Planning a trip to Mumbai???
I will tell you what to do in the ‘City of Dreams’.. Here is
a list of 10 things that are duly recommended on your visit to Mumbai.
1.
Sunset
at Sea Front
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| Sunset at Juhu Beach |
Mumbai which is made of seven islands comprises of many
beaches. The three popular beaches of Mumbai are Girgaum, Juhu and Bandstand.
While Girgaum is located in South Mumbai, Juhu and Bandstand are in North
Mumbai and close to each other. Juhu and Girgaum are fun to be visited in the
evening with lots of people enjoying the cool breeze and the sun especially on
weekends. At Bandstand you will find hordes of fans waiting outside Shahrukh
Khan’s and Salman Khan’s residence.
My Advice: At Bandstand, walk further towards the
Bandra Fort leading to the end of the road. Climb up the fort, sip in some tea
to enjoy the most spectacular view of Bandra-Worli Sealink.
At Juhu and Girgaun Beach, go for a morning jog. The beach is
a sight in the morning with clear sky, sea and the sand. There is hardly any
crowd on the beach in the morning. If you can, visit the ISKON Temple which is
near the beach. Attend the morning aarti.. It connects with you spiritually.
2.
Marine
Drive
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| Marine Drive at Night |
Marine Drive is one of the most famous landmark of Mumbai. It
is a place where I recommend you to sit, relax and enjoy the sea. Enjoy a walk
on this 3 kms stretch to rejuvenate and re-energize youself. Enjoy the waves,
the view, the sunset. This is one place where you won’t get tired of looking at
the sea. Here, you will feel as if the sea is soothing you, calming you down,
giving you peace. At night, when the street lights are switched on, the view of
Marine Drive resembles a necklace and is thus known as ‘Queen’s Necklace’.
Marine Drive becomes a dance floor on the eve of Diwali, New Year and when
India wins a cricket match. There are lots of eating joints at the Marine
Drive. You can have a leisure dinner at Pizza By the Bay, or at the restaurants
of Intercontinental and Hilton. An economical option is Crystal (opposite
Girgaun). You also have an option of New Yorker’s, Cream Centre, Sukh Sagar,
Dominos and Café Ideal.
3.
Gateway
of India
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| Gateway of India |
This is the monument which was built during British Rule in India. It is bang
opposite the Hotel Taj and is facing the sea.
My Advice: You can take a bus or a
cab from Churchgate Station or CST. You can catch the ferry to elephanta Caves
from here. Colaba Market is walking distance from here. You can stroll in the
market, don’t forget to bargain before buying anything from here. Enjoy a mug
of beer at Leopold.
4.
Travel in
local train
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| Travel in Local Train |
How can you be in Mumbai and not travel by the life line of the city – local
train. This city runs and survives on three train lines – Western, Central and
Harbour. Local train is the fastest and the cheapest mode of transport in
Mumbai. If you have not travelled in the local train then you have not felt the
pulse of the city. Recently Mumbai has added Metro and Monorail to its
facilities of public transport.
Interesting Facts: You can buy
earrings, rubber bands, petticoats, leggings, books, hair clips, farsan in the
train (In Ladies Compartment). People hang out of the train even if the train is empty. They like the
feel of air on their face in their hair. Though it gives you a nice feel, it is
risky and duly not recommended especially to people who are traveling in the
local train for the first time. Another interesting fact is that people
actually have a separate group of train friends with whom they share their
breakfast, their family issues and their happiness. You might also notice a
group of people in the train singing Bhajans with instruments. Weird but its
true!!!
My Advice: The
experience of travelling in a local train can range from exhilarating,
frustrating and sometimes frightening. Therefore, I recommend you to travel in
a local in non peak hours. Thus, ensuring a safe entry - exit from the local
and a comfortable ride. Take a ‘Return’ ticket so that you don’t have to stand
in the queue for buying a ticket again. Also, please confirm from the fellow
passengers which side will the platform of the station will come.
5.
