open bus tour south mumbai

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Mumbai City and Travel Guide

Open Deck Bus MTDC Nilambari is No More For South Mumbai Tour

“MTDC’s Nilambari, the Open deck bus tour in South Mumbai, has undergone a transformation. It is now a Fully AC double-decker bus with a closed roof. The days of hopping on board the delightful open deck bus by BEST for an exhilarating 1-hour tour are now a thing of the past. However, you can still enjoy the cool breeze on your face as you explore the vibrant streets of this iconic city. Table of Contents Toggle BEST Open Deck Bus Fast Facts Tour Attractions and Route Nilambari Tour Bus Route Virtual Picture Tours Ticket Booking and Tour Timings Bus Tour Timings Ticket Booking Otherwise, MTDC’s Nilambari bus tour is a treat for history enthusiasts, covering 16 to 17 heritage structures and iconic buildings in South Mumbai. Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural marvels of this mesmerizing city..”

The famous open deck/roof south Mumbai heritage tour is no more in operations. It has been replaced with a Fully AC double-decker bus with closed roof.

BEST Open Deck Bus Fast Facts

Whether you’re a curious schoolkid or an inquisitive adult, this guided tour is perfect for gaining in-depth knowledge about the centuries-old historic structures that grace this island city. Discover fascinating stories and secrets that bring these landmarks to life.

Planning your day is a breeze with all the information you need at your fingertips. Find out about bus ticket booking, timings, ticket rates, and the captivating attractions you’ll encounter on this unforgettable journey.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of South Mumbai. Join us on the Nilambari bus tour and create memories that will last a lifetime. Below are some facts.

• Tour : Explore the Historic Buildings and Heritage Structures of South Mumbai with a Guided Tour on Nilambari
• Duration : The tour lasts for 1 hour and covers approximately 16 to 17 structures. On Saturdays and Sundays, the duration is extended to 2 hours, allowing for a total of 4 scheduled bus tours every weekend.
• Bus Type : In the past, people experience the charm of the iconic blue-colored open-air double-decker buses, which have been an integral part of Mumbai’s public transportation system for many years. The Nilambari bus, the same one that was used to celebrate Team India’s World Cup victory and Manushi Chhillar’s Miss World win in 2017, will be your mode of transport. This has been replaced with a brand new Fully Air-Conditioner double-decker bus.
• Bus Capacity : According to MTDC, the maximum capacity of the bus is 30 people. However, some photographs found on Google show that the upper deck alone can accommodate up to 40 people.
• Cost per Person : Enjoy the panoramic views from the open deck roof area at a cost of Rs. 150 per person. Alternatively, you can choose the lower deck at a rate of Rs. 60 per person. Children under 3 years of age can join the tour for free.
• Touring Schedule : Nilambari Bus Tour operates exclusively on weekends, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. However, please note that during the monsoon season, which spans from June to October, the tour remains closed due to heavy rainfall and the open deck being inaccessible. For more detailed information regarding the timing and other relevant details, please refer below.

This can be done from Tuesday to Friday (please note that the counter is closed on Mondays) at the MTDC Counter located at the Gateway of India. While on-the-spot booking is also possible, it is advisable to book in advance as tickets tend to sell out quickly.

• Suitable Audience : The Nilambari Bus Tour is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including school kids, adults, foreign national tourists, school picnic groups, and anyone with an appreciation for exploring the historical heritage structures of old Mumbai.

Tour Attractions and Route

Mumbai residents, tourists, and people from other states can learn about the architectural landmarks they see during the tour from a knowledgeable guide. The modified BEST open-deck bus offers a regal experience, allowing passengers to relax while traveling through busy Mumbai streets and the refreshing promenade.

In the evening, passengers can enjoy the beautiful illuminated structures, creating a magical atmosphere. This ride brings a feeling of happiness and fulfillment. If you have taken this journey before, please share your feedback in the comment section below.

Nilambari Tour Bus Route

Nilambari tour starts at Gate No.4 of CSMVS (Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) near Regal Cinema     Gateway of India (Ring route of Gateway of India with Glimpse of Hotel Taj)    Mantralaya Building     Vidhan Bhavan    Trident & Oberoi Hotel    Marine Drive ( Nariman Point Promenade)     Girgaon Chowpatty (Also see the Girgaon Beach View Deck )   You Turn with Wilson College on left     Taraporewala Aquarium    Hotel Ambassador     Churchgate Railway Station    Eros Cinema Theatre    Oval Maidan    Maharshi Karve Road     Rajabai Tower     CST Railway Station Building    DN Road    Hutatma Chowk    Homi Modi Street    Horniman Circle     Asiatic Library    Back to CSMVS museum (Opposite Regal Cinema).

