Mumbai was the final stop on my India journey, and while my time here was brief, it was packed with energy, culture, and moments I’ll never forget. After days immersed in palaces, forts, and village life, Mumbai brought a whole new dimension – modern, fast-paced, and full of contrasts.
Staying at The Oberoi, Mumbai
For my overnight stay in Mumbai, I checked into The Oberoi, one of the city’s most renowned hotels. Located along Marine Drive with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea, the property is known for its impeccable service and understated elegance. To my delight, I was upgraded to a Bay View Suite, which gave me a front-row seat to Mumbai’s famous waterfront. The suite was spacious and refined, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the water and skyline, a comfortable living space, and a serene bedroom. Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos of my suite, so you’ll have to click on the hyperlink above for more details. Of course, I did not forget to record a video, so you can enjoy this link to my suite tour.
What I didn’t expect was that my video tour of the suite would go semi-viral on Instagram, with viewers across India thanking me for showcasing their country’s world-class hospitality. Many noted that international visitors often try to “go on the cheap,” so they were thrilled to see someone embrace the luxury side of India. It was such a special reminder of how meaningful travel can be, not only for those experiencing it firsthand but also for the people proud to share their culture and hospitality with the world.
Dinner With a View
We kicked things off in style at Aer, the rooftop restaurant and bar at Four Seasons Mumbai. Perched high above the city, with sweeping views and music setting the mood, it felt like we’d stepped into one of the world’s cosmopolitan hotspots. The chef came out to greet us, sending his selections directly to our table, and Aer’s inventive presentation made every dish feel like art. They even make their own gin, infusing it with botanicals and adding essence for a unique twist. The coolest feature of all? A retractable roof that opens with the touch of a remote. Our table had the honor of opening it that night, and the atmosphere instantly shifted into party mode. It was one of those “pinch me” travel moments, and an unforgettable way to start our time in Mumbai.
And yes, I made this video that better illustrates this experience!
Exploring the City
The next morning, we jumped into the thick of Mumbai life with a ride on the city’s train system. Normally famous for its crush of commuters, the trains were quiet since it was a weekend and a holiday. On board, I struck up a conversation with a woman who was applying a decorative bindi between her eyes before work. I mentioned how fascinated I was with the packaging, and to my surprise, she offered me one and applied it right there on the train. A simple gesture, but one that turned into one of my favorite memories.
From there, we visited Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai’s famous open-air laundry. Thousands of garments are washed, dried, and pressed each day in a system that’s been operating for generations. The sheer scale and efficiency were astonishing—it’s a side of the city that few outsiders ever get to see up close.
Dancing Like a Bollywood Star
One of the most fun surprises of our day was a Bollywood dance class. Dance has always been my favorite form of exercise, even if my moves are pretty average, so I was thrilled when our guide revealed this stop. The music, the rhythm, and the energy were infectious – it was such a playful, immersive way to connect with modern Indian culture. And in case you are wondering, yes – there is a video and no – I am not sharing it!
We kept things local for lunch with a vegetarian restaurant that showed just how flavorful and satisfying an all-vegetable spread can be. Then it was time for a little rest before the grand finale of our time in India.
Ganesh Chaturthi Immersion
By pure luck, our visit coincided with the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi, one of India’s biggest festivals. This ten-day celebration honors Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, and concludes with Visarjan, the immersion that symbolizes both endings and new beginnings. Families and communities welcome Ganesh into their homes and temples with devotion, then let him go as a reminder of life’s cycles and impermanence.
The streets were overflowing with people dancing, drumming, and chanting as enormous statues of Ganesha made their way toward the water. Some devotees were soaked from wading into the ocean to submerge their idols, while others were covered in brightly colored powder, much like Holi celebrations. It was electric – chaotic, joyful, and awe-inspiring all at once.
At one point, we were separated from our driver and had to weave through the sea of people and traffic to reunite. Instead of stress, it added to the thrill of the experience – sometimes the unexpected is what makes travel so memorable. Enjoy this last video link that illustrates the chaos of the celebration and our dash to find our driver in the pouring rain!
Later that evening, as I packed to leave, I stepped into the elevator at our hotel and was joined by another Ganesha idol on its way to immersion. It felt like the perfect send-off from a city that had shown me its vibrant spirit.
Final Reflections
My time in Mumbai may have been short, but it was one of the most exhilarating stops of the journey. From rooftop dining and Bollywood dancing to quiet gestures of kindness, the buzz of the city, and the energy of Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai revealed itself as a city of layers. It is modern and cosmopolitan, yet deeply rooted in tradition. And while Jaipur stole my heart and Udaipur gave me peace, Mumbai left me buzzing with excitement and gratitude for all that India had shared.
From palaces to temples, bustling cities to serene lakes, and hospitality that stays with you long after you return home, India is a destination like no other. We would love to help you discover it in a way that is seamless, elevated, and unforgettable.
