MUMBAI

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay is located in India’s western state called Maharashtra. It is India’s largest city and home to the Bollywood film industry. Mumbai was formed by joining seven little islands together through land reclamation around 1845. Yes, it is a man made island city! Mumbai is known for its unique monsoon season, endless nightlife and is referred to as the city of dreams that never sleeps.

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We arrived in Mumbai late at night and stayed at my husband’s relatives house located in the coastal suburb called Bandra. Bandra is Mumbai’s cool and hip neighbourhood with chic cafes and upscale restaurants while still preserving its historic old school charm and a community feel.

We went out for a walk in the evening to get some dinner from a food vendor that’s located just on the main street. It was busy with cars and rickshaws, flashing bright lights, lots of people and many children asking for money or food. We bought a plate for a girl to share with her sister. Upon returning home from picking up some dinner, we ended up chatting and catching up with family the whole evening. We all quickly and spontaneously decided to take a ride to the city centre just to see it at night when it’s not so busy. We drove across the Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge while enjoying the sea breeze of the hot summers night. If you are looking for a pub to have a good night out, visit The Bar Stock Exchange. This bar has a great ambiance with outdoor seating and many drinks on the menu. We went there with our cousins and had a great night out. If you can, take a rickshaw back home in the wee hours of the morning where there is no traffic, no noise, the streets empty and a cool summer breeze. The city will feel like it’s yours.

Mumbai: Accessibility Policy

Mumbai: Image

The Bandra fort was built in 1534 by the Portuguese as a watch tower and offers spectacular views of the Arabian Sea and the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge. Just around the corner from here, you will find the 6 story mansion that belongs to the king of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan. He is so beloved that often there are crowds of people just waiting outside the gates. While you spend some time here, make sure to walk the 1.2 km walkway along the sea known as the Bandstand Promenade.

Mumbai: Text

Mumbai: Image

This city is loved for many reasons; warm hospitality, historic charm, upscale cafes and restaurants, monsoon season and the many beaches located in the city. Marine drive promenade, pictured above, is a long C shaped road that stretches along the sea and is a quintessential part of the city. This place is often referred to as The Queen’s Necklace as the entire promenade is lit by street lights at night which resembles a pearl necklace worn by the sea. If you have time, take a night drive or a stroll to Maine Drive. Having seen the promenade at night, we decided to go there again during the day and do a little more sight seeing. Walking along the promenade, try to see the C shaped curve of the island and you will see buildings far away, almost disappearing in the smog. Grab a quick snack around here, maybe some spiced peanuts. It’s delicious!

Mumbai: Text

We made it to the Gateway of India where you will see lots of people. The Gateway of India was built by the British to commemorate the visit by the King and Queen in 1911. Just around the corner you will spot the luxurious Taj hotel. This hotel was built in 1902 and is an architectural jewel in Mumbai, often referred to as ‘the diamond by the sea’. This is a great hotel to stay at to explore the city. The hotel is also highly recognized due to the unfortunate terrorist attacks in 2008 that claimed 164 lives. While you are here and have some time to spare, be sure to visit Elephant Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Elephant Island in Mumbai’s harbour houses ancient caves that can be dated back to the 5th century of Hindu and Buddhist origin. It is an hour long ferry ride from the Gateway of India and be sure to have comfortable shoes as there will be lots of walking and man steps to climb.

Mumbai: Accessibility Policy

Mumbai: Image

If you are interested in shopping, go to Linking Road that is lined with stalls selling cheap and affordable clothes, shoes, jewellery and everything else you can think of. You will most likely require good bargaining skills to secure an item. There are also many stores tucked away in serene quiet neighbourhoods. Give yourself some time to walk around and explore as Mumbai is very safe. One thing you must eat is road side Pani Puris. These are potato and chick pea stuffed in crispy balls and topped off with spices, sauces and garnishes.

So, in a nut shell, if you are thinking of visiting Mumbai, please do so! It’s very safe and it has so much to offer. My experience is this city was like no other because of family and friends that live here. Experiencing a city from a local’s perspective is unbeatable, in any city, really. My favourite moment in Mumbai was the late night rickshaw ride home after a night out. The city was quiet and peaceful and it felt so exhilarating and free.

MUMBAI

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We arrived in Mumbai late at night and stayed at my husband’s relatives house located in the coastal suburb called Bandra. Bandra is Mumbai’s cool and hip neighbourhood with chic cafes and upscale restaurants while still preserving its historic old school charm and a community feel.

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