A day out to.. Juhu

Want to watch a beautiful sunset. Juhu beach is the place to be. You can walk by the shore, soaking your bare feet in the warm sand and walk for an hour or two. In western countries, the beaches are visited by many tourists for a warm swim and relaxation. Unfortunately, Juhu Beach cannot be used for swimming (cannot even be used for immersing feet too) it is too polluted. It is a place where many people respond to their nature call during the early morning hours. Nevertheless, many tourists make it a point to visit the beach when they come to Mumbai, as it is a relatively uncrowded free space in the city, although it does get crowded in the evenings and weekends.

It is famous for its Mumbai 'street food', notably bhelpuri, pani puri, shevpuri, chaats, and of course pav bhaji. Due to the nature of the food stands, hygiene standards are often low. On the southern end of Juhu beach there are many luxury hotels and apartments.

At the north end of Juhu Beach there is a place called Gandhi Gram. When Mahatma Gandhi used to practice in the Bombay high court in the late 1800s and early 1900s, he used to live there. He mentions in his autobiography that he used to walk to Bandra station from far-flung Juhu to catch an empty train to south Mumbai. Even today, a lot of people do the same, but now the mode of transport is either a BEST bus or an autorickshaw.

Juhu is a suburb of Mumbai. It is surrounded by Arabian Sea in the west, Santacruz and Vile Parle in the east. Juhu is one of the more affluent areas of Mumbai. Many Bollywood stars own bungalows in Juhu, famously including Amitabh Bachchan, Amrish Puri as well as the Deols and numerous other stars and starlets.

There are three main entrances to the beach. One is from the Vile Parle side, another is from the Santacruz side and the third one is from the Andheri side.

You could also visit ‘The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)’ centre, where you can refresh its core philosophy that is based on scriptures such as the Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, both of which date back more than two millenia. The distinctive appearance of the movement and its culture come from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which has had adherents in India ever since the late 1400s.

If you are fond of theatre, you could visit Pritvi theatre, check http://mumbai-pushpa.blogspot.com/2007/02/mumbais-art-and-entertainment.html for the details.

PVR (Priya Village Roadshow) is a new multiplex and mall where you could spend your afternoons

Bus routes to Juhu Beach 182 Spl., 231, 237, 253

Navi Mumbai is a satellite twin of the city of Mumbai.

It was established in 1972, as a new planned city across the harbor of Mumbai .It is the largest planned new city in the world, with an area of 344 km². Navi Mumbai lies on the mainland on the eastern seaboard of the Thane Creek. The city limits stretch from Airoli near Thane in the north, to Uran in the south. The length of the city is almost the same as Mumbai. The Vashi and Airoli Bridges connect Navi Mumbai to Mumbai. There is now a new Railway link from Vashi to Thane via Airoli, Ghansoli, and Kopar Khairane, also between Panvel and Karjat.

Most of software companies in Maharashtra have their offices in Navi Mumbai. The government of Maharashtra has also setup software parks to cater to the growing demand. Many large institutions also have their offices here. The Reliance group of industries has a major presence (DAKC) in Kopar Khairane and Mahape. Other prominent companies include Digit Computer Magazine. As a part of long term planning, major commodity markets have begun moving from the heart of Mumbai city to Navi Mumbai. Kalamboli is home to a major steel market. Vashi has the fresh fruits and vegetables market. One of the important business landmarks is the shipping port of JNPT (stands for Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) in Nhava Sheva - Dronagiri node.

The International Infotech Park at Vashi station complex houses many international IT companies

The New Millennium City near Mahape forms a major part of the Knowledge Corridor that spans Mumbai and Pune.[9] The head office of Reliance Infocom - Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City is situated opposite to Koparkhairane station. The IT companies in Navi Mumbai include Wipro Ltd, CMC, Tata Consultancy Services, Aptech, Track Mail, ICICI Infotech and PCS which have their office on Thane Belapur Road.

To meet the growing demand of air travel CIDCO is soon going to develop a new airport at Navi Mumbai. Navi Mumbai International Airport will support the rapidly growing air travel needs of Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The airport would be one of world's few '' green field '' international state-of-art airport offering world class facilities to passengers cargo, aircrafts and airlines.

