Ruchira profiles the financial capital of India, Mumbai. It is also known as the city of dreams and opportunities. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Mumbai (earlier Bombay), India’s financial capital, the city that never sleeps – Bollywood tinsel town, has continued to fascinate the masses for decades, and several generations.
From a sleepy seaside town comprising seven islands, this former Portuguese enclave was part of the dowry when a Portuguese princess married into the British Royal family. Mumbai has indeed come a long way.
Yeh hai Mumbai meri Jaan! (O Mumbai, my Love!).
Mumbai has always been the mango man’s El Dorado – the land of manifold opportunities. It may well be considered India’s glamour town though Delhi is way ahead in terms of opulence.
Mumbai has always been the mango man’s El Dorado – the land of manifold opportunities.
I have visited Mumbai many times and even stayed there for a while and I fell in love with the city. I will tell you why partly Mumbaikars go about mending their own business without poking their nose in others’ affairs.
Palpable Warmth
Yet there is a certain degree of warmth palpable in their mannerisms (Delhi and adjoining areas) who are conceited, and prone to crack mindless jokes, while accousting strangers and/or passers-by often they bombard you with questions and often misguide you. So, you end up mission un-accomplished, it is not so in Mumbai.
The city’s population interestingly is a mixed one…
The city’s population interestingly is a mixed one notably Gujjus, Sindhis, ethnic Maharastians, Konkani, Goans, Parsis, Dawoodi Bohras, Jews, and many people from all over India for jobs and other commercial purposes.
Swanky Look
Now this is my opinion of course: Mumbai outshines other metros so far as urban town planning and architecture goes. The mushrooming of skyscrapers, high rises, and other technological marvels lends the city a swanky phoren look.
Right from the days of the Raj through the succeeding decades Mumbai has retained its pride of place…
Right from the days of the Raj through the succeeding decades Mumbai has retained its pride of place, as a fountainhead of education, sciences, medical research, technological savoir-faire, and more. The bevy of colleges and institutes is already too well known.
Many public/private sector banks, corporate and media houses have their headquarters in the city. Yes, I confess the bulk of the residential areas and prime business districts are congested and filthy (especially in the older parts of town).
The charm of Mumbai is the sea.
However, the places may well be glossed over by the presence of the vast, wide-open sea. The charm of Mumbai is the sea.
There are so many beaches for tourists and locals to enjoy themselves – from Juhu to Chowpatty to Versova and Madh Island, pick and choose as per your convenience.
The crowning glory of Mumbai is the Queens’ Neckless i.e., a view of the earlier Marine Drive stretch, gorgeously lit up by the evening lights. It leaves the spectators mesmerised. The dark ocean waters at the backdrop heightened the aura and enigma.
Secular Spirit
Conforming to its secular spirit Mumbai is dotted with bastions of all faiths – Cathedrals dating back to the Portuguese and British era to Parsi Fire Temple, churches to Hindu temples, Mosques, and Synagogues – they represent a complete culture. The Haji Ali Darga offers a breathtaking view of the sea skirting the city, a must-see.
Many upmarket, plush residential and commercial areas must thank the sea for enhancing their aesthetic appeal and charms.
Many upmarket, plush residential and commercial areas must thank the sea for enhancing their aesthetic appeal and charms. The list of must-see tourist places is so vast! There is history interpolated with architectural brilliance almost at every step.
The edifices dating back to British times are marvellous examples of Victorian gothic architecture. The Hanging Garden and adjoining Kamla Nehru Children Park on Malabar Hill offer a glorious view of the city and the sea of course.
Your itinerary must invariably include the renowned Jahangir Art Gallery, Taraporevala Aquarium a veritable wonderland of marine life, the Planetarium at Worli, Chatrapati Shivaji Museum (aka Prince of Wales Museum) among many.
If you have time and the right kind of contacts do visit the Prithvi Theatre, Film City. Please note that this is not exhaustive, numerous interesting places are being promoted and become landmarks.
My most favourite part of Mumbai is Colaba – the nerve center of the metro.
My most favourite part of Mumbai is Colaba – the nerve center of the metro. The Gateway of India, the landmark Taj Hotels are all in the vicinity. Head here for food, shopping, entertainment galore. The area also houses the famous Leopold Café Bar, one of the sites of the gruesome 26/11 Mumbai carnage.
Gourmand’s Paradise
Talking of food, Mumbai is gourmand’s paradise, with an exciting array of delectable cuisine to suit every pocket, from the over-hyped Bhelpuri, Sev Puri, Pani Puri, Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji (synonymous with the city itself), Goanese, Konkani, Gujarati, Parsi, Jain, Irani, Punjabi, and continental fare, you have vast choices.
So, while planning a visit to Mumbai set the evergreen jingle on your mind “Ghumange phirenge nachenge gayenge aeish karenge…Aur kya!”
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