Open Deck Bus MTDC Nilambari is No More For South Mumbai Tour

“MTDC’s Nilambari, the Open deck bus tour in South Mumbai, has undergone a transformation. It is now a Fully AC double-decker bus with a closed roof. The days of hopping on board the delightful open deck bus by BEST for an exhilarating 1-hour tour are now a thing of the past. However, you can still enjoy the cool breeze on your face as you explore the vibrant streets of this iconic city.

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Otherwise, MTDC’s Nilambari bus tour is a treat for history enthusiasts, covering 16 to 17 heritage structures and iconic buildings in South Mumbai. Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural marvels of this mesmerizing city..”

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BEST Open Deck Bus Fast Facts

Whether you’re a curious schoolkid or an inquisitive adult, this guided tour is perfect for gaining in-depth knowledge about the centuries-old historic structures that grace this island city. Discover fascinating stories and secrets that bring these landmarks to life.

Planning your day is a breeze with all the information you need at your fingertips. Find out about bus ticket booking, timings, ticket rates, and the captivating attractions you’ll encounter on this unforgettable journey.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of South Mumbai. Join us on the Nilambari bus tour and create memories that will last a lifetime. Below are some facts.

• Tour: Explore the Historic Buildings and Heritage Structures of South Mumbai with a Guided Tour on Nilambari
• Duration: The tour lasts for 1 hour and covers approximately 16 to 17 structures. On Saturdays and Sundays, the duration is extended to 2 hours, allowing for a total of 4 scheduled bus tours every weekend.
• Bus Type: In the past, people experience the charm of the iconic blue-colored open-air double-decker buses, which have been an integral part of Mumbai’s public transportation system for many years. The Nilambari bus, the same one that was used to celebrate Team India’s World Cup victory and Manushi Chhillar’s Miss World win in 2017, will be your mode of transport. This has been replaced with a brand new Fully Air-Conditioner double-decker bus.
• Bus Capacity: According to MTDC, the maximum capacity of the bus is 30 people. However, some photographs found on Google show that the upper deck alone can accommodate up to 40 people.
• Cost per Person: Enjoy the panoramic views from the open deck roof area at a cost of Rs. 150 per person. Alternatively, you can choose the lower deck at a rate of Rs. 60 per person. Children under 3 years of age can join the tour for free.
• Touring Schedule: Nilambari Bus Tour operates exclusively on weekends, specifically on Saturdays and Sundays, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. However, please note that during the monsoon season, which spans from June to October, the tour remains closed due to heavy rainfall and the open deck being inaccessible. For more detailed information regarding the timing and other relevant details, please refer below.
• Ticket Reservation Options: There are two options available for booking tickets. The first option is online booking through the BookMyShow app, specifically under the ‘BEST Operation Heritage Tour’ section. The second option is offline booking, which allows you to make advance reservations for the upcoming weekend.

  This can be done from Tuesday to Friday (please note that the counter is closed on Mondays) at the MTDC Counter located at the Gateway of India. While on-the-spot booking is also possible, it is advisable to book in advance as tickets tend to sell out quickly.

  Additionally, there are other locations in Mumbai where you can book this South Mumbai tour, such as the MTDC reservation division. Further details regarding these locations can be found below.

• Suitable Audience: The Nilambari Bus Tour is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including school kids, adults, foreign national tourists, school picnic groups, and anyone with an appreciation for exploring the historical heritage structures of old Mumbai.

Tour Attractions and Route

Mumbai residents, tourists, and people from other states can learn about the architectural landmarks they see during the tour from a knowledgeable guide. The modified BEST open-deck bus offers a regal experience, allowing passengers to relax while traveling through busy Mumbai streets and the refreshing promenade.

In the evening, passengers can enjoy the beautiful illuminated structures, creating a magical atmosphere. This ride brings a feeling of happiness and fulfillment. If you have taken this journey before, please share your feedback in the comment section below.

Nilambari Tour Bus Route

Nilambari tour starts at Gate No.4 of CSMVS (Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) near Regal Cinema   Gateway of India (Ring route of Gateway of India with Glimpse of Hotel Taj)   Mantralaya Building   Vidhan Bhavan  Trident & Oberoi Hotel   Marine Drive (Nariman Point Promenade)  Girgaon Chowpatty (Also see the Girgaon Beach View Deck)  You Turn with Wilson College on left   Taraporewala Aquarium  Hotel Ambassador   Churchgate Railway Station  Eros Cinema Theatre  Oval Maidan   Maharshi Karve Road   Rajabai Tower  CST Railway Station Building  DN Road   Hutatma Chowk   Homi Modi Street   Horniman Circle   Asiatic Library  Back to CSMVS museum (Opposite Regal Cinema).