Experience the thrill of this enchanting adventure on the open-air bus specially selected for this tour. Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking display of architectural wonders as the bus transports you on a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Mumbai.

Starting from the very spot where you are standing, this tour encompasses renowned known tourist destinations and picturesque streets, offering fascinating insights into the history and significance of each magnificent structure.

Immerse yourself in the charm of South Mumbai as you explore its hidden gems on this remarkable tour .

The CSMVS building , a famous tourist spot, has remained the same throughout the years. If you have an extra 45 minutes, it is definitely worth visiting this museum after arriving 15 minutes early for the bus journey.

As you continue on the path, you will come across the renowned ‘ Gateway of India ‘ and the grand ‘Hotel Taj’, with the Pride of Mumbai standing confidently across from them. Although the devastating terror attack on Taj brought sorrow to the people, the building itself remains strong and will always be a symbol of beauty and significance.

The next stop on the journey is the Vidhan Bhavan . This is where important political figures come together to discuss matters related to Mumbai city, Maharashtra state, and other development issues. The Vidhan Bhavan’s exceptional design and captivating architecture make it a truly remarkable sight.

As the bus continues its journey, you will arrive at the Nariman Point Promenade . Here, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze from the Arabian Sea. From the bus’s open deck, you can admire famous landmarks such as the Rotating Hotel Oberoi, Hotel Trident, and the impressive Air India building. Some of the ancient box trees, which were planted during the British Era to absorb the salty moisture, still stand tall.

The queen’s necklace should already be sparkling during the tour hours, providing a breathtaking sight all the way from your location to Girgaum Chowpatty Beach .

The queen’s necklace should shine brightly throughout the tour, offering a stunning view from where you are to Girgaon Chowpatty Beach .

And it is truly incredible to see it from a fancy bus at a high level. As we keep traveling, we will go by Mumbai Gymkhana Ground and have a relaxed ride along the promenade before moving on to the next place on our itinerary.

It’s time for the bus to say goodbye to the promenade and move towards Churchgate railway station , located on the left side, and the beautiful Eros cinema on the right. Many people from Mumbai have created countless memories here, whether they came for work or to explore the area.

Throughout many decades, Churchgate railway station has been visited by billions of people for various reasons. Some individuals come here for their daily work or official responsibilities in the area, while others participate in tours such as the well-known Mumbai Darshan by MTDC C or simply have a relaxing weekend getaway. This bus tour in South Mumbai offers a plethora of knowledge about this iconic railway station located along the western route.

Nestled in the busy city of South Mumbai is the beautiful Oval Maidan , a large 23-acre green space. This well-maintained ground is perfect for recreational activities like cricket, football, and other outdoor games, where many teams can come together and have fun.

Apart from being a sports hub, Oval Maidan also offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can relax and enjoy moments of tranquility in this serene oasis. Interestingly, Oval Maidan has a historical significance as it was once called the ‘Maratha Ditch’ and witnessed intense battles between Maratha warriors and the British.

As you travel on the bus past Oval Maidan, you will easily spot the impressive Rajabai clock tower . This magnificent Gothic structure stands at a height of 85 meters and is a must-visit during your trip.

It resembles a smaller version of the famous ‘Big Ben’ clock tower in London, located at the northern end of the Palace of Westminster. Your reliable computer guide will point out this architectural treasure and share interesting historical facts and dates, which you can also find on Wikipedia with some slight differences.

As you approach the CSMT (formerly CST) railway station , you’ll be amazed by the impressive BMC headquarters building right in front of you.

The bustling junction at the center is a lively hub of activity, with traffic moving in all directions. This railway station, located on the central railway route, holds numerous wonders within its walls and has exciting plans for the future.

Although it may seem like an ordinary station for daily travel, there is a lot more to explore. To learn more about its fascinating features, click on the link provided on this page.

During festive events like Diwali and national celebrations like Independence Day, the colorful lights decorate the buildings in a mesmerizing way that even expert photographers pause to capture the enchanting beauty of the lit train stations from different perspectives. Take a moment to experience this captivating view.

