travelin late may

I am going to be in Mumbai in late May. I would have chosen a different time to visit when it is not so hot. but.. this is the time we have to be there.

I did not want to miss seeing a bit of India. While my husband works what are the best things for me to do alone?

Just how hot does it get and how to stay comfortable in the heat.

What clothing is appropriate for the weather as well as not sticking out too much as a foreigner or offending local customs?

Thanks,

travelin late may

Mumbai in May, especiallly late May, is at its muggiest worst !!! That is because the monsoons are just around the corner. Temps will be around 35C and humidity around 80%. In the shade it is bearable. It is definitely better than the dry furnace North Indian summer which guarantees a heat stroke. Mornings and evenings after sunset are okay thanks to the omnipresent sea breeze. Light loose cotton [not knit] / linen clothing, and open sandals is the best. Avoid strappy, revealing or short outfits in public if you do not want to attract unwanted attention. Hotels, clubs and swimming pools are not a problem. If the heat gets to you, head to the nearest air conditioned mall or movie theatre, there are plenty of them around.

Spend a day at Esselworld water park at Gorai [about 2hrs drive from S. Bombay] or go further along National Highway 8 to Silent Hills Resort at Manor [3hrs drive] which is a beautifully landscaped water park and picnic resort along the banks of the Dehiraja river. You can also go to Matheran, a densely forested hill station about 2 hrs drive away but it will be packed with tourists in May. Do a half day trip to the ancient Kanheri caves located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivili [E] in Mumbai city limits. Or take a flight to Aurangabad and see the world famous Ajanta and Ellora caves - it will be very hot here. Preferably do not go alone on overnight trips.

Take a boat ride to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India, its a pleasant outing with ancient sculptures on the island, but can get very hot. The key is to start early and get back by lunch time. Alibag and Kihim across the harbour are also pleasant spots with beaches but will be crowded as it is vacation time. If all else fails, go shopping, you cant go wrong there !

travelin late may

Yes it is very hot in May. My guides are already fretting about the heat and we%26#39;ve pushed back the timings of our bazaar walks to late evening. The best thing to do is go as early in the morning as you can, or late in the evening. There are enough museums, shops and art galleries to while away time indoors in the afternoons.

For cultural appropriateness of clothing, check out this discussion.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g304554-i4228-k123… What_would_be_deemed_as_appropriate_dress-Mumbai_Bombay_Maharashtra.html