Port
Mumbai (Bombay), India
Activity Level
Strenuous
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$99.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
Meals Included
Meals included
Start your day with a visit to the temple complex of Banganga—one of Mumbai’s holiest sites and the oldest surviving structure in the city. Near the edge of Arabian Sea, at the southern tip of Malabar Hill, several small, crumbling, stone-turreted temples and flower-garlanded shrines surround a rectangular pool of holy water—an oasis in an area of encroaching urbanization. Ritual bathers believe the pool’s mossy waters have healing powers. The source of the spring is said to be an underground offshoot of the Ganges, and the waters are considered just as sacred as those of the great river itself. In the shadow of one of present-day Mumbai’s most prosperous neighborhoods, Banganga continues to function as a timeless devotional hub. Its tolling bells and chanting pujaris draw devotees to worship. Next, you will drive to the neighborhood of Khotachiwadi to view a cluster of Portuguese-style homes that have stood here since the late 17th century or early 18th century. These age-old homes are inhabited primarily by the East Indian Roman Catholic Community, who migrated to the city from the neighboring suburbs such as Vasai, Virar, and Gorai at a time when these areas were sprawling paddy fields. Most of the inhabitants held clerical jobs in the British Government and the East India Company. There are also a number of Maharashtrian families residing here. Some of the houses have now been sold to the Marwari community. End this wonderful morning passing through the Gateway of India en route back to the ship.