Mumbai stopovers

[RooFlyer]

I have two brief stopovers in Mumbai bookending my trip to the Ellora and Ajanta temples/'caves' inland and would really appreciate advice. Have been to Delhi and Golden triangle before, but with a private tour most of the time.

First stop: Arrive from Hong Kong at midnight, depart on the 4pm flight out to Aurangabad the day after - that is, 1 full day plus effectively, half a day in Mumbai.
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I guess the way to go would be to take advantage of the post midnight arrival and get a taxi (or private car) into Fort for the two nights? I'd desperately like to stay at the Taj Palace but could only afford the Tower Wing, which sort of takes away the point (and its still expensive). Any other hotel suggestions for the Fort area?

Second stop: Arrive from Aurangabad 9:30pm, depart for Colombo 8:30pm next day, so a full day. Any suggestions for this time? I think I might have seen what I want to see in the Fort area, so any other suggestions? I'm inclined to stay near the airport and head out to somewhare the next day from there ... opinions on this? Suggestions for airport hotel?

I'm inclined to self guide, but if anyone has a recommendation for a Fort area tour or guide, I'd welcome it.

 

[RB]

A long time since we were there so things would have changed but we enjoyed 2 short stopovers. We got around by ourselves & just jumped in a few taxis. Enjoyed seeing the cricket fields near Victoria Terminus Station, Dhobi Ghat-the laundry area, Gandhi House, & Public Gardens to get some space! We had 2 short times-1st time spent a fair bit of time around the Fort area. Second time we stayed closer to the airport after we realised how chaotic the airport was at that time. Think we stayed at Residency Hotel on Gunbow St for 3 nights as our introduction to India-remember helping push our taxi up the street as we broke down just short of the hotel.

 

[RooFlyer]

Think we stayed at Residency Hotel on Gunbow St for 3 nights

That's exactly the one I've been eyeing off for the two nights! Seems great value and location. They offer airport transfer for A$25 which is surely expensive, but hopefully I won't be pushing it.

Thanks for the other suggestions, too.

 

[RB]

That's exactly the one I've been eyeing off for the two nights! Seems great value and location. They offer airport transfer for A$25 which is surely expensive, but hopefully I won't be pushing it.

Thanks for the other suggestions, too.

It was our first Indian trip in 2007 so a long time ago but I recall it as a pretty good location for getting around on a short stay I am sure they have also refined their beer selling tactics/ways since that time-Kingfisher beer & airline still existed then .