MUMBAI- The city that never sleeps

This travel story is shared by our fellow traveler Shubhashish Chaudhri.

Mumbai- THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS and won’t let you sleep as well.

I had never been to Mumbai alone so when got the chance to intern this time around that too in the month of JUNE i was really looking forward to it. Everyone told me that it won’t be easy as it’s that time of the year in MUMBAI when it starts to rain like hell. But anyways i said what the hell and decided to use these three weeks to my fullest in enjoying the city THAT NEVER SLEEPS.

I took up a PG in south Mumbai which is one of the most posh and absolutely best place one could get to live. The marine lines local station and the CST are both like walking distance from the PG. But the best thing about MUMBAI is we all know the night life and what better place than MARINE DRIVE . The entire stretch of the queen’s necklace which is 2.3 km is in itself a treat for all. You can just go and sit there and watch as the SEA has its own story to tell with the waves and the cool breeze that s just the best feeling in the world. You can find couples sitting all day and night and people conducting yoga sessions and laughing clubs. For people interested in booze and smoking up its the best place as you can just buy your stuff and sit there and there is no tension of any authority or anyone catching you.

Next we move in to KAYANIS cafe The restaurant has survived for a 102 years and has become quite a landmark. The ambience reeks of nostalgia and vintage: red chequered table cloths, waiters with parsi skull caps, menu cards displayed through the glass top, a blue rope hanging from the ceiling acting as a support for the missing railing for the stair case. Number of newspaper clippings and accolades adorn the wall. For a hundred bucks you can have an amazing evening and morning breakfast and you will feel satisfied.

Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

The ELEPHANTA CAVES-

The Elephanta Caves are located very close to the Gateway of India, and tourists can travel on motor boats to reach the Elephant Islands. Statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda are installed at the entrance of the Elephant Caves. The Taj Mahal Hotel is India's most prestigious and luxurious hotel and is situated close to the Gateway of India.


CRAWFORD MARKET-

The The major things to buy in Crawford Market are fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables.  As well as daily necessities also seasonal and luxury fruits and vegetables are to be found.  During the Alphonso Mango season (April-May) this is the place to get the largest range in the city. Also in the market, at the other end, there is a large pet animal market where dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, fish, parrots and songbirds are displayed and sold.
Elsewhere inside the market many small stalls also sell snack foods such as chocolates and biscuits.  You will find both international brands such as M&M and Toblerone as well as more local Indian ones such as Amul Chocolates and Comesum – Branded Indian Sweets & Namkeens.  Before the liberalization of trade in India Crawford Market was one of the main places to buy overseas brands.  Today it still sells many of those, often at discounts.

FASHION STREET-
Fashion Street is one of the most widespread shopping destinations in Mumbai. With over a varied array of 150 shops, Fashion Street promises the ardent shopper a lot more junk and knick-knacks than any large mall or fashionable stores can offer. Located opposite the VSNL office building on M.G. Road, the street is famous for the latest and the trendiest clothing lines in Mumbai. Even designer brands are available here at off-the-cuff prices. A variety of denims, shirts, accessories, hats, footwear and mini-restaurants can be found on this street. If you want to enjoy street side shopping in Mumbai, then there is nothing better than heading out to Fashion Street that promises a plethora of clothing and accessories and off-the-cuff prices. If you are a smart buyer and you know how to bargain, then Fashion Street might just be your 'Shangri-La'.


FOR HISTORY LOVERS-

The Prince of Wales Museum, now commonly known as 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya', was established during the early 20th century. This museum is considered as a heritage structure in Mumbai because of its admirable architecture. The Prince of Wales Museum is one of the most significant museums in India.

Chowpatty Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai. Located in the heart of the city, this beach is most popular for its local delicacies which most people enjoy whenever they visit Chowpatty Beach. Watching the glorious sunsets from this beach is a sight worth seeing! This beach is a retreat from a tedious routine for many. Most people visit this beach to relax after a long, tiring day. People of all age-groups come here to enjoy the scenic beauty offered by the beach. To experience a divine feeling, one can visit Chowpatty Beach anytime of the day. Crowd is considerably less during the wee hours of the mornings while evenings are just jam-packed. It is not a good idea to visit the beach during the monsoon season because high tides and water logging makes the place quite dangerous.

The Haji Ali Dargah is a historical landmark in Mumbai, and is also one of the most prestigious Islamic symbols situated in South Mumbai. Apart from visiting the Dargah, offering prayers and seeking the blessings of the saint, there are various other things to do in and around the Dargah. Local stalls outside the complex of the Haji Ali Dargah will give you the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local cuisine and local specialties such as Kebabs, Chaat, Ice-cream, Mughlai Biryani, Hyderabadi fast food and even American fast-food. The Haji Ali Dargah is a popular pilgrimage destination in Mumbai. Every week over thousands of devotees, Muslims and non-Muslims, flock the Dargah to seek the blessings of saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. Apart from its religious significance, the Haji Ali Dargah is famous for being pleasing to the eye and is the best place to head towards, if you are seeking solace and serenity.

Thank You so much Shubhashish Chaudhri for sharing such a lovely travelogue with us! :)

About Shubhashish Chaudhri

An avid food lover, loves reading like anything and a big MOVIE and English tv shows FREAK and going to new places even though i haven’t been to a lot of places but I intend on travelling through the entire country during my life. 

Posted in: Maharashtra