NRI Visiting India: What to See, Eat, Celebrate, and Shop in Mumbai

For many NRIs, visiting India is never just a holiday. It’s a return to familiarity, flavours, festivals, and feelings that don’t translate overseas. And when the destination is Mumbai, the experience becomes layered - fast-paced yet nostalgic, chaotic yet deeply comforting.

If you’re an NRI visiting India, Mumbai offers a perfect mix of heritage, food, celebrations, and thoughtful shopping that makes every trip memorable and meaningful.

This guide breaks it down clearly - what to see, what to eat, how to experience the city culturally, and where to shop with confidence.

What to See: Experiencing Mumbai Beyond the Obvious

Mumbai isn’t a city you “tour” traditionally - it’s a city you absorb.

Iconic Landmarks Worth Your Time

Even if you’ve seen them before, these places anchor Mumbai’s identity:

• Gateway of India: Especially peaceful early morning or late evening
  
  

• Marine Drive: A reminder of Mumbai’s timeless charm
  
  

• Siddhivinayak Temple: A spiritual stop many NRIs prioritise
  
  

• Haji Ali Dargah: Unique for its setting and cultural harmony
  
  

Neighborhoods That Show Real Mumbai

Instead of ticking boxes, spend time walking through:

• Bandra: Old Catholic homes, cafés, street art, and boutiques
  
  

• Kala Ghoda: Art galleries, heritage buildings, bookstores
  
  

• Matunga: Traditional South Indian culture and food
  
  

These areas give you a lived-in, authentic sense of the city.

What to Eat: Flavours You Can’t Replicate Abroad

Food is often the emotional highlight for an NRI visiting India. Mumbai’s food scene spans generations, budgets, and communities.

Must-Have Street Food

• Vada pav, bhel puri, sev puri
  
  

• Pav bhaji at iconic stalls
  
  

• Fresh sugarcane juice and coconut water

Classic Restaurants NRIs Love

• Irani cafés for bun maska and chai
  
  

• Old South Indian eateries for filter coffee and dosas
  
  

• Seafood restaurants along the coast
  
  

The beauty of Mumbai food lies in its balance - simple, bold, and deeply satisfying.

Celebrate Like a Local: Festivals and Family Time

Mumbai celebrations are rarely formal - they’re personal and communal.

What Makes Celebrations Special

• Festivals are celebrated across communities
  
  

• Homes open up, food is shared, rituals are inclusive
  
  

• Music, colour, and emotion blend effortlessly
  
  

Whether it’s Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, weddings, or a family pooja, NRIs often plan visits around these moments because they reconnect you with people - not just traditions.

Shopping in Mumbai: Meaningful, Not Just Trendy

Shopping in Mumbai is about more than malls. For NRIs, it’s about buying things that last - emotionally and materially.

What NRIs Commonly Shop For

• Ethnic wear and festive clothing
  
  

• Jewellery with heritage value
  
  

• Gifts for family abroad
  
  

• Home décor with Indian craftsmanship
  
  

Mumbai offers variety, but knowing where to shop makes all the difference.

Jewellery Stores in Bandra: Trusted Names Worth Exploring

Jewellery shopping is often a priority for an NRI visiting India - whether for weddings, investments, gifting, or personal milestones. Bandra West has quietly become one of Mumbai’s most reliable jewellery hubs, known for trust, certification, and variety.

Here are some respected jewellery houses you can explore while in the area:

1. Anmol Jewellers

📍 Shop No. 2, Kakad Palace, Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
Known for refined diamond jewellery and personalised service, Anmol Jewellers has built long-standing trust with generations of families. Their designs range from bridal heirlooms to elegant statement pieces, making them a preferred stop for meaningful purchases.

2. Tanishq – Turner Road

📍 Shop 4, 5 & 6, Near Taava Restaurant, Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
A household name for certified jewellery, Tanishq offers region-inspired bridal collections and everyday classics. Ideal for NRIs seeking transparency, consistency, and a wide selection under one roof.

3. Kalyan Jewellers

📍 Motimahal Apex Building, Waterfield Road & Guru Nanak Road Junction, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
Renowned for showcasing India’s regional jewellery traditions, Kalyan Jewellers is a strong choice for gold and diamond pieces that reflect cultural storytelling and craftsmanship.

4. BlueStone Jewellery

📍 Shop No. 2, 36, Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
Blending online convenience with physical-store assurance, BlueStone is popular among NRIs for its upgrade programs, return policies, and contemporary design language.

5. CaratLane – Signature Store

📍 Shop 3/3A, 36, Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
Ideal for lightweight, modern diamond jewellery and gifting. CaratLane’s minimalist approach suits buyers looking for wearable luxury with certified backing.

Each of these stores offers a distinct experience, ranging from heritage-driven to modern and minimalist, allowing NRIs to shop confidently based on their preferences and purposes.

Practical Tips for NRIs Visiting Mumbai

A few small considerations can make your trip smoother:

• Plan shopping visits during weekdays to avoid crowds
  
  

• Carry identification for high-value purchases
  
  

• Ask about buy-back or exchange policies
  
  

• Schedule jewellery purchases earlier in your trip for resizing if needed
  
  

• Stay centrally in areas like Bandra, South Mumbai, or Juhu for convenience

Final Thoughts

For an NRI visiting India, Mumbai is less about sightseeing and more about reconnection - through food, family, culture, and thoughtful purchases. Whether you’re lighting a diya at home, sharing street food with old friends, or investing in jewellery that carries meaning, the city has a way of making every visit feel personal.

Mumbai doesn’t try to impress - it simply stays unforgettable.

FAQs

1. What is the best time for an NRI visiting India to explore Mumbai?
October to February offers pleasant weather, festival celebrations, and ideal conditions for shopping, sightseeing, and family gatherings without extreme heat or monsoon disruptions.

2. How many days are enough for Mumbai as an NRI?
A comfortable Mumbai visit requires 5–7 days, allowing time for local exploration, shopping, food experiences, and meaningful family interactions without rushing.

3. Is Bandra a good area for NRI shopping?
Yes. Bandra offers trusted jewellery stores, boutiques, cafés, and easy connectivity, making it one of the most convenient neighbourhoods for NRIs.

4. What should NRIs prioritise buying in Mumbai?
Jewellery, ethnic wear, handcrafted gifts, spices, and festive items are popular because of quality, authenticity, and better value compared to overseas markets.

5. Is jewellery shopping in India safe for NRIs?
Yes, when shopping at reputable stores like Anmol Jewellers, which offer certification, transparent billing, and established reputations, jewellery shopping in India is reliable and secure.