Horse Racing

Mahalaxmi Race Course. Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Race Course, built in 1883, is one of the finest courses in Asia. A visit here in season is a social experience—for a few months each year, this green patch in central Mumbai becomes an echo of London's Ascot racecourse in the 1950s, with posh accents, outfits that kill, and plenty of pomp and showiness. The season usually runs from November through April, with races on Thursday and Sunday. Upper-class admission in the Members' Area, is about Rs. 300, depending on the race: this is definitely what you want, as opposed to the dirt-cheap general admission. Be sure to dress up, too—men should wear a tie for the Members' Area, though this requirement may not always be enforced. Near Nehru Planetarium, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, Maharashtra. 22/2307–1401; www.rwitc.com/comeracing/mumbairacecourse.php.