an hour

FROM AIRPORT AREA: By taxi: it takes about 40 minutes in the afternoon, and 50 minutes in the morning. Please note that it’s not possible to get an auto-rickshaw to Mahim Station

FROM JUHU: By train: you need to go to Vile Parle or Santa Cruz Station and catch a “slow train” to Mahim Junction. Total time approx 40 mins.

By taxi: it takes about 35 minutes in the afternoon, and 50 minutes in the morning. Please note that it’s not possible to get an auto-rickshaw to Mahim Station