Dharavi, Asia’s largest slum, invites many curious eyes because of the sheer vastness of it. It is counted among one of the places to visit in Mumbai because of the slum houses as many as a million people crammed in pint-sized houses, dirty bylanes, open drains, and extremely filthy living conditions in average.Located in the very heart of Mumbai, the Dharavi slum stretches between two of Mumbai’s major rail lines, which is what makes it such a convenient location to travel for work for the folk who live here. In a city where rents are sky high, Dharavi offers rather low rent for people who move into the city. You can find a room complete with a cooking gas and a small colour TV for as low as 185 rupees a month. Dharavi has many small-scale businesses thriving, manufacturing everything from garments to pots and pans. The products are sold in local as well as international markets, where they are exported. The annual turnover for these products is as much as 650 million dollars a year. Visit Dharavi to see the lifestyle of those living here, for it is not every day you get to step inside Asia’s largest slum.Location: Spans over 500 acres in the heart of MumbaiBest Time to visit: October-MarchEntry fee: No entry feeTimings: Not applicableDistance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 10.4 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central
The Elephanta Caves are a major attraction in Mumbai because of its archaeological significance. This is where the caves are located, must have seen early settlements from 2nd century BC. The caves, however, are estimated to have been constructed sometime between 5th and 6th century AD. One of the biggest caves here measures about 39 metres from the front to the back. The main body of the Elephanta Cave is about 27 square meters, supported by six rows of pillars. The caves show distinct artistic features from the time of its construction. The caves feature rock-cut architecture, which makes the entire layout of the caves very interesting. The Elephanta Caves have a combination of sculpture art and aesthetic beauty carved into the rock formations. This is what makes it popular among archaeologists as well as historians, who wish to find out more about the natives who moved on the Gharapuri Island (Elephanta Caves) in 2nd century BC. Come here to experience the ruins of an ancient world on the Elephanta Island, and see the caves and sculptures in their natural surroundings.Location: Gharapuri, Maharashtra Best Time to visit: October-MarchEntry fee: INR 10 (Indian), INR 250 (foreigner), free (child)Timings: 9AM-5.30PMDistance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 7.3 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central
As the name suggests, the Red Carpet Wax Museum is one of those tourist places in Mumbai that one simply cannot miss because the museum showcases lifelike statues of celebrities and prominent people from all walks of life, such as socialites, politicians, world leaders, scientists, social workers etc. The statues are made to be completely alike the person they have been constructed after, giving a very authentic feel to the statue. Each statue is surrounded by the necessary ambience to give the statue and its theme a complete look and feel. Any individual can pose with the statues in the museum. The museum was constructed over a period of five years after which it opened its doors to the public in December 2016. The wax museum is one of a kind monument in the city of Mumbai, so make sure you drop by and catch a glimpse of it.Location: 1st Floor, R City Mall, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Amrut Nagar, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai, MaharashtraBest Time to visit: Any time of the yearEntry fee: INR 250 (weekday), INR 350 (weekend)Timings: 9.45AM-9.30PMDistance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 20.5 kms from MSRTC Mumbai Central
