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Dharavi Tour: Explore Asia's Largest Slum with Local Guide and Transport
5.0
8 Ratings
Mumbai
Experience the vibrant and thriving community of Dharavi, Asia's largest slum, on a guided tour. Discover the hidden industries and economic prowess of this unique neighborhood.
Duration:
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
Dharavi nurtures a thousand migrant dreams,
making it possibly the only slum in the world
where people come in vast numbers to make a
living.
Walk through the by lanes of this slum which is home to thousands of people and explore the interesting ways in which this communities earns their living.
Understand more about the small scale industries that run in and around this slum and contributes immensely to the city’s economy.
Points of Interest
- Mumbai
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Hop-on hop-off tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Driver
- All Fees and Taxes
What's Not Included
- Additional transport cost for North Mumbai pick-up
- Gratuities
- Additional cost for the services of a language guide (besides English)
Additional Information
The heart of Mumbai’s rapid economic expansion is not encapsulated within the glass-clad skyscrapers, but it beats in a dilapidated corner of the city. The residents here may not be the typical corporate tycoons in suits, but they are proprietors of multi-million dollar enterprises. These are the denizens of Dharavi – one of the largest slums in Asia.\nDespite the apparent mess and poverty, Dharavi stands as the most vibrant and economically effective area of Mumbai, churning out revenue amounting to an overwhelming billion US Dollars every year.\nOriginally a swampy fishing hamlet, Dharavi creek transformed into a dry land when a dam was constructed in the nearby vicinity. Over the years, these communities flourished financially, as observed today in the maze of variously designed leather accessories, intricate dresses and clay vessels, among other cottage industries. Get a glimpse of the cardboard and recycling sectors to comprehend the vital role Dharavi plays in maintaining Mumbai’s environmental health.
- Children below the age of 5 years can join the tour for free.
- The tour can be cancelled based on the discretion of No Footprints. The guests will be informed in advance of the same
- The sequence of the tour is at the discretion of No Footprints and its guide on-ground
- This tour cannot be operated between 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays
- Photography is prohibited within the areas of Dharavi
Location
Mumbai
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(8 Ratings)
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Aleksandra
Dec 25, 2023
Amazing experience we will never forget - Highly educational and eye opening. Experience we will never forget.
Our guide Kashif was a fantastic host, went out of his way to help us understand life in Dharavi, from commercial and business activities to schooling and home life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samanthams397qj
Dec 9, 2023
A local resident and guide to take you deep inside the Dharavi experience! - My son studied the vibrant ecosystem that is Dharavi at school this year. He asked that we include it in our itinerary when visiting Mumbai. Our Dharavi local guide, Farzen was knowledgeable and shared remarkable personal insights into the people, industries and innovative practices in this thriving, dynamic environment. Farzan’s personal connection to Dharavi and genuine depth of connection ensured an unparalleled glimpse into all aspects of our visit. Thankyou.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
924mayraw
Dec 8, 2023
Must see tour with Mujaffar - This tour was so educational! It’s hard to understand how a slum can be a self-sustaining economy with its own brand. If you have the time, book this tour. Our tour guide, Mujaffar, was an amazing tour guide with so much knowledge of the area. Request the tour with him. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roefamilylondon
Oct 27, 2023
A marvel of entrepreneurship - If like me you didn’t like the way some communities were portrayed in Slumdog Millionaire then this tour is for you.
You’ll have a chance to see what this amazing community in the heart of Bombay is really about. With our guide Razak we were able to get really up close to the entrepreneurial spirit that underpins this community. Everybody works. Everybody earns. Everybody has an enormous respect for each other here. It was really quite incredible to see how not a thing is wasted. There are some areas which were very private and enclosed and it was a real privilege to be able to walk through these areas and learn about the traditions and customs. Much thanks to No Footprints and to Razak for arranging this incredible tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trizd2016
Sep 17, 2023
Don’t sleep on this - We loved this tour. It was fantastic to have a guide who grew up and still lived in Dharavi. His purpose was to change the negative perception people have of Dharavi through education and stories. We witnessed the heart of Mumbai through his knowledge of the community, the many different industries that make up Dharavi and even a school that was hosting a hip-hop competition. The kids break dancing were one of the highlights. love that no footprints engage with local people to educate tourists on this amazing city.
Oh and having the chance to get a cute lil backpack branded with Dharavi was super cool. Love a piece that sparks a conversation. A big thank you to Furkan and his assistant guide. You guys were the best 🙏🏽
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ledbury01
Dec 7, 2022
For me the one unmissable tour in Mumbai - it’s simply fascinating - We took this tour 9 years ago and repeated it in this visit. There have been some changes to Dharavi in that time - but it remains a fascinating, informative, uplifting and memorable tour. Make time to do it. With thanks to our lovely guide Ahad for a great return visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidglennon
Nov 1, 2022
Super safe way to have your eyes opened to Dharavi - We went as a family of four with two children aged 9 & 11. I was conscious I didn’t want a voyeuristic tour (similar to the one we had in the favelas) and this was perfect. Our guide wanted to show us Dharavi and was proud of some of the amazing things going on there. The brief chat before we entered Dharavi set the scene well and lined us up to really appreciate what we saw.
The work going on in the plastics and recycling area was truly impressive. With a world struggling with these topics it was amazing to see the ingenuity being used to ensure waste is removed and allows the city to keep moving. The leather piece was of particular interest to see the high quality products turned out by skilled people. I must admit I came away with an item as it was super high quality.
Our guide Oves made sure we could understand everything that was going on and was happy to answer ANY question we had, including the mad one’s from the kids. Felt safe at all times, especially in the busy areas with people, bikes and traffic everywhere. He really paid attention to the kids to make sure they were safe and comfortable.
I thorough recommend the tour. It opens your eyes and gives you an experience many will never see.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cheyenne164
Feb 2, 2020
You will change your mind about slums! - This trip was a real eye-opener! By the end, we saw Mumbai's biggest slum as an integrated city with busy people engaged in many activities. Though the housing wasn't as nice as our hotel, the people who live in Dharavi have families and jobs the same as the rest of us. They live cooperatively regardless of occupation or religion and they have a local government that guides their actions. Great tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
