Planning is in BLACK, Review is in RED.
Itinerary
24-Sep-15:
Arrive Mumbai, drive to Nashik.
Kumbh Mela.
25-Sep-15:
Kumbh Mela @ Trimbakeshwar.
26-Sep-15:
Nashik, Sula Winery, Pandavleni Caves
Drive to Mumbai.
Lunch @
Dinner @
27-Sep-15:
Morning, Bollywood Tours, pick up 10:00.
Lunch @
Afternoon Ganesh Chaturthi/Visarjan festival.
Reality Tour, meet at Mahim Station at 15:30.
Dinner @
Leave Mumbai
Kumbh Mela Festival
From Trip Advisor
- You can enjoy festivities during Ganeshotsava form 17th September - 27th September 2015. You can visit Lalbaug, Parel, Dadar, Girgaum and Matunga area where major festivities are held. The area is vibrant throughout the night.
Itinerary
24-Sep-15:
Arrive Mumbai, drive to Nashik.
Kumbh Mela.
25-Sep-15:
Kumbh Mela @ Trimbakeshwar.
26-Sep-15:
Nashik, Sula Winery, Pandavleni Caves
Drive to Mumbai.
Lunch @
Dinner @
27-Sep-15:
Morning, Bollywood Tours, pick up 10:00.
Lunch @
Afternoon Ganesh Chaturthi/Visarjan festival.
Reality Tour, meet at Mahim Station at 15:30.
Dinner @
Leave Mumbai
Kumbh Mela Festival
From Trip Advisor
- You can enjoy festivities during Ganeshotsava form 17th September - 27th September 2015. You can visit Lalbaug, Parel, Dadar, Girgaum and Matunga area where major festivities are held. The area is vibrant throughout the night.
- Look out for aagman tents. They are the best. Also there are other good tents available too. After kumbh mela, head to pune for ganesh festival, stay there for 02 nights at least.
Decided to go with Savion Travel since it was the cheapest amongst other companies replied to my email. Pick-up and drop only Mumbai - Nashik, and 2 nights accommodations, INR 18,600.
Review for Savion Travel www.BharatOnline.com
Booked transportation plus accommodation for Kumbh Mela 2015 in Trimbakeshwar.
The email correspondences with Mr. Laxman was good, he responded quick and clear.
He replied promptly, however, in actual, there were some discrepancies with what he said:
- It was said that all assistance during arrival is included in the tour price. The driver sent to me was not able to speak even a single word of English, that I had to find assistance to communicate with the driver, thus in actual, there was no assistance they could provide me.
I couldn't find the driver holding my name when I came out from the airport, that I needed to call the driver, fortunately I had local SIM card. Was shocked finding out the driver said "nehi English", couldn't speak English at all, that I had to find help from local people nearby me to speak with the driver in the phone.
The driver provided to me, while he was naive and not a bad person, he was quite temperamental and push the car horn too often.
- Mr. Laxman mentioned the accommodation was Prayag Kumbh Cottage, and he clearly mentioned when I asked, that it is a permanent establishment with a permanent set-up of cottages which are made of fireproof, Water proof termite proof materials, which is fully neat, clean secure and lockable. But in actual, it was called Prayag Kumbh Camp, it was like a refugee camp, temporary establishment made by thin wood, the floor was only carpet on soil.
The food provided in the camp was horrible. Worse, I was forced to fill in an enquette writing "the food was good", didn't know why I just followed their instruction.
Review of Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar is a holy city, 30 km away from Nashik.
Bollywood Tour
http://goindia.about.com/od/bollywood/p/bollywoodfilm.htm
Mumbai Film City
Unfortunately, Foreigners cannot enter the film city.
http://www.filmcitymumbai.org/
Two company replied to my email:
1. Bollywood Tourism http://www.bollywoodtourism.com/
2. Bollywood Tours http://www.bollywoodtours.in/#_=_
Both were good, the first one were better in terms on prompt email replies, but more intimidating.
Decided to go with the second one, since got good review at Trip Advisor and not mandatory to pay in advance (I can pay on the day of the tour), while the first one, I have to pay 1 week in advance.
Halfday tour private tour with Bollywood Tours, USD 130, with lunch USD 140.
Review of Bollywood Tours
Paid USD 140, including lunch (without lunch USD 130).
During the booking stage, in the correspondence, they said I can order anything and they will pay, but in actual, they only paid limited INR 500, so better not to take this lunch option.
Went with a young guide name Sufiyan.
I think he is average guide, cool but lack of passion and affectionate, lack of warmth, couldn't feel the inner kindness.
After the pick up from my hotel, didn't expect that the first stop was gas stand to fill up car fuel.
Then continued passing impressive Worli-Bandra highway, to see movie stars home, Shahruk Khan and Salman Khan in Bandra area.
The studio we visited was SJ Studio, the second biggest studio in Mumbai.
Was quite lucky, could see the shooting of movie Beiiman Love, starred by handsome actor Rajneesh Duggal and porn star Sunny Leone.
