Personally I would take an early flight up to Mumbai, take in the sights during the day then stay overnight to soak up the atmoshere. A trip to Elephanta Island the following morning then get an evening flight back down to Goa.

Good suggestion to take the early morning flight and then stay the night to soak up the atmosphere. We did this a couple of years ago and arrange it all with a Mumbai travel company. They picked us up at the airport and took us to the hotel to book in and have lunch. Then in the afternoon they came and picked us up and we had a guide who took us to all the main sights in Mumbai. The guide was a wealth of knowledge and we certainly found ou more than if we had toured on our own. Late afternoon we where dropped of at one end of Coloba shopping street where we then spent a fascinating 2 hours or so walking back to our Hotel and shopping on the way. After our evening meal we walked down to the Gateway to India and the Taj Hotel. Next morning they then picked us up at the hotel and returned us to the airport for our return flight to Goa. Was probably not the cheapest way to see Mumbai but it certainly suited our party of 3 adults and a teenager.

The Gateway to India - where the boats leave for Elephanta Island.
Buy the luxury ticket - because this includes a free guide, who will meet you at the entrance to the caves.


The Dhobi Ghats - click here.
V.T. Terminal - click here.
Ali Haji Mosque - click here.
Street Life - click here.

Although we had an overnight in Mumbai we only had a clear day for sightseeing. I think we covered a lot during that time. We made the decision to not go to Elephanta Island this time as we would not be able to see much else. The 4 hour tour we had through our hotel seems to be the route that everyone offers. Then you still have time for a wander yourself- to see the Gateway etc
Hotels in Mumbai are expensive so if you don't want to stay overnight it is doable. I would go as far as to say that a trip to Mumbai is a must do

The timings of the flights make a day trip near impossible, with not really enough time to do much in Mumbai. There are fairly early flights in both directions but the last flight of the day back from Mumbai is quite early in the afternoon. Bearing in mind it can take two hours by road from the airport to downtown Mumbai or less if you know where to go to get a train, a day trip isn't really worthwhile.

Geoff

right- I had no idea what time the last flight was. The first one into Mumbai gets you there about 9am or thereabouts.

First four flights out are
GOI 6:40am BOM 7:40am DN 0652
GOI 7:00am BOM 8:00am AI 9866
GOI 7:00am BOM 8:00am IC 0866
GOI 8:10am BOM 9:10am 9W 0480

Last ones back (not quite as bad as I had believed - but still tight bearing in mind check in / security etc)
BOM 3:00pm GOI 4:00pm AI 9163
BOM 3:00pm GOI 4:00pm IC 0163
BOM 3:05pm GOI 4:00pm DN 0603
BOM 3:15pm GOI 4:15pm 6E 0337
BOM 4:15pm GOI 5:15pm SG 0259

Geoff

no - you are right. 4.15 is way too early to be leaving Mumbai. You would have to be on your way to the airport by 2pm then.

We did the trip about four years ago, we booked it with our rep, I think it was about £500 for the two of us.
The rep told us it would be a low grade hotel.. It was The Marine Plaza on Marine Drive, Pheweee... What a place, its in the " Small Luxury Hotels of The World Guide". Its all glass and polished marble etc. We thought they had brought us to the wrong hotel, as we were the only people there wearing shorts and teeshirts, ha.
The standard tours are good value as you get to see so much in one day,
Dhobi wallahs at work, Ghandi Museum, Elephanta Island,
We even saw vultures circling the funeral tower in the Hanging Gardens Park.
I would definately do it again, but i,m not sure you would really enjoy it if you had to fly in, do it all in just one day and fly back same day.

Gaz

Thanks for all the excellent replies!

Looks like I'm going to look into this further. I was hoping for it to be slightly less than £250 person

But even then what an opportunity and not to be missed for the sake of a few quid.

It can be done by DIY the flight from goe to mumbai return are about 50 pounds each, if you look at the hotel reviews for mumbai hotels, you can get an hotel from there, Doing it your self I'd reacon on 250-300 pounds for the both of you.

I agree with Tomitma.

we did it a couple of years ago DIY and return flights cost us less than £100 using Spice and air Deccan I think.

We spent three days there and would have liked more as Mumbai is the kind of place that grows on you.

The only down size was finding a decent hotel, and I would strongly recommend that you pre book a hotel.

Daytrippers do it over 3days/4nights by train for £119.
(I forgot to say in my earlier post that we stayed 3days/ 2nights)
I am sure Davidair could also sort out a good deal if you e,mail them.

Gaz

Have just booked our three day two night trip DIY. Fly up, train back for less than £250 for both inc hotel you just have to get your head round the India rail web site

which hotel goaal?

Chateau Windsor Hotel. It is not to expensive & not very flash Rs3600 per night chateauwindsor (put 3ws a. & com round that) was recommended on an HT thread somewhere Fiona. The train was about £28 for the two of us, booked online with an e-ticket so I already know the carrage and seat numbers!

Al

we have a good review here

Thanks Fiona can,t do that yet.