10 Alternative Travel Experiences Of Mumbai
Mumbai is a gamut of experiences. It’s not just a city, but a kind of poetry that inspires you. I’d say Mumbai is a feast for an inquisitive traveler. There’s so much to discover, so much to experience in this quirky city that I find it fascinating even as a local. It’s my privilege as a traveler, to live in a city like Mumbai, which has so much for my roving soul.
Yes, it’s easy to get daunted by its fast pace of life, crammed spaces and the traffic commotion, but there’s this unperturbed Mumbai that we want to explore more and more. And yes, Mumbai is more than just Vada Pav. There’s more to Mumbai than Bollywood, Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Sure, you should experience all of that, but you should also get curious for some offbeat travel experiences of Mumbai.
Also read: 15 Places To Chill In Mumbai On A Summer Afternoon
10 Alternative Travel Experiences Of Mumbai
Visit the lesser-known churches
Mumbai is a city of beautiful cathedrals. Of late, I have discovered some really stunning churches that literally transported me to Europe. The first church that I’d like to mention is Cathedral Of The Holy Name, which is built in Gothic Revival style, has gorgeous artwork all over its walls and ceiling. Another church that really impressed me was St. Thomas Cathedral, which has quite a few sculptures from the times of Company rule in India and the British Raj. And, I should also mention Afghan church, which looks abandoned and a bit eerie. It was built by the British to honor the dead of the First Afghan War and the catastrophic 1842 retreat from Kabul.
Wander through Mazagaon
Mazagaon is one of the seven islands of Mumbai. I happened to visit this heritage precinct on a quest to visit a Chinese temple called Kuan Kung. While I loved the temple, it’s colorful and pretty, I was also quite bewitched by the entire neighborhood. Mazagaon is a multi-cultural neighborhood, which has remains of the Portuguese era. You will see a lot of Catholics, along with Hindus, Parsis and Bohra Muslims, living in old, vivid buildings.
Exploring a place like Mazagaon makes you appreciate the diversity and the uniqueness of Mumbai.
Admire the Portuguese homes at Kotachiwadi, Girgaon
Kotachi Wadi, in Girgaon, is a heritage village, which you must visit if you are looking for some lesser-known attractions in Mumbai. It’s a small settlement of Portuguese-style houses – colorful and charming. Unfortunately, there are quite a few new-age buildings that have been erected around it, which defaces the beauty of the place. But, the residents of Kotachi Wadi are trying their best to stop unnecessary construction around and preserve their heritage.
Get charmed by the villages of Bandra
It’s an unparalleled joy to linger in the lanes of Bandra villages. I recently got a chance to saunter through Ranwar village and Chimbai village in Bandra West. Ranwar village is growing to be popular for its artsy walls, while Chimbai village reflects the charms of an old fishing community.
Although these lanes get busy during the day with hawkers and the constant buzz of the traffic, there’s a layer of quietude in the air, which you want to embrace.
Explore the art & heritage at Kala Ghoda
Kala Ghoda is a haven of art lovers. From art galleries and libraries like Jehangir Art Gallery and David Sassoon Library to a Jewish synagogue like Knesset Eliyahoo, there’s so much to explore at Kala Ghoda. Artisans’ Art Gallery and Shop, which is right opposite the synagogue, has an interesting collection of art & craft products. You should also keep an eye on events that take place in the same building.
Nosh through the oldest of Irani cafes
Old Irani cafés are the soul of Bombay. Although the owners of these cafés are cold, the authentic atmosphere of Irani culture is something to relish. I happened to visit Yazdani Bakery and Britannia & Co. Restaurant recently, and found these cafes absolutely charming. I’d recommend going to Yazdani bakery for breakfast and have their freshly baked Mawa Cake. It’s just too good. But, make sure you don’t have the pudding, which is imposed on you by the old manager! Strangely, he bulldozes his waiters to serve the pudding to customers without their consent. Take it with a pinch of salt.
Also read: My Food Trail In Mumbai
Take in the morning serenity at Banganga tank
I hadn’t heard of Banganga tank until recently when I happened to visit Malabar Hill. Banganga, a part of the Walkeshwar Temple Complex, is a little Varanasi in Mumbai. I’d say it’s a totally different side of Mumbai. You need to walk down quite a bit to reach the water tank where people bathe. It’s not an ordinary tank, but has a significant mythological history to it. The Tank was originally built in the 1127 AD, and rebuilt in 1715 AD.
I wouldn’t say that it’s a stunning site, but it’s worth visiting in the morning when the mellow sunbeams caress the tank.
Enjoy a late afternoon stroll around Horniman Circle
Horniman Circle is one of the most historic precincts of Mumbai. The area is as huge as 12,081 square yards, which is primarily occupied by office complexes housing the country’s leading banks. It’s designed to be an enormous open space with ostentatious buildings in the middle of the walled city.
Also read: South Mumbai Wanderings – In Photos
Get to know the fishing community at Sassoon Docks
Sassoon Docks is one of the oldest docks and one of the biggest fish markets in Mumbai. It’s one of my most favorite places for its vivid colors – the boats and the graffiti walls. The moment you reach the dockyard, the smell of fish bothers your nose. But, the slow pace of life of the fishing community – unloading of prawns, fishermen very diligently sorting their nets for the next catch, and the unruffled atmosphere make Sassoon Docks a place to savor.
Admire the architectural splendor of Ballard Estate
I was just too amazed to see Ballard Estate aka Ballard Pier, which is an old European style business district in South Mumbai. It doesn’t look like it’s in Mumbai. The building looks so sophisticated, and even the area around it looks quite elegant. It’s a must visit for a casual late afternoon stroll.
Mumbai is a city of surprises. There’s always something hiding in the corner to intrigue you, to make you want to snap a picture, or to express your thoughts on a piece of paper. Mumbai isn’t a city that you can experience in just a day or two. So, look out for some of the best hotels in Mumbai for a memorable sojourn.
What would you recommend to explore in Mumbai?
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