After watching the shooting, we went to a small hall of fame, made specially for tourists like me, then to a theater to watch the dance show.
Three dancers, one pretty girl and two ugly boys, danced just for me, and the other tourist.
In the last number, they invited us to dance together, which was nice, after feeling cold sitting in overcooled room.
Regarding the lunch option, they gave me more options during email correspondences, and they even said I could go to my Shree Thaker Bhojanala, the restaurant I really wanted to go but far away.
But on the day, the guide suggested only 3 options, restaurants near the studio.
Chose Maheesh Lunch Home, the good was tasty, but I spent INR 2,000 much more than their given budget.
In summary, I was not really satisfied with the tour and the company, due to discrepancies between email correspondences and the actual. I think they are overrated in Trip Advisor.
But they are the pioneer of the Bollywood tour and may be the best tour operator on Bollywood tour.
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
http://goindia.about.com/od/festivalinformation/ss/Mumbai-Ganesh-Festival-Guide.htm
Tour
1. Reality Tour http://realitytoursandtravel.com/ganesh-tour.php
2. Grand Mumbai Tour http://www.grandmumbai.com/mumbai-festival-tours.html
Decided to go with Reality Tour, the same company I went last year to the Dharavi slum tour.
INR 1000.
Grand Mumbai Tour replied they are fully booked.
Great fun, dancing with the locals and the staff on Mumbai streets.
Appreciated the efforts from all the staff keeping us safe and fun.
The street food at Chowpati Beach, all the train tickets are included.
Restaurant in Mumbai
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g304554-Mumbai_Bombay_Maharashtra.html
- Leopold Cafe
The legendary cafe in Colaba, came for a beer.
Draught beer costes INR 225.
Many groups ordered the tower pictchers.
In surrounding area, would like to try Cafe Mondegar, Indigo, and Social Colaba for a drink.
- Shree Thaker Bhojanala
31, Thaker Bhojanalaya Building, Dadiseth Agyari Marg | Marine Lines, Mumbai (Bombay) 400002, India
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g304554-d2431689-Reviews-Shree_Thaker_Bhojanalay-Mumbai_Bombay_Maharashtra.html
- Sea Lounge
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Done my bucket list to have a high tea (afternoon tea) here at the window seat, seeing Gate of India. Buffet style, not only sweets, but there were also pizza, dumplings, fries and local street food. INR 1,650, 15:30-19:00 high tea time.
- Mahesh Lunch Home
Not cheap, but great taste.
Ordered Fish Gassi (thick coconut sauce), shrimp for the starter, and garlic nan, spent INR 2,039.
Nightclubs in Mumbai
- Bluefrog
D 2, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Pare | Opposite Kamala Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Mumbai (Bombay) 400013, India
Hotel
- Residency Hotel, Fort
Paid USD 69, final price with tax etc. (was USD 56 at Booking.com).
Luckily, was upgraded to suit room.
Nice location, surrounded by colonial building. 7 minutes walk from CST station.
Sightseeing
- Pandavleni Caves
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandavleni_Caves
in Nashik, located just out of highway between Nashik and Mumbai.
INR 100 for foreigner (INR 5 for local)
had to climb stairs about 10 minutes to the entrance.
quite huge and well preserved
view of the city from the top
- Sula Vineyard
Outskirt from Nashik.
the most famous Indian wine maker.
INR 350 for short factory tour + plus wine tasting (6 types)
Visa
Electronic visa.
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
need to prepare photo in jpeg file and passport copy in pdf file.
USD 60 can be paid by credit card.
Decided to go with Savion Travel since it was the cheapest amongst other companies replied to my email. Pick-up and drop only Mumbai - Nashik, and 2 nights accommodations, INR 18,600.
Review for Savion Travel www.BharatOnline.com
Booked transportation plus accommodation for Kumbh Mela 2015 in Trimbakeshwar.
The email correspondences with Mr. Laxman was good, he responded quick and clear.
He replied promptly, however, in actual, there were some discrepancies with what he said:
- It was said that all assistance during arrival is included in the tour price. The driver sent to me was not able to speak even a single word of English, that I had to find assistance to communicate with the driver, thus in actual, there was no assistance they could provide me.
I couldn't find the driver holding my name when I came out from the airport, that I needed to call the driver, fortunately I had local SIM card. Was shocked finding out the driver said "nehi English", couldn't speak English at all, that I had to find help from local people nearby me to speak with the driver in the phone.
The driver provided to me, while he was naive and not a bad person, he was quite temperamental and push the car horn too often.
- Mr. Laxman mentioned the accommodation was Prayag Kumbh Cottage, and he clearly mentioned when I asked, that it is a permanent establishment with a permanent set-up of cottages which are made of fireproof, Water proof termite proof materials, which is fully neat, clean secure and lockable. But in actual, it was called Prayag Kumbh Camp, it was like a refugee camp, temporary establishment made by thin wood, the floor was only carpet on soil.
The food provided in the camp was horrible. Worse, I was forced to fill in an enquette writing "the food was good", didn't know why I just followed their instruction.
