The Real Slumdog Millionaires, Dharavi

The Real Slumdog Millionaires, Dharavi
Price: $70.00
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Standard
Shore Excursion Type Cultural
Shore Excursion Duration 4 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Water is included.
Recommended Dress We recommend wearing comfortable, weather appropriate clothing. Long pants and long sleeves as well as closed toe shoes are advised.
Restrictions Guests must be able to get in and out of transportation. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. A tourist visa is required to debark in India. Cruise lines do not usually provide this visa, therefore, you will need to obtain one prior to your cruise.

The Real Slumdog Millionaires, Dharavi

Home to nearly 1 million residents, Dharavi is the third-largest slum dwelling in the world and one of the most densely populated areas on the earth. This slum became famous following the release of the 2008 hit movie Slumdog Millionaire.

During this half-day guided tour you will get to go inside the slum to see how the residents live and work. There is a palpable sense of community that exists in Dharavi, a patchwork of people from all parts of India; marvel at the diversity as you see temples, mosques, and churches erected side by side.

Starting at the Mahim Railway Station, you will wind through the slum's narrow alleyways and be greeted by friendly locals. The smells of bakery goods and exotic soaps will entice you as you walk past dime-sized cyber cafes, tailoring shops, and various vendors offering a wide range of handmade products including embroidered and leather goods.

Dharavi has a sizable recycling compound and a notable melting and molding industry making plastic toys. Some may call this area an eyesore in the middle of India's financial capital, but the entrepreneurial spirit and creative industries that have been a result of the most diverse of slums is arguably the most diverse neighborhood in Mumbai.

In Kumbharwada, a large settlement set up in the 1930s, you will see beautiful clay pots crafted by traditional potters hailing from Gujarat. This area of narrow, winding roads in Dharavi is probably Mumbai's unique way of holding on to its past. Because modernization is slow here, you will find rows of houses with dozens of hands covered in clay working in unison in an old art form attracting tourists, filmmakers, and photographers from all over the city.

Dharavi's hub of innovative entrepreneurs and strong sense of spirit will break stereotypical beliefs about poverty and slum life and will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful for the resourceful people you meet here. Sign up for this popular tour today and you will leave this experience with a new-found appreciation of the human spirit.

Please Note: A tourist visa is required to debark in India. Cruise lines do not usually provide this visa, therefore, you will need to obtain one before your cruise.

5 Stars4.9 / 5  |  7 ReviewsReview This Tour
Eye opening experience
February 22, 2020
We were travelling with 3 teenage children and wanted to show them a side of life that they don’t see at home. This was certainly it. We were very well looked after from meeting at a cafe with bathrooms through to thorough explanations to our questions. Loads of walking and seeing what life was like in the slums. I expected it might be an interesting but slightly depressing experience but we saw the true community and the reason why many people continue to choose to live there. Highly recommend this.
Reviewer: Carol Lilley
5 Stars
Worth Seeing
January 30, 2020
Well run tour. The tour operator met us at the cruise ship and drove us to the area. They did a good job of explaining everything and why the conditions exist. A fair amount of walking, but very interesting sights.
Reviewer: Richard Long
5 Stars
The Best Tour Ever!
December 14, 2019
Such an eye opener to see how the slum operates - we were very impressed!
Reviewer: Vicki Webster
5 Stars
Real Slumdog
April 14, 2019
Fascinating excursion and a must see for all.
Reviewer: Alan Ginsberg
5 Stars
Mumbai Slum tour
March 21, 2019
Excellent tour, very informative and provided a positive insight to the programs offered here. Picked up and returned to cruise port. Tour was conducted by a student that is a resident from the Dvardi Slums. We were taken to his home and introduced to his mother and sister. Some proceeds of the tours goes to help our tour guides education. Great showcase of people helping people and helping themselves .
Reviewer: See McSherry
4 Stars
Shows how people can work through obstacles
March 20, 2019
Tour focussed on the motivated people who developed ideas and skills under difficult circumstances to make their families future better. Leather or luggage makers and tailors were among groups making goods. Depressing on the surface but inspiring people save the day with hope.
Reviewer: John
5 Stars