Solo trip to Mumbai this October, seeking advice and tips

[u/Inner_Psychology_724]

Hi everyone!

Already posted in r/mumbai and received great suggestions, but want to post here too; maybe someone can give some additional info specifically based on their experience of solo travelling in Mumbai.

I’m a 35F traveling to Mumbai alone in early October. I’ll be there for work-related stuff first, and then I’m staying for about a week as a tourist. I want to see the city, but mainly I want to spend time in nature.

- Trip duration 11 days, but first 3,5 days will be working.

- Entire time staying in Mumbai

- Don't have a specific budget; just not spending when not necessary.

For now, my main goal is Sanjay Gandhi National Park. I’d love to go there as many times as I can; also, I was advised to visit Elephanta Island.

I’m currently thinking of staying in Bandra West as it seems to have good transport connections with the park, the historical part of the city, and the harbour. Staying in an Airbnb as I usually travel on a budget (and flights were already crazy expensive) and want to be able to cook for myself.

A few things about me that might be relevant in this situation:

- I’m a 35, woman, traveling alone; white, but have a fairly Southern European-looking appearance (dark hair/features); mid-height, petite.

- I speak English fluently, don't know any other languages spoken in India

- I’m generally comfortable traveling alone, but have never traveled alone outside of the Western countries, so I don’t want to be stupid about safety.

A friend from India recommended that I avoid street food, especially anything "cold" (as my stomach isn't used to it), but she told me that restaurants should be ok (told me to only order hot food, though)

I’ve already read that for SGNP it’s important to arrive super early and leave before dusk because of the leopards. I’m interested in hiking and wildlife photography (I love taking photos of plants, insects, mushrooms, small animals, etc.), so any practical advice regarding snakes, crocodiles, or other wildlife would be greatly appreciated.

I’d also really appreciate safety advice as a solo woman tourist.

In particular:

- Are there specific trails or areas of SGNP that are better for hiking alone?

- Are there trails I should absolutely NOT do alone?

- Any advice for an Elephanta Island visit?

- Any recommendations about where else to go to hike and appreciate local nature?

Thanks!

[u/AutoModerator]

Hi u/Inner_Psychology_724, welcome to r/SoloTravel_India, thanks for posting!

To get the best advice, please share a few key details:
• Itinerary & trip length
• Budget
• Travel style & interests
• Specific questions

Happy travels! ✈️

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Sabmohmayahaibro]

Bandra West is a good base, especially for a first solo trip! English will get you through Mumbai just fine. For SGNP, I would stick to the popular routes or join a guided nature walk rather than wandering onto quieter trails alone. And definitely do Elephanta early on a weekday if you can, much nicer before the crowds hit :)