What to do in Mumbai

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Places to see in Mumbai

It was a 4 day excursion but the experience was enormous. I got to learn many things from Mumbai. Its speed, never say no attitude etc.

First two days were the most horrible and it became hell for me. I was literally weeping–“I will never return to this city. I hate it. People are not good and I cannot spend my life running after the locals and blah blah”. I was really pissed off by the weather, local trains and speed at which the city is moving. Nobody care about others. Everybody wants to create their own space and for this they can also push you out. Life is really fast or I will say the fastest.

But suddenly on 3rd day, I started  feeling for the city. Suddenly all the above thoughts had changed. I don’t know the reason of this sudden change but the feeling was nice. Ahh, am falling in love !!.

Yes, its the love for the city that changed my mind. But this love is really for the city or it is  due to something else? Really don’t know.

So as per my experience Mumbai takes time to get into your nerves and slowly you will find Mumbai a lovely place to live in.

 

The following are the places of Interest:

 

1) Siddhivinayak Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple and Haji Ali

These 3 can be visited together. Its a must visit temple’s in Mumbai. As we all know that Ganesh Chaturthi Festival is the  largest festival of Maharashtra, so one can imagine how crowded it will be. In Siddhivinayak you are not allowed to take camera inside. Outside the temple locker is there just deposit here at a fee of 10 RS. At Mahalakshmi Temple also same restriction. Haji Ali is situated on Arabian Sea, so you have to walk for almost 2-3 minutes. But when it is high tide the water flows over the passage so sometimes it becomes difficult to go to the dargah.

Entry fee: NIL

Recommended length of Visit: 3-4 hrs(Queue will be there at Siddhivinayak)

How to Reach: For Siddhivinayak= Take taxi from Dadar Station( Rs30 to 40)

                         For Haji Ali= Taxi from Siddhivinayak via Prabhadevi ( Rs 80 to 100) 

                         For Mahalakshmi Temple= Walking from Haji Ali (5 to 10 mins)      

Tips: Start from Dadar around 11am and try to complete all three by 3pm. So from there you can go to Bandstand.

 

2) Worli Sea link and Bandstand

 

If you are going from Worli to Bandra then go through this Sea link. It is a beautiful bridge connecting Bandra with Worli. It reduces journey time from hours to some minutes. Toll charges is high around 70 Rs. Bandstand is just 5 minutes after crossing this sea link. The drive is really refreshing. Bandstand- Really weird name. I tried asking many people but nobody knows why this place is called Bandstand. Just opposite to Bandstand, famous film star bungalow( popularly known as Mannat). Any guesses- Yes its Shah Rukh Khan’s house. Crazy fans sits outside his bungalow just to see a glance of him.(I was one of them- Chuckled). The view of the sea in the evening from here is just amazing. I saw the sunset from here and its really worth to go in evening.  

Entry fee: NIL

Recommended length of Visit: 1-2 hrs(Depends on your mood 🙂 )

How to Reach: Taxi from Haji Ali (Rs 180+50 toll charges); If you going directly to Bandstand then get down at Bandra station and take Auto.     

Tips: Please reach here around 4pm

 

3) Carter Road and Juhu Beach

North of Bandra Bandstand you will find Carter Road. Its a stretch of 1 km. This place is mainly for them who love to go to Coffee shops and Restaurants. Many Bollywood film stars live in this area. If you will go to Joggers park in the morning then definitely you will see some known and famous faces from Bollywood. If you will drive for another 4 km you will reach the famous area mainly known due to the home to non other than BIG B  ( Mr Amitabh Bachchan). Also presence of Beach in this area makes it more electrifying. Beach is beautiful but crowded. Many Eating outlets. But it is very costly and not worth also.

Entry fee: NIL

Recommended length of Visit: 1-2 hrs(Depends on your mood 🙂 )

How to Reach: Just 2 kms from Bandstand; easily walkable. For Juhu take Auto. Beach is around 4 km from Carter road. If you going directly to Juhu then get down at Santacruz station and take Auto(Rs30) and then from Juhu go to Carter Road.      

Tips: Go in the Evening 

4) Colaba Causeway, Gateway of India and Taj

Colaba Causeway: OMG, Its hard to visit Mumbai and not spend the time trolling on the streets of Colaba Causeway for shopping from Fake antiques to Silver Jewellery. You will find here everything. Bargain is the hardcore mantra if you want to shop here. It reminds me of Bangkok Local Markets. Two famous cafes on this busy shopping arena : Leopold and Cafe Mondegar. Leopold- Its a place where people come in groups for sipping Beer and long&healthy conversations. Just walk down the lane you will see the Majestic TAJ and Memorable Gateway. Its a must visit place. Always crowded and best place for hangout.

Entry fee: NIL

Recommended length of Visit: 2-3 hrs(including drinking at Leopold)

How to Reach: Take taxi from CST station(Rs40 to 50 )      

Tips: Go around 4pm

5) Marine Drive and Nariman Point 

Sea is the most fascinating for Mumbai peoples and Marine Drive( also known as  Queen’s Necklace) is the life blood of Mumbai.In the evening it is fully lighted and the view of the sea is breath taking. It will be crowded all the time. If you will walk from marine drive then at the end you will reach Nariman point. It is Mumbai’s premier and worlds 15th costliest business district. Some call it as “Manhattan of Mumbai”. Its a must visit place. Also, a prime location for shooting of Bollywood films.

Entry fee: NIL

Recommended length of Visit: Unlimited

How to Reach: Get down at Church gate Station(Take the road which leads to Ambassador Hotel)      

Tips: After Sunset or Early Morning.(Spend the night here)

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