Make sure to check out this new video of CST station to fully understand the beauty and greatness of this historical building. By the way, don’t miss the chance to see the breathtaking Flora Fountain as the bus travels from Churchgate station to CSMT.

As the 60-minute tour comes to a close, you’ll be astonished at how swiftly time has passed. However, before we finish, there are three more thrilling attractions waiting for you. After the bus goes past CSMT station and travels through Bank Street, you’ll get a quick look at ‘ The Cathedral ‘. This impressive building, formerly a church, held immense importance as a ‘ Zero Distance Marker ‘ for the British residents in Bombay.

Horniman Circle is a constant reminder of the valuable legacy left by the British, offering Mumbai a timeless treasure to appreciate forever.

This lively center not only showcases impressive architectural wonders but also encourages contemplation of the flawless design, cleanliness, and enduring durability of these buildings.

As the tour bus elegantly circles this famous landmark in south Mumbai, it takes you on a journey through history, enabling you to admire the splendor and strength of these extraordinary structures.

The last place we recommend visiting is the stunning ‘ Townhall Asiatic Library ,’ a magnificent white building with tall, elegant pillars. I’m sure many of you have seen this famous structure in Bollywood movies. This impressive architectural wonder not only has beautiful pillars and designs, but also holds a wealth of historical information about Mumbai inside its walls.

Virtual Picture Tours

Pictures Courtesy : Saurab Raut Vlog.

Ticket Booking and Tour Timings

Bus tour timings.

Discover the magic of Mumbai with this captivating one-hour tour, which will transport you through the lively city. This amazing opportunity is only offered on weekends, giving you the chance to fully embrace Mumbai’s vibrant culture and fascinating history. Don’t pass up this extraordinary journey.

Tour 1 Timings : 7:00 Pm to 8:00 Pm. Tour 2 Timings : 8:15 Pm to 9:15 Pm.

Important Note : It is crucial to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the tour. Head towards Gate No.4 of CSMVS, which is conveniently situated across from Regal Cinema, a short distance from the famous Gateway of India.

Ticket Booking

It is highly recommended to book this open deck bus tour in advance, as there are limited seats available. On the day of the tour, many people are unable to secure on-the-spot bookings. However, if you’re lucky and it’s not a travel season or school holidays, you can easily get tickets on Saturdays and Sundays.

Keep in mind that there are now fewer tourists for this weekend tour in south Mumbai. Please note that the counter is closed on Mondays. Therefore, if you want to book the Nilambari tour for that particular weekend, you can do so between Tuesday and Friday. This only applies to immediate or upcoming Saturdays and Sundays. Unfortunately, advance booking is not available for the following weekend’s Mumbai tour.

The tickets will have seat numbers mentioned, and seats will be allotted accordingly. During school vacations in May and June, as well as during Diwali and Christmas vacations, this Nilambari south Mumbai bus ride experiences a peak season. Foreign and out-of-state tourists find it challenging to make spot bookings for this tour.

Online Booking : Not Available. Previously available on BookMyShow. Ticket Charges : Enjoy the excitement of the fresh air on our bus’s upper deck for just Rs.150. If you prefer a more comfortable journey, the lower deck is also an option for only Rs.75. Kindly be aware that the charges might have been revised recently, so please verify for any modifications.

Ticket Counter details : Want to book a reservation at MTDC Reservation Counter No.7, situated at the famous Gateway of India in Mumbai? You can contact them easily at +91-22-22841877. Keep in mind that they operate from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and remain closed on Mondays. Don’t let this chance slip away, secure your spot now.

MTDC Head Office Reservation Counter Are you searching for the contact information and working hours of the office close to Churchgate station and Nariman Point? You can contact them at +91-22-22845678. If you have any questions or require assistance, feel free to call their toll-free numbers 1800229930 or 1800227550.

The office is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For details about other offices and reservation counters, please refer to the information provided below. Kindly note that I’m unsure if they offer bookings for the Nilambari Bus Tour at this particular location.

• Dadar Office : Near Pritam Hotel, Dadar Railway Station (East), Contact: +91-22-24143200.
• CSMT Office : At CSMT Railway Station, Contact : +91-22-22622859.
• Gateway Of India : Counter No.7, Contact : +91-22-22841877.
• Navi Mumbai : Sector No.29, Urban Haat, Belapur, Contact: +91-22-27580347.

You might be interested in knowing about MTDC film city tour at Goregaon, Mumbai suburban.

