Dharavi slum tours are becoming very famous for foreigners as it is known as the biggest slum in the heart of Mumbai. In these local tours with professional guides in that area they gte an opportunity to explore this place. This place is not only an attraction for slum but also as it has many small-scale industries operated like leather work, pottery, dyeing, plastic recycling and aluminium moulding and box making.
Many tourists want to come to India and go for the slum tours in Mumbai but the question is what is the best time to visit and see these tours. It is important for the tourists to do some research before visiting anywhere and check what would be the right time and days to visit as they should not miss anything in their tour and get maximum benefit and fun. In this blog we will discuss the weather, best time to visit and challenges of Mumbai.
1. Moderate Weather: October to March
Normally whenever any foreign tourist is making their booking for Dharavi they call the tour companies in Mumbai and check for the schedule. If you have planned from your own country and are making a booking then definitely you will speak to some agent. You must take all the information about all the attractions you can see in this period between October to March. This is the best time as the weather is pleasant and the environment is comfortable. When the weather is good you can also explore the Mumbai streets and the small industries of Dharavi which will be operational at that time after rain. As an add-on, this time is also a time of festival. You can check and find out which one you can attend and enjoy the festival time in India.
2. Festive Atmosphere: Diwali Celebration and Ganesh Chaturthi
If you are planning to travel to India and also would like to enjoy culturally enriched festivals, you can plan to see ganesh chathurthi and Diwali. Now Ganesh Chatruthi falls somewhere in August or September which is actually a rainy time in Mumbai, so it is completely up to you if you want to enjoy it as many foreigners visit India to see this festival.
Diwali is called the festival of lights and is one of the biggest festivals in India. This festival takes place in October or November and is celebrated for a few days. If you are visiting Dharavi at this time you must see the diwali celebrations here. Locals make this place alive with colorful decorations, rangoli designs, vibrant lights and yes there are fireworks as well you can see.
3. Avoiding Monsoon Challenges: June to September
You can visit Dharavi anytime of the year but it is advisable that you must avoid monsoon time. Monsoon hits Mumbai at this time of the year and it rains really heavily in Mumbai which can cause water logging, slippery streets and narrow streets of Dharavi will not be able to navigate easily.
You can also have problems getting transport as it will cause delay due to heavy rainfall and traffic. Not only this may be due to rain some industries face disruptions in operating and you may not be able to enjoy everything there such as people who visit there generally opt for pottery workshops and have fun but in the rainy season it is not possible to have it. So come to Dharavi but not in monsoon to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable tour.
FAQs on Dharavi
When is the best time to visit Dharavi for a tour?
October and March is the best time for tourists to travel to Dharavi when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. This period is mostly suggested as you can explore the streets of Mumbai comfortably without the disruption of rains.
Can I experience any local festivals during a Dharavi tour?
Yes, Diwali celebrations happen in October–November with lights and fireworks. Ganesh Chaturthi in August–September is also popular but you may experience rain during this visit.
Why should I avoid visiting Dharavi during the monsoon season?
Mumbai faces heavy rainfall during June to September which lead to waterlogging and transport delay and sometimes it can bring the city to halt. It is better to avoid this time as even many workshops of your tour and small industries in Dharavi does not operate.
What kinds of industries and activities can I see in Dharavi?
Dharavi is home to small-scale industries like leather work, pottery, dyeing, plastic recycling, and aluminium moulding. You can also join interactive sessions like pottery workshops during the dry season.
Is it possible to book Dharavi tours in advance from outside India?
Yes, You can book your Dharavi tour in advance as there are many local tour companies who do this booking.
Conclusion:
If you are planning to visit Mumbai and would like to visit Dharavi, choosing the right time to visit plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable and immersive journey.
The Mumbai monsoon can make it difficult in the months from June to September and it’s really messy here due to so much rain and you have to face roadblocks and transport issues. It is better to choose October to March for your trip so that you can enjoy it and have fun.