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Traveling Through Asia via Cruise — Mumbai, India to Singapore — Days 1-8 (Mumbia to Sri Lanka)
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” — Mahatma Gandhi
“For me, traveling is about wandering, meeting people you don't expect, doing things you've never done.” — Emily Henry
Mumbai, India
After two days of traveling, we finally touched down in India! We took it easy, caught some Z’s, and indulged in the cozy lounge at our hotel.
The next morning, we woke up early to explore Mumbai with our guide, Mr. Arshad. He was super knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. I started my day with a delicious local cup of chai. Then, we visited the famous Mumbai laundry, The Hanging Garden (where the deceased were traditionally laid in the branches of trees), an overview of the beach, the Gandhi House Museum, Clock Tower, Victoria Train station, and the Gateway to India. Oh, and did I mention that Jack played cricket and stopped by his favorite restaurant? Arshad was the real MVP of our Mumbai trip. Without him, I don’t think we would have had as much fun. I’m not sure if we’ll be back, but if we ever find ourselves in Mumbai again, we’ll definitely check him out!
That afternoon, we took a ferry to Elephantata Island for a tour of the ruins.
Here’s a quick recap of the first half of our cruise: we kicked things off in Mumbai, India (day 1) and then made our way to Goa, India (day 2). Next, we set sail for Colombo, Sri Lanka (day 4-5) and then Hambantota, Sri Lanka on day 6. On days 3, 7, and 8, we had some time to relax and enjoy the sea.
Goa, India
In Goa, we had an interesting tour of the old town. We visited the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses relics of St. Francis Xavier, and then strolled through the bustling downtown area. It was a new experience, but I’m not sure if we’ll return.
Days at Sea
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was the highlight of our first week of the cruise! The landscapes were stunning, and the crowds were much more manageable. In Colombo, we went on a walking tour through the markets and the old colonial part of town. It was fascinating to learn about their history and how they’re known for their kindness, compassion, and love.
Hambantota, Sri Lanka
This place was an absolute treasure! We went on a tour to the Mulkirigala Temple, and it was an incredible experience. We climbed over 450 steps to reach the terraces, caves, and burial sites. The tour guide was exceptional and shared so much about their culture and the beautiful country of Sri Lanka.
Here are 5 things to keep in mind when visiting India and Sri Lanka.
Mumbai is worth experiencing, but be prepared for the crowds.
Goa, India, wasn’t our cup of tea, but maybe it was just the tour we chose. Others on the cruise had similar experiences.
Sri Lanka might be worth visiting for more than a few days. The people are super friendly, and the beauty and culture are really interesting.
If you want to see a lot of different places in one trip, consider taking a cruise. It was a great way for us to see many new places without having to unpack and pack a bunch of times.
Before you leave for any country, make sure you check the State Department website and find out what visas you need. Apply for them before you go.
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