BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

Experience The Vibrant Culture Of Mumbai With A Stay At The Oberoi Hotel

Following

Located on the scenic coast of the Indian state of Maharashtra, the sprawling city of Mumbai is one of South Asia’s top tourist destinations, offering a wealth of fascinating attractions to explore. While this megalopolis is dotted with historic bazaars and landmarks, it’s no stranger to modern-day luxuries either, with towering skyscrapers and lavish resorts scattered all across the city—and for those wishing to experience a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary Maharashtra, the The Oberoi, Mumbai is tough to beat.

Located in the upscale district of Nariman Point, this polished hotel is home to a full-service spa, one of Mumbai’s most prestigious cocktail bars, and a wealth of lavish amenities for guests to enjoy. For a particularly luxurious stay, accommodations like the Kohinoor Suite are a perfect fit, providing guests with a personal workout space, a 24-hour butler service, and dazzling views of the Queen’s Necklace—and while the hotel itself is a wonder to behold, some of the most cherished memories for guests are crafted far beyond property limits.

A perfect fit for first-time visitors, The Oberoi offers a wide array of carefully-crafted experiences available for booking. For a deep dive into the inner workings of the city, one particularly fascinating excursion is Mumbai at Dawn, a three-hour journey that kicks off at 5:30 AM. During the early hours of the morning, the quiet streets burst to life, with destinations ranging from the vibrant Dadar Flower Market to Sassoon Dock, a historic seaside venue that holds regular fish auctions to kick off the day—but there’s a lot more to sample across the city than just seafood.

Home to iconic dishes like vada pav and pav bhaji, Mumbai is one of India’s top destinations for gastronomes, and The Oberoi offers multiple excursions that highlight the city’s diverse food scene. On a Spice Trail expedition, guests can explore some of the city’s most popular bazaars, all while accompanied by an experienced chef from the hotel. While the bustling Lal Bagh Market is the perfect spot for learning about the many seasonings that play a role in South Asian cuisine, guests will also have a chance to explore the iconic Crawford Market, a storied institution that’s perfect for finding rare fruits and vegetables.

Of course, a city as old as Mumbai is bound to have a treasure trove of historic attractions, and the Heritage Walk is perfect for visiting some of the city’s top spots all in one fell swoop. Beginning with a trip to one of India’s most prestigious history museums—the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, to be precise—this stroll passes by landmarks like the 1870s-era Rajabai Clock Tower and the University Of Mumbai campus, culminating in a visit to the extravagant Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a massive railway station that also serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With more than 25 million people calling the metro area home, planning a trip to Mumbai can be a little overwhelming for first-time visitors—but fortunately, The Oberoi serves as the perfect base for a seamless stay. Whether you’re hoping to sample savory Maharashtrian cuisine, bask in the beauty of Mumbai’s grandiose architecture, or gain ample insight into the rich history of the region, each Oberoi experience is certain to leave you with lasting memories to take back home until your next trip to the Indian coast.

Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn