November is crackling with excitement, not just from the Diwali fireworks but equally explosive fun things to do in Mumbai. No isn’t a word November in Mumbai knows – everything is possible from attending a musical concert or letting your inner bookworm geek out at a literature festival, to frolicking in the snow even if the temperature outside is in the high 30s. Say yes to these 25 things to do in Mumbai this November.
1 . Get nerdy at the Mumbai Literature Festival
Bookworms, block these dates – November 15-17 marks the return of the Mumbai Literature Festival. This 15th edition of the annual event celebrating varied genres of writing, 125 authors and the love for reading happening at NCPA s a must-visit for bibliophiles. The lineup this year includes conservationist Jane Goodall, feted lyricist Gulzar, and novelist and essayist Pico Iyer amongst others. Book launches, musical performances, poetry readings and engrossing talks await you. Register here
2. See mind-bending sights at the Paradox Museum
After mesmerising Miami, Las Vegas, Barcelona and Shanghai, the Paradox Museum has arrived in Mumbai! 50 interactive exhibits at this new experiential museum will defy concepts of physics and challenge your perspective of reality. You’ll float inside the zero-gravity room, snap pictures in spaces where you disappear, appear taller or shorter and attempt to walk without falling through a spinning vortex tunnel that isn’t moving! Get tickets here
📍: Shreeniwas House, 27, H Somani Marg, Azad Maidan, Fort
📅: Until December 1
🎟️: Tickets from INR 500 per person
3. Let the music Fountain of Joy mesmerise you
The lotus-shaped dancing fountain at Dhirubhai Ambani Square has reopened. Free to enter, this enchanting display of water jets synchronised to move in rhythm to music and light and soar up to heights of 45 feet is a magical sight. It’s a great way to spend a balmy evening out in Mumbai without spending a dime. Passes need to be booked in advance
4. Go on a heritage walk of the 128-year-old BMC Headquarters
The BMC keeps Mumbai going but have you ever wondered what goes on at the Municipal Corporation’s majestic headquarters? Their UrbsPrima tour (so named after the angel statue gracing the entrance) gives you inside access to the history, architecture and culture that this century-old building houses. Learn all about Mumbai’s 18 headgears, discover a unique fountain of ducks, explore the gilded dome and stroll across the floating staircase.
Tours start from INR 350 per person; more info here
5. Ski and chill out at this indoor snow park
Winters in Mumbai don’t come with the usual sprinkle of snow found elsewhere in the world. But pause that weekend getaway to a hill station, the answer to your wintery wonderland desires is close than you think. Snow World, the icy indoor theme park in Pheonix Marketcity Mall recreates freezing climes with temperatures of – 10 degrees Celsius and real snowfall. You can enjoy ice skating, snow sledding, skiing down 100-foot slopes and indulging in some snowball fights. More info here
6. Have a brew-tiful time at the Mumbai Coffee Festival
Cutting chai has Mumbai’s heart but coffee is a close second – proof being the annual Mumbai Coffee Festival that’s back on November 29. Discover over 35 coffee roasters, attend workshops on coffee and learn about coffee blends from across India. Latte art contests, live music and a coffee walk are also part of the three-day event. Entrance includes one complimentary cup of coffee per person.
INR 399 per person for early bird tickets; more info here
7. See Mumbai’s sights at midnight while cycling
The Mumbai Midnight Cycling event on November 1-2 is a great opportunity to get to know Mumbai when its daytime crowds and traffic are in snooze mode. Pedal along with like-minded cyclists and zip along the city’s coastline covering top attractions like Haji Ali, Marine Drive, Shivaji Park, Chowpatty and more. The three-hour ride includes cycles.
INR 550 onwards per person. Find details here
8-10. Let the music take control at these Candlelight Concerts
November evenings in Mumbai don’t get cosier than settling into the warm glow of one of the many Candlelight Concerts happening in the city. From musical face-offs featuring the pop hits of Queen and Abba to tributes to R.D. Burman’s evergreen Bollywood classics, there’s something for everyone. Even a Coldplay tribute concert! Find dates, timings and locations below.
🎥 Candlelight: Best Movie Soundtracks
🎵 Candlelight: A Tribute to R.D. Burman
11-25. Let these Diwali activities add light to your life
Also lighting up November with the warm glow of diyas, lanterns and the kaleidoscopic rangolis is the festival of Diwali. To protect you from the evil of overwhelm that festive prep and planning can bring on, we’ve put together a guide of all the fabulous dining offers, best shopping locations, sweet shops and everything else you need for a prosperous Deepavali. Click here for the full list.