A few hours in Mumbai - what to do?

We were suppose to be arriving in Mumbai from Goa at 14.40, staying the night then sightseeing all the next day before our 10pm flight home to Europe, however the airline has changed the flight times and we are now on a flight at 10am 12 hours earlier. this now means we only have time to see Mumbai after our arrival at 14.40pm Should I just book a hotel at the airport and forget about going in to central Mumbai or should we get a taxi straight to the city and try and see something before dark and stay for dinner before returning to the hotel at the airport. (At what time does it get dark in October?)

Maxi,

You have not mentioned what your interests are..

If you can indicate that, some specific responses would be feasible.

Given that your flight to Europe is 10 AM, you cant do anything the next day. However, if your flight from Goa is on time, you will have a good four to six hours.

And you might be able to visit a couple of places of your interest.

Also, hv u tried the option of coming in early morning into Mumbai to get yourself more time and see around.

best wishes

ribhu

Well it gets to dark about 7.00-7.30PM in Mumbai but do not worry . Mumbai is a city which has traffic Jams at even 1.00 Am in the night. The city is not deserted even at wee hours. You can easily stay at your hotel. Reach South Mumbai about Sunset at Gateway of India or Marine drive and come back about Midnight by a taxi. Taxis normally charge 25% extra for the night fare and are readily avialable in South Mumbai.Or you can even take the train at midnight towards Andheri station from Churchgate or Mumbai CST(or VT) and enjoy. Just remember the last train leaves at about 1.00 AM.

Last year we had a similar situation. We stayed at a hotel on Juhu beach which is nearish to the airport. We walked around the area to wards the ISKCON temple, had a great evening meal at their lovely restaurant then walked back through a market. Had a great evening then had a quick early stroll before breakfast on Juhu beach.. then onto the airport. We had such a throughly enjoyable end to our India trip that we are planning on doing a repeat performance when we have similar timings this January. Not sure of your budget but we stayed in the Sun n Sand hotel.

Nice advice by Paularora.

ISKCON temple & Juhu beach is a nice combination to pass time...

Hi...Since you are supposed to fly the next morning.... you can very well go to the hotel, rest and roam Bandra which has Mount Mary church and also check out nightspots at Bandra or roam in Bandra and Juhu which will be good places to visit...for food Zenzi is a good place...or even check out Vie lounge at Juhu which is good.

We already have our flight booked to Mumbai but as we only paid 1500rps I would have booked another flight the only problem is that as far as I can see the only earlier flight is By Kingfisher which leaves at 8.30am, which would mean a 5am wakeup call which would leave us tired and irritable for the rest of the day so I think I'll leave it as it is.
That looks like a good idea to stay in Juhu beach and visit the Iskcon temple.
How long should we allow from there to the airport for our morning flight?

Assuming you must check in by about 8 am for a 10am flight, you can leave your hotel in Juhu by about 7.15am. You will get there in less than half an hour as there is no traffic at that time of the morning. Leave at 7 if you want to be on the safe side, but even if you leave at 7.30, you ought to be well in time.

ISKCON used to serve an excellent unlimited vegetarian buffet comprising Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine, made of the purest ingredients. I had it some years ago. I presume they still do the buffet. Even if you do not eat at ISKCON, there are plenty of good dining options in the Juhu area.

Have a nice stay.

Well you would not have got a Real mumbai experience if you have not been to South Mumbai.

It will take maximum 30 - 45 mins from Juhu to the International airport....this is if there is traffic...otherwise less. Anyways you need to check-in 3 hrs before your International flight and hence u should find no traffic....so maximum 20-25 minutes from Juhu. Have a great trip!!!

I agree.

I think it's feasible to spent an evening in SOuth Bombay.. Take the direct train from Bandra (or Andheri) to Churchgate (1/2 hour, 107 Rs, 1st) and walk down to the Gate, the Taj Mahal, the Leopold, Colaba etc.. Back by train (untill 1am) or by taxi if don't feel safe taking the train.

Enjoy your stay!!!

If we take a taxi from Juhu to the gate, colaba etc how long would it take in the traffic, I'm thinking we might get in a muddle trying to take the right train.

In the evening it is better to take a train as the trains are not crowded going towards south as train traffic is towards North during that time. Taxi would take about an hour and a half while going and quarter to an hour while coming back.

as you prefer.
ATOs (Risho') do not go in SoBo.
Taxi can cost a bit, prob more than 500!!. Btw, tO avoid traffic you can ask the driver to take the sea-link (50Rs one way). It will be a better journey for you as well and you can split the trip having a walk on Marina drive and Haji Dargah before continuing to Colaba.
Please carefully plan your trip back, it can take easily 2 hours by taxi!

In any case the train is very efficient and it is only 30min..
Hope this help

So have I got this right. We should get a taxi from the airport to a hotel in Juhu, drop our luggage, then get a taxi to the Bandra or Andheri train station to churchgate, then get a taxi back.