The All You Need To Know Mumbai Darshan Guide

Mumbai might be known as the commercial capital of India and for its nightlife. But, the city also has plenty of iconic and culturally-rich places to see. Most of these are in South Mumbai and, considering how crowded city trains are and the never-ending traffic jams, it can be hard to go sightseeing.

If you are in the city for a short while and want to visit all the iconic sites that Mumbai has, book a journey on the Mumbai Darshan bus. It takes tourists sightseeing too all the important places in Mumbai.

How can you do a Mumbai Darshan?

The Mumbai Darshan is conducted by the MTDC and a few private operators. You have the choice to pick either operator.  Bookings can be done online at the MTDC website or through recognized travel agents.

MTDC Nilambari Bus

It is run by the Maharashtra government. Special open-air double-decker buses ply only on the weekend, depart from South Mumbai and take you to 25 different tourist spots in the city. Fares for the MTDC Ho-Ho Service do not include taxes and entry fees to attractions.

• • Fare: Rs. 500 per seat

• Time: 7 pm to 8 pm; 8.15 pm to 9.15 pm

MTDC Nilambari Bus Route.

CST -> Flora Fountain  -> Bombay High Court ->  Shivaji Museum  -> Gateway Of India ->  Marine Drive Promenade->   Taraporewala Aquarium -> Girgaon Chowpatty  -> Hanging Garden  -> Mahalakshmi Temple->   Haji Ali Dargah ->  Nehru Planetarium  -> Shri Siddhivinayak Temple  -> Mount Mary Church  -> Bandra Bandstand  -> Juhu Chowpatty ->  Aarey Colony ->  Goregaon Filmcity  -> Borivali National Park

MTDC Mumbai Darshan Bus

Another service by the Maharashtra government, these buses are air-conditioned and you’re taken to 60 spots – 43 are drive past stops. Guides are experienced and certified.

MTDC Mumbai Darshan Bus Route 1

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus ->  Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum ->  Band Stand  ->  Siddhivinayak Temple  ->  Bandra Worli Sea Link  ->  Nehru Science Centre  ->  Taraporewala Aquarium  ->  Hanging Garden  ->  Mani Bhavan  ->  Gateway of India  ->  Hutatma Smarak  ->  Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya  ->  Hotel Taj  ->  Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

MTDC Mumbai Darshan Bus Route 2

This router operated between Dadar and CST. It takes you to the following places:

Dadar (E) MTDC Counter  -> Bhau Daji Lad Museum  -> Bandstand  -> Siddhivinayak Temple  ->  Bandra Worli Sea Link  ->  Nehru Science Centre  ->  Taraporewala Aquarium  ->  Hanging Garden  ->  Mani Bhawan  ->  Gateway of India  -> Hotel Taj  ->  Hutatma Smarak  ->  Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalay  ->  Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus ->  Dadar (E) MTDC Counter

• • Fare: Packages begin from Rs. 499 onwards per seat

• Time: 9 am to 6.30 pm

Private Operators

There are a few private operators that conduct Mumbai Darshans Daily.  You can book tickets on Red Bus or on Make My Trip.  Buses ply all day from morning till the evening and just like the MTDC tours, take you to some iconic places in Mumbai.

• • Fare: Rs. 350 onwards

• Time: 6 am to 8 pm

Places You Will Visit

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

One of the oldest railway stations in Mumbai, it was built by the British and has some fabulous artwork. DOn’t forget to take a picture of the large clock on the building facade.

• • Location: CST

• Timing: Open all day

Suggested to Read : Places to Visit Near Mumbai within 100 km

2. Gateway Of India

This is an iconic structure in Mumbai and it incorporates Islamic architecture. The gorgeous structure stands at the tip of Apollo Bunder, bang opposite the famous Taj Mahal Hotel. Normally boat rides are held from the Gateway, but since you’ll be on the Mumbai Darshan, you won’t be allowed to go.

• • Location: Apollo Bunder

• Timing: Open all day

3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya was designed by George Wittet and contains traces of Islamic, Hindu and British architecture. The museum is Mumbai’s biggest and houses some great western and local exhibits.

• • Location: Fort

• Timing: 10 am to 6 pm

Also Read : Fun Things to do in Mumbai

4. Taraporewala Aquarium

The Taraporewala Aquarium is Mumbai’s only aquarium. You can spend a few hours exploring the place. Browse through the different species of fish and other marine life, fossils and old seashells.

• • Location: Marine Drive

• Timing: 10 am to 8 pm

5. Siddhivinayak Temple

Believed to be miraculous, the temple is gorgeous and has interesting Hindu architecture. The Lord Ganesh idol inside the temple is sculpted from a single black stone.

• • Location: Prabhadevi

• Timing: 5 am to 8 pm

Now that you know all the details of the Mumbai Darshan, it is time book your tickets and checks out all the important places in Mumbai. Book tickets in advance as seats can get full on the weekends and during the summer season.

If there is anything else you need to know about travelling in Mumbai, do let us know in the comments below and we would get back to you.

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