The location of the proposed airport at Navi Mumbai has been considered on several parameters. Prominent among these is the fact that Navi Mumbai is expected to absorb the future growth in population, business and commercial activity of the region. The availability of physical and commercial activity of the region, The availability of physical and social infrastructure coupled with environmental friendly size with least resettlement and rehabilitation makes the Navi Mumbai airport project technically and financially viable.

The site of airport is located in an area of 950 hectares accommodating two parallel runways for simultaneous and segregated parallel operation with provision of full length taxi ways on either side of the runways. The airfield has been designed to accommodate the new large aircrafts compatible to aerodrome code 4-E.



At present CIDCO's proposal for second International Airport, Navi Mumbai is awaiting clearance from Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India.

Dharavi-a place where hard working people live in lazy environment……

Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi, covering an area of 174 hectares of land and houses 6 lakh people, lies on prime property right in the middle of India's financial capital, Mumbai (Bombay).

Dharavi forces you to look at what is holding India back: the attitudes, the miseries that we ourselves tolerate but want to hide from visitors. But it is also in that sense that you understand, in Dharavi, what India could be. If you like, you can take that to mean the dirt and flies. But this is a place where every free square meter is an opportunity to start a business, where the children of destitute migrants from dusty Bihar backwaters study software.

Dharavi also has a large number of thriving small-scale industries that produce embroidered garments, export quality leather goods, pottery and plastic.
Most of these products are made in tiny manufacturing units spread across the slum and are sold in domestic as well as international markets.

The annual turnover of business here is estimated to be more than $650m (£350m) a year.

Dharavi encapsulates much of what is wrong in India today. Open drains, piles of unclear garbage, filth and pitiful shacks are everywhere. Why do so many people have to live like this? That's partly answered by the housing crisis India's cities are buckling under. Foolish laws, misguided policies and venal leaders combine to produce an artificial, but severe, scarcity of land for affordable housing, forcing middle- and lower-class Indians into tiny tenements in impossibly crowded slums like Dharavi. If that's not hard enough, their lack of tenure over the land they live on keeps their lives in a sort of permanent insecurity. All over this country, slum-dwellers are frequent targets of municipal drives to "clear" them.

The state government has plans to redevelop Dharavi and transform it into a modern township, complete with proper housing and shopping complexes, hospitals and schools.
The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is experimenting with a new way of dealing with slums, where an entire slum is redeveloped as an independent self-sufficient `township.' Thus the five segments of the 535 acres of Dharavi will be developed so that each has housing, health care, civic amenities, and industries.

The developer will have to provide not just the buildings to resettle the slum dwellers living in the particular area but also all the infrastructure including roads, drainage, water supply, municipal office, hospital, school, industrial estate, open spaces for recreation, etc. In other words, the developer will be expected to deliver a complete `township' to the SRA.

More recently, under the SRA, 72 seven-storey buildings have either been constructed or are in the process of being built. They are scattered across the 535 acres. In addition, scores of new toilet blocks have been built as also other permanent structures. When officials were asked what happens to all these structures, the answers varied, indicating a level of confusion. If the developer wanted to pull down any of these structures, or modify them, he or she will have to negotiate with the people who have been resettled in the buildings.

The project has estimated that there are 4,500 `industries' — basically small to medium industrial units producing leather, readymade garments, jewellery, foodstuffs, soap, and pottery. Under the scheme, people with such enterprises are entitled to 225 sq ft free and can purchase additional space at market rates. Some of the bigger units would be able to afford this but thousands of smaller units that work out of lofts will be forced to shut shop. Also, all polluting industries like soap making or leather tanneries will have to close. Kumbharwada, the large potters' colony that is a landmark in Dharavi, is being treated as a special case.

At a cost of Rs.9,300 crore, the Government hopes this will be done by 2013

Nilambari - Open Deck Bus

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has introduced of its own kind a tour by OPEN DECK BUS in the heart of City of Mumbai. Their timings are 7.00pm to 8.00pm and 8.15pm to 9.15 pm on Saturdays and on Sundays.

The Guide of this tour is specially trained by M.T.D.C. to make your tour entertaining, informative and enjoyable.

The route that the bus takes is Gateway of India – Vidhan Bhavan - Oberoi Hotel – Marine Drive – Churchgate Railway Station –Eros Theatre – Oval Maidan – Maharshi Karve Road – Rajabai Tower – CST Railway Station Building – D.N. Road – Hutatma Chowk –Homi Modi Street – Horniman Circle –Asiatic Library – Gateway of India.

In your journey through the City’s past and present, you can look out for historical and archaeological buildings on the way. Look for Churchgate Head Office, Old Secretariat,Rajabai Tower, Convocation Hall, High Court, CST Railway Station, Thomas Cook,Asiatic Library – Gateway of India.

Tickets are available at Reservation Division, MTDC, Mumbai-400 020 and Gateway of India Counter

Booking can be done on phone Nos. 2202 6713 / 2202 7762 / 2202 4627.
Gateway of India Counter Tel.No.2284 1877.

Fare Upper Deck : Rs.90/- per head
Lower Deck : Rs.40/- per head
(Above 3 years full fare)
.

Also note that:
1. Cancellation is not allowed.
2. Ticket is not transferable.
3. Reporting Place : MTDC Information & Booking Counter at Gateway of India.

Mumbai zoo to be revamped after 150 years

The inmates of Veermata Jijabai Udyan, Byculla, used to live like they were meant to: like animals. Various specimens of the animal and bird kingdom in Mumbai's lone zoo were neglected, watering holes were often empty, elephants were chained almost all day long and animals inbred in contravention of zoo regulations. Some of the pools and troughs, the animals' watering holes, stayed empty, or dotted with solidified algae mass.

In the absence of trees to swing from, the monkeys were forced to use wired fences, tiers and metal swings. The cramped enclosures would also trigger off fights between animals, as in the case of the hippo Guru, who either slipped or was thrown into the moat after a slugfest with his neighbor.

But, things are likely to be changed. All the animals and birds ensconced at historic Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan (VJBU) are to be shaken up soon, in the first-ever major overall revamp of their surroundings.


Byculla Zoo (also known as Rani baugh) is likely to undertake its first-ever major revamp and most comprehensive since its inception in 1862. Two workshops have been conducted, and the plans have been cleared in concept by the Central Zoo Authority. They want to enhance the zoo's habitants with more animals from Australia, New Zealand and Africa and Asia. VJBU, the almost 150-year old institution is being transformed into a 'global entity in keeping with trends in the country'. Ambitious 'imports' include zebras and giraffes.


The 52-acre plot handed over to BMC in 1873, will be re-graphed continent-wise with efforts to locate the animals in surroundings close to their natural habitats. Also the zoo's topography which at present resembles a game reserve will receive a 'beautification treatment' with the placement of a water body in the centre, better cages, educative mapping and varied flora.


Over the past two weeks, representatives of Bangkok-based HKS Designers and Consultants International Co Ltd and US-based landscape designers Portico Group had been sending proposals to the BMC for their approval.

VJBU is also a botanical park, with trees almost 200 years old and is a good two degrees cooler than outside its gates-(which has the crowded vegetable market) a welcome relief for those wishing to stroll through.

The Bhau Daji Lad Museum, inside the Zoo gardens was renovated recently as part of the educative efforts, is awaiting inauguration...

Another unique feature of the new plan will be the two-tiered system of ticketing... with those willing to pay more being allowed to enter 'zone two' which will have more exotic breeds

The zoo now has 208 animals including deer, reptiles, and six emus. The magnificent 400-strong bird fraternity includes peacocks, black swans, pelicans, egrets, military macaus and Japanese stalks.

If you happen to go by the Byculla Zoo, do stretch your ears and hear the animals say 'We are ready.... brings on the works!

One more reason to make a visit to the mall in Mumbai.

I love making creative stuff toys. I have made many stuff toys that included Indian dolls too. I would draw a figure and cut the shape, stitch and stuff. Now I will be able to do that with my friends who are too lazy to do it themselves.

‘The global Build-A-Bear Workshop’ global retail chain. is all set to roll into this country, with its first store coming up in Mumbai at the PVR Complex, Juhu, followed by an outlet at In Orbit Mall, Malad in association with Shopper’s Stop, Currently, the format will be a Build-A-Bear section on the kids' floor of Shopper's Stop stores, which plans to expand Build-A-Bear across India in phases. Industry sources reveal Build-A-Bear boutique stores will come up at a later stage.

Now I will have one more reason to make a visit to the mall in Mumbai.