Deven Jadav

View all posts by Deven Jadav

Greetings, I am Deven, the founder of Mumbai77. With immense passion, I have dedicated my full-time efforts to continuously learn and update important information about Mumbai city. Currently, I am a full-time blogger residing in Mumbai. Since its establishment on July 7, 2007, Mumbai77 has attracted millions of pageviews. Our website aims to provide valuable information, including my personal reviews and experiences, to assist individuals worldwide in their search for updated information about Mumbai city.

11 Replies to “ Open Deck Bus MTDC Nilambari is No More For South Mumbai Tour ”

Ur contact details plzz

not any number working for booking

Plz share ur num

BEST NILAMBARI BUS (OPEN DECK) CONTACT NO. – 1800227550

ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE ON – BOOK MY SHOW – BEST-Operation of Heritage Tour – Timings are 6.30 pm & 8.00 pm – Reach 15 mins before.

STARTS FROM – Dr. S.P.M.Chowk (Museum) – NEAR FLORA FOUNTAIN

OFFLINE BOOKING IS ALSO AVAILABLE @ Dr. S.P.M.Chowk (Museum)

Want to book tickets how many days in advance should we book

We want Mumbai Darshan open Air bus

Please share your contact number

on weekday (Friday) open bus is not available???

how to rech gate of india from malad ?

if we want to book the whole bus for celebration then how much cost we have to spare?

There are 4 no’s given for contacting Nilambari viz 9870802643- Busy for more than 3 hours CONTINUOSLY (which means the phone is deliberately kept busy) 022-22841877- NOT VALID NUMBER 1800227550- Busy for more than 3 hours CONTINUOSLY 8850124358 – INVALID NUMBER Requesting BEST & MTDC to provide valid no’s in their site to avoid inconvenience to tourists.

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Tourist in India

Your Source of Information on Indian Tourist Destinations

Mumbai Darshan by Nilambari Open Deck Bus Tour

Mumbai Darshan (Mumbai sightseeing) services are offered by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. The package tour is named “Nilambari open deck bus tour”. It is a unique group tour concept in India, at very affordable rates. Mumbai Darshan services are available to the general public and tourists on Saturdays and Sundays, barring the monsoon days . Nilambari open deck bus is also called the Mumbai Darshan bus.

The city tour is of one hour duration , suitable for tourists to cover much of the city’s heritage buildings and landmarks in the shortest possible span of time. There are two bus services, starting at 7 pm and 8.15 pm.

The charge for the guided tour of Mumbai by Nilambari Open Deck Bus in the upper deck is INR 150 (approximately US $ 3)  while the lower berth costs just INR 50 (approximately US $ 1). There are no charges for children below 3 years. Tickets booked can not be cancelled.

A certified guide who is well trained by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation will be available on the Nilambari open deck bus to brief the passengers on the different aspects of the heritage buildings along the route, their historical value, etc.

Nilambari Open Deck Bus Tour of Mumbai covers Mumbai darshan places and prestigious heritage sites like Churchgate Head Office, Old Secretariat, Rajabai Tower, Convocation Hall, High Court, CST Railway Station, Thomas Cook, Asiatic Library – Gateway of India .

How do I Go for the Mumbai Darshan Sightseeing?

Mumbai Darshan sightseeing group tour  starts from Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation’s booking office premises at Gateway of India .

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Have you tried open deck bus ride in Mumbai? If no this article is for you

When my bestie said “Let’s plan for a heritage tour open bus ride. It starts from Churchgate. I will book the evening first slot, let’s meet at Churchgate station” I nodded, allowing excitement blend with expectations develop in me. So from Andheri catching a local train, along with another bestie we headed to Churchgate. Being a fast train, hardly 25mts we were out of the train. Waiting for the other besties to join, let me share a few details about Churchgate station.

Churchgate station

Churchgate station is the last station and entry point to South Mumbai Via train. There are totally four platforms where every 10 or 15mts once trains come and leave. Filled with lot of eateries, you shouldn’t miss dosa, cheese spicy sandwich, kadak chai and amul milk shakes. As you come out of the station don’t miss viewing the buildings around. They have British architecture that after sunset, each building is colorfully lit arising you the question, “Was this the building, I saw in day light?”