Experience the thrill of this enchanting adventure on the open-air bus specially selected for this tour. Get ready to be amazed by the breathtaking display of architectural wonders as the bus transports you on a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Mumbai.

Starting from the very spot where you are standing, this tour encompasses renowned known tourist destinations and picturesque streets, offering fascinating insights into the history and significance of each magnificent structure.

Immerse yourself in the charm of South Mumbai as you explore its hidden gems on this remarkable tour.

The CSMVS building, a famous tourist spot, has remained the same throughout the years. If you have an extra 45 minutes, it is definitely worth visiting this museum after arriving 15 minutes early for the bus journey.

As you continue on the path, you will come across the renowned ‘Gateway of India‘ and the grand ‘Hotel Taj’, with the Pride of Mumbai standing confidently across from them. Although the devastating terror attack on Taj brought sorrow to the people, the building itself remains strong and will always be a symbol of beauty and significance.

The next stop on the journey is the Vidhan Bhavan. This is where important political figures come together to discuss matters related to Mumbai city, Maharashtra state, and other development issues. The Vidhan Bhavan’s exceptional design and captivating architecture make it a truly remarkable sight.

As the bus continues its journey, you will arrive at the Nariman Point Promenade. Here, you can enjoy the cool sea breeze from the Arabian Sea. From the bus’s open deck, you can admire famous landmarks such as the Rotating Hotel Oberoi, Hotel Trident, and the impressive Air India building. Some of the ancient box trees, which were planted during the British Era to absorb the salty moisture, still stand tall.

The queen’s necklace should already be sparkling during the tour hours, providing a breathtaking sight all the way from your location to Girgaum Chowpatty Beach.

The queen’s necklace should shine brightly throughout the tour, offering a stunning view from where you are to Girgaon Chowpatty Beach.

And it is truly incredible to see it from a fancy bus at a high level. As we keep traveling, we will go by Mumbai Gymkhana Ground and have a relaxed ride along the promenade before moving on to the next place on our itinerary.

It’s time for the bus to say goodbye to the promenade and move towards Churchgate railway station, located on the left side, and the beautiful Eros cinema on the right. Many people from Mumbai have created countless memories here, whether they came for work or to explore the area.

Throughout many decades, Churchgate railway station has been visited by billions of people for various reasons. Some individuals come here for their daily work or official responsibilities in the area, while others participate in tours such as the well-known Mumbai Darshan by MTDCC or simply have a relaxing weekend getaway. This bus tour in South Mumbai offers a plethora of knowledge about this iconic railway station located along the western route.

Nestled in the busy city of South Mumbai is the beautiful Oval Maidan, a large 23-acre green space. This well-maintained ground is perfect for recreational activities like cricket, football, and other outdoor games, where many teams can come together and have fun.

Apart from being a sports hub, Oval Maidan also offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can relax and enjoy moments of tranquility in this serene oasis. Interestingly, Oval Maidan has a historical significance as it was once called the ‘Maratha Ditch’ and witnessed intense battles between Maratha warriors and the British.

As you travel on the bus past Oval Maidan, you will easily spot the impressive Rajabai clock tower. This magnificent Gothic structure stands at a height of 85 meters and is a must-visit during your trip.

It resembles a smaller version of the famous ‘Big Ben’ clock tower in London, located at the northern end of the Palace of Westminster. Your reliable computer guide will point out this architectural treasure and share interesting historical facts and dates, which you can also find on Wikipedia with some slight differences.

As you approach the CSMT (formerly CST) railway station, you’ll be amazed by the impressive BMC headquarters building right in front of you.

The bustling junction at the center is a lively hub of activity, with traffic moving in all directions. This railway station, located on the central railway route, holds numerous wonders within its walls and has exciting plans for the future.

Although it may seem like an ordinary station for daily travel, there is a lot more to explore. To learn more about its fascinating features, click on the link provided on this page.

During festive events like Diwali and national celebrations like Independence Day, the colorful lights decorate the buildings in a mesmerizing way that even expert photographers pause to capture the enchanting beauty of the lit train stations from different perspectives. Take a moment to experience this captivating view.

