A happy day in Mumbai
What are you most familiar with in Mumbai ? Local trains ? Marine Drive ? The rains ? The mad crowds ? Terrorist attacks ? Thankfully, there is a happier side to Mumbai. One involving travelling. And not in a local train.
The South of Mumbai, called ‘town’ is the real Mumbai. According to many people (even those who ’hate’ Mumbai) will agree that there is something about that part of the city that is exciting. One feels like spending more time exploring, looking, walking around. If you happen to have such a feeling when in ‘town’, here’s how you can spend a day there, as a tourist.
You can start at Kotachi Wadi. It is a heritage village at Girgaum. You have to get off at Charni Road station and look for an old Parsi fire temple. Turn at the road adjoining it. Keep going straight (asking for directions) to Kotachi Wadi. This place gives a taste of what old Bombay must have looked like, with its Portuguese style villas and Goan village looks.
The next pit stop would be even further south of the city. You could hire a cab and go to Afghan Church in Colaba. This is the oldest church in Mumbai, built in the memory of a British soldier in 1838. The church is famous for its stained glass windows.
Lunch time nears. Take a cab to New Custom House. There is an old Parsi restaurant called Britannia. It is open only from 11 AM to 4 PM. It serves the most sensational Berry Pulao. It finishes off by 12:30 pm.
You can brave a sluggish body today and go to Malabar Hills. There is a temple town right in the middle of the city. It is called Banganga Tank. You will recognise this place instantly as the location for many movies and advertisements. This is where the lead actress is floating lamps into the river (tank) and the lead actor looks on.
Its almost evening, so a park would be most appropriate. Drop into Priyadarshini Park, located on Napeansea Road. Go there for a spectacular sunset on a clear day or to enjoy the rains during monsoon. Look at skyscrapers around the park and do some wishful thinking …
To end your long day (by Mumbai standards, at least) back to Colaba Causeway. Enjoy the lively place drinking and shopping under lights !