In daylight

After sunset

From this station you could either walk for 20mts towards Chatrapathi Shivahi Maharaj Vastu Sanghrahalaya or catch taxi or cab from this station side, else cross the road and catch the cab from opposite side. You wont be dropped exactly in front of the museum for there is a right signal paving way for exit. Either you would be dropped few yards before or few yards away or on the opposite side of the museum.

The road facing the drop point

The pick up point is exactly on the exit gate of the museum facing - The Indian Navy circle. You would find a navy ship, a fountain opposite and museum facing them. If you are confused you could enquire with the traffic police in that area, else click on your Google map walking icon, making your arrival easy to the point.

The fountain opposite to the museum

Once you arrive see that you show your tickets in the counter, near the museum and get confirmed seats with numbers. Since booking is done through Book my show app, using QR code your ticket confirmation is done along with allocation of seat number. You might find confusion in seating but the bus conductor solves it by checking and rechecking. In fact he checked our tickets thrice. Hereon starts your journey.

Before that let me share about the open bus. A double decker, with open top, that railings are provided to hold and sit. The name of the bus is Nilambari open deck. Bottom part of the bus is the same as a normal bus, while top portion of the bus is designed. There are variety colors of this bus, red, brick red, light green and light blue. We rode on light blue bus. Though booking shows 6.30pm and 8.30pm, still there is a bus that starts at 5pm wher you get to witness sunset. The bus is decorated with drawings of historical places of Mumbai on all sides.

Open deck bus

Another open deck bus

Finally hearing to the start of the bus, first move made us all scream “Yahoo the bus is moving finally”. Turning right of the museum signal towards Gateway of India crossing Taj hotel, we tried to click selfie with the hotel passing by. Then crossing via Colaba first building that comes to your eye view is Mantralaya also known as Sachivalaya, the secretariat headquarter of Mumbai.

Mantralaya building

From this signal starts Marine drive coastline. Seeing the dark empty ocean, from top was something. As the bus crosses the whole lane you get to spot the necklace road chain, starts from one end and completes with view of the buildings on the other side. This view is the most beautiful view to encounter, after dark crossing array of signals, hugging your arms around you, trying to protect yourself from cold winds blowing from the sea, just sitting and watching the sea go past you is truly awesome.

Here one thing you should remember, signal holdings, branches, leaves, low laid bridges almost cross your head, at an inch gap. As the bus moves faster so do these cross over your head, in a jiffy. If you know what is coming over your head then you are safe, else there is every chance of getting hurt, for some branches pop up suddenly. However there is one such signal where the bus stops and a branch stupes over you, giving you access to click pics.

The stuping branch

From here the same road proceeded towards Chowpatty beach that I couldn’t miss the view of eatery shops. Here again chill air takes over, making you feel the coolest air. From chowpatty signal the bus turns towards Colaba side the opposite side of the way we came. Only difference it gets into Colaba and Churchgate lane.

The turning signal

From here you get to view must iconic historic spots of Mumbai. Starting with Oval maidan where yesterday India vs Srilanka match was happening, we moved towards clock tower, asiatic library, horniman circle, Bombay highcourt, Navy dockyard and gets into churchgate side. Moving over high rise buildings, statues, art gallery, Churchgate shopping area we reached the starting point where our bus halted.

Not wanting to get down, but you had to leave, though my heart was heavy and I was tempted to try another ride, some kind of rejuvanation got into me as I stepped out of the bus. The whole ride I would title as “Blend of culture, historic and important places to visit in Mumbai”. Viewing each building, standing majestically, colorful made my heart leap and shout “wow”. I could trace thoutline along with its lovely architecture. The lights were subtle, colourful but not jazzy, which portrayed the beauty of each spot.

Clicking enough pics, selfies we walked back to the station to reach home. Before I complete the article here are a few details and tips to ride on this bus.

- Per head cost ranges between Rs.180 to Rs.200.

-Try to get corner seat, if at all you got the aisle no worries stand up and view.

-As the bus goes fast, if you are sitting hold the railings, if you are standing hold the seat rods.

-Arrive 15mts prior to the bus stop and don’t forget to show your ticket in the counter and get confirmed seat number.

-Buy chips, biscuits in hand, for till entering marine drive there is lot of traffic and journey might extend 20mts more.

-While standing and clicking photos hold your phone tightly, for as the bus speeds, things fly around you and there is every chance of you to drop your phone.

-Last but not the least, don’t forget to look down from the top of the bus, here things look very different from top view. As, you look up, the buildings view appear like they are scrapping the sky and looking ahead you get to view the city roads plus lighting’s. At the same time watch out for branches which might hurt you.

