Excursion Mumbai's temples tour at Bombay

Explore the Hindu religion and its influences in depth during this scenic and informative, half-day tour of the temples of Mumbai.

Flower Market

Depart the pier for a visit to a bustling local flower market. Upon arrival, experience an abundance of colourful flowers and the cacophony of sellers and buyers. This temporary market comes alive as early as 4 a.m. and disappears by 9 a.m. Orange and red marigolds, white champa and pink lotuses are all sold here. During your visit, pick a garland of your own to be offered to the gods at the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple.

Shri Siddhivinayak Temple

Next, re-board your coach and proceed for a visit to the historic Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. Inside is a figure of Ganesh that is visible from any point within the temple. One of Hinduism's most popular gods, Ganesh is revered as the remover of obstacles, and his name is invoked before every undertaking. The image of Ganesh is often placed above gateways, and in shops and houses.

ISCKON Temple

Your tour concludes with a visit to the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, an ISKCON temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, these temples are a tribute to Srila Parabhupada's perseverance to spread the Krishna consciousness. ISKCON comprises more than 400 temples worldwide, 40 rural communities and over 100 vegetarian restaurants. It also conducts special projects throughout the world, including 'Food for Life', the only free vegetarian relief programme in the world.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Flower Market, Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, Ganesh Image, Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.8 miles (approximately 1.3 kilometres) over mostly paved surfaces with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 20 steps at the ISCKON Temple and 3 steps at the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat recommended. Proper attire is required to visit the sacred sites; shorts and short skirts are not permitted, and women must cover their shoulders. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples. Bring along a thick pair of socks, as the pavement may be hot. At some sites, depending on traffic and parking conditions, it may be necessary to cross busy streets. Expect crowds and lines at the sites visited; the temples can be especially crowded on Tuesdays and Sundays. There is a 10-minute walk to access the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple. Roads at the flower market are muddy and dirty. Photography is not permitted inside the temples. Vehicles used are the best available in the city, they will not be of the same standard as vehicles found in Western countries.