Mummmmmmmm... BaaaaaaaAAAH. Review on Mumbai

I have been literally fighting against time, dying to write this one review.

One of the many compelling reasons being the long and virtually never ending debate between delhiites and mumbaiites as to which metro is more happening than the other. And I can bet my shirt that if any one of you have friends, relatives’ etc in either of the city then you also would have indulged into such debates on more occasions than one.

I still remember those heated arguments, which would invariably turn into a kick boxing show with my cousins (BTW we are still capable of doing a re-run)

In order to give u all a full picture from travel point of view I have divided this review into three parts:

Famous places,Shopping,Happening places

So, apart from being the economic powerhouse, financial capital, busiest intl airport of India..What is the unique thing about Mumbai?

Mumbai city as we all know of it, is as synonymous with Bollywood and Vada Paos as it is (though to my displeasure) with underworld stories. It is as famous for its Parsi bawa and bawis as it is for the more articulate Taporis! It is as symbolic with local trains as it is with the concrete jungle of high rise buildings.

From Juhu to Chaupati. and from Cuff parade to Virar every single person you see on the road, train, subway looks like is on a mission of some sort.

Life in Mumbai:

The general feel is that Mumbaiites are of moderate temperament (representative of the climate), generally non-interfering with no major hang-ups.For the typical middle class, life is more like a military regime with strict time and train schedules to adhere to. For party pups there is an untiring nightlife of glamour. The best thing that I like about this city is the range of options it has to offer to any one and every one. It is like one size fits all!

Now coming to the crux of the matter let us see the offerings of this always “In Focus” city.

Mumbai Central and Church Gate railway station:

R U “The Crowd Crazy” ones –Really? Then this is the mother of all such places –ALL CROWD. In fact, I would recommend this particular place to all the head hunters coz that is all that you get to see – a sea of heads as far as you can see. This also is one of the major business districts for the craftsmen - I mean the magical hands. A word of caution here: Please travel without your pockets to this place.

Also, 1st timers- beware of the taxi wallas here (for U will get wiser the 2nd time) as they are the ones with talking skills and operate with equal eloquence. Always Check the tariff card else this orator would show you nightlife in the daytime (I AM EXPERIENCED!)

Destination Chaupati:

Chaupati is almost generic to Mumbai. It is a picnic spot for thousands of families. From beach frisking to horse riding to stuffing your faces with sumptuous Pao bajis and Bhels etc… you can have a total picnic experience. A word of caution – Newcomers be double cautious some vendors might fleece u off ur shirt and underwear even before u realize what hit you

Gateway of India and Marine Drive:

If u r the ones who enjoy those evening walks then this is the place u ought to visit. Can sit along the seaside (but it is getting filthy by the day) feel the breeze. This place will never be deserted even at the oddest of hours. Enjoy the Naariyal Pani (Cocunut Water) along the sea side

These were the highlights as far as general check-outs were concerned. Lets look at some specific more meaningful places now. Coming to the 2nd part, i.e “Shopping”

Hira Panna Market: Near Haji Ali

This centrally air conditioned market can put u into depression if u r not loaded!!! From electronics, communication equipment, toys to apparels and accessories this is the one stop shop for imported products. Remember u need to be LOADED. Now, a word again…Bargain, haggle like no body’s business, do your research beforehand coz many a times originated from Thailand might be spelt as made in USA!!!!!!

The Malls:

Cross roads / Pyramid (it is a rage for the way it is built): Supposed to be one stop shop for shoppers, but was not much of a help to me as I was not interested in buying Swaroski’s, Shyam Ahuja’s etc of the world. The slick thing about this place is the Food Court (where u get a range of cuisine from Lebanese to Italian), and the big screen right in the middle of the complex.

Other stores:

Shoppers Stop, Benzer (Breach Candy), Amarsons, KBN (On linking road – u must check out their range of perfumes its mind boggling)

Now, the 3rd cut. I am sure I have all ears from the Party Animals..Right? So here we go-

Pubs and Discotheques:

Fire and Ice: Phoenix Mills

This place rocks like hell past mid night. If you ever want to check out the hottest of hot crowds, Models, Film stars, Celebs and cream de la cream you know the address! The Music, the ambience and the entire feel of the place will sweep u off your feet The atrium like structure ensures enough room to accommodate all you beasts. A word once again - Make it a lil early if u are not used to the Queues!!

Jazz by the Bay: Marine Drive

Well this is one of my all time favorites. This is one of the most happening “Karaoke” joints in Mumbai. Allows you to let your hair down and Screaaaam!

Others:

Beyond 1900s (Taj Mahal Hotel, Colaba) Used to be rage before fire and ice happened. Then there is Scottish Arms for it attracts a fantastic crowd, excellent music. Also there is Fashion Bistro, J49, Copa Cabana, HQ, The Club, that needs attention.

The Eateries:

Now comes my favorite part. Guys please don’t get upset if I get a little carried away! Slurp! Slurp!

Yoko’s: Bandra

This place is known for its Sizzlers and all the Mumbaiwalas will swear by it. There is only one word I would use to define this place – DIVINE. The Sizzlers are a Sell Out so much so that u might have to wait for hours together to lay your hands on one. (I waited for 3 hrs once but trust me it is worth the wait..or WEIGHT). CAN’T MISS THIS FOR A FORTUNE

Taj President: Cuff Parade

This hotel houses best of the restaurants in Mumbai. Tratorria - its coffee shop happens to be the undisputed leader. I can cry at the thought of not being there!. Their pizzas and pastas are the talk of the town but cappuccino is what takes the cake. Also, Thai Pavillion and Konkan Café are ------------------------------- (please read “ out of this world” for every dot) bahhhh!

Indigo: Colaba

I am already short of words and I hate repeating superlatives for more than one thing. But I cannot help it. The food is out of the world! Caution: have to have 50 feet deep pockets to enjoy this place coz u would be rubbing shoulders with Ambani’s and Narang’s of the world here!!

These places are prerogative of few and fortunate ones..we can only chance upon them once in a while..sigh!! But never mind pal Mumbai has a room for every stomach irrespective of the depth of ur pockets. For eg:

Bade Miyan ke Rolls: Behind Taj..Hotel

Do not go by the place for this is a small padding satisfying thousands palates every day. If u do not believe me ask any Mumbaiah and u would know how famous this obscure looking guy is. His Tikkas and rolls are to die for!

Snowman’s Sandwiches, Fountain Plaza, Mondegar, etc are some of the many places that you can try out. Then there is some place where you get the famous Dabba Ghosht..Kishore please help me!

So pals thatz that - all good things come to an end but believe me I have not even covered a quarter of what I had planned.So for further queries please write in…