Gateway of India (Source: Rakesh Krishna Kumar) 

A compulsory must-see whose experience you and your child will always cherish. There's something for everyone at this iconic landmark of Mumbai which is why a trip to the Gateway always proves rewarding.

Located about 20 minutes away from Churchgate, the last train station on Mumbai's Western Railway line, hop onto a taxicab to get to this bewitching tourist magnet.

Early evening would be the best time to visit so as to beat the maddening crowds that pour in by dusk. The first thing on your agenda should be a ferry ride in one of the many motor launches jostling for space on the lazy waves. Short half hour cruises into the harbour offer splendid views of the architectural marvel and the city. Your child will probably just be squealing with delight the entire time as most kids do on the ride, looking at the churning waters left behind by his boat and concocting highly imaginative stories of having caught a glimpse of a dolphin or some other exotic fish hitherto seen in picture books.

Barring the monsoons, tickets for the ride are available daily at the many kiosks flanking the Gateway from 9:30 a.m. until late evening. The cost per ticket is in the region of Rs. 60 with it escalating even upto Rs. 120 on festivals and holidays!!!

Ferries also ply longer distances to arrive at the Elephanta Caves famed for its rock-hewn Shiva temple and the Mandwa  Islands. A visit to these tranquil retreats would have to be planned as a day-long trip which might prove to be a little exhausting for the baby. However, if your baby is an outdoor bird and loves travelling, don't miss these delights so easily accessible from the Gateway.

Don't forget to soak in the splendour of the Taj Hotel from the verdant public garden dedicated to Shivaji in front of the monument.

Dusk is when Mumbai comes alive. What better way to appreciate her illuminated avatar than from atop a royal chariots trotting briskly down quaint boulevards!!! The cool evening air blasting in your face and the leisurely clip-clop of hooves, both a rarity in frenzied Mumbai, make for a heady combination. Your child is bound to go hoarse screaming with excitement at all objects whizzing past down below that seem miniscule from his elaborately-decorated horse-drawn carriage!!

Horse and Carriage Rides last for a half hour covering the areas of Fort, Nariman Point and Colaba before terminating at the Gateway.  

All this heavy-duty sightseeing will leave both of you famished. Kailash Parbat is the place to visit to sample the most heavenly chaat on earth!!!

In the neighbouring Marine Lines- Charni Road stretch lies Mumbai's most celebrated beach, Chowpatty. It's not the cleanest of beaches (I wouldn't recommend it even for a quick dip) but it has its fair share of positives. Plenty of rides- Mini giant wheels (talk about oxymorons!!!), carousels, horse and camel carts, toy motorbikes and cars to keep your little one hooked.

India - Bombay - 09 - enterprising children's ride at Chowpatty Beach (Source: McKay Savage) 

In the neighbouring Marine Lines- Charni Road stretch lies Mumbai's most celebrated beach, Chowpatty. It's not the cleanest of beaches (I wouldn't recommend it even for a quick dip) but it has its fair share of positives. Plenty of rides- Mini giant wheels (talk about oxymorons!!!), carousels, horse and camel carts, toy motorbikes and cars to keep your little one hooked.

Chowpatty is no longer the filth-ridden extravaganza its long-acquired reputation suggests (though it's still not in any state for sunbathing or swimming), and at night it assumes the demeanor of a colorful fair. Children of all ages flock to ride the ancient Ferris wheels and tacky merry-go-rounds, and fly-by-night astrologers, self-styled contortionists, snake charmers, and trained monkeys provide the flavor of the bazaar -- and bizarre -- especially on weekends.

 (Source: Frommer's)

India - Bombay - 09 - enterprising children's ride at Chowpatty Beach (Source: McKay Savage)

What Chowpatty is to South Mumbai, Juhu Beach in Andheri is to North Mumbai. Be prepared for a feeling of deja vu if you head to it after visiting Chowpatty.

There are loads of awesome eateries and humble roadside stalls in the vicinity responsible for making Chowpatty what it really is- a foodie's delight. 

If your baby is enthralled by marine life, just cross the road and go visit the Taraporewala Aquarium, Mumbai's sole public fish museum. Don't go with very high expectation as the place is in desperate need of a makeover. However, it houses a decent array of aquatic species. Let your baby revel in the vibrant ocean world and learn by seeing.

There are 100 species of marine and fresh water fish including seven types of coral fish from the Lakshadweep Islands. Attractions include sharks, turtles, rays, moray eels, sea turtles, small starfish and stingrays. Exhibits offer a glimpse of the variety of marine life in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. There is also a room with fossils and preserved fish in bottles, along with rare sea shells.

