Mumbai (Bombay) Sights

Colaba

#3 of 168 things to do in Mumbai (Bombay)

#90 of 23976 things to do in Asia

3 reviews | Write a review

Good for: Kala Ghoda, Horse carriage, Nariman point, Gateway of India, Colaba street market

Not good for: beggers, Traffic chaos, Touts

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Lonely Planet review for Colaba

The unofficial headquarters of Mumbai's tourist scene, Colaba sprawls down the city's southernmost peninsula. It's a bustling district packed with street stalls, markets, bars and budget to midrange lodgings. Colaba Causeway (Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg) bisects the promontory and is the traffic-filled artery connecting Colaba's jumble of side streets and gently crumbling mansions.

Sassoon Dock, south of the main tourist action, is a scene of intense and pungent activity at dawn (around 05:00) when colourfully clad Koli fisherwomen sort the catch unloaded from fishing boats at the quay. The fish drying in the sun are bombil, the fish used in the dish Bombay duck. Photography at the dock is forbidden without permission from the Mumbai Port Trust

While you're here, it's worth popping into the 1847 Church of St John the Evangelist, known as the Afghan Church (dedicated to British forces killed in the bloody 1838-43 First Afghan War. During the more reasonable hours of the day, nearby Colaba Market (Lala Nigam St) has plenty of activity and colour and is lined with jewellery shops and fruit and veg stalls.

 

Traveller reviews for Colaba (3)

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    A perfect blend of old and modern Mumbai.

    pixodentist recommends this,

    A good blend of old British architecture and modern buildings. Best for street shopping inlcuding souvenirs, cloths, antiques, jewellery and food. A must visit places include Gateway of India and Hotel Taj Mahal, a sunset at Nariman Point and the promonade, Victoria Terminus station and Flora Fountain. Also a movie at Regal Theatre. Visit Kala Ghoda Festival during Jan-Feb every year. Jehangir art gallery and Prince of Wales museum. Visit Rhythm House for largest collection of Cd`s and DVD`s  of Indian classical music and movies. Brittania Restuarant, Bade Miyan, Leopold cafe, Theobroma, Moshe`s are one the many good places for food, drinks, snacks and pastries. Also weekend food stalls near Narimant Point serve tasty road side food. A horse carriage ride at sunset from Nariman Point to Gateway of India gives you a lovely view of Mumbai. It`s a old but upscale area of Mumbai so the cost of living is high and the prices in the restaurants/pubs are also costlier compared to the suburbs.

    Good for: food, Shopping, site seeing, Kala Ghoda, Horse carriage, Nariman point, Gateway of India, Colaba street market, Hotel Taj Mahal, Bombay Electric, Victoria Terminus, Crowford market

    Not good for: beggers, Traffic chaos, Touts

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    Fun, markets, Central and a great place to start your travel

    humusking recommends this,

    Its a place you have to visit when coming to Mumbai

    Firstly, you have to know how to get there.

    If you are coming from the airport, you can take a taxi for 450 Rupees or go on an adventure and get to Colaba for well under $1

    Just outside the airport terminal you will find bus number 308 (3 min walk).
    Take it to Adheri train station (7 Rupees). The bus stops outside.
    If you want to splurge, take a shared auto rickshaw from the airport for 20 Rupees.
    From Adheri station, take the train (there are many - every 10min) to Whitegate station (8 Rupees). Its the last stop, so take a nap. Its a 30-45min ride.
    Then you can take a 15min walk to central Colaba or take another bus (8 Rupees) to the main area. So for approx 23 Rupees you made it. It is not much faster in a taxi (Can take well over 1 hr) and this way is much more fun.

    Once in Colaba, accom is very expensive, however if you make your way to the Salvation army, you can get a dorm (there are family room options as well) for 225 Rupees including breakfast. Check out is 9am and you get a locker.

    Its literally 2-3 min to walk to the India gate and you are in the thick of it for a few dollars.

    Enjoy the markets, gr8 food and the experience.

    P.S There are tourist buses from the India gate that depart either 10:30 or 11. Ask for an English guide (Extra 5 Rupees) but you don't get much for it. Its a full day tour to all the main places and costs 250 Rupees. Extra for 3d movie entry and food.

    P.S. If you buy some balloons from those guys walking around, make sure you don't pay more that 80 Rupees for the packet of 10 HUGE balloons. Don't get sucked in to the small ones. They display the big one and sell you the small. Packet of 10 small ones are 30 Rupees.

    Good for: colaba cheap accommodation

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    You'll definitely end up here

    vivekw recommends this,

    Colaba is the almost-unavoidable epicentre for travellers to Mumbai. That's why they built the McDonald's here.

    It's a good place to start exploring the city, but make sure you get to other areas as well.

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