[Closed] Off to Mumbai next week...

I utterly detested the place. It may be better now, though I doubt it. The air was thick with diesel smoke, the contrast between rich and poor was obscene, and the beggars grossed me out. Don't open taxi windows. The only defence on the streets is walking faster than the poor beggars. YMMV.

Must be some cultural sites to see...???

The Gateway to India in front of the Taj hotel, from their you can get a boat over to elephant island and back to see some temples monkeys etc
With the sea on your left hand side walk down the road there and round the right hand corner at the end for a great European style delhi/bakery if you want some non Indian food. On the corner there keep you eye out for some of the most lavish wedding celebrations you'll have ever seen that go on for days.

You can visit Gahndi's house.
There's the washing district thing, the zoo
Churchgate street station a massive victorian style building which is the busiest train station in the world apparently, we arrived by train in the early hours and it was mental then, an experience for sure.

chowpatty beach in the evening for people watching a massage and some amazing takeaway foods

For dinner Sashin Tenduka's sport bar/restaurant
We happened to go the night he made his 100th test century and got free cake and Champagne. I also got interviewed live in Indian TV as we were the only westerners in there. I know nothing about cricket and probably looked like a right twit 🙂 we went 'cos it had good reviews

watch out for pick pockets especially kids running round you "playing", also be very wary about giving to child beggars too, a lot will just run back to the man and give him the cash 🙁

be ready for the smell and plenty of undesirable sights, but do enjoy it as an experiance

Work and then stay in the hotel.
However, if you fancy a few beers there are a few nice bars around the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, very westernised with OK food.
Sorry cant remember much more detail as its been a few years since I have worked there.

Edit: If you have time you can catch a ferry to Elephant Island from the Gateway of India, its an interesting place to walk around and kills a few hours but watch out for the monkeys.

OK, many thanks for the responses!

Gateway to India and station are must sees.

I went on a boat trip on the ropey old boats off to the left of the gateway, about 50 rupees or something, that was an experience, but my friends/colleagues insisted we go!

ignore the doom merchants get out but do keep your wits about you you'll be fine, don't hold me to that 😉

not many tuktuks in Mumbai more old Oxford's etc If you get a taxi make them use the meter (double/triple it at the end, it'll still be cheap) or agree a price you're happy with first, for a tenner you can have a man for the day who will take you all over and wait for you. we never had Thailand type problem of them wanting to take you for jewellery or suits.

There are unscrupulous people all over no different from scams all over holiday destinations all over the world to get the tourist $/£, some worse than others. just be aware

When I was there 5yrs ago, it wasn't as bad as some above make out. Just be sensible and you'll be OK. I walked around without too much bother.

The mosque at sunset:
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I was the only westerner on the walkway. Saw some horrible sights but didn't get hassled:
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Do I need any veet or suchlike at this time of year?

Veet? I was assuming you'd have done your hair removal before travelling....

I doubt you'll need Deet, or other mosquito repellents at this time of year. Drink Gin & Tonic, the quinine helps the malaria, it's why it was the drink that made the empire great.

Haha! Deet! you are right! I plan on coming back with as much hair as I left with but with the minimum of insect bites!

for a tenner you can have a man for the day who will take you all over and wait for you

This is what we did - an old grey haired/bearded chap who really knew his stuff. Stopped off at some really interesting places and told lots of great stories - got a proper history lesson.

Also had some great food and wine (inc some lovely indian wines). One place being an old colonial style affair which was proper old-school luxury with impecable service. Amazing place but I can't for the life of me remember the name.