×
Balaji's journey as a tour guide in Dharavi began in 2011, fueled by his passion for meeting new people and sharing his community with them. Despite his initial lack of experience and proficiency in English, he embraced the opportunity to connect with travelers from around the world.
Over the span of more than a decade and with over 28,000 visitors, Balaji's confidence grew as he led countless tours through Dharavi, his beloved home. The Dharavi slum tour, in particular, held a special place in his heart, allowing him to showcase the vibrant spirit and resilience of his community.
At each stop along the tour, Balaji wove together countless stories, offering glimpses into the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of the people of Dharavi. These anecdotes not only captivated his audience but also inspired them, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the community they were exploring.
Amidst the tour, a pause for tea provided not only a moment of refreshment but also an opportunity for Balaji to further enrich his stories, infusing them with warmth and hospitality that left a lasting impression on his guests.
Balaji's invitation to join him on his journey through Dharavi wasn't just an invitation to see the sights but an invitation to see through the eyes of someone who knows and loves the place deeply. Through his eyes, visitors were invited to form their own impressions and discover the beauty and resilience of Dharavi for themselves.
This tour is so REAL - no sugar coating- and eye opening for westerners. I kept wondering if sociologists have studied dharavi and how one million people can come together and create communities and businesses under 18th century working conditions. Fascinating and sad all at the same time…
Stimulating tour with deep culture and behind the scene stories, it was hard to process and reflect during this precious 2 hours in such a huge community. There are so many hidden industries in the area and felt that what we experienced was only just a glimpse of the reality. I would absolutely revisit again!
The Dharavi slum tour was absolutely incredible! A must-do when visiting Mumbai. Balaji's expertise and willingness to answer any questions made the experience unforgettable. Exploring the diverse neighborhoods and businesses was truly eye-opening. My only critique is that the tour wasn't long enough; I could have spent the entire day there. It's definitely one of the highlights of my three-week trip to India. I highly recommend Balaji and the Dharavi slum tour!
This was genuinely one of the best tours I’ve ever done. Balaji is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he’s sharing / showing. It was very informative as well as fascinating to see the inner workings of the slum and the people that live and work there. I 100% recommend. Thanks.
Balaji was a very chill tour guide! He certainly does have lots of good knowledge about the Dharavi slum. I enjoyed every minute of the tour and experienced a lifetime worth of memories! I certainly will recommend Balaji to anyone visiting Mumbai. Great choice!