One of the must ride bus of Mumbai which starts from Churchgate and ends in Churchgate.

Must Read: resorts near mumbai for weekend , lounges in mumbai , khau galli mumbai , spas in mumbai

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New spin: MTDC to revamp its open-deck bus tour

Plan to explore more routes, improve the interiors of buses and offer entertainment options on board..

With Mumbai’s own version of the internationally popular ‘hop on, hop off’ bus tourism project having failed to generate interest here due to the poor condition of buses and lack of entertainment on board, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is planning a revamp.

Although the service would still be a far cry from the the ‘hop on, hop off’ bus services available for tourists in almost all major global cities, the MTDC plans to improve the tour upon the existing condition by exploring more routes, improving the interiors of the buses and offering entertainment options.

Parag Jain Nainuttia, MTDC, said, “We plan to do up the interiors of the buses and offer music, food, more guides and audio visual screens on the bus. We also hope to start activities such as karaoke on the bus.”

[related-post]

However, for now, the tour will still not offer dedicated buses running at a fixed frequency through the day, with tourists having the liberty to stop at various spots and spend as much time as they wish to, an underlining feature of the ‘hop on, hop off’ service internationally.

The MTDC operates the bus tour called the ‘Nilambari open-deck bus tour’ in two batches in the evenings on weekends around south Mumbai in an open-top double-decker bus obtained from the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking. The tour starts from the Gateway of India and showcases major tourist attractions in south Mumbai such as Mantralaya, the Queen’s Necklace, Vidhan Bhavan, Asiatic Library, Hutatma Chowk, CST station and so on, without any halts. At present, the footfall for the bus tour is not significant, Nainuttia said.

“Shortly, we hope to start one more route. This would be along the Bandra Worli Sea Link, moving along the Worli sea face and back,” he added.

Jagdish Patil, general manager at the BEST undertaking, said, “BEST is positive about this initiative. I have asked staff to look at the viability.”

An official who did not wish to be named said the MTDC has a master plan of starting more routes for such bus tours in the city including to Sanjay Gandhi National Park-Kanheri caves, and another connecting various museums around south Mumbai.

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Now enjoy Full day Mumbai city sightseening in AC Bus for Rs.250!

Note: BEST have stopped the AC Ho Ho bus service for now, new service will be started soon by MTDC, they have started testing the new bus to be used for HoHo in Mumbai.

Nilambari Mumbai Heritage service (open double decker service in evenings only) is still on, with some modifications. Keep reading for details

• New Open Double Decker AC Bus for Mumbai Darshan in 2024

Mumbai Darshan has become very convenient with the HOHO Bus Mumbai service. The full-day AC bus takes you to all the major tourist spots in Mumbai and gives you the luxury to spend as much time as you want to spend on any given attraction.

Keep on reading for the full details..

Get Mumbai Local Train Tickets and Pass Online

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Table of Contents

Where is mumbai, what is mumbai darshan, mumbai hoho bus (hop on hop off bus), what attractions/places are covered by mumbai darshan ho ho bus, mumbai hoho bus ticket price, mumbai darshan ho ho bus timing, hoho bus mumbai booking, hoho bus mumbai online booking, mumbai darshan open bus tour (nilambari), mumbai by geography, mumbai by connectivity, tourist spots near mumbai local train stations, must-have for travel, wr tourist spots, cr tourist spots, harbour line tourist spots, mumbai darshan (mumbai 1 day sightseeing trip from private operator), best time to visit mumbai.

• Food to eat in Mumbai 
• Where to stay in Mumbai 

Mumbai Frauds

Whom to ask for directions if lost in mumbai, conclusion:, related post:.

The financial capital of India, Mumbai, previously known as  Bombay is a coastal city, located in the western part of India and is the capital of Maharashtra.

Mumbai darshan is a tour service provided by both BEST(Government bus) and Private tour operators. They cover major tourist attractions in Mumbai.

The major difference between Private Tour operator and Government bus is the time you can spend at an attraction. Private tour operator give your 30-40 min at each spot and then you have to get back in bus where as on BEST bus, you get down, enjoy the attraction as long as you want and them take the next BEST bus(these bus arrive every 30min).

