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Seeing with new eyes, what was always right there.
Once you have lived in a city for over a year, you tend to believe everything to do and see has already been done. But that is not true at all when it comes to Bombay or Mumbai, as the locals call it. There is so much to discover amongst the bustle and chaos. I found out for myself when I decided to become a tourist and explore the various places to visit in Mumbai.
Let's start by looking at Mumbai'spast. Did you know, the British took decades to combine seven islands of Bombay and shape it into what we see today? The islands included the Isle of Bombay, Colaba, Old Woman's Island (Little Colaba), Mahim, Mazagaon, Parel and Worli.
The best-kept secrets of Mumbaiare the gorgeous 200-year-old Portuguese bungalows in Khotachiwadi that once belonged to the East India Company. A local fashion designer called James Ferreira owns and runs these historic homes. These are filled with amazing historic family photographs, stunning crystalware, teak chairs, and antique wicker and lace curtains.
Here you can step back in time and take a romanticised staycation. I decided to stay here when I began my adventure. I heard so many stories about the people who have come through Mumbaiand how they impacted the spirit of the place.
There is so much to eat and enjoy through food in Mumbai that it can be tough to decide where to begin. I love Maharashtrian and Parsi food so, I always sample the traditional old recipes at institutions like Mahesh Lunch Home or Highway Gomantak. I ask for the specials of the day so I can try new dishes, each time I go.
I did a Mumbai food tour. From the local markets to the incredible street food, some specialities surprised me in every locality. I found myself in many Irani Cafes. Many of these are closing down because the younger generation is not carrying on their family legacy. You must eat authentic Parsi food at Britannia & Co. or Jimmy Boy. Not only will you get an authentic meal, but you will also be supporting these institutions.
If you want to try something completely different from these usual haunts, head to the floating restaurant in a four-level luxury yacht. The AB Celestial is docked near the Bandra Worli Sea link bridge at Bandra Reclamation. Booking in advance is mandatory. The slots available are 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm or 9:30 pm to 1 am. This is the perfect spot to get the most stunning views of the Mumbai skyline at sunset.
Speaking of the best views, I was awestruck while flying high above the city in a helicopter. Hop into a Robinson R44 that will take you more than 700 feet up in the sky. All the big landmarks can be spotted, including the Gateway to India, Worli Sea Link, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the floating mosque of Haji Ali and all the glittering city lights. There is also an audio guide that will tell you about every sight as you go by.
The helicopter takes off from Juhu airport and aerial tour time varies from 15,20,30 minutes to an hour. Depending on the duration of the sightseeing tour, the charges start from approximately Rs.10,000 per person. The timings are 11 am to 4 pm. I highly recommend doing this with a friend to get the most stunning bird's eye view of the city and share memorable moments together.
If heights are not your thing, you can also book a float tank. This is by far one of the coolest things to do in Mumbai. A Sensory Deprivation Tank is a pod that is filled with 800 kg of epsom salt and 2,000 litres of water. Floating in this tank can melt all your stress. It also aids in improving your sleep quality and lowering blood pressure. I had never tried this before so it was an experience that was new and exciting for me.
Then, sometimes, you need a complete rest and a break from your everyday routine. At times like these, a great place to come to is the Global Vipassana Pagoda. This gorgeous meditation space is a dome-shaped building with a long golden spire that was designed to encourage an environment comprising peace and quiet. Vipassana is the practice of silent meditation that transforms the mind and helps in letting go of negative thoughts.
When you visit, you can take a free tour that will lead you through the grounds and guide you on how to practice it. You could also choose to do it on your own. They conduct 10-15 day meditation courses where people focus inward—in silence. I spent two hours just sitting silently and watching people go by. It was relaxing and such a contrast from the hustle of daily life in Mumbai.
What is truly unique to Mumbai is the arts and culture one can witness here. Start with the only surviving Opera House in India. The Royal Opera House in Mumbai was recently renovated and hosts dance performances, plays and different events every week. This beautiful building is a mix of baroque design in the European style and Indian architecture.
Inside, the construction of the theatre allowed those in the higher galleries to hear every word from the stage. A real treat for everyone. When I was here for a play, the show went on longer because everyone in the audience was interacting and shouting for more. A great ambience altogether.
I am biased towards the hippest part of Mumbai, Bandra. That is because I lived here. The murals here are particularly interesting. Right from Chapel Road, Saint Veronica Road up to Mount Carmel Church to Waroda Road, the massive street art is unmissable.
No trip will be complete without a few souvenirs. If you are interested in antiques just like I am, then Mutton Road is where you need to be. Old ‘His Masters Voice’ gramophones, classic records, Rolleiflex cameras and old signature furniture pieces. Crawford Market is another great spot where I found a lot of things to buy.
In the Guinness Book of World Records, the ‘most people hand-washing clothes at a single location’ in 2011 was earned by the Dhobi Ghat which is 140 years old! Here millions of clothes are sent from across the city. If you wish to witness this unique sight, do come between 6:00 am to 8:00 am.
Last but not least by any means, are the multiple studios that create the Bollywood movies we love so much. Opt for a tour through the studios for behind-the-scenes movie-making magic. Walk through the sets, stages, and recording rooms to get a first-hand experience of how it is all put together.
Mumbai does not sleep. There is just so much to see and explore in Mumbai that one can never grow bored or weary. Changing the way you view a city, pretending you are a tourist, can be exactly the adventure you were looking for. It certainly helped me fall in love with the city I called home for two years.
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