Mumbai – The city where dreams come true!

Home of our beloved Bollywood, Mumbai is one of the most happening places in India! It is also the financial and the entertainment capital of India. It is the most populated city of India and the eighth most populated place in the world! The name Mumbai is derived from Mumba or Maha-Amba—the name of the Koli goddess Mumbdevi—and Aai, “mother” in the language of Marathi, the mother tongue of the Kolis and the official language of Maharashtra. Mumbai is built on what was once an archipelago of seven islands: Bombay Island, Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, and Old woman’s island (also known as Little Colaba).

Mumbai is such a huge city and one which continuously changes itself with the times so much that it is impossible to write everything about it in just one article and thus, I wouldn’t even try doing that! But if you visit the city, there are a lot of destinations that one must visit like the Iskon Temple, Juhu Beach, Marine Drive, Girgaon Chaupati, Siddhivinayak Temple, Gateway of India, Elephanta caves, Hanging Gardens and so much more. Travelling by the lifeline of Mumbai, i.e; the Local trains, is yet another experience that you would not want to miss. For all of you who hate being in crowded places, do not even try this! The trains are so full of people that there isn’t even place to stand. If you’re lucky and not to forget, fast only then can you catch a seat for yourself. Inside the train, you will also see a few vendors selling their products. Mumbai is composed of people belonging to diverse places of India. Thus, it is probably the hotspot of diversity in India.

I visited Mumbai on a weeklong trip and though I did not see too many places, the city managed to mesmerise me even with the little part of it that I got the opportunity to witness and this city is my absolute favourite.

Day 1- Well, we practically did nothing on day 1. We were so exhausted that we just entered a hotel and slept all day! We went to the Colaba region of the city which was very near to Marine Drive and Girgaon Chaupati. At the evening, we went to Marine Drive. We had to go to the beach though, but we did not know anything. My mother had visited Mumbai earlier and told the driver to stop the cab quite before the beach and made us walk. As I wrote above, we were all exhausted and got all cranky when we were forced to walk. Finally, when we reached the beach, we were so happy and filled with excitement! We ate Baraf ke gole, and bhelpuri. It was so damn good! Well, it is a speciality of Mumbai, it had to be delicious!

Marine Drive also known as Queen’s Necklace.

Day 2- On the second day, we went to visit our relatives so the whole day went there, in the evening though, we went to visit the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple and Mahalaxmi Temple. Both of them were so crowded. There were so many people who came to pray there. It took us around an hour at each of these places to reach inside the temple, but no matter how chaotic, visiting these two places was an absolute treat to the mind. There was somehow a sense of peace and solace which these temples were full of.

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

Day 3- This day was my favourite! Why? Because we visited the Juhu beach! Oh! What a beauty. The view was like it was a creation of somebody’s imagination. My sister and I played in the sand, wrote our names on it (well, I guess all of us do that :P) and ate the most awesome bhutta ever! It was so super tasty! I still remember it despite the fact that its been years since I had them. Oh yes! I forgot to mention, before the beach, we visited the serene Iskon Temple which was situated quite near the beach. It was so serene and beautiful and the puja that was taking place was so lively. It’s something you should witness atleast once.

Juhu Beach at sunset

Iskcon Temple

Day 4- On the fourth day, we went to the Gateway of India as we had to catch a boat to reach the Elephanta Caves. It was nearly 2 hours on the boat to reach the area, after which there was a small toy train like thing to take us further which ended near the steps which we had to climb in order to reach the caves. There were so many steps, that we had almost given up around half way up the steps. However, there were a number of small stall like shops from which we bought a lot of stuff like keychains and lockets. Finally, we reached the top and entered the caves. It was a little scary at first as it was very dark and the caves were very deep, but as we went inside, it got lesser scary and turned out to be quiet fantastic. We went inside the caves scared and came out awestruck. There was a small restaurant where we had lunch and then came back. The whole visit including the journey took about 6 hours. It left us tired and we went straight to our hotel and rested there.

Elephanta Caves

Gateway of India

Day 5-  We visited the hanging gardens which were really pretty as a picture. There were so many colourful flowers and so many plants and some of them were even shaped in the form of various animals and it all was so beautifully maintained. Opposite to it is the Kamala Nehru Park popularly known as Shoe Park. Here is a huge boot which attracts people of all ages but most of all children. The structure of this was even inspired by the nursery rhyme “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe”.

Kamala Nehru Park (Shoe Park)

Hanging Gardens

Day 6- This day was spent shopping. From small roadside shops to malls, we went to all the places to buy things for us and our friends and relatives. This place is truly a heaven for all the shopaholics.

Leaving this city was the hardest part. It is so full of life and there was not a single moment which made me feel home sick or that I did not belong here. It’s true what they say, Mumbai sabko apna bana leti hai. Afterall, Ye hai Mumbai meri jaan!

About the Author

Swastika Goel