Dharavi Slums Mumbai

Dharavi Slum in Mumbai is one of the largest slums in the world, around 6km away from the main city. The slum is home to more than a million people from different parts of the country. It is spread over an area of up to 427 acres. It is a triangular set divided between the Western and Central suburban railway lines, with Mahim, Matunga, and Sion railway stations forming its corners.

It is one of the major tourist sites in Mumbai, and a peep inside familiarizes you with the reality of lower-middle-class people. Dharavi was founded during the British Colonial era in 1882. In the early 18th century, the slum was inhabited by Kolis (fisherfolk), who lived near the river. The Gazetteer of Bombay had stated that the Dharavi slum was one of the ‘six great Koliwadas of Bombay.’

Currently, Dharavi forms a blend of diverse religions, cultures, and traditions as it houses migrants from the Gujrati community, Muslim tanners from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtrians from the Konkan coast, and artisans from Uttar Pradesh. There are also a successful leather trade, a garment industry, and leather showrooms that form an essential highlight of the place, turning the image of a slum into an established township. 

Best time to visit Dharavi Slums Mumbai

There is no set hour for closing or opening in Slum. Visit when everything is operational to take advantage of the cultural life. Most tour companies provide tours from 9 a.m. to 5  .

The monsoon season is the worst season to visit the slum due to the weather. During the monsoon season, Dharavi is particularly vulnerable to flooding because of the low-rise structures and poor drainage infrastructure.

Maharashtra experiences a sweltering summer. The ideal time of year to visit Dharavi is winter. Winter lasts from October to March.

How to reach Dharavi Slums Mumbai

Among those that offer local transportation services, Dharavi is quite well-liked. To get to Dharavi from any location in Mumbai, take a taxi, an auto, or another form of road conveyance. Get off the train at Kings Circle or Mahim Junction if you want to travel locally.

To get to the slum from these stations, you can either walk there or hire a rickshaw. The closest bus stops include Mahim Phatak bus station, Matunga Labor camp, and Shahu Nagar, among others, if you intend to charter a bus.

Things to do in Dharavi Slums Mumbai

• The most frequent activity is a walking tour. To safeguard the residents’ privacy, tourists are typically not escorted to the neighborhood of the slum area. Instead, the industrial area, community centers, and other places will be shown to you.
• Some tour companies provide food packages that let you cook with a local family and have dinner with them.
• Observe natives producing ceramics, leather tanning, firecrackers, and other things.
• The slum’s rooftop vista has a significant impact on many visitors. Try to do the same.
• Catch a yoga, dancing, or sporting event at the community facilities.
• Street art can be found by strolling the streets.

If you are planning to visit the Dharavi Slums, then you must check out our Mumbai tour packages.