Play at
Prithvi Theatre or NCPA
Another thing that you should not miss when in Mumbai is watching a play at
Prithvi or NCPA. This city has a strong liking for Theatre. The plays generally
emotes the current situation of the society be it be in comedy or a satire. It
will leave you thinking and will touch a chord with you.
The vibe of the place is energetic and enigmatic. The crowd
consists of youngsters and oldies alike. You will see college students wearing
jeans and t shirts and senior citizens in sarees and Kurtas. The culture of
theatre is very strong in Mumbai and don’t be surprised if you see Nasrudeen
Shah or Shobha De or other theatre and bollywood personalities sitting beside
you and watching the play. Get ready to enjoy the fascinating experience.
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| Cafe at Prithvi Theatre |
My Advice: NCPA has
tickets priced according to seating arrangement. The tickets will be priced
more if you want the seats closer to the stage and the front view. The seats on
the sides of the stage are priced economically. Marine Drive and Girgaum Beach
are close to NCPA.
In Prithvi all the seat tickets costs the same. It is highly advisable to be
early because the seats are on first come first serve basis. Prithvi has a
restaurant right outside the theatre. Sip in tea, relax and enjoy the aura
which this place has. ISKON Temple and Juhu Beach are in close proximity to
Prithvi Theatre. You can try combining all together.
You can book the tickets on bookmyshow.com
How to Reach: NCPA
is located at Nariman Point in South Mumbai. You can take a train to Churchgate
if you are on western line or take a train to CST if you are on central and
harbour line. Take a cab from Churchgate or CST. Share cabs are also available
from both the stations.
Prithvi Theatre – The closest station is Vile Parle (Western Line). Get in a
rick from there to reach Prithvi Theatre.
6.
DDLJ at
Maratha Mandir
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| DDLJ at Maratha Mandir |
Even if you have seen DDLJ a million times go and see it again at Maratha
Mandir. It is the place which has set the record for longest running movie in
“Guinness Book of World Records”. Till
today a daily matinee show is running for the movie. You will be shocked to
know that still, after so many years; you won’t be able to get the ticket if
you don’t go early. You might have to buy the ticket in black. It is a
different experience to watch DDLJ after so many years in a theatre among the
fans of the movie. The whole experience will be nostalgic. By the way, DDLJ
will complete 1000 weeks of running in December 2014.
How to reach Maratha Mandir: Go to
Mumbai Central Station. Exit to the east side of the station and come out of
the Mumbai Central Main station. Right opposite Mumbai Central Main Station is
Maratha Mandir.
7.
Siddhivinayak
Temple, Haji Ali, Mount Mary Church
 |
| Siddhivinayak Temple |
If you are in a mood for devotion, then Mumbai has various options. You can visit
Mount Mary Church or Siddhivinayak Temple (Lord Ganesha Temple) or Haji Ali
Dargah.
Siddhivinayak Temple is the faith, hope,
strength of Mumbaikars. The temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha and has hordes of
devotees visiting it everyday. This temple is frequently visited by politicians
and bollywood film stars who come here to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
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| Haji Ali Dargah |
Located in the middle of the sea Haji Ali Dargah is a place
one should go. It gives you an opportunity to witness the city from a distance,
feel the waves splashing on the rocks and enjoy the soulful qawalis. You will
be amazed to see that the majority of the people visiting the Dargah are
non-muslims. I don’t know if it is out of curiosity or faith???
 |
| Mount Mary Church |
Mount Mary Church is the most famous church in Mumbai devoted
to Mother Mary. It is believed to have healing powers and any person who prays honestly gets his/her wish fulfilled. You can catch a
glimpse of the Arabian Sea from the church. Every year in September a seven day
fair is organized on the occasion of the birthday of Mount Mary. Numerous
stalls are installed selling religious objects, books, clothes, candles etc.
My Advice: To reach Siddhivinayak
Temple Dadar is the closest railway station. Avoid going to the temple of
weekends and Tuesday. Try going for the morning arti. There is hardly any crowd
in the morning and you can have a good darshan.
For Mount Mary Church get off at Bandra
Station and take a rick or a bus.
