Soaking Up the Colours of Mumbai

Duration: one day, from morning to evening

Itinerary: about 15 kilometres, 60 if you want to visit the Kanheri Caves

Equipment: a sudden downpour waterproof jacket

It is the place where the magic of Bollywood was born, but also the second city with the highest population density in the world. What we now call Mumbai, but has always been Bombay historically, is a city waiting to be discovered in its immense cultural wealth. And what's better than a day on the Vespa to visit all the most amazing corners of the town?

Start early and reach the Gateway of India, probably the city's most famous monument, designed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in Bombay 1911. This 26-meter commemorative arch was completed in 1924, due to some problems with the construction work. Not to mention that shortly after, in contrast with the very reason for which it was built, it became a symbol of the end of British colonialism in India: it was crossed by the last British troops before their farewell to the country, in 1948.

Next to the gate is the historic Taj Mahal Hotel, which opened in 1903. The building was originally commissioned by the founder of Tata car company, Jamsetji Tata, after being denied entry into one of the many "whites only" hotels. This facility opened for the first time on 16 December 1903, and it was the first hotel in India to have electricity, American fans, German elevators, Turkish baths and English butlers.

Not far away is one of the most characteristic and charming markets of Mumbai, Colaba Causeway – whose official name is actually Shahid Bhagat Singh Road – offering a treasure trove of wonders, both for those interested in clothes and Indian culinary specialties. At lunchtime, there will be a range of places with intense flavour and inviting allure. Choose the Food Inn famous for its appetizers and meat dishes (despite the many vegetarian options).

Wear your helmet and set off towards the heart of the city, to immerse yourselves in one of the most colourful corners of all Mumbai, Dhobi Ghat, the largest laundry across India. Here, hundreds of thousands of clothes are delivered every day, and returned 24 hours later washed and folded. Admiring the operators at work, while slamming the colourful dresses on ancient basins is a truly unique experience. Get back on the Vespa and stop in the Muslim neighbourhood of Mumbai and visit its Chor Bazaar, one of the city's historic markets. If visiting during the heat is too much, indulge in a fresh fruit smoothie in one of the many stalls that alternate with antique ones.

Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai’s historical train station and a UNESCO World Heritage site, active for almost 130 years. At this point, you can choose what to do next: relax at sunset on the beaches of Juhu or Marine Drive; taste street food from the stalls filling the street; or alternatively, continue North, and stop at the Kanheri Caves, in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Inside them, you can find ancient inscriptions and monumental sculptures carved in basalt – an amazing place that will have a lasting impression on you.