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A very rare picture in India!! #hornokplease #hornnotokplease #mumbaiauto #bumpersticker #decals #blogsbydilip (at Mumbai andheri)
How I visited more than 10 places in a day in Mumbai
This was the longest and the never-ending day in Mumbai. Thus, this blog post is going to be a long one. Please, bear with me.
I went to:-
Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount (Mount Mary Church)
Bandra Fort
Bandstand and Mannat
Linking road and Theobrama
The Gateway of India
Nariman point, Marine drive
Le 15 café
Colaba Causeway market
The Asiatic library
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (VT station)
Bandra-Worli sea link
Bombay breeze café
Yes, I saw all of these things in a single day. Not because I had time constraint or I was impatient, but there are a few things in Mumbai which you would enjoy the most at night. And, Colaba Causeway market, CST station is one of them. And considering the places I wanted to see and things I wanted to do, I planned it in a very organized way. (Self-impressed)
MOUNT MARY BASILICA, Bandra (1 P.M.)
To reach here, I de-boarded at Bandra station and took a local auto. It is approximately 2.5 km. away. I had studied for 12 years in a convent school and we used to go to the chapel every day. As we grew up, it became difficult to spare some time to go to a church, and this church made me nostalgic and Mother Mary knows how many mixed feeling I was experiencing at that time. The church was truly a feast to the eye. The church has a beautiful and serene interior. It was very peaceful in there. It was truly like coming back home to your mother and finding that internal peace you were seeking for.
I really liked the paintings of various instances of mother Mary’s life on the interior walls of the church. Apart from the beautiful, wooden statue of Mother Mary, what got my attention was the marble sculpture of the last supper by Jesus Christ. This Last Supper is finely detailed and is a must see for visitors.
Bandra fort (2 P.M.)
I walked down for the Bandra fort. It is located at Land’s End in Bandra, and took me 5-7 minutes to reach there. The first reaction for the Bandra fort Garden was that it was a “Lovers’ park”, as we may call in Delhi lingo, because I just saw couples hugging, leaning, kissing and making out behind the trees, on the stairs and just everywhere. Moving forward, I entered the fort and saw the huge stairs and I quickly recognized that many scenes were shot in different movies on this location. I liked the spots from where I could see the Worli-Bandra sealink. It is a good place to relax at. I quickly video called my mom and showed her the place. At one side, you can take advantage of the sea, another side, a nice view of the garden and the fort, and a clear view of the Bandra Worli Sea link. The view was amazing and it was very pleasing to sit by the bay looking at the sunset and listening to the waves, while cold breeze passes by.
Bandstand and Mannat (02:30)
Bandstand is around 1 km. away from Bandra fort. It is like a long walkway along the sea giving a beautiful view.
And not forgetting the elite and glamorous neighborhood.
Yes, if you are Shahrukh sir’s follower, his house Mannat is right opposite this place. After taking a stroll of the Bandstand I decided took move to the next destination and also saw Galaxy apartments where Salman Khan lives, just 1 km away. Well, they had a tough luck meeting me, as I was on a tight schedule. Just Kidding.
Linking Road and The Theobrama (03 P.M.)
I Reached the Linking road by an Auto. This is the main shopping hub in Mumbai. On both sides of the road, there are a number of shops, a mixture of departmental stores, brand outlets, roadside cart stalls and regular shops selling items like shoes, belts, textiles, readymade garments and food items. (Basically, Mumbai ka Sarojini Nagar Market). Since I don’t like shopping, but love to eat, I went into the Theobrama. The decor is nice with a limited seating. I ordered vegetarian mushroom sandwich, red velvet cupcake and macron. However, they serve wide range of sandwiches, croissants, Rolls, cupcakes, pastries, mousse, tea, coffee and some more stuff. The staff was very delightful.
Must have – Red velvet cupcakes/pastries.
I again headed out to check my shopping skills but I truly don’t like to shop so I decided to head to my next place. I think, it is a good place for shopaholics, not for shopaHATEOLICS like me. Definitely, it was not worth spending more of my time. There are other places which are much attractive than this.
The Gateway of India (05 P.M.)
