Once a Mumbaikar always a Mumbaikar!!!

Unexpected do happen to all of us sometime in our lives. Perhaps that’s why it’s rightly said: “Life is a bunch of surprises”.

For me, coming to Mumbai was something that happened unexpectedly. There were few relatives who used to stay here and like all they used to ask us to visit the place during vacations but it never really materialized. 

Never in my dreams had I thought that this lovely city won’t be just my vacation spot but it will be home for me. Home is somewhere you feel secure and warm and this is what Mumbai has to offer to you!!

2009 was my introduction to Mumbai. Prior leaving Delhi, the most I had heard about Mumbai was Bollywood. I really can’t explain the picture I had in my mind about Mumbai but it was definitely not what I had seen on day one. The journey from Mumbai Central to Chembur did not showcase Bollywood glamor by any chance. You move your eyes and the one thing that you could see was houses. To correct it, buildings or skyscrapers right on the main road. The only visible thing on them was the match box sized windows and clothes peeping out of them. It was really difficult for me to understand at that point of time as to what they were doing on those tiny bunch of windows. Probably, a North Indian will understand as to what I was wanting to check.

Till the time someone has not stayed a substantial period of time in Mumbai it is difficult for them to understand certain things like despite the vacant place inside most of the people could be seen hanging out from the local train, voice of dholak and people singing loudly from the adjacent passing train, local train friendship stories, importance of vada pav, monsoons, eating on car’s bonnet at 12 am in Bade Miyan, Drinking tea at 4:00 am in Nariman point, winding up the desserts with Bachelor’s ice-cream and catching the first local from CST at 4:30 am . One has to live all these things to actually realize them.

For few months, the only thing I knew in Mumbai was my workplace, my aunt’s house, and bus no. 382. As the time went by I got introduced to Mumbai and it was then I realized that Mumbai has so much of art, culture and history to offer.

Victoria Terminal that boasts its blend of both Indian and Gothic architecture followed by Crawford Market having similar architecture and which can cater to any need of yours or can also provide you with multiple new offerings. The huge structure of Gateway of India compels you to praise its Indo-Saracenic beauty.

A late evening walk at Marine Drive will take away all the tiredness. Don’t forget to sit there and dangle your feet over the Arabian Sea. Nariman Point which caters to best of the Five Star hotels in the city literally gives you the feeling of coming to a dead end point.

Haji Ali: A beautiful building right inside the sea. A bit scary during high tides but caters immense population from all the religions. Don’t forget to energize yourself at famous Haji Ali Juice Center. It’s a luxury to sit on the steps of Asiatic Library and watch events during Kala Ghoda fest.

Back and forth ferry ride to Elephanta Caves is a great way to experience the Arabian Sea. Highlights of Elephanta Caves is the 120 steps trek to the plateau where the caves are located. Multiple stalls selling guidebooks, t-shirts, souvenirs, food make the trek interesting.

Do visit Worli Sea Link and get amazed with this engineering beauty on Mumbai Coastline.

Mumbai is home to Asia’s largest slum. Contrary to the notion, it’s home to Mumbai’s largest small scale industry. Leather and farsaan (Namkeen, buns or any other bakery items) are among the most important production of this industry. It has become so famous that there are guides who are providing tours to this place.

Mumbai offers the best festive period between September – November showcasing Dahi Handi, Ganesh Mahotsav, Navratra, Dussherra, Diwali one after the other. To visit Lal Bagh ka Raaja and participate in immersion is an experience of its own kind.

It will be a crime to forget Kala Ghoda Fest, Bandra Fair and Wine Tasting Season. They are festivals in their own way lasting up to a week's time.

Ohh all this becomes very usual once you are in Mumbai….

Mumbai is one of those places in India which gives you freedom to breathe. Despite the dynamic life, you can enjoy best of the night lives here. It keeps your heart young and dynamic.

Correctly said: Once you lived in Mumbai and made it your home, no place else is good enough!!