Nearly all tourists who come to Mumbai want to check out the city's beaches, nightlife, monuments, and food scene; however, have you ever considered taking a tour of one of the city's slums?
Tourism for the voyeuristic pleasure of the poor? Taking pleasure in the suffering of those less fortunate? If you consider this a tour of the Dharavi slums, then you are gravely mistaken. The purpose of these tours is to dispel notions that Dharavi is a place of misery. They demonstrate what people are capable of accomplishing despite challenging circumstances.
These cramped alleyways of Dharavi are home to millions of people who coexist in the scanty lanes and tiny houses, open sewers, and crowded spaces filled with the emotions of many who are toiling away to earn their living. Many of these people work hard to make ends meet.
The hardships endured by the residents of Dharavi are the primary draw for tourists, who come to the neighborhood to witness the many facets of life, catch a glimpse of their daily routines, and learn about the individuals' backstories, including how they came to live in Dharavi in the first place and how they have made a home out of it.
The Dharavi Slum in Mumbai conceals more secrets than first appears.
When you have gotten over your initial concerns, you will be able to see that there is a thriving community full of people making living and running small businesses. Everywhere you look, many thriving small businesses sell everything from handmade cosmetics and unique soaps to pottery and textiles.
Residents of Dharavi are responsible for recycling items such as teacups, parts of old telephones, and other similar items at the facility's full-fledged plastic recycling unit. In addition, the slum contains facilities for processing leather, and its residents also produce papad and items made of pottery. Cans made of plastic, aluminum, and paint are recycled at this location. Recycling includes gathering materials, treating them, and reselling them.
The Dharavi slum in Mumbai is the largest in Asia and the third largest in the world, and it is also the largest slum in India. Even before India achieved its independence, the location was already in operation. Before the country gained independence, the workforce was comprised of Europeans and Indians.
After the 1960s, Dharavi began to see growth in its residential places and an expansion of its infrastructure. Today, over 70000 people live in an area of Dharavi that is only 1.2 square kilometers.
As you walk, you will have the opportunity to observe how the community residents go about their daily lives. You'll get a glimpse into their daily lives in this community as they go to work, prepare their meals at home, and then return to the neighborhood they call home.
These alleys have a capacity for a maximum of two people at any given time. In addition, most houses only have one room, which serves multiple purposes, including a bedroom, living room, and a kitchen.
Dharavi is home to several religious buildings, including mosques, churches, and temples. It is a slum, but the residents have a strong sense of community that binds them together.
In Dharavi alone, there are plenty of textile companies, hundreds of potters, more than 700 recycling units, more than a hundred restaurants, and much more!
Duration RequiredMumbai India
4.5