I took a taxi for Bandra station as I was not getting any local autos. For the Gateway, I De-boarded at the Church gate railway Station, and took a local taxi to reach there. I explored the place a bit and then I was accompanied by my Massi (relative). We took a ferry ride from the Gateway; it was ₹80 per person and the ₹20 per person extra, if you would like to take the upper deck seats. It was a short pleasure Ferry boat ride in the sea. We got the view of Mumbai port and the numerous ships that dock there. The best part of the ride was when we were feeding the seagulls, and they were so close to us. It was happening experience.
After the boat ride, we explored more of the Gateway of India. Opposite the gateway, stands the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and another statue in vicinity of the monument is that of Swami Vivekananda.
We clicked lots of pictures there, sat for a little while and then moved on.
Must – take a ferry ride.
Nariman Point (07 P.M.)
I remembered this place from the movie, Munnabhai MBBS and I wanted to see those special shaped rocks. We took a taxi for the place and sat on the rocks closest to the sea. The sky in the evening was blazing with the orange and pink calmness in itself. We were singing songs there when we were called to come out of the rocks by the police official. They don’t let anyone sit on the rock in the dark. We were then accompanied by a friend of my massi and he was such an interesting person to talk to. He told that he was a nerd and shared so many interesting stories about Mumbai. He is a Mumbaikar and truly knew the city at heart, he could actually tell the ditch and corner of the city. He told me that each of these tetrapods weigh around 2 tons and this place has appx. 6000 of these, each costing ₹6000 or so.
We enjoyed ourselves there for around 1-2 hours before moving.
Le15 Café Colaba (08:45 P.M.)
This is a classic Italian/French café. We ordered Truffle Tagliatelle, Burrata, lemonade with Jasmine syrup, sea-salt macaroons, egg-less Chocolate cake and Elderflower lemonade (soda). This was the first time that I was having French dishes so I’d not say that I really loved it but it was nice. The lemonade with Jasmine syrup was tasty. I really liked the jasmine syrup twist in the lemonade. The fragrance and that distinct flavor of jasmine were making me drink it more. What we absolutely loved was the egg-less Chocolate cake. It was a chocolate cake layered with chocolate ganache; a chocolate heaven for me.
Colaba Causeway Market (09:30 P.M.)
This is a commercial street market. The market closes by 10 at night. And I, not being a shopaholic; it just was the best for me. However, I did purchase few Fridge magnets for my friends. Apart from the showrooms and small shops, it has numerous small shops and footpath outlets selling everything from artifacts to shawls, carpets and minor antiques to slippers of all kind, which makes it the Lajpat Nagar of Mumbai. The sellers were adamant on the prices so I’d say that either the scope of bargaining is a little less as compared to the linking road market or it was just a bad time to bargain.
We were a bit tired
We anyway had to a taxi for Bandra-Worli Sea link
Thus, we took a taxi from the market for the rest of the places. We asked the driver to halt the taxi at the places we’d like to explore and he happily agreed (of course he would, his money making meter would still be running)
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai (10:30 P.M.)
I wanted to see this because of its white gigantic pillars, giving it a presentation of a royal court of any Bollywood movie (obsessed with Bollywood). I could not see it from the inside as the library was closed for renovation. Anyway it was late for any library to be opened for public. There were people sitting on the stairs. I also quickly posed for some pictures sat in our taxi and moved.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT station or CST)(10:50 P.M.)
One would think why anyone would want to visit a railway station of a new unexplored city and that to in the night. My massi told me that the best time to see CST is in the evening. And people, this architectural landmark didn’t look like a station to me at all. It looked like a fort, a fort presenting the city. The lighting were glorifying the beauty more. It is the finest railway station I have ever seen. It was magnificently lit at night.
FYI, this station has been the location of filming the “Jai Ho” song in Slumdog Millionaire; and Ra.One.
And right opposite is the Municipal Corporation building (BMC building). It is also known as the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation Building. It is similar in style and worth the look and the photography. There is a safe staged area in front of the CSMT and the BMC building where people can easily click pictures.
Bandra – Worli Sea link (11:15 P.M.)
THIS IS WHAT I WAS EXCITED ABOUT AND WAITING FOR THE WHOLE TIME. INDIA HAS A SEA LINK. We were in the taxi; windows were down, riding above the sea, cool wind, huge towers and thick ropes above us. It is an architectural marvel of India. I was wondering this 5-6 Km drive, late in the night with friends, would me so much fun. I cannot describe the feeling of experiencing the moment you were waiting for.
The Sea link is not accessible to pedestrians; two-wheeled cycles and three-wheeled vehicles are prohibited as well, so you would have to take a taxi to drive through here.