Make sure to check out this new video of CST station to fully understand the beauty and greatness of this historical building. By the way, don’t miss the chance to see the breathtaking Flora Fountain as the bus travels from Churchgate station to CSMT.

As the 60-minute tour comes to a close, you’ll be astonished at how swiftly time has passed. However, before we finish, there are three more thrilling attractions waiting for you. After the bus goes past CSMT station and travels through Bank Street, you’ll get a quick look at ‘The Cathedral‘. This impressive building, formerly a church, held immense importance as a ‘Zero Distance Marker‘ for the British residents in Bombay.

Horniman Circle is a constant reminder of the valuable legacy left by the British, offering Mumbai a timeless treasure to appreciate forever.

This lively center not only showcases impressive architectural wonders but also encourages contemplation of the flawless design, cleanliness, and enduring durability of these buildings.

As the tour bus elegantly circles this famous landmark in south Mumbai, it takes you on a journey through history, enabling you to admire the splendor and strength of these extraordinary structures.

The last place we recommend visiting is the stunning ‘Townhall Asiatic Library,’ a magnificent white building with tall, elegant pillars. I’m sure many of you have seen this famous structure in Bollywood movies. This impressive architectural wonder not only has beautiful pillars and designs, but also holds a wealth of historical information about Mumbai inside its walls.

Virtual Picture Tours

Pictures Courtesy : Saurab Raut Vlog.

Ticket Booking and Tour Timings

Bus Tour Timings

Discover the magic of Mumbai with this captivating one-hour tour, which will transport you through the lively city. This amazing opportunity is only offered on weekends, giving you the chance to fully embrace Mumbai’s vibrant culture and fascinating history. Don’t pass up this extraordinary journey.

Tour 1 Timings: 7:00 Pm to 8:00 Pm.
Tour 2 Timings: 8:15 Pm to 9:15 Pm.

Important Note: It is crucial to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the tour. Head towards Gate No.4 of CSMVS, which is conveniently situated across from Regal Cinema, a short distance from the famous Gateway of India.

Ticket Booking

It is highly recommended to book this open deck bus tour in advance, as there are limited seats available. On the day of the tour, many people are unable to secure on-the-spot bookings. However, if you’re lucky and it’s not a travel season or school holidays, you can easily get tickets on Saturdays and Sundays.

Keep in mind that there are now fewer tourists for this weekend tour in south Mumbai. Please note that the counter is closed on Mondays. Therefore, if you want to book the Nilambari tour for that particular weekend, you can do so between Tuesday and Friday. This only applies to immediate or upcoming Saturdays and Sundays. Unfortunately, advance booking is not available for the following weekend’s Mumbai tour.

The tickets will have seat numbers mentioned, and seats will be allotted accordingly. During school vacations in May and June, as well as during Diwali and Christmas vacations, this Nilambari south Mumbai bus ride experiences a peak season. Foreign and out-of-state tourists find it challenging to make spot bookings for this tour.

Online Booking: Not Available. Previously available on BookMyShow.
Ticket Charges: Enjoy the excitement of the fresh air on our bus’s upper deck for just Rs.150. If you prefer a more comfortable journey, the lower deck is also an option for only Rs.75. Kindly be aware that the charges might have been revised recently, so please verify for any modifications.

Ticket Counter details: Want to book a reservation at MTDC Reservation Counter No.7, situated at the famous Gateway of India in Mumbai? You can contact them easily at +91-22-22841877. Keep in mind that they operate from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and remain closed on Mondays. Don’t let this chance slip away, secure your spot now.

MTDC Head Office Reservation Counter Are you searching for the contact information and working hours of the office close to Churchgate station and Nariman Point? You can contact them at +91-22-22845678. If you have any questions or require assistance, feel free to call their toll-free numbers 1800229930 or 1800227550.

The office is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For details about other offices and reservation counters, please refer to the information provided below. Kindly note that I’m unsure if they offer bookings for the Nilambari Bus Tour at this particular location.

• Dadar Office: Near Pritam Hotel, Dadar Railway Station (East), Contact: +91-22-24143200.
• CSMT Office : At CSMT Railway Station, Contact : +91-22-22622859.
• Gateway Of India : Counter No.7, Contact : +91-22-22841877.
• Navi Mumbai: Sector No.29, Urban Haat, Belapur, Contact: +91-22-27580347.

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