 (Source: Wikipedia)

Taraporewala Aquarium on Marine Lines (Source: Swaminathan) 

Locally known as the Jijamata Udyan, this zoo cum garden located in Byculla is Mumbai's oldest botanical cum zoological reserve. A lifelike stone elephant statue at the entrance, an import from the Elephanta Caves, garners a fair amount of attention from visitors

As is the case with the Taraporewala Aquarium, keep your expectations low. In all probability, your baby will be delighted by the few inmates of the zoo that seem quite ordinary to us adults or will be simply content chasing butterflies and little minnows in the lush gardens.

Elephants (Source: Elroy Serrao) 

Here's an interesting review:

We visited the Byculla Zoo yesterday morning alongwith our 11 month old son and we were pleasantly surprised with the huge tree cover and wide expanse of open area which is like a goldmine in Mumbai.Whilst we were prepared to see very few animals we were lucky to see 2 Asiatic Elephants,2 big bears,some monkeys,lots of birds like the Emu , Storks and Flamingoes ,some deer and lots of crocodiles in the marshy water. My advise to any prospective visitor is to keep your expectations low and just enjoy the fresh air and keep the animal sightings as bonus.Please visit it in the morning before the crowd sets in.The zoo opens at 9 am and aduly entry tickets are INR 5/- only.

 (Source: TripAdvisor)

Friends (Source: sujit jagdale) 

This is the perfect venue to rejuvenate yourself while you get the chance to get up, close and personal with nature- literally. Just off the Western Express Highway at Borivali,  this park has it all- sparkling streams, placid lakes, gently rolling hills, dense forests, deep valleys, vast open spaces and a diverse population of flora an fauna. Hard to imagine that a real jungle complete with leopards and tigers exists within the concrete jungle that is Mumbai, right? Krishnagiri Upavan in the park is a protected area open to the public. It is famed for exotic species of birds-and lion safaris. Don't be surprised to see school children prancing about on a picnic there. 

Among the several attractions of the Krishnagiri Upavan is a mini-zoo where visitors can view animals up close. There is a crocodile park where one can easily view different sizes of these reptiles all at one place. The lion and tiger safaris educate and guide visitors through the natural habitats of these animals. A narrow gauge train travels around the tourist zone showcasing parts of the rich biodiversity. There a boating facility where visitors can rent a two person pedal-powered boat for Rs.15 per 15 minute increment. Two watchtowers are available for panoramic views of the park.

 (Source: Wikipedia) 

Vanrani is the toy train that chugs past a couple of bridges and tunnels and passes over the Deer Park offering a vantage view of the graceful Chitals in their enclosure.

You need to hop onto the park's green caged buses to visit the display lions and tigers. Each day, 4 tigers and 2 lions are separated from their kin and made to prowl in semi-confined enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitat. 

The park houses the rock-carved Kanheri Caves and Buddhist caves which are a big attraction.

The Bombay Natural History Society's Conservation Education Centre lies adjacent to the park. One of the few places in Mumbai that your baby cano wander about in a carefree manner observing the trees and watching butterflies. Can there be a better way to learn about nature? 

If it is adventure that is on your mind, you don't have to look far.

Set in the backdrop of Sahyadris, Kolad village is a natural charmer for its lush green scenery. Popular for kayaking and white water rafting on the Kundalika river, this place is a perfect getaway.

Kolad hosts the the only river rafting facility which is operational through out the year. Check here, for the list of operators and resorts in Kolad.

Image027 (Source: Ankur P)

No visit to Colaba is ever complete without a visit to Cafe Mondegar and Leopold Cafe. Both these pubs/restaurants are famous for their food and their visitors.

Cafe Mondegar or Mondys as it is also called, is frequented by many guests who are happy just to hear their songs played on the jukebox in the cafe. The cuisine is not too bad either. There's also an air-conditioned section for those who can't take the heat.

Down the road from Mondy is Cafe Leopold or Leo's which was sadly targetted during the terrorist attacks in the city. This has only made the restaurant more popular with tourists and locals who still patornise the place.

Mumbai (Source: Robert Rybnikar) 

Currently Mumbai's most popular and most happening place. Blue Frog is the best venue for live music and it has played host to many international artists, bands and DJ's. A place you do not want to miss!

Here is a review:

Great food, phenomenal ambience and fantastic music.. great great combination. Portions are small and the prices high - but this is the place for a special occasion or anyone visiting Mumbai

(Source:  TripAdvisor)

Entry fee: Ranges from 500 INR (per person) and above

Location: Mathuradas Mills Compound, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel,Mumbai

Contact No: 022 40332300

Mahatama Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai

Fashion Street is a place where you will find all the clothing brands in the world besides typical Indian cotton stuff. This place is piled up with clothes with minor export rejects at really cheap prices. This is the most sought-after destination for both upmarket, fashion-savvy people and ordinary bargain shoppers.

