Khaki Tours

Khaki Tours runs walks, tours and events around Mumbai, led by local volunteers it calls Ambassadors of Mumbai. Founded by Bharat, the company focuses on the city's history, culture, architecture, religion and food, and it runs public heritage walks for residents as well as visitors. It also hosts talks and workshops at the Khaki Lab in the Fort and online, which makes it as much a community project as a tour operator.

The choice of group walks is wide, and each runs at a fixed departure time. The Fort Walk, about two and a half hours, is a natural introduction to the historic heart of South Mumbai. Other walks include the Bandra Walk, the Banganga Walk, the Bazar Walk and the Faith Walk. For something different, Grisly Girgaon is a ghost walk, and Handmade In India is a crafts walk. There are shorter walks designed for children in both the Fort and Bandra.

Private tours can be scheduled at your convenience. They include Castle2Gateway, Sacred Banganga, Bygone Bandra and Discover Dharavi, as well as the food walks Mohalla Munch and Irani Chai. There is also a one-hour Fort by Victoria ride and a four-hour Essential Mumbai city tour for first-time visitors.

Khaki suits travellers who enjoy stories and history, families with children who will appreciate the shorter kids' walks, and residents who want to see their city differently. Because the guides are volunteers who know and love the city, the walks have a personal feel. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and a hat, and expect pavements to be busy and uneven. Group walks are a good-value way to start; private tours cost more but can be adapted to your interests. If you are visiting in the hot months, choose an early slot where one is available. Check the website for the current calendar, as departures vary by week.

Booking is through the company's website, where each walk has its own itinerary page; confirm the meeting point when you book. Choose a Fort or Kala Ghoda walk early in your stay to get your bearings, and then use what you have learnt to explore Colaba, Kala Ghoda and the bazaars on your own.