Review of Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar is a holy city, 30 km away from Nashik.
Bollywood Tour
http://goindia.about.com/od/bollywood/p/bollywoodfilm.htm
Mumbai Film City
Unfortunately, Foreigners cannot enter the film city.
http://www.filmcitymumbai.org/
Two company replied to my email:
1. Bollywood Tourism http://www.bollywoodtourism.com/
2. Bollywood Tours http://www.bollywoodtours.in/#_=_
Both were good, the first one were better in terms on prompt email replies, but more intimidating.
Decided to go with the second one, since got good review at Trip Advisor and not mandatory to pay in advance (I can pay on the day of the tour), while the first one, I have to pay 1 week in advance.
Halfday tour private tour with Bollywood Tours, USD 130, with lunch USD 140.
Review of Bollywood Tours
Paid USD 140, including lunch (without lunch USD 130).
During the booking stage, in the correspondence, they said I can order anything and they will pay, but in actual, they only paid limited INR 500, so better not to take this lunch option.
Went with a young guide name Sufiyan.
I think he is average guide, cool but lack of passion and affectionate, lack of warmth, couldn't feel the inner kindness.
After the pick up from my hotel, didn't expect that the first stop was gas stand to fill up car fuel.
Then continued passing impressive Worli-Bandra highway, to see movie stars home, Shahruk Khan and Salman Khan in Bandra area.
The studio we visited was SJ Studio, the second biggest studio in Mumbai.
Was quite lucky, could see the shooting of movie Beiiman Love, starred by handsome actor Rajneesh Duggal and porn star Sunny Leone.
After watching the shooting, we went to a small hall of fame, made specially for tourists like me, then to a theater to watch the dance show.
Three dancers, one pretty girl and two ugly boys, danced just for me, and the other tourist.
In the last number, they invited us to dance together, which was nice, after feeling cold sitting in overcooled room.
Regarding the lunch option, they gave me more options during email correspondences, and they even said I could go to my Shree Thaker Bhojanala, the restaurant I really wanted to go but far away.
But on the day, the guide suggested only 3 options, restaurants near the studio.
Chose Maheesh Lunch Home, the good was tasty, but I spent INR 2,000 much more than their given budget.
In summary, I was not really satisfied with the tour and the company, due to discrepancies between email correspondences and the actual. I think they are overrated in Trip Advisor.
But they are the pioneer of the Bollywood tour and may be the best tour operator on Bollywood tour.
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
http://goindia.about.com/od/festivalinformation/ss/Mumbai-Ganesh-Festival-Guide.htm
Tour
1. Reality Tour http://realitytoursandtravel.com/ganesh-tour.php
2. Grand Mumbai Tour http://www.grandmumbai.com/mumbai-festival-tours.html
Decided to go with Reality Tour, the same company I went last year to the Dharavi slum tour.
INR 1000.
Grand Mumbai Tour replied they are fully booked.
Great fun, dancing with the locals and the staff on Mumbai streets.
Appreciated the efforts from all the staff keeping us safe and fun.
The street food at Chowpati Beach, all the train tickets are included.
Restaurant in Mumbai
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g304554-Mumbai_Bombay_Maharashtra.html
- Leopold Cafe
The legendary cafe in Colaba, came for a beer.
Draught beer costes INR 225.
Many groups ordered the tower pictchers.
In surrounding area, would like to try Cafe Mondegar, Indigo, and Social Colaba for a drink.
- Shree Thaker Bhojanala
31, Thaker Bhojanalaya Building, Dadiseth Agyari Marg | Marine Lines, Mumbai (Bombay) 400002, India
(022) 22011232
- Sea Lounge
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Done my bucket list to have a high tea (afternoon tea) here at the window seat, seeing Gate of India. Buffet style, not only sweets, but there were also pizza, dumplings, fries and local street food. INR 1,650, 15:30-19:00 high tea time.
- Mahesh Lunch Home
Not cheap, but great taste.
Ordered Fish Gassi (thick coconut sauce), shrimp for the starter, and garlic nan, spent INR 2,039.
Nightclubs in Mumbai
- Bluefrog
D 2, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Pare | Opposite Kamala Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Mumbai (Bombay) 400013, India
+91 22 4033 2300
Didn't actually go.Hotel
- Residency Hotel, Fort
Paid USD 69, final price with tax etc. (was USD 56 at Booking.com).
Luckily, was upgraded to suit room.
Nice location, surrounded by colonial building. 7 minutes walk from CST station.
Sightseeing
- Pandavleni Caves
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandavleni_Caves
in Nashik, located just out of highway between Nashik and Mumbai.
INR 100 for foreigner (INR 5 for local)
had to climb stairs about 10 minutes to the entrance.
quite huge and well preserved
view of the city from the top
- Sula Vineyard
Outskirt from Nashik.
the most famous Indian wine maker.
INR 350 for short factory tour + plus wine tasting (6 types)
Visa
Electronic visa.
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
need to prepare photo in jpeg file and passport copy in pdf file.
USD 60 can be paid by credit card.
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