Things to do in Mumbai (Bombay)
Cycle the city before it wakes
Mumbai is constant bustle and buzz, and unless you rise before the sun you won't find a moment's calm. So set an early alarm and join Reality Tours (tel: +91 98 2082 2253; www.realitytoursandtravel.com) to experience the city's most famous sights in the stillness of dawn. After your early morning bike ride, they even provide breakfast.
Don't miss a recital at the NCPA
The mid-20th century building may be out of step with some of India's grander architecture, but inside the National Centre for the Performing Arts (tel: +91 22 2282 4567; www.ncpamumbai.com) is one of the country's finest cultural institutions. With over 600 performances annually, it meets many tastes. Don't miss the Indian classical music recitals.
Experience Mumbai's wet and wild side
Adrenaline junkies will relish white-water rafting on the Kundalika River, 120km (74 miles) outside Mumbai, with Kundalika Rafting (tel: +91 20 6644 7777; www.kundalikarafting.in). Set within virgin forests, it takes around 1.5 hours to paddle the 14km (9 miles) stretch and is a great insight into some of the country's natural surroundings.
Head out to sea and escape the crowds
Chowpatty Beach is a popular stretch of shoreline for those seeking respite. The most peaceful time to go is early morning but the solace won't last long. If you really want to escape the crowds, head out to sea. The H2O Centre (tel: +91 22 2367 7546; www.h2oadventures.in) offer jet skiing, parasailing and speed boating, among other aquatic activities.
Speed around a go-kart track
For a whole day of fun head to Hakone (tel: +91 22 4005 9004), a dedicated sports and entertainment complex in Powai, a 20-minute drive from Mumbai. Here, younger families can enjoy paddle boats, bumper cars and arcade machines, and adults can let their hair down too with paintballing and a large, roaring go-kart track.