Bombay Breeze Café (1 A.M.)
We were feeling hungry when we reached home, so we freshened up and took a taxi to the café, in Andheri West. It is a rooftop café, has an open bar, live sports screening, hookah, board games. I had been to some bars, restaurants, cafes now in Mumbai, but I loved the look and the ambiance of this open house café. It had this youthful vibe, not-so-loud not-so-dim perfect music. We sat on the sofa sitting as it gave us some privacy. We ordered cheese balls and some drinks. The staff was courteous and friendly. The food was crunchy-munchy delicious and the mojito was relieving too. We had a cool time there.
It was a 16-17 hours amazingly beautiful and enjoyable day. I wished I could have seen few places in not-a-rush time, but not at all complaining. Because to spend more time, I might have to come here early in day’s time and I’d rather not in such hot weather.
However, there are still few places unexplored, so I will visit this city again soon, but in some other season.
Lovely. Excellent. Long. Exploring Day.
Did you know, Mumbai, after Miami, has the second largest number of Art Deco buildings in the world.
On my second day in Mumbai, after taking the tour of the Film City (already shared in previous post), I planned to hit to South Mumbai. I took a local auto for the nearest Railway Station and boarded the train to Curch Gate station.
The buildings of South Mumbai remain from the colonial era and were a treat to watch for me. This city is colorful, vivid and I would not mind getting a little lost in it.
National Gallery of Modern Art
From Church Gate railway Station i took an Auto for the Modern art gallery.
It is located near Regal Cinema in Colaba. Since big backpacks and handbags are not permitted inside the gallery, you can lock your bags inside a Locker outside the Building.
Timings
The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sundayfrom 11 A.M. to 6 P.M. Closed on Mondays and National Holidays.
Entry Fee
Indian visitors – ₹20
Foreigners – ₹500 (WHY???)
Children/Students – Free
The art collection of the gallery is vast and contemporary. I could click only one pic inside the gallery as there were strict rules for photography. One can experience the process of nature here as they have put projectors to show the artistic videos. Their art is a dynamic combination of materials, concepts, technologies, and subjects that challenge traditional boundaries and defy easy definition.
The current expose was on oceans, traditional dream catchers, weapons, objects made big chandeliers, pictures, articles and documentary on Kumbha Mela.
I really liked the ambiance. A very good place for art enthusiasts.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India)
It is just 300m away from the National Gallery of Modern Art. I crossed the road and reached the museum within 2 minutes. This is the main museum in Mumbai.
Timings
Open every day from 10:30 A.M.-6:00 P.M.
Entry Fee
Indian visitors (adult) – ₹85
[Carry student ID for discount]
Architecture
I loved the building of the museum. South Mumbai is famous for its buildings and this Gothic architecture building was elegant and royal at the same time. The building is surrounded by a flowery garden.
The museum has around 50,000 artifacts of ancient India history, Indus Valley Civilization, from the time of Guptas, Mauryas, coin of Chandragupta II, as well as objects from foreign lands.
The 3-storeyed building, each floor with different theme choices is flooded with interesting and fascinating objects. It has various galleries on Art, History, Natural History and Indian Culture. I was astounded to see the statues from 2nd century CE and cultural collection of handicrafts.
It has different sections for each collection such as Art section, Archaeological Section, Historysection and different galleries as well. The Tata and Dorabji collection is truly extraordinary.
I was mesmerized by the collection this museum exhibits. It is truly an Excellent place which would take at least 2-3 hours to rushly go through the sections, Otherwise 4-5 hours to completely see everything.
A must visit place for people interested in Ancient times and things.
The museum shop
This hop is right next to the ticket counter at the entrance gate. Pick some gift items as a memoir of your visit to Mumbai.
The shop displays different articles such as bags designed of the art objects from the Museum collection, Accessories, Home Décor, Jewellery, stationary and many more things.
Your visit to the museum is incomplete without a stop at the Museum shop.
I bought a Fridge Magnet for myself for ₹ 70/-.
Advice – visit early and watch the breath taking collection patiently, it will be worth it. (Honestly).
Jehangir Art Gallery
I took a Vada pao (Indian snacks) from the stall outside the museum and started walking towards the Jehangir art gallery. This gallery is situated at Kala Ghoda, behind the Prince of Wales Museum, appx. 700m away. It took me 3-4 minutes to reach there. The gallery has four exhibition halls.