Private tour operators starting from Muesume charge you Rs.250 for non AC and Rs.400/- for AC. BEST Ho Ho Charge you Rs.350/- and Rs.150/- respectively. Keep reading for details

You can enjoy the full-day Air condition Hop On Hop Off (HoHo) bus service that covers some most visited spots in Mumbai. Following is the full list:

• Gateway Of India (Starting Point)
• Mumbai Chatrapati Station Building (best viewed in the evening)
• Jijamata Udyan, also known as Rani Baug is the Zoo
• Bandra Linking Road- known for its flea market (street shopping)
• Juhu Beach- sea shore, nearby you can visit ISKON temple
• Bandra Bandstand- Sea facing, This is where Sharukh, Salman, and Sachin Tendulkar\’s house/bungalows are
• Shri Siddhivinayak Temple via Worli sea link- Famous Ganpati temple & bridge over the sea
• Nehru Planetarium: You can also check out the science center
• Girgaon Chowpatty- Seashore, you can skip this if you visited Juhu
• Taraporawala Aquarium- the Fish collection is pretty good
• Chhatrapati Maharaja Vastu Sangrahalaya

Note: You can start your journey from any of these stops, no need to go all the way to Gateway to start your journey. A ticket will be issued at the stop itself.

So in case you are wondering how much is hop on hop off in Mumbai, well you will have to pay Rs.250/- per person to avail of this service of the Mumbai Ho Ho bus.

In August 2022, another shorter service was started with a ticket fare of Rs.150/- This bus would take you till Mahalaxmi, it will not cover Bandra,Worli sea link.

The bus ply between 9AM to 8PM. You can leave the trip any time, at any spot, or continue your journey full day!

No need for an advance booking for HoHo Bus , just get the tickets on the spot! Even if you board the bus at any of the stops, you can get a ticket from that spot.

It is advertised that you can do online booking on Chalo App but I could not find the option at the time of writing this post. Maybe later on it will be integrated.

Do not mix the Mumbai HoHo bus service with Nilambari. Nilambari is not an AC bus, it\’s an open-roof top bus and does not have Hop On Hop Off facility. The complete tour on Nilambari will last around 2-230hrs.

Mumbai can be divided in South Mumbai, Central Mumbai, and North Mumbai. South Mumbai is considered to be the poshest area in Mumbai with North being less costly, in terms of stay.

Transportation-wise, the whole of Mumbai is connected by the suburban railways, also known as its lifeline. These are the cheapest and fastest mode of traveling in Mumbai.

There are three suburban divisions namely: 1. Western Railways: Also called WR for short, operates between Churchgate to Dahanu Road, a distance of around 150km.

2. Central Railways: Called CR in short and it caters to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus (CST), formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT) 

3. Harbor Railways: This shares originating station with CR and caters operates between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus (CST) to Panvel.

The local bus service is called BEST, it\’s the short form of the body that manages these bus services. BEST provides connectivity across Mumbai and if used in conjunction with local trains, will save a lot of money for you during travel.

Tip:  To save money while sightseeing on your own: 

1. Better buy a return ticket (cost will vary between your Origin and destination) on local and a day pass for the bus.

2. An AC bus day pass will cost you Rs.60/- (Rs.50 for non AC bus)

3. Use local train and bus in conjunction to save time as well!

Mumbai Metro Train  is also operational at a few places while work is in progress for a much wider coverage by Metro.

Since the cheapest and fastest mode of travel in Mumbai is the local trains (suburban trains), I will list the tourist spots as per the suburban train stations.

Essentials during Mumbai sightseeing

Mumbai is hot and humid, most time of the year. So if you are planning for Mumbai darshan/sightseeing, the following are must-haves to enjoy your outing:

• Sunglasses- this will protect your eyes along with enhance your photographs
• Cap: This will protect you from the sun.
• Sunscreen: This is a must else at the end of the day your skin will be tanned!

Amazon best-selling Sunglass from FastTrack,

under Rs.450!!

If you have heard stories about crowded Mumbai local trains, believe me, they are true stories! You can always take a private Mumbai Darshan bus or a private car from the place you are staying. This will not be Ho Ho, you will get a stipulated time to visit the attraction and you will be on the same bus for the whole tour.

It will cover the most famous places in Mumbai and you can save yourself the hustle and bustle of local trains (be prepared to  be stuck in the Mumbai traffic though)

The cost of this private Mumbai darshan tour is approx. Rs300-500/- by tourist bus or a cab will charge you Rs.5000-6000/ for a full day where as Ho Ho bus cost is Rs250/.

