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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Mumbai- the city that never sleeps

I love Mumbai like I suppose every other Indian who has visited it once and has fallen in love with the place.
My first visit to Mumbai was in 2005 and till 2014 the count has been to 5. not good enough but not bad either..
The travel in local trains, the local dialect, the dirty beaches,vada pav and fashion street evrything of Mumbai makes me love it even more.

Places I have been to in Mumbai:I know I haven't covered a lot. but that gives me more reasons to be back to this city. :)

Haji Ali Dargah: I always feel a sense of calmness after I visit the dargah.
The imposing Haji Ali is both a mosque and tomb. It was built in 1431 by wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was inspired to change the course of his life after going to Mecca. It also contains his body. Situated in the middle of the ocean, Haji Ali is only accessible during low tide from a narrow, 500 yard long walkway.




The Gateway of India:Mumbai's most recognized monument, the Gateway of India, was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city. The looming Gateway is designed to be the first thing that visitors see when approaching Mumbai by boat. It's also a popular place to start exploring Mumbai. just opposite it is the famous Taj hotel which was attacked by terrorists in 26/11 attack



Aksa Beach: I have been to Juhu chowpatty but they were really dirty and always crowded so I tried Aksa beach which makes me recall the song "tujhe aksa beack dikha du aa chalti kya". this was cleaner and calmer.I spent a lot of time here. its a bit far from the city but worth going.


Marine Drive: the most happening place of Mumbai.whether you have gone with your partner or friends, you are bound to have fun specially at night. the lights around the beach, the smell and sound of the waves, all together can complete your mumbai darshan.Lined with flaking art deco apartments, it’s one of Mumbai’s most popular promenades and sunset-watching spots. Its twinkling night-time lights earned it the nickname ‘the Queen’s Necklace’.

Elephanta Caves: I had visited it in 2005 with my mother.At the Gateway of India you will find a line of ticket offices and a large number of touts.Elephanta Caves are 9km from land.There is an island tax to pay (minimal).Elephanta Caves are an UNESCO World Heritgae Site. If you have, in your Indian journies, already visited the Ellora Caves or the Ajanta Caves you are not going to bowled over BUT they are still VERY impressive and they get you away from the hustle and the bustle of Mumbai for the best part of a day!
The caves were "created" circa AD450 & AD750 at a time when the island was known as Gharapuri.
The temples are dedicated to Shiva and there is an incredible bust of Shiva with 3 faces and eyes closed which means eternal contemplation. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Elephanta.








Fashion Street: I always visit this whenever I go to Mumbai. its a shoppers paradise.Once you get into Fashion Street, don't be surprised if you are surrounded by a horde of stomping students and teenagers. A vibrant flea market, Fashion Street is a shopper's Eden. Tourists will often find themselves surrounded by over 100, small shops, where chic, export surplus clothing and fashion accessories are available for offbeat prices









SiddhiVinayak Temple:most of the times in news for a celebrity visiting this temple. this is one og the most famous attractions in mumbai.This temple is situated at Prabhadevi in Mumbai. It is a two hundred years old Temple. People believe that Lord Ganesh of Siddhivinayak Temple fulfills the desire of His worshipers.


 The temple has undergone a complete make-over in the recent past. The idol has been kept as it is and the temple has been built into an unique six-storeyed construction, which almost touches the sky. The top of the temple is clad with a golden dome, which dazzles brilliantly in the sun. It is a great looking temple in Mumbai, which is anytime worth paying a visit.





Mahalakshmi Temple:I have been to this temple twice in my visits to mumbai.Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples in Bombay. It is dedicated to Laxmi, the goddess of wealth and Vishnu's consort.


The temple is located by the sea at the northern end of Malabar Hill and is easily seen from the Haji Ali Shrine further north.one visiting Haji Ali can definitely visit this temple.




VADA PAV : Undoubtedly, my favorite food in Mumbai.that taste I could not find it elsewhere.This lovely, spicy Indian burger is a staple street food of mumbai and you will simply love it.Although now it is available everywhere in India, nothing can beat the taste of authentic, Mumbai Vada Pav. Vada Pav stalls have their presence in almost every alley and road in Mumbai and each having its own loyal patrons.



Local Trains: the trip to Mumbai is incomplete without experiencing the travel in Mumbai local. seeing the massive crowd in the station, one can feel like a victory after successfully entering the train before it starts moving and getting a seat is like a diwali bonus.one can find lot of entertainment inside the train,beggars singing,artificial jewellery sellers,gossiping aunties and what not.The sea of people, the need to travel, the situation of chaos, time running out situations, cheap, comfortable transport and randomness is what Mumbai Local Trains are all about

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