Mumbai, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a fascinating experience through its heritage walks. These guided tours take participants through the city's iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and historically significant areas, revealing the story of Mumbai's evolution. The story of Mumbai began in the late 19th century when it emerged as a global trading city leading to a spurt in the construction of magnificent buildings. In these walks, there are stories of Mumbai over the last two centuries through its remarkable collection of Victorian and Art Deco buildings which are now UNESCO world heritage sites.
Some popular heritage walks in Mumbai include:
1
The Gateway of India and Colaba Heritage Walk: Explore the iconic Gateway of India, the Regal Cinema, and the charming bylanes of Colaba.
2
The Fort Heritage Walk: Discover the historic Fort area, including the Bombay High Court, the Flora Fountain, and the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
3
The Bandra Heritage Walk: This way you get to uncover the history of Bandra, from its Portuguese heritage to its modern-day charm, covering landmarks like the Bandra Fort, the Mount Mary Church, and the Bandstand Promenade.
4
The Kala Ghoda Heritage Walk: Wander through the Kala Ghoda precinct, known for its art galleries, museums, and historic buildings like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and now the newly reopened Bhau Daji lad museum which is back in action after four years of undergoing repairs and renovation.
5
Mumbai Architecture Walk: On weekends there are organisations and enthusiasts who take you on curated walking tours of Art deco buildings in town, that last for anywhere between 60-70 minutes with groups of 4-8 people. Then there are walks that take you through the Deco buildings lining Marine Drive and walks in the culturally rich Matunga in central Mumbai. Oval Maidan and Marine Drive are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in south Mumbai, while Matunga is the city's earliest planned suburb.
6
The Mumbai Street Food Heritage Walk: Embark on a culinary journey, sampling the city's famous street food while exploring its cultural heritage.