Tip:  Its best to take this tour from a private tour operator at the place you are staying as they will pick up and drop you at a spot near to your house/stay.

Believe me, you will thank me for this advice as by the end of the day you will not have the energy to find your way back to your home in Mumbai!!

The best time of year to visit Mumbai is September to January.

June to August is the monsoon season, and the Mumbai rains do not stop once it starts!! I love this season as Marine drive and few other tourist spots are at its best during this season. Better avoid if you don\’t like getting wet.

If you like rain, you can visit Marine drive, and nearby hill stations like Lonavala to enjoy nature.

March to May is very hot and humid, better avoid it if you want to enjoy sightseeing in Mumbai.

Food to eat in Mumbai

You will get all kinds of food in Mumbai, and a lot of Veg and Non-Veg options are available.

The traditional food is Bhakari (made of jowar or bajara) and any gravy (veg, nonveg) but Mumbai is more famous for its street food like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Misal Pav, Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Sev Puri!

Where to stay in Mumbai

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For a budget-friendly stay and a good experience, I recommend OYO Hotels. You can also walk into many of the guest houses near CST and check if its to your liking. 

Beware of fraudsters around the place, they dwell on cheating tourists!! This warning is not specific to Mumbai, as frauds exists at all the toursit places, across the world.

Following are few fraud techniques used in Mumbai:

• Taxi Fraud: Ask very clearly what will be the approx. cost of the journey. The taxi guy may give you some amount, re-iterate that you will pay him that much money and no more once the destination is reached. Make sure to give money after getting out of the taxi else he may claim you did not pay him.
• The Helping Fraud: Beware of any friendly stranger who may offer to look after your luggage or tell you about some very cheap item that is being sold just in the next street. Politely say no and move on.
• Street side cards game: Many people get lured by easy money by looking at the street side card game. They are professionals and are always in a group. Stay clear of them.
• Pickpockets: Keep your valuables like mobile, and wallet secure. Pickpockets will operate in crowded place like while boarding a bus or train. Wear only imitation jewelry while traveling.
• The Police not in Uniform: Never give in to the threats of anyone claiming he is a cop in plain uniform. If you are at fault and get caught by a non-uniform cop, insist on going to the police station and pay the fine there instead of cutting corners. The plain cloth cop may turn out to be a con.
• The Needy Guy: People may approach and tell you how they lost their wallets and don\’t have money for the bus. There will be elderly-looking guys, and ladies carrying an infant, they come in all shapes and sizes. Don\’t give them any money, at least not a big amount.

The safest way is to approach traffic police or any other uniformed police person. Shopkeepers are also a safe bet.

If they are not in view, better ask for directions from multiple people before starting your journey.

Mumbai may be among the most expensive cities in the world, but there are still ways you can travel around Mumbai without breaking your bank, like  Ho Ho Bus !

It is a crowded city and people new in this city can get overwhelmed. If you are in Mumbai for few days, I will recommend taking the Mumbai Darshan bus or hiring a private cab for the city sightseeing.

If you have moved to Mumbai and will be staying for a year or so, you can explore the city by local train.

Is Mumbai a safe city?

Mumbai is a very safe city, apart from a few stray incidents that are part and parcel of all the cities, Mumbai is pretty vibrant till late at the night. Just avoid shabby-looking places.

Do Mumbai have a Hop On Hop Off (HoHo) tourist bus?

Yes, you can enjoy Mumbai without bothering about the crowded local trains. The AC HoHo bus gives you the flexibility of full-day sightseeing in Mumbai. The flip side is it does not cover the tourist attractions that involve traveling in a boat.

How to book HoHo bus Mumbai Online?

You can book tickets online from the Chalo app, though it’s not needed as you can get tickets on bus as well.

Where to park the car in Mumbai?

It’s recommended not to drive your car in Mumbai as parking is a big issue. Even if you find a parking spot, the charges are very high. If you just cannot let go of your car, politely speak with any Petrol pump guys, they may let you park and you can tip them Rs.50-100/-

Where is Mumbai Darshan Bus Stop at Dadar?

Mumbai darshan HoHo bus stops at Shri Siddhi Vinayak, you can board the bus from there.

How to get a discount on Mumbai HoHO Bus?

Currently, there is no discount offered on Mumbai HoHo Bus but I believe if you have a big group and you are planning on a non-weekend, you can arrange a deal with the authorities.