When travellers think of Mumbai, the glitz of Bollywood, the charm of Marine Drive, and the chaos of local trains often come to mind. But tucked away in the heart of this bustling city is Dharavi—Asia’s largest slum and one of Mumbai’s most misunderstood spaces. Beyond its dense alleyways and informal homes lies a booming and surprisingly refined industry that has captivated global attention: the leather industry of Dharavi.
While many embark on a Dharavi Slum Tour to understand the community and its challenges, they often walk away in awe of its industrious spirit. Among the many small-scale industries in Dharavi—pottery, textiles, recycling—the leather industry stands out as a true testament to craftsmanship, resilience, and entrepreneurial success.
A Brief History of Leather in Dharavi
The origins of Dharavi’s leather trade can be traced back to the 1880s when tanners and leather workers from Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh migrated to Mumbai for better opportunities. Finding affordable space in Dharavi, many families began tanning and crafting leather by hand, laying the foundation for what would later become a thriving economy.
Initially small and labour-intensive, the industry expanded rapidly with the help of generational skills, local demand, and eventually, international recognition. Today, leather products from Dharavi find markets in Europe, the Middle East, and North America—making it an unlikely but successful export hub within a slum.
An Industry Built on Skill, Not Machines
Unlike mass-manufactured leather products churned out by global factories, Dharavi’s leather goods are deeply artisanal. Each bag, wallet, belt, or jacket is handcrafted with precision, often by workers who’ve honed their skills over decades. This isn’t just manual labour—it’s art.
During a Slum Tour Mumbai experience, tourists are often stunned by the variety and quality of leather products. From vintage-style laptop bags and designer-lookalike purses to biker jackets and card holders, the craftsmanship rivals luxury brands—but at a fraction of the price.
The process involves multiple stages: tanning the raw hide, drying, dyeing, cutting, stitching, and finishing. And yet, this is all done in small, often windowless rooms tucked between homes and narrow passageways. The sheer productivity within such constraints is nothing short of remarkable.
What You’ll See on a Dharavi Slum Tour
On a guided Dharavi Slum Tour, visitors get a close-up look at how the leather industry functions on the ground. You may walk into a workshop where leather is being tanned using traditional methods, pass by a narrow corridor where workers stitch handbags with foot-powered sewing machines, or enter a cramped space where jackets are being neatly stacked and packaged for global shipping.
While cameras are usually discouraged to protect the dignity of the people working there, the experience remains vivid in the memory. The smell of tanned hide, the rhythmic sounds of stitching, the shine of freshly polished leather—all create a sensory experience unlike any other.
Tour guides often narrate personal stories of entrepreneurs who started as workers and now run export businesses. These are the real stars of Dharavi—hidden heroes whose success is often unseen, yet deeply inspiring.
Leather Shopping in Dharavi: What to Expect
If you’re on a Mumbai Tour and are keen on taking something truly unique back home, Dharavi is a hidden treasure trove. Unlike tourist traps where prices are hiked and quality is questionable, Dharavi’s leather shops offer genuine products at fair prices.
The most popular buys include:
- Messenger and sling bags made of pure goat or buffalo leather
- Unisex wallets and travel organisers in vintage finishes
- Biker and bomber jackets at nearly half the retail price
- Belts, laptop sleeves, passport holders, and even sandals
Most shops cater to both walk-ins and bulk orders and are open to customisations. You can also find upcycled leather pieces made from scrap—another example of Dharavi’s sustainable and resourceful mindset.
The Industry’s Economic and Social Impact
The leather industry in Dharavi is not just a source of employment—it’s a vehicle for social mobility. Thousands of families depend on this trade for survival and advancement. From workers earning daily wages to small-time businessmen managing export operations, the industry sustains a multi-layered ecosystem.
In recent years, NGOs and social enterprises have also stepped in to support better working conditions, skill development, and formalisation of the trade. With increasing tourist interest through initiatives like Dharavi Slum Tours, more global attention is being directed toward preserving and uplifting these artisan networks.
Importantly, the leather industry provides opportunities for women as well, especially in stitching and finishing roles. Some women even run home-based units, contributing both to the economy and their household incomes.
Myths About Dharavi and the Leather Trade
One of the biggest misconceptions is that slums are places of poverty and despair. Dharavi does face challenges, but its leather industry tells a very different story—one of innovation, enterprise, and survival against the odds.
Another myth is about quality. Some people assume products from Dharavi may be subpar because they come from a slum. But anyone who’s experienced a Slum Tour Mumbai would vouch for the exact opposite. In fact, international buyers and luxury brands have quietly sourced leather products from these very lanes.
Ethical Tourism: The Right Way to Explore
When visiting sensitive areas like Dharavi, it’s essential to choose ethical operators for your Dharavi Slum Tour. Reputable tour providers ensure:
- A portion of the profits go back to the community
- Visitors are educated, not entertained at someone’s expense
- No photos are taken without permission
- Workshops are visited respectfully, with guide-led introductions
Such tours not only offer a learning experience for travellers but also generate income and visibility for the artisans working in difficult conditions.
How to Include Dharavi in Your Mumbai Tours
Most guided Mumbai Tours cover colonial architecture, markets, temples, and Bollywood highlights. But including a walk through Dharavi provides a more rounded, truthful picture of the city. It balances the glam with grit, the chaos with creativity.
Here’s how you can plan it:
- Book with a licensed, community-friendly tour operator
- Choose a morning or late afternoon slot for cooler weather
- Combine it with a visit to Mahim or Bandra for a half-day itinerary
- Carry a small bag if you plan to shop, and wear comfortable footwear
If time permits, extend the experience to include pottery and recycling industries in Dharavi for an even richer perspective.
Final Thoughts
Dharavi is not what it seems from the outside. It is not just a slum—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem of industry, art, and ambition. At the heart of this lies the leather industry, a glowing example of what humans can build in the face of limitation.
If you’re visiting Mumbai and want to experience something real, raw, and remarkable, then don’t skip the Dharavi Slum Tour. It may not be luxurious, but it will be one of the most powerful parts of your Mumbai tour—an experience that changes how you see community, craftsmanship, and dignity.
For those looking to explore the deeper side of urban India, a Slum Tour Mumbai is more than a visit—it’s an education.
