On this tour, visitors will see why Dharavi is the heart of small scale industry in Mumbai. Many people know Dharavi as the 'largest slum in Asia,' but there is much more to this historic area of Mumbai than poverty. Dharavi's industries have an annual turnover of approximately US$ 665 million. Through our tour visitors experience a wide range of these activities: recycling, pottery-making, embroidery, bakery, soap factory, leather tanning, poppadom-making and many more. Most of these things are created in innovative ways and in very small spaces!

When passing through the residential spaces, you will undoubtedly feel the sense of community and spirit that exists in the area. People from all over India live in Dharavi, and this diversity is apparent in the temples, mosques and churches that stand side by side. A tour through Dharavi's narrow alleys is quite an adventure, and you will leave with an enlightened sense of the purpose and determination that exists in the area.

On the way to Dharavi, we pass areas of interest such as Kamathipura (red light area) and Dhobi Ghat (big open air laundry). The guide will also explain to you issues facing some of less fortunate people in Mumbai- such as the pavement dwellers and the street children.

In the afternoon we will show you other, more traditional sights that Mumbai has to offer. For a list of what sights we generally see in the afternoon, see our Sightseeing by Car page.

This tour is individually designed for you, and you can do and see as little or as much as you please. The tour guide, who also has detailed knowledge of the more traditional sights, will be with you for the day. He will explain what you can do, and then it is completely up to you.

• highlights
• Dhobi Ghat at Mahalaxmi See the dhobiwallahs, or washermen, scrubbing sheets from Mumbai's largest hospitals and hotels at this busy outdoor laundry area!
• Kamathipura (red light area) Talked about only in hushed tones, the Kamathipura district has been the subject of countless films, literary projects and art pieces. A visit to this area (stay inside vehicle) speaks for itself.
• Recycling area Old computers, parts and plastics come from all over the world to Dharavi to be recycled. See the recycling plants in which separation and melting of plastics takes place.
• Rooftop visit There is nothing like the view from a Dharavi factory rooftop. The tin hutments that house so many human lives stretch on as far as you can see, and birds screech overhead in the blue sky. You will never forget this view!
• Biscuit bakery Taste the tea biscuits that you can buy anywhere in Mumbai, hot and fresh at the source!
• Popaddom making Watch the women of Dharavi make popaddoms, the essential appetizer of any Indian meal, by baking them on wooden baskets that are turned upside-down.
• Visit to a resident’s house Gain an understanding of how the incredible people of Dharavi live.
• Kumbharwada pottery colony Watch artisans create all types of pots out of unfired, sundried clay.
• Community centre The Community Centre, supported by funds from the tour, provides education in English, computers and other soft skills to the teenagers and young adults of Dharavi. Other activities take place here such as a library and indoor games. Visitors experience what matters most to Reality Tours... the men, women and children that make this dynamic community one of the most vibrant places in Mumbai.
• Afternoon sightseeing Your choice where to go! For a list of what sights we generally see in the afternoon, see our Sightseeing by Car page.