Entry is Free.
Timings – Open every day from 11 A.M.-7 P.M.
Maximum 30 minutes visit.
The exhibition is hosted on the ground and first floor. The time I visited, it was exhibiting the paintings of famous 4-5 renowned painters. Although the paintings were really beautiful, however I am not much interested in canvas painting or in purchasing such fancy and expensive-for-my-pocket priced paintings so I don’t know the names of the painters and artists hosted by the gallery. But, you can access the list of publications by the gallery at the art shop.
[this place did not interest me much, hence i would say that it can be avoided if you are on a tight schedule]
Kala Ghoda Café (Please visit for almond cake)
This café is around 700m from the Jehangir art gallery so I again took a stroll there.
The café has a peaceful ambience and you will also get options for vegan and gluten free food. You ought to visit here for a delightful time or a lovely date.
I ordered gluten free pizza, egg-less almond cake and peach juice. And I have to say that this was the healthiest pizza I’ve ever had.
The servicing was a bit disorganized and the staff was not much prompt but they just had me at almond cake (forever). Truly, the Almond cake would suffice any stress. The cake is made from pure almond flour and melts as soon as you put it into your mouth.
Advice – Must try Almond cake here.
Canvas Laugh Club
I looked for events in Mumbai while eating at the café and saw a stand-up comedy show on Bookmyshow. I quickly booked the tickets for the 08:30 P.M. show. The CLC closes by 11 P.M.
Since I was not in a hurry to reach there, because I was on time, thus I preferred local train. I De-boarded at Lower Parel; took a local taxi for Phoenix Mall, Senapati Bapat Marg.
The seats are on first come first serve basis, I quickly grabbed the second row seat.
It was my first live Stand-up comedy show, and I enjoyed the 2 hours spent there. The show was done by 3 comedians and 2 filler performances in between. I was really impressed by the talent of the comedians.
They also have an inside bar and restaurant.
The show was great and penny worth. Trust me, you too need some CLC in your life.
I was impressed by myself on this day as I had covered,
Film city,
National gallery of Modern Art,
Chhatrapati Shivaji Mharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya,
Jehangir art gallery, and
Kala Ghoda Café.
First CLC Stand-up comedy show in Mumbai
Interesting. Artistic. Amazing, Imaginative. Heartwarming. Funny day.
Monday thoughts jeepers creepers 🤢😓😷 .. #mondaymotivation #lulwhat #mondaymood #mondayssuck #eatclean #mumbai #mumbai_ig #mumbaikar #mumbaiauto #rickshaw #ricklife #mumbaigram #sundaygrind (at Versova, Mumbai)
This is hands-down THE most amazing thing I've seen today. I leaned out and asked him if it's true and it seems it is! #autorickshaw #rickshaw #mumbai #mumbaiauto #kaalipeeli #onthestreets #streetphotography #mumbai #freewifi #wifi #mobilecharging #modernautos #moderntransport #city #urban #metro #mymumbai @my_mumbai (at Andheri East-West flyover)
Mumbai Autos
I’m half an hour late for work. Why you ask? Because I was waiting for auto for 36 mins. Whole THIRTY SIX minutes just for an auto!
And why did I wait that long? Cuz not a single f**king auto was willing to go to the station.
What the f**k? An auto driver saying no to station?
That’s like a homeless hungry man saying no to a freakin’ free food shelter. Like seriously, what the f**k?!!?
And the reason they give is “too much traffic”. Too much traffic?? TOO MUCH TRAFFIC???
You are a f**king auto driver in f**king Mumbai! Hellooooo!!! And you have problem with the traffic?? That’s like a police officer saying no to solve a case because there are too many crimes out there!
Where the hell have you been driving this whole time?
Are you that f**king lazy to drive through a morning traffic?
Are you a different breed of auto drivers who don’t like traffic?
If you have problem with the f**king traffic, what the f**k are you doing driving a f**king auto in Mumbai?
Go get yourself another job you lazy-ass piece of shit.
Another Slow motion movie tried with Redmi Note 3 #slomo #slowmotion #redminote3 #auto #travelogue #traveling #mumbaiauto #mumbaiauto (at Hiranandani, Powai)
Slow motion movie tried with Redmi Note 3 #slomo #slowmotion #redminote3 #auto #travelogue #traveling #mumbaiauto #mumbai