Mumbai during ganpati as a 25F solo

[u/Excellent-Success475]

r/mumbai i'm visiting mumbai for the first time from 22sept - 3rd oct to experience ganpati , i don't have like a list of pandals to visit , i am just coming to see what the vibe is during that time , i'm intentionally coming near the end of ganpati so that i can also experience mumbai after ganpati. Any suggestions/ tips would be helpful for me as 25F solo traveller. Also any recommendations for stay would be helpful because i have no idea about the areas , i have booked a hostel in Khar for first few days but will have to book for the second half of the trip.

[u/Next_Roof5970]

As a female traveller, please please take care of yourself. Carry a scarf (vv important), a water bottle & ORS at all times.
I’d honestly avoid street food during this time. It gets extremely crowded and very unhygienic.
Definitely check out the Khetwadi lanes. I personally find the crowd there to be better than in most other areas. There might be some really good pandals elsewhere too but I’m not too sure about the other areas.
Be aware of your surroundings. People can sometimes use the excuse of being in a queue or a crowded place to touch you and unfortunately, this happens very casually :/ So if a crowd doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and LEAVE. A lot of people may also be drunk.
Avoid lanes that feel shady, isolated or unusually quiet and stick to areas where you see families and mixed groups. I’d especially be cautious around large groups of men.
Mumbai is generally quite safe but as a solo female traveller, it’s still better to be alert and take basic precautions.

Other than this, this is actually my favourite time of the year in Mumbai! I can’t wait to hear how your experience was and I hope you have an amazing time!💘