Monday 22 June 2015

Weekend Getaway From Mumbai




When summer heat is too much to bear and you need to get away from Mumbai, there are many interesting places to visit in Maharashtra where you can spend few days or weekend perhaps.



Just 275kms away from Mumbai is the hill station called Mahabaleshwar. The scene changes drastically and you are transported to a cleaner air, that has sweet fragrance of plants and flowers, lush green foliage, red mud path, misty sky with extra icing of cool weather and tasty meals.



The road leading to this place is interesting too. There are waterfalls and narrow winding paths as you climb up the hills to reach the city.




I went last weekend and the weather was beautiful. Although its rainy season, we were lucky that it rained only when we were indoors. The sky remained misty most of the time. But we had fun walking through the market place, to some scenic spots and through beautiful parks.




My friends did some shopping like buying foot ware and shawls but I enjoyed nibbling on street food that was available every few meters.




The food was excellent, specially the Maharastrain fare of pohas, sabudhana vadas and lentils. The vegetables used were fresh and locally grown. The stalls looked colorful with carrots and strawberries lining the roads at market place and also at all points of interest





The city is crowded and is become more commercialized with more hotels mushrooming every year. There is too much traffic too which is quite frustrating. But if you go into the interiors, it is bliss.

Wednesday 11 March 2015

Touring the City Part 3

Continuing with my series on ‘Touring the City of Mumbai’ I guide you to some places in Mumbai that you can also explore on your own. I have lived in Mumbai for most of my life and have loved every moment. Many times I get guests from abroad who want to see the city. I don’t always go out with them but yes I do guide them at no extra cost.

All I give is the information on where to go. What to do and what you see, is for your eyes only. You can always come back and share your pictures with me. I will be happy to post your experiences on my blog.

So, lets start our tour from Nariman point..

First things first. Rent a car. You can either book a car for one full day, or you can call a cab, 30minutes before the ride from any venue for a short trip. There are many taxi services in Mumbai (Read about Taxiservices in Mumbai from my earlier post.)

I would prefer to rent a car if I just want to drive around the city, but if I have to see the depth of the place, I would rather call for a cab for shorter distances.

So lets start from Nariman point at 7am



 Enjoy the sea breeze while you wait for a cab to take you to Gateway of India



Drop the cab and walk around the sea shore. Take a boat ride to enjoy the sea.

Opposite Gateway of India is the beautiful architecture, you can admire of TajMahal hotel



Would you like to go for breakfast of egg and sausages in a coffee shop at Taj Mahal Hotel? Or else, there are many more restaurants around that area…...take your pick.

Call for a cab at 10am 

Ask him at take you to Victoria Garden, (also called Veermata Jijbai udyan) at Byculla in the heart of Mumbai. Some time can be spend in this beautiful garden that has botanical garden, zooand also AlbertMuseum now known as The Bhau Daji Lad Museum that contains large collection of archeological artifacts



A light lunch would be advisable, perhaps a sandwich or some light street food. There is an Iranian restaurant in Byculla where you could try some cakes and pastries.

At 4pm call for cab to take you to Malabar hill via Mahalaxmi
Where you can see Dhobi Ghat, a big laundry area.



And pass via Hajii Ali


If you are not too tired, you could walk the path through sea and go to see the mosque.



Or else, proceed to Kamala Nehru Park at Malabar hill
Drop the cab.

Spend some time walking around the park



And Hanging gardens



And enjoy the great view of Chowpathy from up above.



At 6pm call for a cab to take you to back to Nariman point.

On you route you can pass via heritage sites like

 Victoria Terminus now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus


Elphinstone College


Mumbai University


Rajabhai tower


 and via Marine drive, back to Nariman point. Now relax and have lovely dinner at Trident……

My earlier post on ‘Touring The City’


The name "Bombay" was derived from 'Bom Bahia' (The Good Bay),

.... a name given by Portuguese sailor Francis Almeida, in 1508 ....“Bounce back Mumbai” .....as it is called by the locals, it is a city that has been through a lot in the recent past – floods, bomb blasts, riots – and come out stronger each time.

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