Head to Haji Ali between 5:00 and 6:30 pm to witness the beautiful sunset. To
reach Haji Ali, get down at Mahalaxmi Temple on the western line a take a cab.
Weekends are more crowded than weekdays. The lane that connects the city to
the Dargah is very narrow and can be missed easily. Keep an open eye to locate
the path.
8.
A Ferry
Ride
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| Enjoy a Ferry Ride |
What’s the point of coming to Mumbai and not experiencing the sea. The feeling
of being in the middle of nowhere with no visibility of land is adventure in
itself. Catch a ferry to Elephanta Caves (UNESCO Heritage Site) from Gateway of
India. Or if you are in a rush take a 30 mins ferry ride along the coast.
Please Note: You can take a taxi
from Churchgate Station (Western Line) or CST (Central and Harbour Line) for
Gateway of India. The first ferry from Gateway for Elephanta is at 9:00 am and
the last ferry from Elephanta is at 5:30 pm. It takes around 45 mins from
gateway to Elephanta. There is no facility of night stay at Elephanta. The
ferries do not run during monsoons i.e. from June to September.
9.
Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus (CST)
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| Chatrapati Shivaji Terminals (CST) at night |
You have seen CST in numerous bollywood
movies. In fact, it has been the introduction shot to the city in so many
movies. Whenever the hero comes to Mumbai, he is shown taking a taxi outside
CST Station. The famous song “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire was shot on the
platform of this very station.
It is a railway station and is a terminal not just for local
trains but for long distance trains too. and the head office of central
railways. It is one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage site and is a
splendid example to Victorian Gothic Architecture. You will see glass panels,
engravings on stone of flowers, birds and animals . The carvings are exquisite.
My Advice: Go for
the heritage walk that Central Railway has started. The walk starts with the
in-house museum followed by a tour of the building. CST is illuminated with
colourful lights at night which gives it a different aura and a look of a giant
palace. Have a look at the World Heritage Site in the evening as well.
Point to Note: The
heritage walk is open to public on weekdays between 3 pm and 5 pm and cost Rs
200 per person and Rs 100 per student if you are carrying your college or
school identity card. You can reach CST by taking a train from Central or
Horbour line or taking a taxi or bus from Churchgate if you are on Western
Line. It was earlier known as Victoria Terminus.
10.
Bhelpuri,
Vada Pav, Barf Gola, Pau Bhaji
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| Collage of Street Food in Mumbai |
Mumbai is a place of million of hawkers. Everywhere you will find stalls
selling sandwiches, bhelpuri, vada pav, bhaji pav, bun maska. When in Mumbai do
savor the Mumbai Snacks.
My Advice: For finger
licking Pav Bhaji head to Sardar’s. It is a five min walk from
Mumbai Central Station. Enjoy the Pani Puri at Elco’s in Bandra West. They use mineral water to make the pani and you have an option of enjoying it sitting
on red coloured plastic stool by the road or in an AC restaurant on the first
floor. If you are a sea food person, Mahesh Lunch is your place. It has various
joints – Fort, Elphinstone, Juhu. Bachelorr’s is the hangout place for shakes,
smoothies and juices. They have shakes and ice creams which are completely
unheard of. You can enjoy the Barf Gola at Girgaun or Juhu Chowpatty. Try the
kheer at Crystal which is opposite the Girgaun Chopatty. Try the bun maska and
chai at the small stall outside Churchgate Station. If you want to sit, relax and
converse head to Tea Centre which is walking distance from Churchgate Station.
Try the Chicken Tikka Rolls at Bade Miya behind Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
Other things you can indulge in are:
a.
Shopping at Linking Road, Hill Road and Colaba
b.
Bandra Worli Sea Link
c.
A visit to the Dhobi Ghat
d.
Walk in Fort Area
e.
Dabbawallas
f.
Essel World, Water Kingdom, Imagica
g.
Visit to Chor Bazaar
h.
Water sports at H2O
i.
Prince Wales Museum
Mumbai has many weekend Getaways :
a) Hill Stations - Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Lonavala, Khandala
b) Beaches – Alibag, Kashid, Kihim, Murud, Harihareshwar, Ganpatipule
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