Trendy Clothes on Fashion Street (Source: flickr.com) 

Here are a couple of reviews on this interesting place:

Fashion Street (FS) is the name that you can hear from most of the college students in Mumbai as soon as the last bell rings. Indeed, it has become the stomping ground of the students and teenagers, who make the style statement in their classrooms and the realm of fashion. Located adjoining the Cross Maidan and opposite Azad Maidan in South Mumbai, Fashion Street is actually a market flooded with export surplus clothing. It is a group of more than 100 shops, where you can get chic clothes and fashion accessories at very cheap rates.

 (Source: VirtualTourist) 

Want a fantastic knockoff Metallica T-shirt or pair of sandals? Or do you want to upgrade your purse/hat collection?

Fashion St is an unbelievable array of market stalls. Bargain early, bargain often, bargain hard.

 (Source: Lonely Planet) 

Another favorite in Mumbai, Kimaya has earned a reputation of being one of the most sought after stores in Mumbai as well. Housing the coveted collections of over a 110 designers, Kimaya offers a great variety if you are looking to add that elegant and fashionable touch to your wardrobe. Recently designers from other countries like Pakistan, South Africa and Malaysia have also started showcasing their collections at Kimaya.

Address: 2, Asha Colony, Opp. Hotel Sea Princess, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu, Mumbai, Tel: 022 26605575

Timings: Open daily from 10:30 p.m to 8.30 p.m

Meru Cabs was one of the first companies to launch metered "Radio cabs" in India. They offer air conditioned, comfortable cabs and are safer and more professional than the black and yellow taxis. They have a large fleet of cabs and feature a digital tamper proof meter on board and  printed receipts are given to passengers ensuring they pay strictly in line with the prescribed fare structure and no more!

If they have a taxi available, you will be given the number of the car and driver. The driver will call you for a landmark and will arrive to pick you up in less than 30 minutes.

Here is a customer review:

I have been a frequent traveler from the time Meru since my early days in Delhi, have always used them and did not have a bad experience. The drivers are well mannered and they always help me in reaching the destination on time. While travelling to Mumbai and Bangalore I book my cab from Delhi and have always had good service.No meter tampering like local taxis.Even for my local trips within Delhi have used them and at odd times of the day have found them more convenient then taking an auto

 (Source: MouthShut.com)

Address: Raheja Metroplex Off Link Road, Malad (West) Mumbai – 400 064

Tele: 022-4422-4422

Rates: Rs. 24.00 ($0.48) first km and Rs. 17.00 ($0.34) per km

To book a cab, call or go online and give them your pick-up and drop address.

If you want to experience how a resident of Mumbai travels, you can take a chance by catching a local train. I strongly recommend that you travel only between 11am to 4pm as during the morning and evening rush hours the trains can get quite unbelievably crowded.

And it's not even rush hour. (Source: Satish Krishnamurthy) 

Here's where you can get a map of the suburban railway lines. There are 3 major lines: Western line (terminating at Churchgate Station at Fort), Central line and Harbour line (terminating at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus). You can also download the Western Line train timetable and Central Line train timetable (Harbour Line technically comes under the Central Railway line).

Out of the places that I have suggested, you can take a ride in the local train to visit Dharavi or the Dhobi Ghat at Mahalaxmi.

fast track (Source: Rishabh Mathur) 

Taxis are a relatively cheap and comfortable way of traveling in Mumbai. You can hail a taxi anywhere off the streets, they are painted yellow and black. If you happen to visit the suburbs, you can travel by rickshaws, the alternative to taxis.

Here's some information on calculating taxi fare:

Calculating Taxi Fare

Calculating taxi fares by reading mechanical meter and converting it to fare using tariff card, may seem like a complicated system. However it's fairly simple. Just read the meter, calculate the fare by matching the meter reading with a tariff card to arrive at the final payable fare. The minimum fare is Rs 16. Prepaid plans have the fare collected at the start and thus the meter reading is not applicable. For night charges (midnight to 5AM) mark up the fare by 25%. With large items of luggage add approximately Rs 10 per piece. Its quite handy to have the Taxi Meter Card issued by The Mumbai Traffic Police. However, going by traffic laws, Tariff card is mandatory and should be made available by the taxi driver to the passangers on request. You can access it online at Mumbai Traffic Police website. Complaints can also be lodged online using the same site.

One can pre-estimate Taxi and Auto fares using this website. You need to enter the "From" location name and "To" location name and the service will calculate the distance, fare and also show you a Google map with the route.

(Source: Wikitravel) 

It escapes me (Source: Satish Krishnamurthy)