Mumbai Dreams
Editors Note: Since my family is originally from India I completely understand the fascination and growing love towards that part of the world, and hope you will allow yourself to escape to Mumbai. Even if you aren’t ready to travel to India just yet you will be enriched in the culture with this article. You can even travel to your nearest Indian restaurant and dream a little dream until you get the chance to go to India yourself! ~Nitika~
Travelers are drawn to India for the ornate palaces, ancient temples and yoga-centric ashrams, but Mumbai is where the heart of India truly beats. It’s the cultural, fashion and business capital and home to Bollywood, the world’s biggest film industry. Brimming with new hotels, clothing and jewelry designers, a burgeoning culinary scene and sightseeing to impress even the most seasoned history buffs, and churning at every hour, it’s ideal if you’re seeking constant activity. This colorful city offers especially attractive getaways because of its Arabian Sea setting, meaning 80 degree weather much of the year.
Extremely affordable, if you’re cash strapped- and really, these days, who isn’t- in Mumbai, your dollar will go far. You can get a good flavor of Mumbai within three to five days. Make a stop here as part of a longer trip to India.
The featured areas are SoBo (short for South Bombay), Juhu and Bandra, which are north, and Worli, which is situated in between the two.
Stroll along Marine Drive to soak up the ambiance in Mumbai. It’s located near the sea and a favorite of locals that is pulsating 24 hours a day. The Mani Bhavan museum is a must-visit spot, which was Mahatma’s Gandhi’s former home. The museum features a photo gallery and the original letters that he wrote to world leaders such as Hitler and Nelson Mandela.
When it comes to shopping, tourists have their pick of costume and real jewelry, clothes by globally renowned designers and home goods and antiques. Wallet watchers should visit one of the several markets. Crawford Market and Chor Bazaar are filled with finds such as antique furniture from the British era, sterling silver cutlery and rare books. Bargaining before buying is a prerequisite. For more glamorous goods, Mumbai is full of tiny boutiques. The Courtyard is a sea-facing complex built around a garden with more than a dozen stores such as Gem Palace, the most famous jewelry store in the country that sells traditional Indian necklaces, earrings and bangles encrusted in diamonds and colored stones, and Fish Fry, which carries flared, hand woven skirts and halter tops by Manish Arora, the well-known designer who shows at Paris Fashion Week.
Trend-setters will enjoy Bombay Electric, which sells clothes and shoes for men and women by up-and-coming local designers. Check out Ghee Butter, the store’s own line of clothes which includes jodhpur pants, Nehru jackets and t-shirts. Foodies won’t be left out in Mumbai. In recent years, the food scene has blossomed with a few dozen places that serve cuisine in a hip ambiance outside of the Indian genre. The popular, Bonobo in Bandra, which serves Eurocentric cuisine and Japanese restaurant Tetsuma in SoBo boasts four chefs who have trained in Japan and it has the largest wine list in the city.
Since the locals love to party, you’ll find a vibrant party scene. Olive Bar & Kitchen is a perennially popular Mediterranean hangout that recently opened a branch in SoBo. Oba Club is the new stomping ground of the city’s elite. For a taste of luxury, the Four Seasons, which opened in September in Worli is the brand’s first property in India. Rates start at $350 a night for generously sized rooms with city views, but the hotel features a promotion offering one night free through the end of September. Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage at their stunning spa, and spend time lounging by the pool, a respite from the hubbub.
Stay in North Bombay and commute to the city center and you’ll find plenty of ultra-luxe five-star hotels such as the Leela Kempinski near the international airport.
Although much traffic, yellow cabs are abundant, and a ride will rarely cost more than $5.
Some are overwhelmed when they visit Mumbai. The sheer amount of people makes New York City look suburban, but by the time you leave, the city’s warmth, colors and energy will have you falling in love and pulling at your heartstrings long after you’re back home.
Airline Accomadations:
Continental and Air India fly nonstop to Mumbai from New York City. Flight time is estimated 14 hours. Other major airlines including Jet Airways, Emirates, Air France and British Airways fly to Mumbai with a connection.
Hotels:
Four Seasons:
Taj Hotel
Ascot Hotel
Sights:
Mani Bhavan:
Shopping:
The Courtyard:
S P Center, 41/ 44 Minoo Desai Marg
Bombay Electric:
Good Earth:
Nightlife:
Olive Bar & Kitchen:
Bonobo:
***This article was written by Guest Contributor and New York Times Journalist Shivani Vora. To view Shivani’s full bio and contact information click here!***
2 Comments
I love that this article showcases the richness of Mumbai and shows the beauty that is there. I can’t wait to visit!
Great article, I love India! I have been twice but both times we were there for a wedding and stayed in the North. We only had two weeks so the we made a quick visit to the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple. I do plan to go back again and I told my husband’s family next time I want to visit Mumbai. I will keep your article in mind.