What to Do in Mumbai, India

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Yogacara

Mumbai, India

Whether you’re a yoga purist or complete novice, Yogacara retreat covers all the bases. Sitting within a tropical garden, lush with exotic herbs and organically grown food. Stay for a few days and you’ll sink into the rhythm of daily stretches and farm-to-table cooking. If you don’t know your downward-facing dog from your child’s pose, there’s also a list of 20 massages to choose from.

Address

Shoeb Manzil/SBI Building Samrat Naushad Ali Marg Bandra West 400050

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Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Mumbai, India

Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the green lungs of Mumbai. One of the only national parks set within a city, it’s an unexpected slice of untamed wilderness. The ancient Kanheri caves punctuate the overhanging cliffs, while Buddha statues and monk dwellings are engulfed by interesting fauna. Safaris run through the day, providing the opportunity to see everything from big cats to endangered birds.

Address

Borivali East Maharashtra 400066

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Deepak Cinema

Mumbai, India

Deepak Cinema’s first film (a silent American comedy) was screened in 1926 and the theatre hall as vintage value in spades. Stone walls and Manglorean roof tiles add old-school charm to building, which has passed down three generations of the film-loving Shah family. Today, it screens a variety of foreign films, hosts cultural events and plays a large role in Mumbai’s exceptionally good film festival.

Address

38 NM Joshi Marg Lower Parel 400013

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Horse Racing at Mahalaxmi

Mumbai, India

Pick a horse and boost your holiday fund before heading to Gallop for some fine dining. The track and restaurant share an air of grandeur – both were built in the 18th century and are owned by the elite Royal Western Turf Club. If rubbing shoulders with Mumbai’s glitterati doesn’t appeal, the grounds are an oasis within the crowded city. On non-race days the vast greens that overlook the Arabian sea are open to the public.

Address

Royal Western India Turf Club Mahalakshmi Nagar 400034

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Hiking in Lonavala

Mumbai, India

Lonavala is India’s answer to the Lake District. A train and a rickshaw ride take you to the edge of the wilderness, where green vistas and cloud-draped hills await. To aid your climb, local sellers serve cups of hot chai and roasted corn on the cob. You’re more than likely to stumble across one of the many Buddhist caves that punctuate the Sahyadris hiking trails.

Address

Lonavala Maharashtra

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Weekend trip to Goa

Mumbai, India

If you’ve made the most of Mumbai, go to Goa – bustling flea markets, charming beaches and coconut-laced cuisine await. The city’s Portuguese heritage is echoed in the opulent design of St Cajetan’s Church (a must-see) and the pastel-coloured buildings that melt into the heat haze. The city’s history combined with the palm-lined beaches, creamy sand and clear sea make it the perfect vacation-within-a-vacation.

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Sula Vineyards

Mumbai, India

Situated in the Western Ghats, the Dindori region is best known for producing premium red grapes like the Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Malbec and Tempranillo. Make a weekend of it with a trip to the Nashik Valley. Get your timings just right and head over for Sula Fest, held in February.

Address

Gat 36/2 Govardhan Village Gangapur-Savargaon Road Nashik 422222