A Day in Mumbai: Where Chaos Meets Charm
Our Mumbai adventure began at Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest open-air laundry. Now, you might wonder why on earth you'd want to visit a laundry, but trust me – it's utterly fascinating. Perched near the bustling Mahalaxmi railway station, this massive operation handles over 100,000 garments daily. The real puzzle? How they manage to return each item to its rightful owner. It's quite brilliant to watch, and you might recognise it from various Bollywood films.
We then wandered into Mani Bhavan, Gandhi's former Mumbai residence. What a treasure trove this place is. Housing an impressive 50,000 books and countless historical gems, including letters to world leaders, it offers an intimate glimpse into the life of India's most famous son. The dioramas depicting key moments in Gandhi's life are particularly clever – they really bring history to life in the most thoughtful way.
The Jain Temple (rather a mouthful: 'Babu Amichand Pamala's Adishwarji Shhwetambar Jain Temple') proved to be a peaceful haven. The architecture is simply stunning, with intricate paintings adorning the walls and ceiling. The dome, featuring Jain mythology, is particularly impressive. Do mind the temple rules when visiting – it's only proper.
For a lovely bit of greenery, we popped into Priyadarshini Park and Hanging Gardens in Malabar Hill. These parks sit opposite each other and offer a delightful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The animal-shaped trees and hedges are quite charming, and the views over the Arabian Sea and Mumbai skyline are rather spectacular.
We opted for a bit of an indulgent afternoon with tea at the grand Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Dating back to 1903, this iconic hotel sits proudly opposite the Gateway of India. We splashed out on the champagne afternoon tea in the Sea View Lounge, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Rather than your typical cucumber sandwiches, we were treated to a delightful array of chaats, followed by Indian savouries and sweets. The Charlie stand of treats was enormous – you certainly won't leave hungry!
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) is an absolute must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage site, designed by British architect Frederick William Stevens, is a magnificent example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Even in the midst of Mumbai's chaos, you might think you've been transported to Victorian London for a moment.
We wrapped up our day at Juhu Chowpatty, a proper foodie's paradise. Here's where you'll find the famous Pani Puri, Bhel Puri and Dhai Puri – crispy shells filled with potato, mung beans, and various chutneys. Absolutely delicious, if a bit messy! The beach itself offers lovely views of the Arabian Sea, perfect for sunset watching. It's also quite fun to know you're in Bollywood territory – you might spot a film star if you're lucky! Stop at Maharaja Bhog for the most delicious thali which consisted of curries, breads, dhals, rice, salads and Indian sweets - a perfect way to sample so many different dishes and flavours.
When I asked our driver about the constant beeping of horns, he gave me the most brilliant response: "What sound?" They're so accustomed to it, they don't even notice anymore! A word to the wise: Mumbai traffic can be rather challenging, so do factor that into your plans. While one day barely scratches the surface, it's enough to give you a proper taste of this remarkable city. The way different neighbourhoods and cultures blend together creates something truly special.
If you're planning a trip to India, ensure that Mumbai is on your list. It's chaotic, yes, but utterly captivating. Just remember to embrace the madness – it's all part of the charm!
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A Quick Guide to Mumbai
1. 5 facts about Mumbai • India's largest city with over 20 million residents and the financial capital. • Originally seven islands merged through land reclamation during British colonial rule. • Home to Dabbawala lunch delivery system, with a 99.99% accuracy rate studied by Harvard. • Birthplace of Bollywood, producing over 1,000 movies annually. • Gateway of India monument symbolizes the city's colonial history.
2. What’s special about Mumbai? Mumbai dazzles with its unique blend of colonial heritage, Bollywood glamour, and urban energy. This city is a cultural kaleidoscope where tradition meets modernity, offering travellers an immersive experience of India's most dynamic metropolis.
3. 5 must dos in Mumbai • Gateway of India & Colaba - Iconic arch monument, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. • Marine Drive - 3.6km seaside promenade called "Queen's Necklace." Perfect for sunset walks. • Dharavi - Asia's largest slum showcases Mumbai's entrepreneurial spirit through small industries. • Local trains & Dhobi Ghat - Experience Mumbai's lifeline and see the world's largest outdoor laundry. • Religious sites - Visit Haji Ali Dargah mosque, ISKCON temple, and Siddhivinayak Temple.
Travelled in December 2024
