Madamoiselle Mumbai as I fondly call Mumbai or Bombay. I've lived a few months in Mumbai and its one of the cities I love the most esp for the people who are so kind hearted! I've explored a bit, (not extensively) of Mumbai and here's what I feel are the Top 5 things for the traveler; the un-tourist; the explorer!
1. Shhh... Secret Beaches of Mumbai: Yes, there is the famous Juhu beach or Marine drive where the entire Mumbai descends on every weekend and the sand becomes almost clay-ish and filled with litter. The best way is to escape to lesser known beaches which are pristine, filled with sand and shells and clear sea!!! There is Manori beach and Gorai beach close to Borivali station. Then there are a series of beaches in a line - Erangal, Madh and Aksa. These 3 are beaches of piece of land separated from mainland by backwaters. Absolutely serene and peaceful places. 2. Explore Kanheri & Elephanta Caves: A long weekend getaway from Mumbai would take you to Ajanta and Ellora Caves. However within or very close to the city are Kanheri & Elephanta that can be visited within day. Kanheri Caves is located within Sanjay Gandhi National Park and are Buddhist caves. There are 109 caves in a vast area of several hectares and regular tourists and locals reach only till about 10 caves. Reach early, walk about and explore the entire terrain! Elephanta Caves is a Hindu cave, in an island to be reached only via a ferry from Gateway of India. Enjoy the sculptural marvels and enormity in both caves, and also frescoes in Kanheri. 3. Explore the Forts of Mumbai: Somehow whole of Mumbai is littered with forts everywhere, mostly built by Portuguese. Its just amazing. Its all nested in the midst of the cosmopolitan life, between sky scrapers, tucked away and protected. Yeah, most of these places also serve as kids playground and lovers haven! If you take the Harbour line of local train, at every railway station, there are 1 or 2 forts - CST, Bandra, Mahim, Madh, Sion, Sewri, Worli, Andheri, Borivali and Vasai.... 4. Eat Vada Pav & Chaat in roadside eateries: Eating in Mumbai cannot be over without Vadapav. There have been several days, when my lunch had been 2 vadapavs that I eat in train while commuting!!! Its our local version of burger, a half-split soft bun with fried potato balls between with a sauteed chilli. There are tons of varieties of Bombay Chaat available - with vegetables, with legumes, with yogurt, with chips and many many more, and most of them - healthy!
5. Feel the crowd: Finally, after exploring all the untrodden paths, Mumbai must be felt in all its glory with the people of Mumbai. Walk into Dadar station and travel by local train, visit Juhu beach or Marine Drive on a weekend evening. Its an experience, or rather an adventure by itself (no, I'm not exaggerating!). Here's a tip, do not wear precious jewelry or carry too much cash when you do this; and women, dress very very modestly......