It is learnt that Murjani Group is planning to launch 50 to 100 Build-A-Bear stores in India in the next couple of years. The Murjani Group, which has brought in other international icons like Gloria Vanderbilt, Tommy Hilfiger FCUK, is helping launch this US-based retail chain here. The Group’s brands account for retail sales over $5 billion.

Murjani Group officials could not be reached for comment.

India is the 14th country to join the Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) international franchisee program.

And Finally...On the last day at Lakme Fashion show

Vikram Phadnis’s show opened with fellow designer, Manish Malhotra walking the ramp in a sharply tailored velvet jacket followed by a one-button vent less jacket for evening wear. Vikram’s collection titled 'Vivid Resurrection' went back to the Victorian era and drew from it touches for his fabulous contemporary black and printed jersey line of western wear. Vikram presented his show stopper on actor Amrita Arora, who glided in wearing a black taffeta gown with panels of zardosi embroidery on the bodice. Once again Vikram Phadnis proved that when it comes to stunning garments he has few equals in that genre.

Deepti Toor's creative designs for her fabrics were inspired from Warli painting; they were balanced with the most elegant basic silhouettes that added class and style to the garments. She created special weaves for her classic mini and knee length dresses. Deepti Toor proved that simple shapes, a unique fabric choice and controlled embellishments are all that is necessary to present a collection that is not only eye catching on the ramp but it is also highly saleable.

It was a collection that wove the spirit of 1947 in a glamorous and patriotic manner. Shahzad Kalim, winner of the Lakme Fashion House award and trained at Versace's fashion studio, worked on a color spectrum that was soft and muted with ivory, beige, rusty orange, green and brown in the fabric of freedom. He is known to be a designer who pushes his creativity to its limits, Shahzad showed Indian wear in the most contemporary silhouettes, layering and embellishing them to give the garments a very futuristic look yet drawing from traditional Indian silhouettes. Shahzad gave his collection the very edgy trendy look that he is famous for.

Payal Singhal scored very well with her Lizard Queen collection, offering to her customers the dresses that float around the wearer as she moves through life in a magical trance. Payal added detachable gleaming collars to keep her creations appealing to modern women, who want to have maximum style with minimum of effort. These can be carried without much tension on long cross-Atlantic flights. Like the lizard known for its many shades and moods, the smock took on umpteen hues in fabrics and patterns and often turned into a blouson jumpsuit, a blouson layered strap gown, a pinafore, briefly strayed as a shift with zigzag embroidery, a multi colored fabric dress with sash or a will power black smock with removable ornate collar.

Nida Mahmood's collection for her label 'Skin' was aimed at dressing the modern Indian women. The garments had shades of light and dark tones with detailing like quilting and textured machine hand embroidery. Keeping to the hand crafted pattern, Nida even had hand made buttons. From shades of red to chocolate, fuchsia, old rose and then to cream, Nida took the colour story from one end of the spectrum to the other. Nida Mahmood presented a pleasant blend of not only different garments, but also colors and silhouettes that will appeal to women who rush through life from work to pleasure.

From the land of beauty tucked away in the Himalayas comes a heavenly collection titled 'Notes from Bhutan' by Agnimitra Paul. Creating a regal line replete with the most luxurious fabrics and colors, the silhouettes were inspired by the traditional Bhutanese dresses; yet Agnimitra managed to adapt them to contemporary times. The garments could either be worn as striking separates or combined to form the dramatic ensembles. The finale was reserved for TV host Kelly Dorji from the noble family of Bhutan who wore a magnificent robe complete with head gear and boots.

Soumitra Mondal's debut collection titled ‘Restless Spirit’ was a well-tailored extremely stylish and wearable line. There was relaxed comfortable feel about her collection. The silhouettes inspired by the European immigrants of the 1930s and 40s with the wide shapes, lots of body and volume by way of pleated skirts, long coats, dresses and blouses, the overall impact was of a stylish easy on the eye range of garments. To add to the very natural feel of the garments the designer had hand woven scarves, bags and canvas shoes.

Allen Solly Autumn/Winter 2007 is one of the most sensational ever from the ready-to-wear label of the Madura Garments Group. It's stylish, it's practical and it's got loads of attitude, making it one of the most glamorous lines in women's wear. Allen Solly's collection will cater to the modern Indian woman who will be thrilled with the very international styling and excellent finish that the brand offers for the coming season.